Summer gardening should be about sunshine and fresh veggies, not swatting and scratching. So, this week on Just Grow Something we dig into the science and strategy behind controlling two of the most irritating garden pests that go after the gardeners, not our plants: ticks and mosquitoes. Learn which ones are in your region, understand the risks they carry, and implement practical, research-backed solutions to protect yourself and your family while in the garden.

From landscape tweaks to personal protection hacks and a game-changing DIY mosquito trap, this episode has everything you need to enjoy your garden bite-free.

We cover:

• Common tick species by region and associated diseases
• Mosquito types and their disease vectors
• Natural vs. chemical repellent options
• Landscaping tips to deter pests
• How to build a “Bucket of Doom” mosquito trap

Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alpha-gal-syndrome/in-depth/tick-species/art-20546861?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://extension.psu.edu/using-insect-and-tick-repellents-safely

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/summer_safety_part_3_mosquitoes_and_ticks

https://cals.cornell.edu/integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/ticks/managing-ticks-landscape

https://hawxpestcontrol.com/how-to-treat-standing-water-to-prevent-mosquitoes-in-your-yard

https://extension.sdstate.edu/how-avoid-being-dinner-preventing-tick-and-mosquito-bites

https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/PicaridinGen.html

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-deet-bad-for-you-and-your-kids

https://ticksafety.com/about-ticks/seed-ticks-tick-bombs/

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

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Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

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In this short and snippy episode, we dig into a classic gardening technique known as the Chelsea Chop. Named after the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this late spring/early summer pruning method can help home gardeners promote bushier growth, delay blooms for season-long color, and support pollinators with flowering perennials in the garden.

If you’re looking to add more beauty to your veggie garden and boost the productivity of your perennials, this episode is your green-thumb guide to giving those flowers a haircut.

Today on Just Grow Something we're talking:

• What the Chelsea Chop is and why it's done
• Ideal plants for the technique (Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Phlox, and more)
• Different pruning strategies and how to choose the right one
• The timing of the chop based on your climate and plant maturity
• Benefits for both aesthetics and garden health (more airflow, fewer pests!)

The Chelsea Chop is more than just a cut—it's a strategic move to shape your garden and support pollinators. Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

RHS Chelsea Chop: https://www.rhs.org.uk/pruning/chelsea-chop

BBC Gardener's World, How to Do the Chelsea Chop: https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/how-to-do-the-chelsea-chop/

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomethingAmazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething

There’s a persistent myth floating around on social media that gardening is too expensive to be worth the effort when it comes to saving money on groceries. But what if I told you that with the right strategies, your backyard (or balcony!) garden could not only feed your family but actually save you money?

Today on Just Grow Something, we’re busting the myth thatgrowing your own food can’t compete with grocery store prices. We’ll explore how your location, soil type, and choices in the garden can make a huge difference in your return on investment. From essential tools and inputs to skip-the-splurge items and savvy seed saving, we’re diving deep into the real numbers and practical tips that make gardening not just a hobby—but a financially smart one. Let’s dig in!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why some crops offer more bang for your buck than others
• What you really need to spend money on in your garden—and what you don’t
• How to track your gardening costs and harvest value to measure your savings
• Budget-friendly strategies like starting from seed, making your own compost, and using free or recycled materials
• How to choose crops and garden methods based on your climate and soil type for maximum return

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant atHeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Get 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raisedplanters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593

USDA Inflation Tracking – Retail Produce Prices: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/fruit-and-vegetable-prices

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/

Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething