The Messed Up Gardener
By: Esther Aitken
Language: en-us
Categories: Leisure, Home, Garden, Education, Science
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 hy...
Episodes
Ep 159: The 3-List Garden Permission Slip. What you’re allowed to quit, ignore, and do badly
Jan 10, 2026Gardening doesn’t always need motivation — sometimes it needs permission.
In this quieter episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, Esther shares a gentle reset for overwhelmed, tired gardeners: three things you’re allowed to quit, three things you’re allowed to ignore, and three things you’re allowed to do badly — without guilt.
Recorded during a heatwave and a low-energy day, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need to earn your place in the garden. Showing up imperfectly still counts.
If your garden has started to feel like one more thing, this one’s for...
Duration: 00:21:03Ep 158: When the Weather Cries Wolf
Jan 03, 2026The forecast has been acting like that dramatic friend who’s “being such a diva” every second day… and if you’ve ever rearranged your whole garden plan for “rain at 3pm” that never arrived, this episode is for you.
In this mini masterclass, Esther breaks down a simple, realistic system for gardening when the weather is unreliable — without becoming a full-time meteorologist, and without your garden turning into chaos.
We cover the real reason weather chaos feels exhausting (decision fatigue), how to build a garden that’s less reactive to extremes, and the “Weather Trust Test” you can...
Duration: 00:17:52Ep 157: The 3-Goal Garden Rule (Because You’re Not a Garden Employee)
Dec 27, 2025It’s Twixmas… that weird in-between week where time doesn’t exist, your diet is 80% snacks, and your garden has decided to grow 9cm overnight just to humble you.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing what we’ve been up to on our little modern-homesteading adventure — harvesting elephant garlic, drying it in our very glamorous garage drying room, and turning not-quite-perfect dahlias into something surprisingly magical: air-dried petal confetti.
But the real reason you need this episode?
Because if you went into the holidays with big garden plans a...
Duration: 00:16:06Ep 156: Outsource to Nature — Plants That Do the Work While You’re at Work
Dec 20, 2025If your garden currently survives on “thoughts and prayers” because you’re flat out with work, life, Christmas chaos, kiwifruit, H&S… and maybe even relocating a 8m plastic house because it’s basically a solar oven… this one’s for you. 😅
In this episode, we’re talking about how to design a garden for real life — not a gardening show.
A garden that still looks good and produces food… even when you miss a weekend (or three).
In this mini masterclass, you’ll learn:
✅ What “self-maintaining” actually means (not zero work… just less...
Duration: 00:24:06Ep 155: "Batch Gardening — Do the Work Once, Coast All Week”
Dec 13, 2025Batch Gardening — Do the Work Once, Coast All Week - How to garden like meal prep — one big push, lots of lazy wins.
If you only have one decent chunk of time each week (or fortnight) to garden, this episode is your permission slip to stop feeling guilty and start gardening smarter. Esther breaks down “batch gardening” — a meal-prep style approach where you do the heavy lifting in one focused session, then let your garden quietly coast until you’re back.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
· Use the 3 batch categories — soil, pl...
Duration: 00:25:48Ep 154: The Bare-Minimum Watering Plan — Keeping Plants Alive When You’re Running on Fumes
Dec 06, 2025The Bare-Minimum Watering Plan — Keeping Plants Alive When You’re Running on Fumes” A realistic survival guide for tired, overcommitted gardeners.
You meant to water… and then work, kids, pets, emails, and life happened. By the time you remembered, it was dark and the guilt had already kicked in.
If that sounds painfully familiar, this episode is for you.
In this mini masterclass, I walk you through a realistic, no-perfection-required watering plan for tired, overcommitted gardeners who still want their plants to have a fighting chance.
We’ll cover:
· ...
Duration: 00:24:49Ep 153: “The ‘Someday Garden’ Trap — How to Start with the Garden You Actually Have”
Nov 29, 2025Stop waiting for perfect conditions and grow something now.
“We’ll really garden when we move.”
“Once we build the raised beds.”
“When I’ve got more time… next season.”
If that sounds like you, this episode is your loving smack on the hand with a trowel. 💚 We’re talking about the gap between the perfect garden in your head and the scruffy reality out the back — and how to start now with just one messy square metre.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to:
· Spot the “Someday Garden” trap th...
Duration: 00:24:32Ep 152: Lazy Mulching — How to Protect Your Soil Even When You’re Too Busy to Garden
Nov 22, 2025Feeling like your garden is either drowning or turning into crunchy toast — sometimes in the same week? 😅
In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m talking lazy mulching: the simple, real-world way to protect your soil, keep plants alive, and save your future sanity… even when you’re absolutely shattered.
Between overflowing water tanks, heat waves, a shed-that’s-pretending-to-be-an-office, 2kg strawberry harvests and butter beans for days, our place is busy, messy, and very real. That’s exactly why mulching has become my 24/7 garden helper — it keeps things going when I can’t.
In...
Duration: 00:18:15Ep 151: The 3-Bucket System — Never Waste a Weed, Leaf, or Kitchen Scrap Again
Nov 15, 2025Ever stared at a pile of weeds or kitchen scraps and thought, “Now what?”
In this episode, Esther shares the simple 3-Bucket System — a no-stress, no-science-degree method for turning everyday garden mess into free, nutrient-rich compost and fertiliser.
From overflowing water tanks to feijoa flowers and hubby’s booming flower beds, Esther kicks off with a real-life update from her own messy, abundant garden before diving into how three humble buckets can transform the way you handle waste:
Why You’ll Love This Episode
It’s realistic, funny, and designed for...
Ep 150: “The Odd Rule — Why Uneven Planting Looks So Darn Good”
Nov 08, 2025Ever notice how some gardens just feel right? In this short and sunny episode, Esther unpacks one of gardening’s simplest design secrets — the rule of odd numbers. Discover why planting in threes, fives, or sevens creates flow and balance, how our brains naturally prefer a little imperfection, and when it actually pays to break the rule entirely.
From hydrangeas to veggie beds, Esther shares real examples from her own garden that prove small tweaks can make a big difference. You’ll walk away knowing how to group your plants for a more natural look — plus a q...
Duration: 00:19:06Ep 149: “Beehind Closed Doors: What Really Happens When You Grow Under Cover”
Nov 01, 2025Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener!
Today, we’re pulling back the netting (literally) to talk about the sneaky pollination problems that happen in greenhouses, tunnel houses, and bird-netted spaces — and the easy fixes that bring the buzz (and the fruit set) back.
