473 - What the Spring Garden Taught Me This Year

Struggling with cabbage worms, bolting brassicas, or disappointing cauliflower heads? In this episode, you'll learn practical spring garden lessons from my own Zone 8a garden experience. I'm sharing what worked with cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, onions, and companion planting so you can grow stronger cool-season crops next spring with more confidence.

Free Download: Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide Learn how to grow productive brassicas with better timing, pest protection, and harvest success. http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide

Key Takeaways

• Learn how different cauliflower varieties performed in spring heat
• Discover which cabbage varieties were most productive and flavorful
• Hear what helped reduce cabbage worm pressure naturally
• Learn how crimson clover worked as a companion planting mulch
• Understand how late freezes affected cool-season crops

Chapters

00:00 – Spring garden reflections 02:15 – Why cauliflower intimidated me 06:45 – Choosing better cauliflower varieties 09:05 – How to blanch cauliflower heads 13:20 – Preventing cabbage worm damage 15:10 – Comparing cabbage varieties 20:10 – Testing crimson clover with broccoli 24:40 – Lessons from a late freeze 26:00 – Growing onions through winter

Resources *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:e13474f9-4615-4b8a-baa3-df96528a99e2-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:e13474f9-4615-4b8a-baa3-df96528a99e2-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

• Herb Workshop (grab the replay here): http://journeywithjill.net/herb-workshop
• Broccoli, Cauliflower & Cabbage Quick-Start Growing Guide (free): http://journeywithjill.net/broccoli-guide
• Companion Planting for Pest Control (free): http://journeywithjill.net/companion-planting-for-pest
• Good Bug Bad Bug ID Chart (free): https://journeywithjill.net/goodandbadbugs
• 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/

• Link to cauliflower recipe: https://alexandracooks.com/2018/03/06/roasted-cauliflower-skhug-lemony-yogurt-sauce/

Sale Information:

• Garden in Minutes Sale: https://journeywithjill.net/gardeninminutes
• Epic Gardening Memorial Day Sale: https://shop.epicgardening.com/JOURNEYWITHJILL

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.