Epic Gardening: Daily Growing Tips And Advice

In today’s episode of the Beet, Jacques sits down with Epic influencer Graylen Brown (you may know him as @urbangardeningwithgray) to dig into the roots of his gardening journey – starting with Roma tomatoes grown alongside his grandmother. That childhood memory blossomed into a mission, and now Graylen is helping people grow food, confidence, and community one tip at a time. Connect with Graylen Brown: Graylen Brown is a Texas Master Gardener in Zone 8b who’s passionate about sharing the joy of gardening and plant parenthood. His love of growing is only topped by his enthusiasm for helping others do the same. A former high school automotive instructor, Graylen knows exactly how to teach practical, confidence-building skills that gardeners can use to grow in new ways. Find more from Graylen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbangardeningwithgray/ Find more from Graylen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@urbangardeningwithgray Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Se

In the first episode of The Beet in the new year, Kevin and Jacques swap updates, exploring everything from Kevin’s time away from the homestead to why summer garden care sets the stage for winter wins. They celebrate thriving citrus trees, Jacques’s rock-solid fifth year in his garden, and the growth of wine grapes, wheat crops, and fruit trees. They also explore the top hardscaping options to elevate the homestead. Along the way, they laugh through past cooking experiments and tease fresh kitchen ideas for 2026. Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop  → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests  Learn More: → All Our Channels: https://growepic.co/youtube  → Blog: https://growepic.co/blog  → Podcast: https://growepic.co/podcasts  → Discord: https://growepic.co/discord  → Instagram: https://growepic.co/insta  → TikTok: https://growepic.co/tiktok  → Pinterest: https://growepic.co/pinterest  → Twitter: https://growepic.co/twitter  → Facebook: https://growepic.co/facebook  → Faceboo

Episode Description: In this episode of the Beet Podcast, we revisit Kevin’s talk with Chef Chris Starkus. They dig into dry farming, water security, and the surprising ways urban population booms shape the food on our plates. Chris also goes beyond the usual “farm-to-table” vibe with creative cooking tips, preservation techniques, and new ways to use every last leaf from your garden. And yes, he exposes the wild water waste hiding in commercial kitchens, and how he’s helping fix it with tech that saves more water than you’d believe. Connect with Chris Starkus: Chris Starkus is a chef, farmer, and journeyman beekeeper who’s spent 25+ years stirring up the hospitality world with award-winning restaurants and rooftop apiaries. Named one of Denver’s Top 25 Under 40, he’s opened celebrated kitchens like Urban Farmer Denver while championing full-circle sustainability before it was cool. Today, he partners with the startup Boss Defrost to help save water worldwide and teaches the next generation of eco-minded c

Episode Description: This week on The Beet, Jacques chats with Botanical Interests’ new podcast host, Nicole Pitt! They discuss the In the Garden with Flower Hill Farm podcast, compare what seeds they're starting right now, and swap stories about their wildly different growing climates. For Nicole, everything begins with a single seed, and she never stops finding wonder in the flowers that follow. Connect with Nicole Pitt: Nicole Pitt is the host of Botanical Interests’ In the Garden with Flower Hill Farm Podcast and proprietor of Flower Hill Farm, whose passion began with sneaking sugar snap peas from her grandfather’s vegetable patch. Currently, she blends her love of storytelling with her roots in the garden, spending as much time as possible among the flowers and vegetables. Nicole shares her life with her family in New York in zone 4b. She brings warmth, experience, and a genuine love for growing to every conversation. Find Nicole’s podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BotanicalInterests

This week on The Beet Podcast, Kevin and Jacques dive into the perks of fall gardening and celebrate hearty autumn harvests. Kevin dishes on his recent UK adventures, where he gleaned top-notch tips from the legendary Gerald Stratford. They also discuss GrowVeg teaming up with Epic Gardening and misconceptions about no-till gardening. To cap it off, they share what’s got them fired up for the rest of the year. Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests Learn More: → All Our Channels: https://growepic.co/youtube → Blog: https://growepic.co/blog → Podcast: https://growepic.co/podcasts → Discord: https://growepic.co/discord → Instagram: https://growepic.co/insta → TikTok: https://growepic.co/tiktok → Pinterest: https://growepic.co/pinterest → Twitter: https://growepic.co/twitter → Facebook: https://growepic.co/facebook → Facebook Group: https://growepic.co/fbgroup → Love our products? Become an Epic affiliate! https://growepic.co/3FjQXqV Le

