The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

You worked hard to grow potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and sweet potatoes. How do you keep them from spoiling before you can use them?
In this episode, I'll walk you through curing and storing root crops so you can extend their storage life and enjoy more of your garden harvest through winter.
You'll learn the practical differences between curing potatoes and sweet potatoes, why carrots are surprisingly simple to store, and how storage changes for onions depending on whether they matured normally or bolted. I'll also explain what to do when your home doesn't have those perfect "textbook" storage conditions.
Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart
Not sure whether freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, or dehydrating makes the most sense for your harvest? Sign up for four short videos, delivered one per day, to help you decide where to start.
https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving 
Key Takeaways
Cure potatoes in a cool, dark, ventilated space.

Give sweet potatoes warm, humid curing conditions.

Store carrots whole without curing them first.

Cure storage onions until their necks are completely dry.

Keep garlic cool and dark after curing.

Chapters
00:00 – Start with the right preserving method
01:37 – Why root crop storage is different
03:38 – Cure potatoes for longer storage
06:00 – Make home storage conditions work
08:15 – Check potatoes before they spoil
10:22 – Cure sweet potatoes differently
12:43 – Create warm, humid curing conditions
15:02 – Store sweet potatoes after curing
17:23 – Take preserving beyond the basics
19:40 – Store carrots for months
22:03 – Cure onions for storage
24:29 – What to do with bolted onions
26:49 – Choose onions for longer storage
29:08 – Cure and store garlic
31:29 – Keep your harvest through winter
Resource Links
Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart:
https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving 
Harvest to Kitchen:
Learn step-by-step methods for harvesting, freezing, canning, dehydrating, and storing your garden produce.
https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen
Harvest to Kitchen is $50 off through August 31. Use code PRESERVEIT to get it for $97 instead of $149.
Friday Emails:
https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
Recommended Brands & Products:
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
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.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fresh garden produce doesn't stay fresh by accident. Learn exactly where to store tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, melons, and more so they last longer and taste their best.
If you've ever wondered whether tomatoes belong on the counter or in the refrigerator, or why cucumbers sometimes get soft no matter what you do, this episode explains the simple science behind better produce storage so you can make the most of every harvest.
🌱 Free 4-Day Preserving Kickstart
Not sure how to preserve everything you're harvesting? This free four-day video series walks you through the basics of freezing, water bath canning, pressure canning, and dehydrating so you can confidently choose the best preservation method for your harvest.
Get started for free: https://journeywithjill.net/startpreserving
🎉 Harvest to Kitchen is On Sale
Ready to go beyond the basics? Harvest to Kitchen teaches you exactly how to preserve your garden harvest with confidence using safe, proven methods.
Sale Price: $97 (Regular Price: $149) Coupon Code: PRESERVEIT
Learn more: https://journeywithjill.net/harvesttokitchen
Key Takeaways
Learn why some vegetables belong on the counter while others last longer in the refrigerator.
Understand how respiration and enzymes affect freshness after harvest.
Discover why tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and melons all need different storage methods.
Avoid common storage mistakes that reduce flavor, texture, and shelf life.
Extend the life of your harvest while maintaining the best eating quality.
Resource Links
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
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.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Feeling overwhelmed by canning and preserving your garden harvest? Wondering if you have to preserve everything you grow to make gardening worthwhile?
In this episode, I share how my approach to food preservation has changed over the last few years and how I've found a healthier balance between growing, preserving, and enjoying life. You'll hear the lessons I learned after stepping back from doing it all, how I'm simplifying my preserving routine, and practical ideas you can use whether you have a large garden or just a few extra tomatoes.
Free Download: Harvest to Jar Estimator
Not sure what to do with 5, 10, or 25 pounds of tomatoes? The free Harvest to Jar Estimator shows you what you can realistically make from different harvest sizes so you can preserve with confidence.
https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar
Key Takeaways
Learn how to simplify food preservation without giving it up completely.
Discover how to prioritize the crops that matter most to your family.
See practical ways to reduce preserving stress while still stocking your pantry.
Find freezer, canning, and storage tips that save both time and energy.
Create a preserving plan that fits your current season of life.
Chapters
00:00 – Why my preserving approach changed 01:52 – My original preserving goals 04:14 – The setback that changed everything 06:33 – Taking a break from tomato canning 08:55 – Small-batch tomato preserving lessons 10:18 – My 2026 preserving plan 13:03 – Simplifying tomato preservation 17:44 – Scheduling preserving without burnout 20:05 – Deciding what not to preserve 24:20 – Prioritizing what matters most 28:02 – Freezer organization tips 31:22 – Steam canning advantages 33:07 – Garden planning that reduces preserving 35:20 – Finding a sustainable balance 36:15 – Free Harvest to Jar Estimator
Resource Links
Harvest to Jar Estimator (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/tomato-harvest-to-jar
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
Complete Garden Planner https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
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.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Have you ever wished your garden harvest could make dinner easier months after the growing season ends?
In this episode, I'm welcoming Crystal from Whole-Fed Homestead back to the podcast to talk about her newest cookbook, Freeze Fresh Meal Prep. While many gardeners know they can freeze vegetables, Crystal shares a different approach: turning your harvest into meal starters, soups, breakfasts, side dishes, and desserts that make cooking easier all winter long.
We discuss which vegetables freeze best, how to decide when freezer meal prep is worth the extra effort, and why preserving food in a way you'll actually use is often the best strategy.
Whether you have a large garden or harvest just a few vegetables at a time from raised beds or containers, you'll walk away with practical ideas for making the most of every harvest.
In This Episode
Why meal starters can be more practical than freezing vegetables individually
Which vegetables hold up best in the freezer
The difference between fully prepared freezer meals and meal starters
How to know when freezer meal prep is worth the extra work
Tips for preserving smaller harvests throughout the season
Crystal's favorite freezer recipes she never wants to be without
How freezer meal prep helps simplify busy weeknights
Get Crystal's book here: https://amzn.to/4wxz65O
Join Me for the Fall Garden Workshop
Want to extend your harvest into autumn?
Join me for my Fall Garden Workshop where I'll show you exactly what to plant, when to plant it, and how to create a productive fall garden.
📅 July 28 at 12 PM CDT
Register here:
https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan
Use discount code FALL26 to register for $29 (regularly $39).
Resource Links
🌱 Free Beginner's Garden Resource Vault
https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
📧 Join My Friday Garden Newsletter
https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
🎙 Browse All Podcast Episodes
https://journeywithjill.net/the-beginners-garden-podcast/
▶️ Subscribe on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneywithjillNet/videos
📷 Follow on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/
🛒 Recommended Brands & Products
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/
🛍 Amazon Storefront
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden
📒 Complete Garden Planner
https://shop.journeywithjill.net/
Connect with Crystal
Whole-Fed Homestead
https://wholefedhomestead.com
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@WholeFedHomestead
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wholefedhomestead/
Subscribe & Review
If you enjoyed today's episode, I'd love for you to subscribe and leave a review. Your ratings and reviews help other gardeners discover the podcast and encourage me to continue creating content to help you grow a more productive garden.
Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my experience gardening in Zone 8a in Arkansas and from conversations with gardeners across many climates. Your results may vary depending on your location and growing conditions.
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Struggling to know which garden insects are friends or foes? Learn why wasps, hoverflies, and bees may be doing more to protect your garden than you realize. This episode will change how you see beneficial insects and natural pest control in your vegetable garden.
Join me for the Fall Harvest Plan Live Workshop on Tuesday, July 28 at 12 PM CDT and learn exactly when to plant your fall garden and access my Fall Gardening CustomGPT.  Save your spot at https://journeywithjill.net/fallharvestplan and use coupon code FALL26 to save $10.
Free Download: Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart
Learn how to identify beneficial insects and common garden pests so you can protect the helpers in your garden with confidence.
https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
Many gardeners see insects and immediately wonder whether they're helping or hurting the garden. But what if some of the bugs you fear the most are actually some of your greatest allies? In this episode, I sit down with science writer and Insect Safari author Margie Patlak to explore the fascinating world of beneficial insects. We talk about wasps, hoverflies, bees, and the surprising ways they pollinate crops, control pests, and even demonstrate remarkable intelligence. If you've ever wanted to garden more naturally, this conversation will help you see your garden through a whole new lens.
Key Takeaways
Learn why most wasps are valuable garden allies, not enemies.
Discover how hoverflies provide both pollination and natural aphid control.
Understand the differences between solitary, parasitic, and social wasps.
Find out why bees are far more intelligent than most gardeners realize.
Learn how healthy gardens naturally encourage beneficial insect populations.
Chapters
00:00 – Why insects deserve another look 03:03 – Why gardeners misunderstand wasps 06:50 – Wasps as natural pest control 07:45 – Solitary vs. social wasps 13:30 – Why hoverflies matter 18:30 – The hidden intelligence of bees 26:20 – How bees communicate and learn 31:15 – Building a balanced garden ecosystem 35:30 – Final encouragement
Resource Links
Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (Free) https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads
Friday Garden Emails https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup
YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@JourneyWithJill
Instagram https://instagram.com/journeywithjill
Podcast Archive https://journeywithjill.net/podcast
Guest Resource:
Insect Safari by Margie Patlak 
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.
Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.