n this solo episode, David breaks down the key fundamentals of starting tomato and pepper seeds successfully, whether you’re growing for a backyard garden, raised beds, or containers.

We cover the most important building blocks for strong, healthy seedlings, including:

• Choosing the right containers
• Selecting a proper growing medium for seed starting
• How and when to water without causing common issues
• Understanding light requirements and why windowsills often fall short
• The role of heat in germination and early growth

This episode is designed to help gardeners avoid common seed-starting mistakes and build confidence heading into the growing season. Whether you’re brand new to seed starting or looking to refine your process, this walkthrough will set you up for success from day one.

Perfect for gardeners in warm climates, beginners, and anyone wanting stronger transplants before planting outdoors.

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.