452 - 10 Biggest Garden Lessons in 2025

Did your garden struggle in ways you couldn't quite explain? Or maybe it did okay, but you know it could be better next year. In this episode, I'm sharing 10 garden lessons 2025 taught me through real-life growing, testing, and conversations with other gardeners. These aren't complicated techniques or overwhelming plans. They're small, practical insights about soil, transplants, shade, timing, and planning that can make a big difference. Whether you're already dreaming about next season or just tucking ideas away for later, this episode will help you grow with more confidence next year.

Free Download: Garden Cheat Sheet

A simple, step-by-step starter plan to help you know what to plant and when.
https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

Key Takeaways

• Why bark-heavy bagged soil can quietly limit plant growth.

• How warmth and growing degree days affect crop timing and harvests.

• Why strong transplants matter more than you might think.

• How shade can help or hurt crops depending on the season.

• Simple ways to plan successions without overwhelm.

Chapters

00:00 – Why this episode matters now
02:45 – How bark-heavy soil hurts plants
08:40 – What growing degree days explain
13:35 – Why strong transplants matter
18:12 – How shade changes productivity
21:29 – Simple succession planting ideas
26:45 – Trusting your climate instincts
29:38 – Lettuce varieties worth growing
33:50 – Cold-hardy surprises in the garden
36:51 – Self-watering bed results
40:45 – Growing squash vertically
43:58 – Wrapping up the 2025 season

Resource Links

• Garden Cheat Sheet (free): https://journeywithjill.net/gardening/when-to-plant/

• Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Recommended Brands & Products: https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

• Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Sponsor for This Episode

Garden in Minutes – Easy, efficient garden irrigation systems that save time and water. 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.