We’ll celebrate a little milestone too: this week marks three years since the show launched in November 2022. If you’ve been here since the messy early days — thank you! 💚
🌸 What You’ll Learn
• Why flowers don’t...
Duration: 00:24:32Ep 148: “Chaos Gardening: Why Letting Go Might Grow More Than You Think.”
Oct 25, 2025Hi & Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener
Spring is in full swing here at The Messed-Up Gardener HQ—sunflowers about to pop, kiwifruit vines gearing up to flower, bees on overtime, and the greenhouse going bonkers. All that colourful, buzzy beautiful mess got me thinking about the trend taking root across NZ: Chaos Gardening. In this episode, I share what it is, why the wild works, and how to try it (without losing your mind).
In this episode you’ll learn
What chaos gardening is and... Duration: 00:24:01Ep 147: “Barrel Dreams: The Pros and Cons of Growing Nursery Trees in Big Pots While You Wait for Your Land”
Oct 18, 2025Ever wandered through a nursery, spotted the perfect tree, and thought, “One day… when I have my own land”?
In this heartfelt episode, I share how hubby and I are building our future orchard right now — one barrel at a time. With over 100 tubs of citrus, raspberries, blueberries, feijoas, lilies, and dahlias thriving in pots, we’ve turned our rental into a “Barrel Army” and learned a ton along the way.
You’ll discover the real pros and cons of on-growing trees in large barrels — from saving money and shaping your plants early to the heavy lifting, watering...
Duration: 00:21:29Ep 146 Hot House Secrets — How to Grow Smarter in Pots & Soil
Oct 11, 2025It’s been one of those weeks washing almost dry… and then it rains. Hubby’s flat-out with the bees, and I’ve been fighting off a chest/sinus bug (would not recommend). The silver lining? My happy place under plastic. Even on the rough days, a quiet potter in the greenhouse resets everything — which is exactly why today’s episode is all about unlocking the secrets of growing under cover.
Step inside with me: warm, earthy air, tomato-leaf scent, fat drops of condensation, and two kinds of growers — the pot people and the plot people. Why does one side l...
Duration: 00:38:35Ep 145: The Harvest Hustle - 6 Things to Pick Now Before They Go to Waste (Save your crops and your sanity with timely harvesting)
Oct 04, 2025Spring is in full swing here at Shesther’s, and while the frosts are just behind us (fingers crossed past Labour Day!), the gardens and orchard are pumping out produce faster than we can keep up. Hubby’s been on frost duty with the incinerators, the kiwifruit are looking promising, and thanks to all that late-night effort, the veggie and flower beds are thriving too.
But here’s the catch — harvest timing is everything. One day you’ve got tender lettuce, the next it’s bolted. A zucchini hides under a leaf and suddenly it’s the size of a cric...
Duration: 00:21:51Ep 144: The Garden Mood Boost: 4 Simple Changes to Lift Your Space (and Your Spirits)
Sep 27, 2025This week in the garden has been full of surprises — tomato flowers already popping, zucchinis producing their first harvest despite frosty mornings, and hubby’s sunflowers growing like they’re on steroids. We’ve even adopted a scruffy little black kitten who’s decided my husband is “his person” (much to his delight and my eye-rolling amusement).
Between all that chaos and progress, I’ve been reminded of something important: our surroundings deeply affect how we feel. A thriving zucchini, a cheerful splash of colour, even a kitten curled up in the corner — they all shape the atmosphe...
Duration: 00:18:22Ep 143: The Weekend Wonderlist – 6 Mini Garden Projects That Look Huge
Sep 20, 2025What a week it’s been! Between wild spring winds rattling our roof, chasing runaway bins down the orchard driveway, and watching trees topple across town, it’s been chaos out there. But amidst the gusts and garden madness, there’s also been joy—sunflowers planted, dahlias popping, capsicums cranking in the greenhouse, and the chickens back in full laying mode.
This week’s episode is all about weekend wins—the little jobs that make your garden look like you’ve spent days working, when really it only took a couple of hours. Because let’s be honest, mos...
Duration: 00:19:22Ep 142: “The Garden Goldmine: 7 Things in Your Backyard You Didn’t Know Were Valuable”
Sep 13, 2025What if your garden was hiding treasures you’ve been walking past every day? 🌱
In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m digging into seven overlooked “goldmines” that can save you money, grow healthier plants, and make your garden feel abundant without another trip to the garden centre. From tired old potting mix that still has life left, to self-seeding volunteers, fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, rainwater, and even weeds — you’ll learn how to spot hidden value and put it to work.
I’ll also share a few personal stories (like the scraggly compost-heap tomato that outper...
Duration: 00:24:04Ep 141: “The 5×5 Garden Glow-Up: 5 Tiny Tweaks for Big Growth in 5 Days”
Sep 06, 2025Spring has officially arrived — but if you’re feeling a little behind in the garden (like I am this year after our big move!), don’t worry. In this week’s episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m sharing how five tiny, under-20-minute tweaks can transform your garden in just five days.
We’ll talk about the power of micro-actions — the little shifts that deliver big rewards — and I’ll walk you through five quick wins you can try this week:
These are simple, low-cost actions with a high “effort-to-impact” ratio. By the end of the week, you...
Duration: 00:18:42Ep 140: The Doomsday Garden Kit – Listener Q&A Special (Part 3)
Aug 30, 2025Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and as always — I’m absolutely buzzed to be here with you today.
Over the past two episodes, we’ve been digging deep into the Doomsday Garden Kit: what you’d pack if you had to grow food from scratch in a survival situation. And wow… the response has been incredible. You sent me so many questions that I had to dedicate this final part of the series to answering them directly.
But first, a little side story. My best friend...
Duration: 00:24:37Ep 139: The Doomsday Garden Kit – Listener Questions Answered (Part 2)
Aug 23, 2025Last week’s episode on the Doomsday Garden Kit got a huge response — and my inbox lit up with questions! One of you cheeky listeners asked, “Ok Esther, you’ve told us how to grow the food… but how do we actually cook it, store it, and not lose our minds while doing it?”
Fair point — so today, we’re diving into Part 2.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through:
🌱 Fuel & cooking (because you can’t eat raw kumara forever)
🌱 The garden first-aid kit: aloe, kawakawa, calendula & garlic
🌱 Advanced preservation hacks (fermenting, smoking, solar dehyd...
