The Northern Grower

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The Northern Gardener is a podcast host by Erin Colborn, an avid gardener and professional educator. Her focus is on gardening in northern climates, things like season extension, hardy crops and greenhouse technologies etc. Living in zone 3, Northern Canada gives her ample opportunity to experiment with the ideas and suggestions discussed in this podcast. She also is a founding member of a vegetable seed company based in Northern Canada. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the show, we hope you liked what you heard!

Erin


    • Apr 25, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 55 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Northern Grower

    Choosing to Homestead for Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2023 24:25


    There seems to be so much division and fear out there and one day after a day spent in too much sun, I processed my thoughts about why I choose to homestead and garden. I choose to find joy in homesteading and purpose in a positive mindset. In this episode I share my rambling thoughts about why we need the good and the joyful in our homesteading lives. *No intro with this ep as I'm playing around with finding a new one-again!https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrower

    Starting a Garden on a budget, money saving tips and tricks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2023 29:16


    If you are trying to save money when it comes to gardening or starting your garden with a limited budget I share some money saving ideas and tips in this episode. These are some of the little ways we have managed to save money when it comes to growing our garden over the years.  So if you are interested in how to start a garden on a budget then you can find some ideas and inspiration here! I also share that many of the money saving tips involve community work and the importance of communities coming together can make positive change! Links: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrower**APOLOGIES for the squeaky chair in the background, I'm working on a new podcasting space this month and that should hopefully mean no squeaky chair and better sound room! Intro Music: Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Introduction to Moon Gardening or Lunar Phase Gardening

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2023 16:39


    With the rise and resurgence of gardening, growing and folk traditions I explore the ancient practice of moon gardening. In this episode I provide an introduction to lunar phase gardening as well as some old folklore practices on bringing the power of the moon into your gardening habits and practices.The Northern Grower | Instagram | LinktreeIntro Credits:  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/email the show at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

    Apothecary Gardening

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2023 26:33


    In this episode Erin shares about one of her favorite subjects-apothecary gardening. Apothecary gardening and growing home and herbal remedies is going through a revival, in part thanks to a combination of the modern homesteading and self sufficiency movements, the back to the land revival and resurgence of traditional skills and modern witch movement. Erin takes a look at the history of the apothecary garden and shares a few favorites to grow for those planning a kitchen or herb garden of their own! Links: The Northern Grower | Instagram | LinktreeEmail: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comIntro Credit:  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ History and Information Sources for the Episode:Women's Business: 17th-Century Female Pharmacists | Science History Institute Home - The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries

    Cold Climate Growing: What Seeds I'm Starting in January and February

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2023 22:41


    As a cold climate grower, growing in zones 3-4 I have to start some of my seeds early. One method is to start sowing seeds indoors, ready for transplant later. In this episode I share what seeds to start in January and February if you are a cold climate grower. Links: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Fall/Mabon/Autumn Traditions and Practices

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 23:52


    In this episode I briefly move away from gardening to discuss practices and traditions that we observe here on the homestead to recognize the harvest season. From a Mabon altar to harvest feasts and activities this lifestyle episode can hopefully give you some ideas to start some fall traditions in your household. The next episode will focus on pumpkin uses and saving pumpkin seeds!email the show at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comThe Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree (blog, seeds, instagram)Intro Track: Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    Modern Homesteading: The Value of Learning Traditional Skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2022 39:22


    Whether you are trying to practice homesteading, slow living, find more sustainability in your life or simply feeling overwhelmed with all the gardening and preserving of food. This episode can hopefully serve as a motivator and reminder that what you are doing is important. I discuss why it is valuable and important to continue or begin to learn homestead skills. I share my story and some listeners also contributed with their reasons why they are homesteading or choosing to learn traditional skills and connect to the land. Next episode: Fall Traditions on the HomesteadImportant Links: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree email: thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comListener Contributions Instagram: Byanka (@wild_yarrow_homestead) • Instagram photos and videosLisa (@lisamchuk) • Instagram photos and videosIntro Music: Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | Download and Stream on Chosic Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

    Beginners Guide to Growing Garlic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 29:51