Episode Description: This week on The Beet, garden pros James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift bring their trademark blend of wisdom and wit to the mic. With more than 40 years of shared stories and a friendship built on good-natured ribbing, they show how gardening is at its best when it’s practical, joyful, and curious. In their conversation with Jacques, they remind us that the garden is a place to play as much as it is to work.  Connect with James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift: James Alexander-Sinclair and Joe Swift are two of Britain’s best-known garden designers, and they make horticulture seriously fun. James is a sharp-witted, legendary garden designer and writer whose work spans top magazines from Country Living to House & Garden. Joe has been a fixture on the BBC’s Gardeners’ World since 1998, fronting major RHS flower shows and co-founding the design firm Modular Garden. Together, they bring big personality, deep expertise, and a love of great gardens to their podcast, The James & Joe Garden

Episode Description: This week, Kevin digs in with Brian from Never Enough Dirt to talk ducks, dirt, and a dash of history. From the perks of keeping ducks in the garden to mastering small-scale succession planting, Brian shares how to grow smarter and keep it fun for the whole family. They wander through edible landscapes, explore California’s citrus roots, and even time-travel with heirloom plants. Tune in for a lively chat on permaculture, parenting, and planting with purpose, California-style! Connect with Brian: Brian is a nature enthusiast, photographer, tinkerer, and stay-at-home dad who traded IT management for mud under his nails. With a background in economics and a lifelong drive for purpose and growth, he also knows when to toss the rulebook aside in the name of fun. His blog, Never Enough Dirt, chronicled his deep dive into the wonders of gardening and the natural world. Today, the blog has evolved into a hands-on hub for garden lovers everywhere. Find more from Brian on his website: http

Episode Description:  Gardeners love to gripe about the weather, and in Texas, there’s plenty to talk about! In this episode of the Beet Podcast, Jacques chats with Pam Penick, creator of the Digging blog and author of Gardens of Texas. Together they explore the state’s wildly varied climates and geology, exploring how gardeners in all states can design spaces that are both sustainable and perfectly tuned to their local conditions. Connect with Pam Penick: With the release of her new book, Gardens of Texas, Pam Penick loves to share visionary Texas gardens and their creators, who cultivate resilience along with beauty, habitat, and a distinct sense of place. She invites readers of her blog to be inspired as they learn practical strategies for making their own gardens a little hardier in the beautiful but weather-challenged state. Find more from Pam Penick at her website: https://www.penick.net/digging/ Find more from Pam Penick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamdigging/ Support The

Episode Description:  In this episode of The Beet Podcast, Jacques sits down with Martha Retallick to discuss all things water harvesting. From catching rain to shaping your landscape so every drop goes to your crops (not the storm drain), they dig into practical, creative ways to make the most of precious rainfall. Tune in to learn how to harvest water and grow a thriving garden, even in the heart of the desert. Connect with Martha Retallick: Based in Tucson, Arizona – where only 12 inches of rain fall each year – Martha Retallick has turned desert living into an art form. She’s transformed her home into a water-efficient urban oasis filled with shady ironwoods, colorful native blooms, and homegrown produce. Blending beauty with sustainability, Martha inspires others to create harmony between nature and the built environment. She shares her expertise in her books Water Harvesting 101, and City Nature. Find more from Martha Retallick on her website: https://westernskycommunications.com/ Find m

Episode Description: On this episode of The Beet, we turn up the heat with pepper pro Jason Tate of Bohica Pepper Hut. Jason walks us through everything you need to know about growing peppers – from seed starting, soil prep, and care tips, to tackling common pepper problems. Jason shares his go-to methods for harvesting, overwintering, and even growing peppers indoors, plus his expert advice on handling superhots safely.  Connect with Jason Tate: Jason Tate is the owner, founder, and farmer behind Bohica Pepper Hut. About six years ago, he started growing his first super-hot pepper plants, and his passion for peppers has only grown since. Today, Jason cultivates more than 250 varieties across his garden and property. In the fall of 2016, he launched “The Bohica Hut”, offering a wide range of pepper seeds, fresh and dried pods, and hot sauces to customers all across the U.S. Find more from Jason at his website: https://bohicapepperhut.com/ Find more from Jason on Instagram: https://www.instagram.

