Podcasts · The Beginner's Garden with Jill McSheehy

496 - 5 Garden Projects in 2026: were they worth it?

· 33 min · Episode 496

Episode 496 - 5 Garden Projects in 2026: were they worth it?

0:00 33:16

Have you ever spent time and money on a garden project, only to wonder if it was worth it?

Some garden projects make growing easier, while others don't hold up as well as we'd hoped.

This year, I tested five garden projects, including raised bed trellises, a garden washing station, irrigation upgrades, and a self-watering raised bed.

In this episode, I'm sharing what worked, what didn't, and what I'd do differently. I'll also share the projects I'm considering for next season and why I'm being more intentional about what I add to my garden.

Free Garden Planning Resource: 5-Day Garden Audit Before you plan next year's garden, take a few minutes to reflect on this year's lessons with my free five-day email series: https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/audit

Plan Your Next Garden Season

Dream to Garden Online Course

If you're ready to plan next year's garden, Dream to Garden walks you through planting dates, succession planting, garden layout, and planning your projects before the growing season begins.

https://journeywithjill.net/pcaudio/dreamtogarden

Trellis YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/QtJBWnja5VU?si=K1A7o_u28lykPzGM

Key Takeaways

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Learn why my inexpensive arch trellises didn't last the season and what I'll look for next time.

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Discover how obelisk trellises can add vertical growing space to raised beds.

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See why an outdoor produce washing station became one of my favorite garden additions.

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Explore irrigation options for garden beds far from a water source.

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Find out how my self-watering raised bed performed during a dry growing season.

Chapters

00:00 – Garden projects worth trying

03:19 – Reflect before planning next season

03:40 – Arch trellises: Beauty versus durability

10:44 – Obelisk trellises for vertical growing

13:45 – Creating an outdoor produce washing station

19:32 – Supporting plants with Organic Rev

21:27 – Improving irrigation in a large garden

26:19 – Self-watering raised bed update

31:06 – Garden projects I'm considering next

33:43 – Planning a manageable garden season

37:05 – Share your garden projects

Resource Links

Free 5-Day Garden Audit: Reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what you want to change before planning next season.

https://journeywithjill.net/audit

The Beginner's Garden Resource Vault: Get complimentary access to growing guides, charts, and practical gardening resources.

https://journeywithjill.net/free-garden-downloads

Recommended Brands & Products:

https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Connect with Jill

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Friday Emails: https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

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YouTube: https://journeywithjill.net/youtube-podcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeginnersgarden/

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Podcast and Gardening Resources: https://journeywithjill.net/

Sponsor for This Episode

Organic Rev

Organic Rev is a soil and plant support product I've used for years, especially when transplanting and helping plants through stressful growing conditions. It supports beneficial soil microbes, nutrient availability, and root health.

Use code JILL10 for 10% off your order.

https://journeywithjill.net/organicrev

Discount subject to current promotional terms.

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.

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