Ep 138: The Doomsday Garden Kit: What to Pack When the World Goes Sideways
Aug 17, 2025What would you grab if you had to start your garden all over again — from scratch — in the middle of chaos?
In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, I get real about resilience, self-sufficiency, and the not-so-crazy idea of a gardener’s doomsday kit. From heirloom seeds (your real survival currency) to low-tech tools, soil starters, water hacks, and even what’s worth bartering when the shelves run bare — this is the honest chat most gardeners haven’t had yet.
It’s not about fear, it’s about being prepared, grounded, and able to feed yourself no ma...
Duration: 00:18:26Ep 137: “The 3×3 Garden Reset: 3 Things to Stop, 3 Things to Start, 3 Things to Celebrate”
Aug 09, 2025Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener—your go-to podcast and mini masterclasses for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and I’m absolutely buzzed to be here with you today.
In this episode, I’m inviting you to pause, reflect, and give your garden (and yourself) a seasonal mindset reset. Whether you're knee-deep in weeds or quietly sipping tea while watching seedlings grow, this one’s for you.
It’s what I call the 3×3 Garden Reset:
🌿 Three things to STOP doing
🌱 Three things to START fresh
🌸...
Ep 136: “Before Spring Smacks You in the Seedlings: August Garden To-Do’s”
Aug 03, 2025This week’s episode is bursting with everything you need to know to get a jumpstart on your spring garden — even if your backyard currently looks like a soggy mess!
Join me, Esther Williams, as I walk you through exactly what to plant, prep, plan, and prioritise in the first week of August so you don’t end up scrambling when spring finally hits. From garlic planting before the “oops window” closes, to giving your tools and seed stash the love they deserve, this episode is a practical, relaxed, muddy-boot kind of guide to making the most of right n...
Duration: 00:21:42Ep 135: "Minimalist Gardening: Less Stuff, More Style"
Jul 26, 2025This week, frosty mornings have been turning our routines upside down—defrosting the cars has been chaos! But you know what? Those frosts have been amazing for our kiwifruit vines, naturally clearing out bugs and even knocking back those pesky wasp nests that have plagued our bees all season. Nature doing its thing—gotta love it!
Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, and I’m buzzing to be here with you for another episode full of garden inspiration and real-life updates from our orchard, roadside fruit stall, and the ever-growing Shesther’s brand. With our w...
Duration: 00:24:02Ep 134: What if I told you your garden could grow your soap?
Jul 12, 2025In this delightfully dirt-under-the-nails episode, Esther dives into a surprisingly sudsy topic—soap plants! That's right—your garden can grow more than veggies and flowers. It can grow your cleaning products too!
From traditional soapwort and yucca roots to soothing calendula, moisturizing aloe vera, and even homegrown loofah sponges, this episode covers everything you need to grow your own garden-to-bathroom soap bar. Esther even shares a DIY gardener’s hand scrub soap recipe—perfect for post-weeding cleanups or heartfelt handmade gifts.
Whether you're looking to ditch synthetic ingredients, reduce waste, o...
Duration: 00:28:44Ep 133: Bug Off Naturally: Growing Insect-Repelling Plants & Safe Bug Bite Herbal Remedies
Jun 29, 2025Get ready to reclaim your garden from bugs the natural way! In this episode, I’m sharing how to grow a living “bug-off” shield with plants like lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, and more—plus super simple herbal remedies to soothe bites and protect your family (especially the little ones).
I’ll also be talking about how to create a kid-friendly “No-Bite Zone” that’s as magical as it is practical. And of course, I’ll share some fun personal updates on launching my own business, battling midges in the cold, and how I’m weaving my health and safety work in w...
Duration: 00:19:46Ep 132: The Garden Centre Secrets: What They Don’t Want You to Know!
Jun 21, 2025Hello, green thumbs and fellow dirt enthusiasts! In this jam-packed episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m taking you behind the glossy aisles and shiny displays of your local garden centre to reveal the 5 things they don’t want you to know—so you’ll keep coming back!
I share some juicy truths and personal stories from my years working in garden centres, from the early days at 15 to some cheeky insider tricks I picked up along the way. Learn why those cute little starter packs often set you up to fail, ho...
Duration: 00:20:56Ep 131: Allergies in the Garden: What’s Making You Sneeze & How to Naturally Soothe It
Jun 16, 2025In this episode, I share a not-so-glamorous but super important topic: those garden allergies that can sneak up on you like a nosy neighbour in your compost pile. From itchy eyes and runny noses to surprise skin rashes—gardening doesn’t always play nice!
We’ll uncover the most common allergy triggers lurking in your backyard—like pollen, moldy compost, and even the fuzz on tomato stems. Plus, I’ll spill the dirt on natural ways to soothe the itchies and sniffles without losing your love for your green space. And, of course, I’ll highlight when it’s time to...
Duration: 00:25:41Ep 130: The Juicy Truth About Antioxidant-Rich Fruits & Veggies You Can Grow at Home
Jun 07, 2025Join me, Esther Williams, as I peel back the layers of my own journey—stepping away from the 9-to-5, facing down fear and self-doubt, and turning to the garden as my path to nourishment, strength, and true growth.
In this powerful episode, I share how growing antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies, and herbs isn’t just about what’s on your plate—it’s about rewriting the rules for your health and your life. From juicy blueberries to the mighty kale, from herbal teas to backyard spa rituals, discover how your garden can be your personal wellness apothecary—fighting stress, agin...
Duration: 00:30:38Ep 129: Growing Younger – Anti-Aging Plants & DIY Remedies You Can Grow at Home
May 31, 2025Hello and welcome to another episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into something that’s part garden magic, part self-care ritual: growing your own anti-aging plants at home.
We’ll break down:
✨ What makes a plant “anti-aging”?
Explore the triple power of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and nutrient density—nature’s ultimate skincare routine.
🌱 Top 5 Anti-Aging Plants to Grow:
Indian Pennywort, rosemary, calendula, turmeric, and aloe vera—plus how to grow them, why they’re powerful, and how to start small.<...
Ep 128 Planting with Purpose: The Magic of Intention Gardens
May 24, 2025Ever wondered if your garden could do more than just look pretty? What if your garden was a living ritual—a space that grows healing, love, or abundance alongside your veggies?
In this soulful, cheeky, and dirt-under-the-fingernails episode, Esther dives headfirst into the world of intention gardens—purpose-driven garden spaces where every plant holds meaning. From prosperity patches with basil and mint, to calming healing beds of rosemary and chamomile, and even a flirtatious little love garden with roses and strawberries... this episode is packed with plant magic (and a few garden confessions).
🌿 You’ll...
Duration: 00:23:17Ep 127 “Sparkly Rocks and Stressed-Out Lettuce: Gardening with Crystals”
May 17, 2025What happens when gardening meets good vibes and glittery geology? You get this episode.
Join Esther Williams—your cheeky host and dirt-loving rebel—for a slightly woo, slightly wild, and totally entertaining deep dive into the world of crystal gardening. From chakra-charged compost to protective tourmaline tucked near the tomatoes, we’re exploring how crystals have made their way from yoga studios to veggie beds—and why you might just want to bury a bit of sparkle under your zucchinis.
In this episode:
🔮 What the woo is all about (with just enough sarcasm to k...
Ep 126 Weird, Wild & Wealthy: The Mystical Side of Plant Placement
May 10, 2025Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener—your go-to podcast for all things gardening, worm wee, plant therapy, and occasional woo-woo wisdom. I’m Esther Williams, and today’s episode might just be my favorite kind of chaos: practical meets mystical, leafy meets loopy.
In this episode, we’re diving into the delightfully strange world of beneficial plant placement—a.k.a. why putting a jade plant in your southeast corner might not make you rich… but it might just make you feel like a grounded goddess with your life together.
✨ From feng shui’s wealth...
Duration: 00:22:53Ep 125 Peace Gardens: Cultivating Calm in a Chaotic World
May 05, 2025Feeling overwhelmed by noise, chaos, or a never-ending to-do list? In this soulful episode of The Messed Up Gardener, Esther explores how to carve out a sanctuary—right in your backyard, balcony, or even a pot on your windowsill. Learn what peace gardens really are (hint: it’s not about being Pinterest-perfect), why they’re essential for your mental health, and how to start your own with simplicity and soul. From lavender pots to barefoot zones, this episode is your permission slip to grow a little stillness in a messy world. 🌿
🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden?<...
Duration: 00:29:17Ep 124: Preparing Gardens for Winter – Essential Autumn Tasks
Apr 26, 2025In this cozy and practical episode, Esther Williams dives into the essential autumn gardening tasks that will set your garden up for a thriving spring. As April winds down and cooler weather creeps in, it’s the perfect time to give your garden some love before winter hits.
Esther walks you through three key winter prep priorities every gardener should be focusing on:
🌿 Mulching – Learn how to apply the perfect winter blanket to your soil, suppress weeds, retain moisture, and prevent root damage from frost.
✂️ Pruning – Discover what to cut back, what...
Ep 123: Grow Your Own Smoothie Garden – The Ultimate Guide to Fresh, Homegrown Ingredients
Apr 19, 2025In this energizing Easter episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into one of the tastiest and most rewarding gardening projects you can start—your very own smoothie garden! Whether you're a complete beginner, a smoothie fanatic, or a backyard grower looking to bring more purpose to your edible garden, this episode is your guide to growing delicious, nutritious ingredients right outside your door.
Esther shares why growing your own smoothie ingredients is a total game-changer—not only does it save you money, but it also boosts your health, enhances flavor, reduces waste, and supp...
Duration: 00:21:13Ep 122 “Grow Your Own Garden Snack Bar: From Soil to Snack Time!”
Apr 12, 2025Welcome back to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener
In this episode, Esther dives into one of the most fun and delicious gardening ideas yet—creating your very own garden snack bar! Imagine stepping outside and picking juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, crunchy snap peas, or a leafy kale wrap—all ready to eat with zero prep. Whether you’ve got a backyard, balcony, or just a few containers, you can grow an edible space designed entirely for snacking.
Esther breaks down exactly what a snack garden is, the best crops to grow (think baby ca...
Duration: 00:17:44Ep 121: Stop Wasting Space! Smart Layout Tips for a Thriving Veggie Garden
Apr 05, 2025In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, your host Esther Williams dives into one of the most powerful (but often overlooked) keys to garden success: smart layout planning. Whether you're growing in raised beds, digging straight into the soil, or using pots and containers, how you arrange your veggie garden can make all the difference between a thriving harvest and a frustrating flop.
Esther unpacks six essential elements to help you plan your most functional, productive, and beautiful garden yet:
Garden Bed Types – Raised beds, in-ground, and containers: what's best fo... Duration: 00:18:54Ep 120: Before You Plant: Must-Know Veggie Garden Tips.
Mar 31, 2025Welcome 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, i...
Duration: 00:17:52Ep 119 Keyhole Gardens what are they and why they work.
Mar 22, 2025Hi and Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener
In this episode, I chat about drought struggles, a septic tank surprise, mushroom growing wins, and prepping for the markets! Plus, I dive into the magic of keyhole gardens—a low-maintenance, high-yield setup that recycles kitchen scraps, conserves water, and works in almost any space.
You'll learn: 🌿 What a keyhole garden is & how it works
🛠️ How to build one step-by-step
🍅 What to grow (and what to avoid)
💧 Why it’s perfect for busy, water-wise gardeners
Grab your cuppa and tune in for a relaxed...
Duration: 00:16:15Ep 118 Fertilizers 101: Feeding Your Plants Indoors and Out
Mar 08, 2025Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener Podcast! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and today we’re diving into a game-changer for your garden—fertilizers. Whether you’re growing lush indoor plants or a thriving outdoor veggie patch, understanding fertilizers can make all the difference between droopy leaves and vibrant, healthy growth.
In this episode, I’m keeping it simple, practical, and, of course, a little messy as we break down:
✅ What’s in a fertilizer? Understanding NPK ratios and how they affect plant health.
✅ Organic vs. synthetic fertilizers—which one is r...
Ep 117 "Gardening in the Wind: Thriving Despite the Breeze"
Mar 01, 2025Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener Podcast, your go-to mini masterclass for all things gardening! I’m your host, Esther Williams, and I’m absolutely buzzing to be here today.
This week, we’ve been dealing with some wild weather—rain, wind, and all the joys (and headaches) that come with it! While the rain is great for the orchard and helping the kiwifruit plump up, the wind has been a bit of a nightmare. But thanks to our shelterbelts, damage has been minimal. That got me thinking—how do you garden suc...
