Potatoes, Transplants, Insect Netting, and More: Garden Q&A for Episode 250

Potatoes, Transplants, Insect Netting, and More: Garden Q&A for Episode 250

Author: Karin Velez May 20, 2025 Duration: 35:05
Welcome to the 250th episode of the Just Grow Something podcast! 🎉Whether you've been listening since the beginning or just found the show, thank you for being part of this growing community. In this special milestone episode, we're digging into listener-submitted questions on a variety of timely gardening topics.In this episode:When seedlings are ready to transplant (what to look for beyond just "true leaves")How to properly plant using the Three Sisters method and why timing is keyWhat to do with sprouted or soft seed potatoes and how to plant them successfullyHow to manage Colorado potato beetles while supporting beneficial insects like ladybugsWhen and how to use insect netting effectively in your garden (and how to keep it from blowing away!)Winter sowing tips for celeriac and strategies when you can’t start seeds indoorsOrganic pest control tips for pill bugs, armyworms, grubs, and moreThe role of beneficial nematodes in controlling Japanese beetles and other soil pestsThese are all real questions from you, my gardening friends, submitted via email, social media, and our Facebook community. If one person is wondering, chances are others are too! Let's dig in!References and Resources:Save 20% on your new David Austin rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comHow to Prepare Seedlings for Transplant into the Garden - Ep. 243: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/how-to-prepare-seedlings-for-transplant-into-the-garden-ep-243Ep. 131 - The Basics of Winter Sowing: Seed Starting Outdoors: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/ep-131-the-basics-of-winter-sowing-seed-starting-outdoorsMy favorite insect netting: https://amzn.to/3Fems6kAnd the fabric staples: https://amzn.to/45jjzLTArbico Organics Neemaseek: https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/nemaseek-beneficial-nematodes-hb-heterorhabditis-bacteriophora/beneficial-nematodesMilky Spore: https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/milky-spore-granular-bacillus-popillae/organic-lawn-carePyganic: https://amzn.to/4dsx9inSpinosad: https://amzn.to/4mpkdhcJust Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.comJust Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shopJust Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomethingBonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomethingAmazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomethingJust Grow Something is a participant in the AmazonServices LLC Associates Program. Anytime you click on one of those links and proceed to make a purchase, we may receive a small percentage of the purchase price in the form of a commission directly from Amazon.

Ever find yourself staring at a seed packet or a struggling tomato plant, wondering what it really needs to thrive? Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening digs into those questions, moving beyond folklore and guesswork. Host Karin Velez believes that understanding the science behind gardening-the "why" as much as the "how"-empowers you to become a more confident and successful grower. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, one who sifts through research and practical experience to offer clear, actionable advice. You’ll hear detailed discussions on everything from soil health and specific plant varieties to managing pests and planning your garden layout effectively. This podcast is designed for anyone with a patch of dirt or a few containers, whether you’ve been cultivating for decades or are just planting your first herb. Karin’s approach demystifies the process of growing your own food, making it accessible and deeply rewarding. The ultimate aim is simple but profound: to equip you with the reliable knowledge needed to harvest something delicious from your own space, season after season. Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful take on home gardening that celebrates both the triumphs and the learning moments inherent in getting your hands dirty.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening
Podcast Episodes
Ten Most Versatile Herbs for Fresh and Dried Use - Ep. 227 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
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Top 5 Perennial Herbs by USDA Hardiness Zone - Ep. 226 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:27
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Three Ways to Grow Nutritious Greens Indoors - Ep. 224 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:33
It is November, which means we are firmly seated in fall and many of us have seen the total demise of our gardens. In fact, some of us have had several weeks since we saw anything green out there and it’s kind of depress…
How to Amend the Soil in Fall for a Better Garden in Spring - Ep. 222 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:06
Adding the right soil amendments in the fall is a great way to set up your garden for success in the spring. By incorporating amendments now, you give them time to break down and integrate into the soil, providing nutrie…
Garlic Planting Tips by Climate - Ep. 221 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
Last week we talked onions, this week it’s another allium, garlic. The timing on planting onions in the fall is just about the same as when we plant our garlic for overwintering and garlic spends just about as much time…
Planting Onions in Fall for a Summer Harvest - Ep. 220 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
This is the episode so many of you have asked for and now is the perfect time because, in most locations, this is the time to be planting onion sets or seedlings to overwinter and harvest the next summer. Successfully gr…
How to Dry and Store Cut Flowers - Ep. 219 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:53
The fruits and veggies coming from our gardens are not the only things we can dry and store in the off-season. Think about the vibrant colors from the flowers in our yards and containers. We can absolutely preserve that…
Simple Compost Solutions for Every Garden Space - Ep. 218 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:32
As we start to wind down the summer gardening season it’s a great time to be adding compost to your beds to help give the soil a boost. Letting the compost break down over the winter gives it adequate time to become acti…