Episode Description: In this episode of the Beet Podcast, we’re joined by Craig LeHoullier, for a deep dive into all things tomato. Craig shares his tips for growing epic tomatoes and how straw bales and containers can transform your tomato garden. We explore the groundbreaking Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project and how tomato color can actually hint at flavor. This juicy conversation is packed with wisdom from the Godfather of Tomato Growing. Connect with Craig LeHoullier: Craig LeHoullier, also known as the NC Tomatoman, is the breeder who named Cherokee Purple and authored Epic Tomatoes and Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales. He’s co-led the Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project and replaced his driveway with a thriving garden. With a vast collection of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, Craig has spent decades championing the colorful world of homegrown veggies. Find more from Craig LeHoullier on his website: https://www.craiglehoullier.com/ Find more from Craig LeHoullier at the Dwarf Tomato Pr

Launch your business with a free trial of Shopify. Go to https://shopify.com/thebeet to learn more! Episode Description:  In this episode, Jacques sits down with horticulturist Wendy Proud to explore the beauty and resilience of arid climate plants. As a rep for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, Wendy shares her deep knowledge of landscaping and plants' vital role in sustainable design. They dive into the challenges and rewards of her career in horticulture and her new educational initiative, the Kinship League. Connect with Wendy Proud: Wendy Proud is a dedicated horticulturist and advocate for resilient plants in Southwestern landscapes. As the California rep for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and founder of the Kinship League, she works closely with landscape professionals to promote the beauty, resilience, and sustainability of arid-region plants. With a strong background in wholesale nursery growing and a passion for education, Wendy is committed to inspiring others to see the value and versa

Episode Description: In this episode of The Beet Podcast, we talk with Central Florida grower and plant seller David Scanlon, founder of Practical Plants. David shares his journey to establishing his food forest and nursery, and how he grows resilient and adapted crops, focusing on local food sovereignty and self-sufficiency.  Connect with David Scanlon: David Scanlon is a grower and plant seller based in Central Florida. He started Practical Plants to support home gardeners in growing their own food and becoming more self-sufficient. His work promotes local food sovereignty and builds resilient communities by preserving and sharing plant varieties that are well-adapted to the region’s unique climate and challenges. Find more from David on his website: https://practicalplantsfl.com/products/schedule-a-site-visit-consultation Find more from David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practical_plantsfl/ Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botan

This episode has been brought to you by Fox Farm, crafting soil and fertilizers since 1984. Supercharge your plants by locating a Fox Farm retailer near you: https://foxfarm.com/find-a-dealer/ Episode Description:  In this episode of the Beet Podcast, Jacques chats with Cool Birds™ spokesperson Drin Chissus (also known as Bird Lady Drin) about all things feathered and fabulous. They dive into how birds can improve your garden and why you definitely want them hanging around. Learn how to create a bird-friendly space that keeps winged guests coming back for more. Connect with Drin Chissus: Adrianne “Drin” Chissus, aka “Bird Lady Drin,” is a wildlife advocate, birding expert, and the Director of Consumer & Bird Engagement at Global Harvest Foods and their flagship brand, Cool Birds™. With a deep passion for bird feeding and a knack for sharing practical, engaging tips, Drin inspires both beginners and seasoned bird lovers to see bird feeding as fun, fresh, and endlessly entertaining. Find more from

Thanks to this week’s sponsor, Gorilla. Gorilla carts are built smart – always tough! Check out their products at https://www.gorillamade.com. Episode Description: This week on The Beet Podcast, we’re going big and digging into the archives for a Best of the Beet throwback with none other than Kevin Fortey of Giant Veg. Join the two Kevins as they discuss the wild world of giant vegetables, swap stories, and explore how Kevin F. became a legend in the land of oversized produce. Connect with Kevin Fortey: Kevin Fortey grew up in the world of giant veg, following in the footsteps of his dad – a pioneer of the UK’s giant vegetable movement and founder of the British National Pumpkin Championships. Since taking over the family legacy in 1996, Kevin’s family has grown record-breaking whoppers. He’s become a staple on TV, and earned a loyal following as one of the biggest names in big veggies. Find more from Kevin Fortey on his website: https://giantveg.co.uk/ Find more from Kevin Fortey on YouTube: h

