The Compost Pile | Gardening & Homesteading

Every gardener runs into problems—it’s just part of the process. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we talk through some of the most common issues gardeners face and how to start solving them.
From things like blossom end rot and pollination struggles to a few other major problems that can impact plant health and production, we share practical insights based on real-world gardening experience—especially for those growing in Zone 9a and Southeast Texas.
This episode is all about helping you troubleshoot smarter, understand what your plants are telling you, and make simple adjustments that lead to better results in your garden.
Whether you're new to gardening or have been growing for years, these are the kinds of problems almost everyone encounters—and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.
If your garden isn’t thriving like you expected, this is a great place to start.
#gardening #organicgardening #vegetablegarden #gardenproblems #planthealth #zone9a #texasgardening #homesteading #growyourownfood #thecompostpile

Peppers are one of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow, whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David and Aaron break down everything you need to know about growing peppers successfully—from choosing the right varieties to managing pests and harvesting peppers all season long.
We discuss why peppers are one of the most beginner-friendly garden crops, how they can produce for multiple seasons, and why they’re perfect for containers, raised beds, or in-ground gardens. You'll also learn about common issues like aphids, watering stress, and soil drainage, plus natural ways to keep pepper plants healthy.
We also dive into some of our favorite pepper varieties like cayenne, jalapeños, habaneros, and Scotch bonnets, along with creative ways to use peppers in the kitchen—from salsa and sauces to pickling, drying, and making homemade spice blends.
If you want a crop that’s productive, versatile, and easy to grow, peppers might be the perfect addition to your garden.
Topics Covered:
Why peppers are great for beginner gardeners
Best pepper varieties to grow
Container vs. in-ground pepper growing
Overwintering pepper plants
Common pepper pests and natural control methods
Watering, soil, and fertilizing tips
Creative ways to cook and preserve peppers
Start planting peppers now and enjoy fresh harvests all season long!
#gardening #pepperplants #vegetablegarden #growfood #gardeningtips #zone9gardening #homesteading #peppergrowing #thecompostpile

In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool, Aaron Barnhill, & Paul Lemoine break down how to successfully grow squash, cucumbers, cantaloupe, and watermelon in the garden—especially in Zone 9a and Southeast Texas.
They discuss why these crops can be both highly productive and frustrating for gardeners, covering key topics like pollination, common pests like squash vine borers, spacing for airflow, powdery mildew prevention, and succession planting strategies.
You’ll also learn:
How hand pollination can dramatically increase squash production
Why pollinators like bees are critical for cucurbits
Tips for growing cucumbers on trellises and maximizing harvests
How to know when watermelons and cantaloupes are ripe
The importance of soil type, watering strategy, and spacing
Favorite heirloom and productive varieties for the garden
Whether you're planting your first squash or trying to grow sweeter melons, this episode shares practical tips to help you grow more food and avoid common mistakes in the garden.
Subscribe to The Compost Pile as we continue breaking down how to grow in Zone 9a.
#gardening #zone9a #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #homesteading #squash #watermelon #cantaloupe #cucumbers #organicgardening #gardeningtips #thecompostpile

Herbs might be the most underrated plants in the garden. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David and Aaron talk about why herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, dill, parsley, and mint are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants for gardeners—especially beginners. Learn how herbs attract pollinators, improve garden biodiversity, repel pests with natural aromatics, and provide quick harvests that keep new gardeners motivated.
We also discuss companion planting, why herbs help protect vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, and how letting herbs flower can benefit beneficial insects and your overall garden ecosystem. Plus, we highlight some of our favorite easy herbs to grow in warm climates like Southeast Texas.
And a quick correction from the episode: we mentioned cumin coming from coriander seeds. While coriander does come from the cilantro plant (and they’re all part of the same plant family as parsley), cumin actually comes from a different plant in the Apiaceae family—the same broader family that includes cilantro, parsley, dill, fennel, and carrots. So while they’re related botanically, they’re not the same seed!
If you're starting a garden this season, herbs might just be the perfect gateway into growing your own food.
#gardening #herbgarden #beginnergardening #companionplanting #pollinators #gardenecosystem #cilantro #parsley #basil #rosemary #oregano #dill #organicgardening #homesteading #thecompostpile #zone9a #texasgardening

Thinking about raising goats on your homestead? In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill sit down with Stephanie Harren of Chosen Weeds Farm to break down the realities of goat ownership—everything from choosing the right breed and managing parasites to fencing, feeding, and producing fresh goat milk.
Stephanie shares practical experience from her own farm, explaining why goats are becoming more popular for small homesteads, what beginners often get wrong, and how proper management practices can make the difference between healthy goats and constant problems. The conversation covers dairy goats, meat goats, pasture rotation, parasite pressure in humid climates, fencing tips, and whether goats are actually a good fit for your property.
If you’ve ever wondered whether goats are right for your homestead—or you’re curious about producing your own milk, cheese, and other farm products—this episode is packed with real-world advice from someone who does it every day.
Topics covered include:
• Choosing the right goat breed (Nubian, Nigerian Dwarf, Pygmy)
• Parasite management in humid climates
• Goat fencing and escape artist tendencies
• Feeding goats and supplementing forage
• Producing goat milk, cheese, and homestead products
• Pros and cons of raising goats in Southeast Texas
• Beginner mistakes to avoid
Tune in to learn whether goats are the right livestock for your garden, homestead, or backyard farm .

You can find Chosen Weeds Farms on:
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Chosen Weeds Farm
#TheCompostPile #GoatFarming #Homesteading #BackyardFarming #DairyGoats #GoatMilk #ChosenWeedsFarm #HomesteadLife #UrbanHomesteading #SustainableLiving #GardenPodcast #FarmLife #SelfSufficiency