The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

You've been waiting all spring to get those peppers in the ground. But planting day isn't just about digging a hole and dropping them in — and this year, I learned some things I didn't expect.
In this episode, I'm sharing my full pepper planting day guide, including what I had to research when my plants were ready before my garden was. Keywords: planting peppers, pepper transplants, chilling injury peppers.
Free Download: Tomato Quick-Start Growing Guide Growing peppers usually means you're growing tomatoes too. This free guide covers variety selection, timing, pruning, and harvest — with a decade of podcast episodes, videos, and articles all in one place. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-guide
Key Takeaways:
Peppers are more cold-sensitive than tomatoes — soil temperature, air temperature, and overnight lows all matter before you plant
Chilling injury is real: cold damage above freezing can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth that lingers for weeks
Lignification (the stem going woody early) is a sign your transplant has waited too long — pot up rather than wait if you're in this situation
Plant at the same depth as the pot, add support immediately, and water in well to eliminate air pockets
Skip the flower pinching unless your plant was stressed during hardening off — the science is murky and most healthy plants do fine without it
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome and tomato resource mention
02:55 Why peppers need extra care at planting time
03:40 When to plant: soil temp, air temp, and overnight lows
06:10 Chilling injury explained — symptoms and what's happening inside the plant
13:05 Lignification: why waiting too long in the pot is a real problem
18:20 My lose-lose dilemma — and what I'd do differently
19:30 What to do with root-bound transplants
20:45 Sweet peppers vs. hot peppers: differences that matter on planting day
24:50 Plant spacing by pepper type
27:00 Greenstalk container growing tips + Mother's Day sale
28:10 Planting depth, what to add to the hole, and root care
30:20 Supporting your plants right after planting
33:45 Mulching: timing considerations
34:20 Should you pinch off early flowers?
38:40 What to expect the first few weeks after transplanting
Resource Links:
Free Download: Tomato Quick-Start Growing Guide Everything from variety selection to harvest, with a decade of resources in one place. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-guide
Connect with Jill: 📧 Friday emails → https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos 📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/ 🎙️ Podcast archive → https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Ready for a simple system to plan and track your garden? My Complete Garden Planner makes it easy. → https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsors for This Episode:
Cross Country Nurseries — One of the most unique selections of pepper, tomato, and herb transplants you'll find anywhere. Organically grown and shipped nationwide in spring, timed for your zone. 🔗 http://www.chileplants.com/jill | Use code JILL for 15% off
Garden in Minutes — Makes it easy to set up and water your raised beds with their garden grid watering systems. 🔗 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes | Use code Jill for 7% off regular-priced items
Greenstalk Garden — Growing peppers in containers? Greenstalk is a great option for compact and hot pepper varieties. Mother's Day sale runs through May 11th. 🔗 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk | Link auto-applies $10 off purchases of $75+
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to grow healthy cucumbers that actually produce? You're not alone—cucumbers can be tricky if you don't get a few key things right. In this episode, you'll learn how to grow cucumbers successfully with simple, practical tips you can use right away. Whether you're growing in raised beds, containers, or small spaces, this will help you get a better harvest.
Cucumbers are one of the most rewarding crops to grow, but they can also be frustrating when plants struggle, stop producing, or take over your space. In this episode, I walk you through what's worked in my garden when it comes to growing cucumbers—from choosing where to plant them to keeping them productive all season long. I also share how vertical growing methods, including systems like GreenStalk, can help you manage space more efficiently.
Key Takeaways
Choose the right setup for healthy cucumber growth
Use vertical support to improve airflow and yield
Grow cucumbers successfully in small or large spaces
Keep plants productive with simple maintenance
Avoid common issues that limit harvest
Resource Links
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
Complete Garden Planner – Plan and track your season with a simple system: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor(s) for this Episode
GreenStalk Vertical Planter – A simple way to grow vertically and maximize your space, perfect for cucumbers and other vining crops in small areas. Get $50 off all planters during their sale through May 11th, plus use code JILL10 for $10 off a $75 purchase. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/greenstalk
Garden in Minutes – An easy-to-install watering system that helps you keep your cucumber plants consistently watered without the hassle. Use code Jill for 7% off your order. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling with pests or poor pollination in your garden? Wondering how to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects naturally? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical ways to support pollinators and grow a healthier vegetable garden.
I'm coming to you from Disney World's Epcot Flower & Garden Festival, where I had the chance to talk with entomologist Morgan Bell at Butterfly Landing. She shares how pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even wasps play a vital role in your garden ecosystem—and how the small choices you make can have a big impact.
We talk about how to attract pollinators, why caterpillars aren't always a bad thing, and what you can do right now to create a garden that supports both productivity and biodiversity. If you've ever wondered how to balance growing food with supporting nature, this episode will give you a clear place to start.
Key Takeaways
Why pollinators are essential for fruit and vegetable production
The difference between host plants and nectar plants
How to attract more bees and butterflies naturally
Simple ways to support pollinators without extra work
Why "messy" gardening can actually improve your harvest
Resource Links
Free Resources:
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Connect with Me:
Newsletter (Friday emails): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebeginnersgarden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden
Podcast Archive: https://journeywithjill.net/podcast
Sponsors for This Episode
Garden in Minutes An easy-to-use watering system that delivers consistent moisture right at the soil level—perfect for simplifying your garden routine. Use code Jill for 7% off your order: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes (Discount subject to change.)
Cross Country Nurseries An organic, sustainable nursery specializing in unique pepper varieties, along with tomatoes, herbs, and more—shipped nationwide at the perfect time for your growing zone.
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.

Struggling to know when to plant tomatoes without risking frost? Wondering how deep to plant or what actually matters on planting day? In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step tomato planting process so you can start strong and grow a healthy harvest.
Tomato planting day can feel exciting… and a little uncertain. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I decide when it's safe to plant, how I prep my planting holes, and what I do right after planting to give my tomatoes the best start possible.
Free Download: Tomato Diseases Guide Quickly identify common tomato problems and learn what to do next so you can protect your harvest. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Key Takeaways
How to decide the right time to plant tomatoes
What nighttime temperatures really matter
How deep to plant tomatoes for stronger roots
How spacing impacts airflow and disease
What (if anything) to add to the planting hole
Resource Links
Tomato Diseases Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/lazy-gardeners-guide
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsor for This Episode
Cozy Earth Premium bedding and loungewear designed for comfort and better sleep. Use code JILL for a special discount. 👉 http://cozyearth.com
Garden in Minutes An easy-to-install garden irrigation system that saves time and ensures consistent watering. Use code Jill for 7% off. 👉 http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to figure out what your garden soil actually needs? Confused by compost, topsoil, and raised bed mixes? In this episode, you'll learn simple, practical soil basics to grow healthier plants and improve your garden naturally.
Dream to Garden (Now Open!) My step-by-step garden planning course with optional monthly coaching calls to help you plan and grow with confidence. 👉 https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 
Key Takeaways
Understand the difference between topsoil, compost, and raised bed soil
Learn how to build healthy soil for raised beds or in-ground gardens
Know how and when to add compost for best results
Avoid common mistakes when buying bagged soil
Discover why feeding your soil matters more than feeding plants
Resource Links
Dream to Garden
https://journeywithjill.net/dreamtogarden 
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault (free): http://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Complete Garden Planner: https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Sponsors for This Episode 
Cross Country Nursery A trusted source for high-quality plants, especially if you're looking to expand your garden with reliable varieties. 👉 http://www.chileplants.com/jill 
Garden in Minutes An easy irrigation system that helps you water your garden efficiently without the guesswork. Use code Jill for 7% off: http://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
Disclaimer
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.