    With garlic planting season underway, this episode covers the basics of growing, harvesting and storing garlic with a focus on cold climates. Links Mentioned: Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen (goodreads.com) Interesting Garlic/Allium Book: Garlic and Other Alliums: The Lore and The Science by Eric Block (goodreads.com)Canadian Prairie Garlic eScape - Saskatchewan Garlic Online Store (saskgarlic.ca) Erin is a gardener, homesteader and educator growing in a zone 3 climate in Canada. She enjoys sharing her passion of growing food, the challenges and opportunities of growing in a cold climate, homesteading and slow living topics, the magic of simple homestead living as well as sprinkling in some folklore along the way. If you would like to email the show: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comTo visit the heirloom seed saving project and instagram visit: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree and follow the links. With the garlic planting season coming up, I thought it would be perfect timing

    Growing Blueberries and Preserving

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 27:41


    In this episode I discuss growing blueberries and ways to save them. Next week's episode will be all about garlic-an indepth take on growing garlic in zone 3If you would like to reach out/comment email thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comYou can connect with me here at: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrowerpodcast Intro Music is:  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.auMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

    All About Sunflowers-Growing and Lore

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 23:50


    In this episode Erin discusses the story and growing tips for Sunflowers. Next week will be all about blueberries, how to grow and preserve them!Important Links:Purchasing Sunflowers-Giant Varieities=-Giganteus Sunflower - Flowers And Bulbs | VeseysMonet's Pallet Sunflowers-Sunflower – thegreenwitchseedco Teddy Bear Sunflowers-Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds – West Coast SeedsThe Northern Grower Links (instagram, etsy shop, store, blog)The Northern Grower | Linktree

    Goji Berry: History and Growing Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 18:09


    In this episode I discuss the story and history of the Goji Berry and tips for gardening if you want to try growing this yourself! Next episode will be Sunflowers. Links for purchasing goji berry seeds: goji berry – thegreenwitchseedco Edmonton Heritage Goji Berry - Forest City Plants Shanghai Express Goji Seeds – West Coast Seeds Erin's Links-The Northern Grower | Linktree

    Modern Homesteading: Homesteading Tips to Save Money

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 28:03


    For wannabe or modern homesteader, homesteading can seem out of reach or intimidating. It looks like one will have to invest lots of money to build their dream homestead. However in this episode Erin discusses how adopting a homesteading mindset and habits can actually help save money within the household even if you are not "on the farm" yet, there are ways to save money while homesteading. Next episode: Erin will discuss the history and wonder of the Goji Berry and why it is a fantastic addition to the garden. For links please visit: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrowerpodcast to listen to past episodes online, visit my Instagram and the seed store!

    save money modern homesteading
    The Haskap, history, growing tips and a tiny bit of lore.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 14:18


    Thank you for bearing with me whilst I continue to figure out my intro situation! In this episode I tell you all about the wonderful Haskap berry, some history, some useful stuff to know for growing and why any gardener within zones 2-4 should have some Haskaps in their life!Contact: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.comInstagram: the_northern_growerVisit The Green Witch Seed Company – thegreenwitchseedco

    Gardening with small children: ideas and tips to help you get through!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2022 31:37


    In this episode I discuss my experiences, thoughts and tips for  gardening with a young family. We really started increasing garden production at the same time as when our newborn arrived and it was...chaotic to say the least. We survived and you will too, so if you are gardening or wanting to start gardening but have young children and are worried about having to do it all, I share my tips right here on the podcast. (Hey, if the episode this time around is not your cup of tea, the next episode will be all about growing haskaps so please stay tuned)!All my links, info and small shop can be found here: The Northern Grower | Linktree **Note due to technical issues we have no intro here, I launch straight into the podcast. 

    How to be a Modern Homesteader: Book Recommendations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2022 36:58


    In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite essential books for anyone wanting to begin their gardening or homesteading journey. She shares books that are not only "how to" guides but also some of her favourite reads that remind her why she began this journey of self sufficiency in the first place. You can visit the seed store, shop and Erin's social media here at The Northern Grower | Linktree. Thank you for supporting the podcast. 