Duration: 00:21:40Ep 116 Dried Floral Arrangements – Grow, Create, and Profit
Feb 22, 2025In this jam-packed episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams takes you through the art and business of dried floral arrangements! 🌸✨
After battling the flu and making exciting progress on her mushroom grow rooms, Esther is back and buzzing with updates—including her first batch of red and white clover honey heading for bottling! 🍯
Inspired by past episodes on Cultivating Cash from Your Garden and Valentine’s Bouquets, this episode takes a deep dive into dried flowers—how to grow, dry, and even monetize...
Duration: 00:27:40Ep 115: Mini Masterclass Organic Gardening Uncovered: Natural Practices for a Healthier Garden
Feb 10, 2025Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener—your go-to podcast for all things gardening, where we embrace the mess, the learning curves, and the joy of growing! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into organic gardening, breaking down the fundamentals, debunking common myths, and exploring trending natural practices that are reshaping how we grow our food.
If you’ve ever wondered what organic gardening truly means, why it matters, and how to get started without overcomplicating things, this mini masterclass is for you! We’ll cover:
✔️ What Organic G...
Duration: 00:27:46Ep 114 "Lawn Love: The Grass is Greener When You Know the Basics"
Feb 01, 2025In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m diving into all things lawn care—because let’s be real, a good lawn can be both a source of pride and a source of pain! Inspired by my husband’s obsession with the perfect mowing height (while I prefer a more relaxed approach), we’ll cover everything from choosing the right grass type to keeping your lawn lush and healthy.
We’ll explore the essentials: soil health, planting or reviving your lawn, mowing like a pro, watering the right way, and troubleshooting those pesky problems like weeds, pests, and p...
Duration: 00:17:06Ep 113 "Garden Irrigation - Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes"
Jan 25, 2025In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, aspects of gardening success: Irrigation. Whether you’re nurturing a lush vegetable patch, a few potted plants, or a sprawling flower garden, getting your watering right is key to thriving plants and stress-free gardening.
Join your host, Esther Williams, as we break down the basics of irrigation, explore the different types of watering systems—from trusty hoses and sprinklers to efficient drip systems and DIY solutions—and share sustainable watering practices to help you save resources and grow smarter...
Duration: 00:24:30Ep 112 "Garden Pest and Rodent Control: Tips for Keeping Your Garden Thriving"
Jan 18, 2025Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, we’re diving into the ever-challenging world of garden pest and rodent control. From sneaky aphids and leaf-munching caterpillars to the chaos caused by rodents like rats and rabbits, we explore how these uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your garden. Esther shares insights into why pests and rodents invade gardens, how to spot the early signs of trouble, and practical strategies to tackle them.
Discover organic methods like companion planting, homemade sprays, and enlisting natural predators like...
Duration: 00:25:04Ep 111 Planting the Seed: Easy Ways to Introduce Kids to Gardening
Jan 11, 2025In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the rewarding world of gardening with kids. Inspired by a conversation with a coworker who was unsure how to get their children involved in gardening, Esther shares practical tips, creative activities, and solutions for common challenges to make gardening a fun, engaging, and educational adventure for the whole family.
From the many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of gardening to simple ways to get started with kid-friendly tools, plants, and sensory experiences, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Esther also explores themed garden ideas...
Duration: 00:22:50Ep 110 Succulent Success: A Beginner’s Guide to Thriving Plants
Jan 04, 2025Welcome to the first episode of The Messed-Up Gardener for 2025! In this episode, Esther dives into the fascinating world of succulents, covering everything you need to know to keep these hardy, beautiful plants thriving. Whether you're new to succulents or looking to expand your collection, this episode is packed with practical tips and advice.
Esther explores six key areas of succulent care:
Watering Techniques: Learn how to avoid overwatering and master the "soak and dry" method.Choosing the Perfect Soil: Discover how to create or select well-draining soil that keeps succulent roots... Duration: 00:22:48Ep 109 Gardening Goals Made Simple: Plan, Grow, and Thrive in 2025!
Dec 28, 2024Welcome back to The Messed-Up Gardener podcast, your go-to show for all things gardening! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today’s episode is all about setting your garden goals for the new year. Whether you’re just starting out, have a bit of experience, or are a seasoned gardener, this episode is packed with tips to help you create a plan for your garden that feels manageable and inspiring.
We’ll talk about why setting realistic goals is so important, how to match your gardening ambitions to your time, budget, and space, and ways to set mean...
Duration: 00:19:29Ep 108 Planter Perfection: Answers to Your Top 5 Outdoor Container Gardening Questions
Dec 21, 2024In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the most-asked questions about outdoor planters. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned pro, you’ll find helpful advice on choosing the best materials for planters, preventing overwatering and underwatering, and creating beautiful container gardens in small spaces. Learn how to grow edible plants like herbs, veggies, and fruits in containers, and discover tips for keeping your plants healthy and productive all season long.
Esther also shares practical ideas for repurposing items into creative planters, choosing the right soil and fertilizers, and using tools to...
Duration: 00:23:45Ep 107 Subtropical Gardening Made Easy: Tips for Thriving Plants and a Lush Backyard Paradise
Dec 14, 2024In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, host Esther Williams dives into the world of subtropical gardening. With the holiday season just around the corner, Esther shares her excitement about upcoming projects, including greenhouses, chickens, and her latest eBooks. But today’s focus is all about growing and maintaining subtropical plants.
Esther covers everything from understanding subtropical climates to creating the perfect growing conditions with well-drained soil, microclimates, and proper maintenance practices like watering, pruning, and frost protection. She also addresses common challenges like pests and diseases, offering simple solutions to keep your garden thriving.
...
Duration: 00:27:20Ep 106 Planting a Medicinal Garden with a Bonus Soothing Herbal Tea Recipe
Dec 07, 2024Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today.
Imagine stepping into your garden, where every plant holds the power to heal, soothe, and rejuvenate. In this transformative episode of The Messed Up Gardener, we reveal how you can create your very own medicinal garden—a living sanctuary of wellness that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit.
Discover the ancient art of plant-based remedies as we guide you through selecting, growing, and caring for medicinal herbs that are as beautiful as they are bene...
Duration: 00:28:50Ep 105 "No Dig, No Stress: The Ultimate Hack for Effortless Gardening Success"
Nov 30, 2024Welcome back to The Messed Up Gardener! I’m Esther Williams, your host, and today we’re diving into the No Dig Gardening Method. This simple, sustainable approach transforms your garden without the back-breaking work of digging or tilling. Whether you’re working with a lawn, a weedy patch, or even an old paddock, No Dig gardening makes it easy to grow healthy, thriving plants.
