Our Simple Garden Life Podcast Reaches No. 1 on Goodpods
QUAKER CITY – Old World Garden owners Jim and Mary Competti’s Our Simple Garden Life podcast ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the Home & Garden category worldwide for April on Goodpods, a global platform that features and ranks millions of podcasts.
The pair operates six websites, along with a podcast and YouTube channel. Their main website provides additional information and access to the podcast.
“We were incredibly honored to learn the podcast moved up to the #2 spot in the Home & Garden category worldwide on Goodpods,” the Compettis said. “For us, it’s a reflection of the amazing support from our listeners who tune in each week, share episodes, and engage with our content.”
The couple originally learned earlier in April that the podcast had reached the No. 2 spot. As of Wednesday, it has moved into the No. 1 position in the Home & Garden category worldwide on Goodpods.
“It’s kind of neat for us to know we can do this right here in Guernsey County,” Jim said. “It just shows people like talking about gardening in a down-to-earth way.”
Goodpods rankings are based on real listener engagement, including follows, listens, shares and recommendations.
According to the couple, the podcast focuses on helping everyday people grow better gardens. They share practical tips, real-life experiences from their farm and easy-to-follow advice listeners can use, from growing healthier vegetables to naturally keeping weeds out and maintaining flowerbeds.
New episodes are released weekly during the garden season. The couple shared that the podcast was inspired by their website and the questions they receive from readers.
“People wanted more detail, more conversation, and a deeper connection, and the podcast gave us a way to do exactly that,” Jim said. “It allows us to teach, share stories, and connect with listeners in a much more personal way.”
Owners of The Farm at Old World Garden, Jim and Mary Competti, stand with their flowers at the garden. ©Barnesville Area News File Photo.
The Compettis said the podcast’s ranking is humbling. They noted that while their original goal was to help others and share what they have learned over the years, seeing their message reach a global audience and earn that level of recognition is especially rewarding. They added that the achievement motivates them to continue creating helpful and honest content.
The couple first learned of the ranking through an email notification before confirming it on the official list.
“At first, it was a bit of disbelief, like, ‘Is this real?’” Mary said. “And then it quickly turned into excitement and gratitude.”
The Compettis believe their podcast stands out because it is rooted in hands-on experience.
“We’re not just talking about gardening,” Jim said. “We’re out in the garden every day, testing what works and what doesn’t.”
They added that they strive to keep their content straightforward, easy to understand and honest. The podcast is geared toward both beginners and experienced gardeners.
“I think people connect with that authenticity,” he said. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about helping people succeed and have fun with gardening.”
They also noted that the recognition is especially meaningful because of their local roots. While everything they share comes from their own farm, they believe the ideas of growing food and caring for outdoor spaces are universal.
The Compettis launched their gardening website 15 years ago. Today, they have nearly one million followers across their platforms and more than 150 million annual web visitors from 240 countries.
“We’re just incredibly thankful. Whether someone listens to one episode or every episode, it means the world to us,” said Mary.
“Our goal has always been to help people grow and live a little better, and we did that through our websites for years. Now the podcast allows us to reach a whole new audience helping make people aware of our farm here as well.”
Originally from Nashport, the Compettis purchased the Old World Garden property in October 2020, with construction getting underway in January 2022.
The farm now features a party barn and event center, grassland garden, one-mile walking path, pond and pavilion area with a pickleball court, three sleeping cabins, more than three miles of hiking trails, a courtyard, meadow, wedding pavilion and two Airbnb houses.
The farm is located south of I-70 and the Village of Fairview at 65780 Pisgah Road, Quaker City. More information on the business is available on the farm website or Facebook page.
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