    How to Be a Modern Homesteader- What is homesteading?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 37:38


    In the next few episodes  in The Northern Grower I'll be analyzing the world of modern homesteading! What does it mean to homestead in modern society? What does the act of homesteading look like in today's world? In this episode and the next few I will also be looking at recommended reads for homesteaders, why is growing your own food so important, what are some ways you can take steps to become more self sufficient? Visit the seed store at The Green Witch Seed Company – thegreenwitchseedco and use code northerngrower for 15% off your order.For podcast feedback email thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com Follow me on instagram at Green Witch Seed Co (@the_northern_grower) • Instagram photos and videos 

    A Look at Gardening Zones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 15:45


    If you are a gardener then you've probably heard about zones and if you are new, then you probably know that zones are sort of important. However how many of us know what the zones actually measure? In this episode I take a brief dive into Gardening Zones and what they mean. Links:A Map of USDA hardiness zones: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/Canadian Hardiness Zones and a map of Canada with the USDA Zones:http://planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1Formula for calculating Canadian Hardiness Zones: http://planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1Shop Green Witch Seeds https://greenwitchseed.ca/ use code northerngrower for 15% off your order!

    Favourite Annuals for Colder Climates

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 19:47


    In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite annual varieties that she grows in her zone 3 garden. These varieties are well suited to cooler climates and can give you some ideas and inspiration to try in your own backyard or homestead!Listeners can use code: northerngrower  at https://greenwitchseed.ca/ for 15% off your order of seeds. Contact Erin at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

    Perennials and My Recommendations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 35:05


    In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite perennial plants to grow for colder climate gardeners and the benefits of perennials. If you are starting perennials from seed, now is a really good time to start. For updated blog posts including a written list of perennial recommendations for northern growers please visit: https://www.thenortherngrower.caFor 15% off your order off seeds, use code northerngrower at https://greenwitchseed.ca

    Our Seed Starting Calendar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 24:02


    In the new season of The Northern Grower, Erin gives an overview of when/how and what seeds she is starting this year month by month in her zone 3 homestead garden. 

    Listener Questions and Answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2021 29:09


    In this bonus episode our host Erin joins us to answer all your cold climate gardening questions. Thanks as always and good luck this season!

    Seed Saving Series: Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 13:06


    In this episode, Erin concludes the seed saving series, wrapping up with seed saving techniques from dry fruited plants. Special Discount for listeners of the Northern Grower Podcast is available at greenwitchseed.ca simply use coupon code northerngrower for 15% off at checkout-cannot be used with any other coupons and is one time use only! 

    Seed Saving Series: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 12:40


    As part of her seed saving  series, Erin discusses saving seeds from fleshy fruited plants such as tomatoes, watermelons and squashes. 

    Seed Saving Part 1: Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 21:27


    In this episode, Erin gives the 101 on seed saving, where to begin and what tools you need. Follow for parts 2 and 3 in later episodes where she explores methods of seed saving from different fruits. 

    Sweetpeas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2021 19:29


    In this episode, Erin explores a garden classic, the Sweetpea. She will discuss the history and share some growing tips for this long time favourite.

    Preserving Flowers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2021 18:19


    In this episode of The Northern Grower Podcast, Erin provides a bitesize introduction into the world of drying and preserving flowers. She shares her methods and some of her favourite flowers, she grows in her zone 3 garden, that can be preserved. 

    History and Folklore: The Raspberry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2021 19:18


    Yet another installment of our most popular segment! In this epsiode of history and folklore our garden guide Erin takes on a tour of the mighty raspberry.

    Gardening in a heat wave

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2021 18:23


    In this episode our host Erin takes us through some tips and tricks for beating the heat and making sure you still get a great harvest from your main season garden. Thanks for coming back for season two of gardening up north with the northern grower and enjoy the show!

    Companion Planting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 16:34


    In this episode of the northern grower our host Erin joins us to explore companion planting. As always thanks for tuning in!

    History and Folklore: Spruce

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 23:37


    In this episode our host Erin explores the history, folklore and uses of one of our most known trees, the spruce. Thanks and good luck this season!

    Direct Sowing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 23:29


    Today on the northern grower our host Erin explores the method of direct sowing. Thanks for joining us for another episode!

