Plants want to grow—but they don’t always grow upright. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down everything you need to know about plant support materials and how choosing the right one can improve plant health, yields, and overall garden success.

We cover the different types of plant supports—including stakes, cages, trellises, and DIY options—along with the materials they’re made from, how quality impacts longevity, and which supports work best for common garden crops.

You’ll also learn when to install supports, how to avoid common mistakes, and how proper support improves airflow, disease resistance, and harvest efficiency—especially in Zone 9a gardens.

Whether you’re growing tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, flowers, or vining crops, this episode will help you support your plants the right way from the ground up.

Topics covered: Types of plant supports and what they’re best used for Comparing materials: metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, and more Quality vs. cost: what’s worth investing in.

Practical advice, fewer broken plants, and better harvests—let’s talk plant support.

Container gardening is one of the most flexible and accessible ways to grow plants—whether you’re short on space, dealing with poor soil, or gardening in a hot, humid climate like Zone 9a. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we break down everything you need to know about container gardening, from choosing the right containers to soil mixes, watering practices, and long-term plant care.

We discuss the pros and cons of growing in containers, compare different container types (plastic, ceramic, fabric grow bags, raised planters, and more), and explain why soil selection matters more in pots than in the ground. You’ll also learn how container gardening changes watering and fertilizing routines, how heat affects root systems, and common mistakes gardeners make that limit success.

Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, flowers, or fruit trees in containers, this episode will help you grow healthier plants and get better results—especially in USDA Zone 9a and similar southern climates.

Topics covered include:

• Benefits and limitations of container gardening
• Best containers for vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals
• Soil and drainage considerations for pots
• Watering and fertilizing containers in hot weather
• How container gardening differs from in-ground growing
• Tips for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike

Perfect for gardeners, homesteaders, patio growers, renters, and anyone looking to grow more—no matter the space.

In Episode 8 of The Compost Pile, we dig into the cultural practices that separate struggling gardens from thriving ones—especially here in USDA Zone 9a. From crop rotation and watering practices to cover crops, soil protection, and long-term garden planning, this episode focuses on the habits that quietly do the heavy lifting in an organic garden.

We discuss why rotating crops helps prevent pest and disease pressure, how watering strategies change with heat and humidity, and how cover crops can improve soil structure, fertility, and microbial life. You’ll also hear practical tips for raised beds, in-ground gardens, and small-space growers looking to work with nature instead of against it.

Whether you’re gardening, homesteading, or just getting started, this episode will help you build healthier soil, stronger plants, and a more resilient garden season after season.

Hosted by David Pool with co-host Aaron Barnhill

The Compost Pile: Breaking Down How to Grow in Zone 9a

Onions are a staple in the Zone 9a garden—but timing and variety selection make all the difference. In this episode of The Compost Pile, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill break down everything you need to know about successfully growing onions in our warm Southern climate.

We cover what makes short-day onions essential for Zone 9a, when to plant onions for the best bulb formation, and the differences between bulb onions, bunching onions, multiplying onions, and shallots. You’ll also learn best practices for growing onions in raised beds, proper spacing, fertilization, watering, and how to know when onions are ready to harvest. We wrap up with tips on curing and storing onions so your harvest lasts well beyond the growing season.

Whether you’re planting onions for the first time or looking to improve your yields, this episode is packed with practical, zone-specific advice for organic gardeners and homesteaders.

Hosted by David Pool (Mid County Farm & Feed) and Aaron Barnhill.

This episode dives into one of the biggest success levers in organic gardening and homesteading: water. Learn how to properly water raised beds and in-ground gardens in Zone 9a, set smart frequency targets, and test moisture so you know when plants actually need a drink. We unpack why pH (and alkalinity) matters, common tap-water pitfalls (chlorine/chloramine, hardness), and why rainwater is often a game-changer—especially for acid-loving plants and container gardening. Plus, simple upgrades (drip, timers, mulch) that save water and boost plant health.

Episode 4 – The Organic Gardening Fundamental Series: Companion Planting & Plant Diversity

Hosted by David Pool, your Homesteading & Organic Gardening Enthusiast, and Aaron Barnhill, your resident new home gardeners.

In this episode of The Compost Pile: Breaking Down How to Grow in Zone 9a, hosts David and Aaron explore one of the most practical—and fascinating—principles of organic gardening: companion planting. Discover how pairing the right plants can improve soil health, deter pests, attract vital pollinators, and make your raised beds more productive all year long.

We’ll break down the “why” behind plant partnerships, share proven fall companion planting combinations for Zone 9a, and explain how adding flowers of different shapes, colors, and bloom times creates a thriving ecosystem for your garden or homestead. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting your backyard gardening journey, this episode will help you cultivate a more resilient, beautiful, and sustainable space that truly grows better together.

Episode 3 — The Organic Gardening Fundamental Series - Know Your Environment

Hosted by David Pool, your Homesteading & Organic Gardening Enthusiast, and Aaron Barnhill, your resident new home gardeners.

Your garden’s success starts long before you plant. In this episode of The Compost Pile, David and Aaron dive into the environmental factors every Zone 9a gardener, homesteader, and organic grower must understand. From sunlight patterns to soil moisture to microclimates, we break down how to set up your raised beds, pollinator gardens, and backyard spaces for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn

• How to map full sun, partial sun, and shade in your yard

• Why afternoon shade is a game-changer for summer gardening in Zone 9a

• Municipal water vs. rainwater — which is better for organic gardening?

• How microclimates affect pollinators, vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees

• Tips for creating healthier soil, happier plants, and more resilient gardens

Whether you're building your first organic garden, expanding your homestead, or setting up a space to attract beneficial pollinators, this episode teaches you how to work with your environment — not against it.

Listen, learn, and grow smarter in Zone 9a. Your garden (and your pollinators!) will thank you.

Cold snaps happen fast in Zone 9a, and your garden needs a game plan. In this episode of The Compost Pile: Breaking Down How to Grow in Zone 9a, hosts David Pool and Aaron Barnhill sit down with our friend and local plant enthusiast Tom Wright for a relaxed but info-packed conversation about protecting your plants when temperatures drop.

We break down simple, practical steps every gardener or homeowner can take to prepare for frost or a hard freeze, including:

- How to properly cover plants (and what not to use)

- Why watering before a freeze matters

- How to create simple habitats to attract them

- The safe, effective use of lights and heat sources

- Choosing which plants to prioritize

- Tom’s real-life process for protecting his own plant collection

… and plenty of Zone 9a–specific tips you can use right away.

Whether you’re tending raised beds, container gardens, ornamentals, or fruit trees, this episode will help you stay ahead of cold weather and keep your plants thriving all winter long.

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