In this episode, I’ll explain the science behind No Dig gardening, inspired by nature’s way of building soil. We’ll explore its benefits, like less effort...
Duration: 00:21:52Ep 104 "Revive, Restore, Reimagine: The Power of Riparian Planting!"
Nov 23, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Imagine a vibrant stream lined with lush greenery, where birds sing, fish swim, and the air feels pure. This is the magic of healthy riparian zones. In this episode, we explore how restoring these vital areas can transform both rural and urban landscapes. Learn how riparian planting improves water quality, prevents flooding, and creates habitats teeming with life. From farming benefits to urban cooling, discover how small actions like planting native trees can create lasting ripple effects for the environment, communities, and even your...
Duration: 00:33:21Ep 103 "The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Gardeners: Practical & Personal DIY Ideas!"
Nov 17, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Join me in today’s festive episode of The Messed-Up Gardener! If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect Christmas gift for the gardener in your life, this episode is tailor-made for you.
I kick off the show with a buzz about our kiwifruit orchard in full bloom, bees buzzing in overdrive, and an exciting announcement—The Messed-Up Gardener hit #4 on the Apple Podcast NZ charts! A huge milestone, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support. With that energy...
Duration: 00:20:57Ep 102 "Sustainable Garden Projects: Pallet Furniture, Planters, and Storage for Eco-Conscious Gardeners"
Nov 09, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In today's episode, we've explored the creative, sustainable world of repurposing pallets and other recycled materials to build unique, rustic garden furniture, storage solutions, and planting structures. We've looked at everything from why using recycled materials is a fantastic eco-friendly choice, to the practical steps of choosing safe pallets, prepping them for durability, and crafting specific projects like benches, compost bins, and vertical planters.
Using pallets allows you to build character into your garden while embracing sustainability and keeping costs down. As...
Duration: 00:27:36Ep 101: From Blossom to Bounty: Essential Tips for Thriving Fruit Trees All Year Round
Nov 02, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In this episode of The Messed Up Gardener, we're diving into one of the most fulfilling parts of gardening—growing and maintaining your own fruit trees! Whether you have space for an orchard or just a cozy corner on your patio, this episode covers the essential steps for ensuring your trees flourish and bear fruit season after season.
We’ll begin with tips on selecting the right tree for your climate and soil and explore whether to plant in open ground or cont...
Duration: 00:30:38Ep 100 "Spookify Your Garden: Halloween Gardening Tips for a Hauntingly Beautiful Landscape"
Oct 26, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
today we have a spooky, fun-filled episode in honour of Halloween. I completed a bit of a deep dive to discover the most-asked questions about Halloween gardening, from growing the perfect pumpkins to creating an eerie, haunted atmosphere right in your backyard." This is something I absolutely love about doing this podcast the research can be so much fun and I’m learning a tonne as well, and in the spirit of Halloween for a bit of fun I also at the end of th...
Duration: 00:19:46Ep 99 Ornamental Gardens: Your Guide to a Beautiful Landscape
Oct 19, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
"Today, I'll be answering the top 10 most-asked questions by gardeners on ornamental gardening, with tips that can really make a difference—especially for beginners. These tips are easy to follow, but they’re often overlooked, even though they solve some of the biggest problems gardeners are struggling with.
"Let’s start with one of the most important steps: choosing the right plants for your specific climate and soil.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab...
Duration: 00:17:06Ep 98 Scented Gardens for All: Growing Fragrance in Rural & Urban Spaces”
Oct 12, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Today’s episode which is all about something special: creating scented gardens that fill your space with delightful fragrances, whether you’re in the countryside or living in a city apartment. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, I have got some unique tips you probably haven’t heard before—tips that will make a real difference in your garden. And I’m also tackling the challenges many gardeners are facing in 2024."
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forg...
Duration: 00:14:52Ep 97 Easy Spring Bulb Care
Oct 05, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In today’s episode I cover a few of the key questions I remember being asked back in my garden centre days, and touch on the gardening tools that are useful when gardening around your bulbs and towards the end of today’s episode I also give you an organic home insect recipe that you can use on your bulbs that I have had some success with when treating insects on my bulb foliage.
Spring is such an exciting time of year not o...
Duration: 00:16:58Ep 96 Easy to Grow & Cook with Spring Vegetables
Sep 28, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Todays episode covers some of the most versatile spring vegetables that from experience are easy to grow and harvest in a relatively short time and how to easily cook with them.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget.
Freebies DM me for:
· Nasturtium Pesto recipe.
· A Step by Step g...
Duration: 00:21:16Ep 95 Stump Be Gone: Effective Strategies for Tree Stump Elimination
Sep 21, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Thank you to the person who asked me about stump removal this week – it felt a bit like when I was working in the garden centers again in my youth. In this episode I bust 5 stump removal myths and give you effective strategies for tree stump elimination. Even if you don’t have any stumps in your garden its worth a listen.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always...
Duration: 00:16:17Ep 94 Spring Planter Upgrades + A new Freebie
Sep 14, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
While out and about this week I bumped into a friend of a friend that also happens to listen to the podcast and she asked me two key questions the 1st was for some advice regarding her planters, more specifically how she could get them looking good over spring and the 2nd was she asked me what a gardening coach actually was so I decided to address both.
I’m going to dive into the spring planter upgrades 1st and I’m not j...
Duration: 00:16:43Ep 93 The art of decluttering your garden.
Sep 07, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
This week I was listening to a law of attraction podcast and the host was talking about decluttering and specifically mentioning Marie kondo who is highly regarded in the world of decluttering. Now I had a thought at the time why can this not be applied to the garden and it got my creative juices flowing so putting pen to paper I sat down and made a heap of notes as to how it would and could apply to my own garden this the...
Duration: 00:19:37Ep 92 The composting fundamentals - anyone can compost at home Urban or rural
Aug 31, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
I originally had three questions proposed to me around composting and as such I found myself going quite in-depth with their answers. In this episode I cover the fundamentals of composting and also a list of materials and what they are for to get yourself set up with a composting capability in both an urban and a rural environment.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can b...
Duration: 00:20:15Ep 91 What is the true cost of creating a vegetable garden.
Aug 24, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
If you are new to the garden scene or you have moved into a new place or are just looking at creating a new vegetable garden - then this episode is for you. I cover a number of pros and cons of establishing your vegetable gardens and cover a list of the top items and roughly their associated costs you will need to create a vegetable garden from start to finish. Of course there are other items that I could have included but for...