    The History of Agriculture: Beginnings in Mexico

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2021 13:02


    In this episoder of the Northern Grower our host Erin joins us to discuss the history of agriculture in Mexico. Thanks as always for tuning in and good luck this season!

    The History of Agriculture: Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 44:11


    In this episode our host Erin takes on a different kind of journey, exploring the early stages of the history of agriculture. Thanks again for tuning in and good luck this season!

    The Dandelion

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 23:22


    I this episode of The Northern Grower our host Erin shares her knowledge about the dandelion. Thanks again for listening with us!

    History and Folklore: Yarrow

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 14:38


    Welcome to the Northern Grower, in this episode our host Erin takes us on a tour of the history and folklore of an incredible plant Yarrow. 

    History and Folklore: Lavender

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 21:27


    In this episode or host Erin explores the history and folklore of lavender. The History and Folklore episodes delve into the orgins of our favourite plants.

    Growing Brassicas

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 16:11


    In this episode of the northern grower our host Erin joins us to discuss growing brassicas and all the joys that come along with that process. Thanks again for joining us!

    brassicas
    Growing Potatoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2021 17:02


    In this episode of our garden basic's series our host Erin joins to discuss growing potatoes and all the joys that come along with that. Thanks again for joining us!

    Growing Peas

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2021 19:42


    In this episode we join our host Erin as she outlines some basic tips, tricks and insights about growing pea's. Thanks again for listening! 

    Growing Corn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2021 22:21


    In this episode Erin gives us advice about growing corn.

    Growing tomatoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 21:08


    In this episode of the northern grower podcast our host Erin joins us to talk about growing tomatoes in colder climates. Thanks for tuning in!

    Korean Natural Farming

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 18:36


    In this episode of the northern grower podcast our host Erin explores the practice known as Korean Natural Farming. A novel and unique approach to organic gardening and food production, thanks for listening! 

    Starting a small kitchen garden

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2021 14:26


    In this episode we join our host Erin while she plants a small kitchen garden in the early spring.

    The Three Sister

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 16:04


    In this episode of the northern grower Erin explores growing corn, squash and beans using the traditional 3 sister growing method. A popular style in north american gardens since before europeans arrived, this companion planting is useful for its organic fertilzer aswell as the free support and shade systems. Thanks for joining us today!

    Starting your fruit trees this spring

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2021 18:21


    It's minus forty will your fruit trees survive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2021 11:59


    Come join us today on the northern grower with our host Erin, in this episode she explores the potential pitfalls you will encounter due to the upcoming polar vortex or any extreme cold weather really. Examples used in this episode include things like apple trees, goji berry plants and raspberrys. Hopefully this episode finds you in a timely manner and save's you some grief and frost damage in the garden!

    My Favourite Edible Perennials

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 23:33


    In this episode I run through some of my favourite edible perennials to have in the Northern garden. These are generally easy to maintain and have become a staple!

    Starting Seeds Indoors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2021 28:23


    This episode runs through the basics for starting seeds indoors, although with a focus on zone 3, the methods discussed could be applied anywhere.  

    Growing garlic in colder climates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 20:42


    In this episode our host Erin takes us through growing garlic in places with shorter growing seasons and harsh winters. The gardeners Erin grows garlic with use techniques not very common in the wider world but extremely effective for cold climate. Come listen with us as we explore these novel ways of growing garlic and as always thanks for listening!

    climate colder growing garlic
    Growing fruit in cold climates part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 19:43


    This episode is the second in a two part series on growing fruits in colder parts of the world as always hosted by our educator Erin. With shorter days comes a shorter list of possible fruits but short an be sweet. In part two the focus is on things like the challenges that gardeners and growers face in cold weather as well as the tools and techniques that they can use to manage those problems.Thanks again for tuning in, we really appreciate the support!

    cold climate growing fruit
    Growing fruit in cold climates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2021 19:08


    This episode is the first in a two part series on growing fruits in colder parts of the world. With shorter days comes a shorter list of possible fruits but short an be sweet. In part one the focus is mainly on obtaining plants appropriate for colder climates. Plants like goji berrys, garden huckle berrys, apples, strawberrys, rhubarb and much more. Thanks again for tuning in, we really appreciate the support!

    cold climate plants growing fruit

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