Ep 120: Before You Plant: Must-Know Veggie Garden Tips. Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

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The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 120: Before You Plant: Must-Know Veggie Garden Tips.

March 31, 2025 • Esther Aitken

Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener – your go-to podcast and mini masterclasses for all things gardening! I'm your host, Esther Williams, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into the essential things every beginner gardener should know before putting a single seed in the soil.

Starting a veggie garden can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're short on space, time, or confidence. But don’t worry—I’m breaking it down step-by-step so you can feel empowered, not stressed. In this episode, we’ll cover seven key considerations to help you set your garden up for success, including:

🌿 Choosing the right location and understanding sunlight
🌿 Building healthy soil and testing pH
🌿 Planting with the seasons and knowing your climate
🌿 Watering wisely and planning for ongoing maintenance
🌿 Keeping pests and critters out—naturally
🌿 Managing your time realistically so gardening fits your lifestyle
🌿 Tapping into gardening communities for support and advice

Plus, I share a few exciting updates on my consulting office setup and the success of our mushroom-growing kits in local high schools—so if you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or know someone who might benefit, let’s connect!

Whether you’re planning a lush backyard garden or a few pots on a balcony, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to grow your own food with joy and purpose.

🌱 Remember, gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget.

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or leave a review—it helps more garden-curious folks find their way to our messy, magical world of growing.

💬 Join the Conversation:
Let’s keep the chat going! Share your thoughts, garden wins, or questions with me on @themessedupgardener or #esther.aitken on Instagram, TikTok or find me on Facebook Esther Williams

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The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms

Or Grab

· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.

Freebies: Grab the

- "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden

- https://stan.store/EstherA

- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet - https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.