Duration: 00:23:14Ep 90 Never go hungry with these Top 10 vegetable garden staples.
Aug 17, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Basically I discussed vegetables that you can grow all year round with most of them if you grow them in excess - you can easily store and or freeze the produce with a bit of preparation and fill the freezer for those months that may be a bit lacking in the vegetable garden growth department.
Most of these vegetables can be grown in pots and planters as well so in theory no matter where you are and regardless of your budget growing a...
Duration: 00:20:23Ep 89 Heading into Spring at full throttle – Priority list.
Aug 10, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Creating my spring priority list is probably the most important part of my growing season. The priority’s I cover in today's episode I can't stress enough how important these priorities are for me and my garden. It's the difference between getting it right for my family so we do have enough produce throughout the spring, summer and autumn growing seasons.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always...
Duration: 00:21:29EP 88 Oh dear the in-laws are coming - 5 quick garden colour up hacks that will turn your garden from bla to wow!
Aug 03, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
I loved recording this episode - the person that asked me this question was in a real pinch and we ended up coming up with a number of different methodologies to get her garden looking pretty sharp in a very short amount of time ready for her in-laws. Some of it can be done on the cheap and yes she may have to spend some dosh but ultimately the in-laws will never know how dreary it was before they arrived.
I hope y...
Duration: 00:14:47Ep 87 Hanging baskets for all seasons
Jul 27, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
This particular episode as a very casual look at some of the key points you need to grow a successful and vibrant hanging basket basically throughout the whole year. Hanging baskets do require a little bit more maintenance than the average planter box or pot plant but they are worth it especially if you're limited in growing spaces
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be d...
Duration: 00:17:55Ep 86 Growing in & mastering Planter Boxes for all spaces.
Jul 20, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In today's episode, we're diving into the world of planter boxes—your ticket to a flourishing garden, which can happen in any space and in any place and on any budget. Whether you're a budding gardener or a seasoned green thumb, join us as we explore the secrets to growing and mastering planter boxes, turning areas into lush, vibrant oases.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Garden...
Duration: 00:32:34Ep 85: 4 Low Maintenance Gardening Methods I use personally with Fantastic Results.
Jul 13, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
I’m all about efficiency this week - I use all four of these low maintenance gardening methods that I talk about in this episode in my own garden and I assure you - I am time poor but I’m still harvesting year-round and my garden thrives. I do cover a number of both pros and cons for each of the 4 low maintenance methods which will hopefully give you an informed idea of what the requirements are if you do choose to instigate one...
Duration: 00:25:38Ep 84: Mastering germination and seedling growth.
Jul 06, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
If your thinking I can throw some seed into the soil and add a bit of water and poof I have germination and seedlings - how hard can it be – well your not wrong - it does work like that but if you really want to maximise your germination rates and get your best bang for your buck then this episode is for you 😊
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As al...
Duration: 00:22:23Ep 83: 5 Pro tips for managing your seeds from seed set to pre germination.
Jun 29, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In today’s episode we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of seed setting, harvesting, storage, the optimal storage materials and viability testing. Whether you’re a master gardener or just someone with a love for watching things grow, this episode is packed with pro tips and answers to your most pressing questions.
Have you ever wondered why some seeds fail to germinate despite your best efforts? Or perhaps you're curious about the precise conditions needed for optimal seed setting in variou...
Duration: 00:19:04Ep 82 Preserving your harvests & food storage
Jun 22, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Due to yet another massive grocery bill I started really thinking about some of the things I used to do to preserve our own food especially when I was growing up and even when I was saving up for my house deposit everything was preserved either frozen or dried and or dehydrated. I remember doing some preservation when my daughter was a Bubba putting Peaches in light syrup things like that. These are recipes & methodologies that the current generation are missing out on and...
Duration: 00:23:25Organic gardening 101.
Jun 15, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
After talking to a property owner at work this week and their mission to turn their orchard into a certified organic orchard it inspired today’s episode. I’m covering some of the organic growing basics and I have also included a natural weedkiller recipe. DM me if you would like me to send it through to you.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done i...
Duration: 00:22:16Ep 80 Edible landscaping & how you can apply it into your garden.
Jun 08, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
After harvesting a bucket full of persimmon fruit out of the garden I realized that most of my garden is made up of an edible landscape and this year we have had almost year round fruit and veg as well as a great amount of insects including butterflies and it fully inspired todays episode. Every day there has been something different going on in the garden.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gar...
Duration: 00:22:58Ep 79 Regenerative gardening. What is it & how to apply it.
Jun 01, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
After last week’s episode I was inspired to talk about healing my garden hence todays episode on regenerative gardening.
Regenerative gardening is an approach to growing plants that focuses on enhancing the health and vitality of the entire ecosystem within the garden. This method goes beyond the principles of organic gardening by emphasizing the restoration and rejuvenation of the garden's soil, biodiversity, and overall ecological balance. The main goal of regenerative gardening is not only to produce healthy and sustainable crops but...
Duration: 00:35:13Ep 78 Common Mistakes Made when Small Space Gardening.
May 25, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Gardening in small spaces, including urban areas, presents unique challenges that can lead to common mistakes. Understanding these pitfalls can help gardeners maximize their small-space gardens' potential. In this episode I cover ten of the most common mistakes made when conducting small space gardening and I cover ways in which to avoid and or remedy them.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done in a...
Duration: 00:32:36Ep 77 Creating Climate-Resilient Gardens
May 18, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Climate-resilient gardening is not just a trend but a necessary shift in how we approach our gardens amidst changing weather patterns and environmental challenges. As gardeners, adopting practices that enhance our gardens' resilience to climate variability brings numerous benefits, vital for both personal satisfaction and the broader ecological impact.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on a...
Duration: 00:26:47Ep 76 The ongoing struggle with weeds - is it worth it?
May 11, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Engaging in the ongoing battle against pests and weeds in a garden can sometimes feel like a never ending task, where the fruits of one's labour are often consumed by uninvited guests, or overgrown by opportunistic plants. However, this struggle is not only worth it but integral to the gardening process, in this episode I delve into why its worth the effort with tips and tricks to make it easier.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to gra...
Duration: 00:25:37Ep 75 Cultivating Cash from Your Garden
May 04, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
This episode goes deep into a number of questions asked by fallow gardeners as to ways you can monetize your garden with a number of them, I asked myself as I was going through this research journey which has led me to grow our mushrooms and currently looking at utilizing dead space to grow hydroponic lettuces for markets.