Launch your business with a free trial of Shopify. Go to https://shopify.com/thebeet to learn more! Episode Description: On this episode of The Beet Podcast, we explore the fascinating world of rare and endangered vegetables with seed hunter Adam Alexander, who tracks down hundreds of unique seed varieties on the brink of disappearing. He shares the stories behind these extraordinary plants, and why saving their seeds matters more than ever.  Connect with Adam Alexander: Since discovering his first heirloom pepper in Donetsk in the late ’80s, Adam Alexander has been on a mission to find, grow, and save rare, endangered, and delicious vegetables. A dedicated seed saver for the Heritage Seed Library, he’s now collected over 500 varieties—growing around 140 each year. Find more from Adam Alexander at his website: https://theseeddetective.co.uk/ Purchase "The Accidental Seed Heroes": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/797554/the-accidental-seed-heroes-by-adam-alexander/ Support The Beet: → Shop:

Thanks to Storyblocks for sponsoring this video! Get 2 extra months free with annual plans for a limited time only: https://storyblocks.com/TheBeet Episode Description: In this episode of the Beet Podcast, Jacques Lyakov sits down with Mark Valencia of Self Sufficient Me to discuss how his backyard garden turned into a global movement. They explore the link between self-sufficiency, mental health, and reconnecting with nature. Mark shares practical tips and big-picture inspiration for anyone looking to grow food and live more intentionally.  Connect with Mark Valencia: Mark Valencia started gardening out of necessity – to save money and support his family. But it quickly became much more, enriching his life and boosting his mental health. He launched Self Sufficient Me, now a popular blog and YouTube channel with over 2.3 million followers. Today, Mark inspires people worldwide to get outside, grow their own food, and slow down a little. Find more from Mark on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/selfsu

Episode Description:  On this episode of the Beet Podcast, Jacques digs into all things fruit trees with orchard pro and influencer Susan Poizner. From childhood memories to juicy tips on growing your own, they cover it all. Tune in to learn how to grow fruit trees that actually bear fruit – sweet, delicious, and plentiful! Connect with Susan Poizner: Susan Poizner is a leading voice in fruit tree care, known for her award-winning educational resources. Her journey began in 2009 with the co-founding of Toronto’s Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard. A journalist and BBC-trained media pro, Susan used her skills to dive deep into organic fruit tree care, developing a practical approach she now shares through her website. Find more from Susan Poizner at her website: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/about-susan  Find more from Susan Poizner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchardpeople/  Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop  → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests

Launch your business with a free trial of Shopify. Go to https://shopify.com/thebeet to learn more! Episode Description:  The standards for organic farming were built with care and good intentions. But when today’s Beet Podcast guest discovered they’d been co-opted, he set out to change that. What started as a farmer organizing turned into a lifelong mission to reclaim the original meaning of “organic” by focusing on the soil. He and Logan dig into organic farming – and the tangled rules around what the word means today. Connect with Dave Chapman: Dave Chapman has been farming for 37 years and now runs Long Wind Farm in Vermont. He’s Co-Director of the Real Organic Project and a founding member of Vermont Organic Farmers. A driving force behind the Keep The Soil In Organic movement, Dave works to reclaim organic standards from the USDA. Through his roles in key associations and task forces, he’s pushing to restore the true meaning of “organic”. Find more from Dave at the Real Organic Project: http

Episode Description: Soil is where it all starts – our food, our health, and our planet. In this episode of The Beet Podcast, Jacques chats with Kiss the Ground and Common Ground filmmaker Josh Tickell about why healthy soil matters and how home gardeners can dig into regenerative practices right in their own backyards. Get ready for a fun, inspiring look at growing food that gives back to the earth. Connect with Josh Tickell: Josh Tickell is a leading eco-visionary known for crafting powerful, solutions-driven documentaries. He won the Sundance Audience Award for Fuel and gained widespread acclaim for Kiss the Ground, which spotlighted the critical role of soil health in agriculture. His latest film, Common Ground, continues that mission, focusing on regenerative farming as a response to climate change. Find more from Josh at his website: https://www.joshtickell.com/  Find more from Josh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshtickell/   Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/