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.

Like, subscribe, and share for more organic gardening and homesteading content from Southeast Texas!

In this episode of The Compost Pile we are breaking down the basics of Fertilizer.

Learn why organic options like compost, fish emulsion, and seaweed extracts build long-term soil health, while synthetic fertilizers give a quick boost but can leave your soil hungry later.

. We will explore different elements including:

• organic vs. synthetic
• slow-release vs quick release
• pH
• How fertilizer works with soil and microbes

Whether you’re growing veggies, fruit trees, or flower beds, this episode will help you make smarter, more sustainable choices for your garden.

Episode 1: The Organic Gardening Fundamental Series: Understanding the Basics of Healthy Soil

Welcome to The Compost Pile: Breaking Down How to Grow in Zone 9a! In this first episode, we’re laying the foundation for every successful garden—literally—by talking all about soil.

We’ll dig into: What soil is really made of (and why “dirt” isn’t the same thing)

• How to build the ideal soil mix for raised beds
• The role of microbes—like fungi and bacteria—in creating living, healthy soil
• Why soil pH matters and how to keep it balanced
• How heat and humidity affect your soil here in Zone 9a

Whether you’re starting your first raised bed or improving an existing garden, this episode will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and how to keep your soil alive, balanced, and thriving all year long.

Hosted by: Aaron Barnhill & David Pool

Zone 9a | Southeast Texas Gardening

Subscribe for weekly episodes on soil, compost, fertilizers, watering, and everything in between.

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Visit us in-store at Mid County Farm & Feed Supply, Nederland, TX

#GardeningPodcast #Zone9a #TheCompostPile #SoilHealth #OrganicGardening #RaisedBeds #TexasGardening

We are launching our new channel to give you to scoop on all things gardening, homesteading, and more. We will be breaking down information to help you be more successful in the garden. Your hosts, David & Aaron will be starting out with a fundamentals series to help form the foundation for success.