The Messed Up Gardener

• Ep 133: Bug Off Naturally: Growing Insect-Repelling Plants & Safe Bug Bite Herbal Remedies

  Get ready to reclaim your garden from bugs the natural way! In this episode, I’m sharing how to grow a living “bug-off” shield with plants like lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, and more—plus super simple herbal remedies to soothe bites and protect your family (especially the little ones).I’ll also be talking about how to create a kid-friendly “No-Bite Zone” that’s as magical as it is practical. And of course, I’ll share some fun personal updates on launching my own business, battling midges in the cold, and how I’m weaving my health and safety work in with this new chapter of my gardening journey.Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and these natural remedies are for educational purposes only. Always do a patch test and consult a professional if you’re unsure—especially with young kids.🎧 Listen in for: ✅ My top bug-repelling garden heroes 🌱 ✅ DIY herbal bug sprays and bite-soothing wipes 🍃 ✅ Tips for building a child-friendly repellent garden 🌸 ✅ A challenge to grow just one new plant this week and share it with the world!Tune in and join the #BugOffNaturally movement! 🌿✨👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

  --------  

  19:46

  --------

  19:46
• Ep 132: The Garden Centre Secrets: What They Don’t Want You to Know!

  Hello, green thumbs and fellow dirt enthusiasts! In this jam-packed episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m taking you behind the glossy aisles and shiny displays of your local garden centre to reveal the 5 things they don’t want you to know—so you’ll keep coming back!I share some juicy truths and personal stories from my years working in garden centres, from the early days at 15 to some cheeky insider tricks I picked up along the way. Learn why those cute little starter packs often set you up to fail, how seasonal FOMO is strategically used to boost sales, and why overpriced fertilizers and chemical upsells might not be what your garden actually needs.We’ll also dive into how panic buying can drain your wallet and fill your shed with plants you’ll never plant, plus my favourite tip—the real gold is hidden in the back! Don’t miss out on those clearance deals and secret stashes that are just waiting for a savvy gardener like you.I also share some exciting personal news—officially working for my own business as of June 20th—and what that means for future plans and supporting this wonderful community. 🌿In this episode you’ll discover: 🌱 Why most seedling punnets are designed to fail 🌱 How to outsmart seasonal hype and stick to your planting calendar 🌱 DIY soil health boosters that beat expensive store-bought stuff 🌱 How to avoid the panic-buying trap 🌱 Tips to uncover the best clearance deals and build relationships with staffIf you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or community gardener— DM me for more information on our mushroom growing homeschooling kits and lesson plans. I’m so excited to bring these into your classrooms and learning spaces. 👉 Listen now and take control of your garden—and your wallet—by growing smarter, not spendier!👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

  --------  

  20:56

  --------

  20:56
• Ep 131: Allergies in the Garden: What’s Making You Sneeze & How to Naturally Soothe It

  In this episode, I share a not-so-glamorous but super important topic: those garden allergies that can sneak up on you like a nosy neighbour in your compost pile. From itchy eyes and runny noses to surprise skin rashes—gardening doesn’t always play nice!We’ll uncover the most common allergy triggers lurking in your backyard—like pollen, moldy compost, and even the fuzz on tomato stems. Plus, I’ll spill the dirt on natural ways to soothe the itchies and sniffles without losing your love for your green space. And, of course, I’ll highlight when it’s time to stop DIY-ing and go straight to the doctor!💚 Expect a raw, real, and totally binge-worthy chat about prevention, natural remedies, and garden-first-aid. 🌿 Share your allergy horror stories with me—I’m here for all of them! #TheMessedUpAllergyGarden 🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep those allergies at bay!👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

  --------  

  25:41

  --------

  25:41
• Ep 130: The Juicy Truth About Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Veggies You Can Grow at Home

  Join me, Esther Williams, as I peel back the layers of my own journey—stepping away from the 9-to-5, facing down fear and self-doubt, and turning to the garden as my path to nourishment, strength, and true growth.In this powerful episode, I share how growing antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, and herbs isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about rewriting the rules for your health and your life. From juicy blueberries to the mighty kale, from herbal teas to backyard spa rituals, discover how your garden can be your personal wellness apothecary—fighting stress, aging, and those “blah” days with every leaf and root.If you’ve ever wondered if your garden can do more than just look pretty, this is the episode for you. It’s time to grow your glow, one plant at a time.🌱 Listen now and start growing a garden—and a life—that feeds your soul and your cells. 🌿👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

  --------  

  30:38

  --------

  30:38
• Ep 129: Growing Younger – Anti-Aging Plants & DIY Remedies You Can Grow at Home

  Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into something that’s part garden magic, part self-care ritual: growing your own anti-aging plants at home.We’ll break down:✨ What makes a plant “anti-aging”? Explore the triple power of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrient density—nature’s ultimate skincare routine.🌱 Top 5 Anti-Aging Plants to Grow: Indian Pennywort, rosemary, calendula, turmeric, and aloe vera—plus how to grow them, why they’re powerful, and how to start small.🧖‍♀️ Garden-to-Skin DIY Remedies:·         A soothing calendula & aloe face gel·         A simple rosemary-turmeric tea to sip your way to radiant skin🪴 How to Build Your Own Anti-Aging Garden Bed: Tips for any space—from garden beds to pots and windowsills—plus mindful rituals to help you grow more than just plants.🌿 Bonus Section – Mind-Body Garden Connection: Discover how your garden can be a place of grounding, movement, and healing—because anti-aging isn’t just about creams; it’s about how you feel.💪 Listener Challenge: Pick one plant, get it growing, and tag me in your garden journey with #GrowYoungWithEsther or #TheMessedUpGlowGarden.Remember: you don’t need to be an expert or have a giant backyard—just one pot and a bit of intention can start your journey to growing younger, healthier, and more connected.🎧 Tune in to learn:·         The easy, fun ways to bring more healing power to your garden·         Why homegrown is better than store-bought (yep, even for anti-aging!)·         How to weave self-care and garden care togetherLet’s turn your garden into your personal anti-aging apothecary—because aging well is about feeling alive, vibrant, and rooted in your own little patch of earth.Listen now and join me as we garden, sip tea, and celebrate every wrinkle and every new leaf. 🌱💚👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness.Follow our Journey on our Facebook PagesThe Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms Or Grab ·        A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering plantershttps://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-plantersDon’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.   Freebies: Grab the -         "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden -         https://stan.store/EstherA -         Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA-         Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-nowGardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.

  --------  

  25:16

  --------

  25:16

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Messed Up Gardener