We dig into the world of direct sow gardening and share our favorite tips for growing a thriving garden straight from seed. We talk about the benefits and challenges of direct sowing, our favorite cool and warm season crops, and practical techniques for timing, spacing, watering, and improving germination success.

In this episode you will learn:

• What direct sowing is and why it’s great for beginner gardeners
• The benefits and challenges of planting seeds directly in the garden
• Which cool season crops are best for direct sowing
• Which warm weather crops thrive when direct seeded
• Why some plants dislike transplanting and grow better from seed outdoors
• How soil temperature affects seed germination and plant success
• Why frost dates are only a guideline — and what to pay attention to instead
• Tips for timing your planting based on your own garden conditions
• Proper seed planting depth and spacing techniques
• Why thinning seedlings is important and how to use the sprouts
• How to keep seed beds moist for better germination rates
• Using mulch to conserve moisture and protect young seedlings
• Easy beginner-friendly crops to start direct sowing with
• Simple tricks for improving germination and garden success
• Real-life gardening experiences from our spring season at Small House Farm

More gardening advice can be found in Bevin's books, Herbs in Every Season, Grow Great Vegetables, and Saving Our Seeds. Shop all books at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product-category/books/

Shop Small House Heirloom and Organic Seed Collection at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/

Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.

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It’s easy to “eat the rainbow” when you’re growing one right in your own backyard!

Author and gardener Sandra Mao is joining us to talk about her new book Vibrant Harvest.

Sandra started to grow fruit trees and other edibles when she moved to California. Because of the blessings of the weather and lack of freezing temperatures, she is able to grow most vegetables and fruits year-round - though her content is aimed at gardeners from all growing zones. She loves helping new gardeners start growing their own food by sharing her passion for growing colorful and productive varieties, offering unique tips and tricks, and teaching others how to use the harvest wisely.

Follow Sandra on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/

Buy your copy of Vibrant Harvest at https://amzn.to/4cCz5WD

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.

Support the show

We’re digging into one of the most overlooked plants in our landscape, dandelion, specifically Taraxacum officinale. What most people see as a weed, we see as a powerhouse of flavor, nutrition, and medicine...and we’re excited to share why.

We walk you through how to properly identify dandelion (and avoid common lookalikes), when and how to harvest each part of the plant, and why timing makes all the difference. From there, we head into the kitchen, where we share simple, practical ways to use dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots—from fresh spring greens to infused vinegars and even homemade coffee alternatives.

Then we step into the apothecary, where dandelion really shines. We talk about how we use it to support digestion, nourish the body, and create everything from mineral-rich tonics to soothing herbal oils.

Along the way, we also reflect on the bigger picture—how a plant we’ve been taught to "despise" might actually be one of the most valuable allies growing right at our feet. So the next time you see a dandelion, don't reach for the shovel to remove it, reach for it with curiosity instead!

Enjoy dandelion inspired products by Small House:
https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/all-about-dandelions/

Learn more about infusing oils to make herbal salves:
https://youtu.be/Rdq-ccoiBdg?si=8WoggWT5-XB8rme_

Harvest and eat dandelion greens with our recipe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JYJYLGCW04

Learn more about dandelion and other beneficial herbs with Bevin's book Herbs in Every Season: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/herbs-in-every-season/

Explore our Plant of the Month series on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/smallhousefarm

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.

Support the show