A gardener might consider monetizing their garden for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to offset some of the costs associated with ga...
Duration: 00:32:35Ep 74 Getting winter ready with Secrets to a Flourishing Cold-Season Garden
Apr 27, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Winter gardening presents unique challenges and opportunities, leading gardeners to seek advice on how to navigate the colder months successfully.
In this episode I cover a number of gardening secrets that once revealed will totally help your wither garden thrive.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget.
Freebies DM me...
Duration: 00:21:34Ep 73 Mastering Indoor Winter Plant Care
Apr 20, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Maintaining indoor plants during the winter months can be a challenging task due to the lower levels of light, drier air, and cooler temperatures. However, with a few strategic moves, you can keep your green friends thriving even during the coldest season. Remember, each plant has its unique needs, so it's important to consider the specific requirements of your indoor garden inhabitants.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As a...
Duration: 00:19:09Ep 72 Rose care from planting to pruning.
Apr 13, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
One of my nemesis in the garden has to be the Rose Bush and I say that with much love and affection. Roses love to hate me and I have had to work quite hard for some of my rose bushes to flower exceptionally well over the years. This episode goes over a number of pointers from planting to pruning and of course I had to pop in some equipment maintenance techniques.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t fo...
Duration: 00:21:07Ep 71 Garden structures that successfully enhance plant growth.
Apr 08, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Every year I tell myself I am not going to plant beef steak tomatoes and every year I end up planting them and creating an amazing mess for myself because the fruit are so big and the plants get too big and I end up putting supports in place too late in the season so my fruit sit on the ground and rot or the plants themselves get diseased. This year however I was a little bit more onto it and as such I...
Duration: 00:20:43Ep 75 Cultivating Cash from Your Garden
Apr 06, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
This episode goes deep into a number of questions asked by fallow gardeners as to ways you can monetize your garden with a number of them, I asked myself as I was going through this research journey which has led me to grow our mushrooms and currently looking at utilizing dead space to grow hydroponic lettuces for markets.
A gardener might consider monetizing their garden for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it offers an opportunity to offset some of the costs associated with ga...
Duration: 00:32:35Ep 70 Tired Gardens? No problem! here are a few easy ways to revive it.
Mar 30, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
With the change in seasons gardens can get very tired looking. This episode looks at some simple ways to revive a tired old garden,
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.
As always Gardening can be done in any space, in any place and on any budget.
Freebies DM me for:
Nasturtium Pesto recipe.
If you are ready to grab a freebi...
Duration: 00:19:54Ep 69 Passive gardening secrets revealed.
Mar 23, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
With the jostle of todays pressures to get a million things done in a day - the garden is often the last thing that is managed. Especially in my household with a preteen, a partner that runs several business and my own endeavors. This episode looks at a number of ways to passively garden and still have it looking amazing and productive for the least amount of work.
I hope you enjoy today's episode.
Don’t forget to grab one of my ga...
Ep 68 Effective ways to maximize garden harvests using recycled materials.
Mar 16, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
I had an interesting discussion this week around using recycled materials in the garden and especially because I use a lot of recycled beehive boxes after the bees have finished with them. It prompted me to have a chat about some of the items that I use in our garden that saves me heap of money and in some cases highly benefit the environment. In this episode I go over a few different uses of how I do use the honey beehive boxes and...
Duration: 00:21:12Ep 67 The top 10 plants to grow in your garden for home remedy utilization.
Mar 10, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
Over the last few years I regularly get asked about growing herbs and making home remedies is something I just grew up with as a day-to-day regular event - little did I know that it wasn't the norm. So in this episode I cover 10 common herbs to grow in your garden especially for home remedy utilization and I also cover quite in-depthly how to utilize sage as a home purifier. I guess if it's not something you grew up with then it may be...
Duration: 00:19:38EP 66 Thinking of Planting Subtropical’s in your garden? Then ask yourself these questions first.
Mar 02, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
In today's episode I go into a little bit of depth around the type of questions you would be asking yourself if you are looking at growing subtropical plants in your gardens - now surprisingly subtropical plants are more popular then you think, I also cover a few very basic subtropical fruits you can grow in your garden with very little extra time or care required and you'll probably find you already have one of these 5 growing in your garden.
I hope y...
Duration: 00:17:53Ep 65 Creating the right privacy screen in your garden.
Feb 17, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
As our population grows so does the housing density around our homes. What used to be a quaint small 2 bedroom home next door with the sweetest older couple has been rebuilt and is now a massive 3 bedroom home that looks straight into our section and lounge with new tenants that have filled every room. It has removed all of our and their privacy. It took my partner and I on a whole new gardening mission this week making it the perfect topic for this...
Duration: 00:16:32Ep 64 Parks & Garden Tree Maintenance with or without Herbicides?
Feb 10, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
How many of our parks & gardens have their big majestic trees managed with the use of herbicides to suppress the weeds at the base of the trees which at the end of the day is mostly only completed / treated for aesthetics.
We already know that there are several effective alternative methods for managing weeds around the base of a tree without resorting to using herbicides and this episode looks at some of these alternative methods of weed suppression. Let me know your t...
Duration: 00:19:15Ep 63 Diabetic Friendly Gardening - What Vegetables to avoid & What to grow more of.
Feb 04, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
When garden planning I have always promoted knowing what it is to grow enough for your family's needs and in this case grow what will benefit your family the most. With the health changes in my family situation I have had to take a good look at what to focus on and it isnt the normal staples. In todays episode I go deep into the what Im going to grow less of and what I'm going to grow more off especially as we now have a...
Ep 62 The Hype Behind Edible Flowers.
Jan 28, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
For that average family dinner its not common to add flowers into a salad.
However, Edible flowers are a fun and unique way to add a burst of colour and flavour to your meals. Edible flowers can be grown at home and you would be surprised what you already have growing in your garden at home.
You don’t have to go to a 5star restaurant to experience fine dinning you can do that in your own home from items found right her...
Ep 61 Reflecting back over the last 4 Seasons and the lessons learned.
Jan 20, 2024Hi and Welcome to another episode of The Messed Up Gardener.
No matter how experienced you are in the garden you are bound to mess up and because I know I make mistakes I will never claim to be a master Gardner. In this episode I cover 3 of my probably biggest Boo boos over the last year and I acknowledged with the bad weather that I haven't spent as much time in the garden as I would have liked but these are and were easily avoidable whoopsies ultimately they cost me time, money and several...
Duration: 00:15:57