Episode 53 – Cooking Herbs – Flavor, Freshness, and Function

Episode 60 – In-Ground vs Raised Beds vs Containers – The Great Garden Debate

Episode 60 – In-Ground vs Raised Beds vs Containers – The Great Garden Debate In Episode 60 of The Beanstalk, we tackle one of the biggest gardening debates: in-ground gardens, raised beds, or containers. 🌱  We break down the advantages, disadvantages, hidden costs, water needs, soil realities, accessibility concerns, and practical differences between each growing method. We also look at small backyard gardens, larger homesteads, indoor container growing, and why large-scale farms usually think about these systems differently. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your whole garden setup, this episode is all about choosing the growing space that actually fits your life.

Episode 59 – Peanuts – Peculiar, Productive, and Underground

Episode 59 – Peanuts – Peculiar, Productive, and Underground This week on The Beanstalk, we're digging into one of the strangest crops you can grow: peanuts! From their surprising underground fruiting habit to their connection with soil health and nitrogen fixation, peanuts are far more fascinating than most people realize. We'll talk varieties, growing tips, harvesting, seed saving, common challenges, and even make a batch of homemade peanut butter. Whether you've grown them before or are just learning how they actually develop, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few surprises along the way. 🌱🥜🌿

Episode 58 – Turnips – Humble, Hardy, and Helpful

Episode 58 – Turnips – Humble, Hardy, and Helpful Turnips might just be the most misunderstood vegetable in the garden, and in this episode of The Beanstalk, we're setting the record straight. 🌱 We'll explore sweet Japanese salad turnips, classic heirlooms, growing tips, common problems, and why this humble crop has been feeding people for thousands of years. Plus, we'll roast up some maple-glazed turnips and give those often-overlooked greens the attention they deserve. Whether you're already a turnip fan or a lifelong skeptic, this episode might just convince you to give them another chance. 🥕✨

Episode 57 – Fruit Trees – Patient, Productive, and Rewarding

Episode 57 – Fruit Trees – Patient, Productive, and Rewarding In this episode of The Beanstalk, we're heading into the orchard to explore the world of fruit trees. 🌳 From apples and pears to peaches, plums, and nectarines, we cover choosing varieties, planting, watering, pruning, and dealing with common challenges. I also share some thoughts from this unusually warm winter and how it had me paying closer attention to chill hours and the health of my own trees. Whether you're planting your first backyard fruit tree or already dreaming of a small orchard, this episode is packed with practical advice for the long haul. 🍎🍑🌱

Episode 56 – Bok Choi – Crisp, Quick, and Versatile

Episode 56 – Bok Choi – Crisp, Quick, and Versatile In this episode of The Beanstalk, we take a deep dive into bok choi, one of the fastest-growing and most underrated vegetables you can grow. 🌱 We cover planting, harvesting, common pests, companion planting, and why this cool-season brassica deserves a permanent spot in more gardens. We also cook up a simple garlic ginger stir-fried bok choi recipe and explore the fascinating history behind this ancient crop. Whether you're growing it for the first time or looking to improve your harvests, there's plenty to dig into in this episode. 🥬