Podcast appearances and mentions of urban farms

Local beekeepers, gardeners, and native plant experts join in a conversation about turning your own backyard into a native ecosystem oasis. Learn about the benefits of mason bees, the importance of best-gardening practices to protect Puget Sound salmon, and how you can make a difference in keeping our city climate change resilient. Featuring Dave Hunter, author of Mason Bee Revolution: How the Hardest Working Bee Can Save the World One Backyard at a Time, along with panelists Jessi Bloom, Bill Thorness, Kim M. Camara, and Swil Kanim, this event hopes to empower everyone to play a part in rebuilding healthy pollinator networks — and securing a thriving, sustainable planet. Dave Hunter is the founder of the Orchard Bee Association and Crown Bees, which helps people support pollinators with the right supplies, expert guidance, and easy-to-follow programs. His work has been featured in Urban Farm, The Seattle Times, NPR, and more. He lives in Woodinville, Washington. Visit him online at crownbees.com or on Instagram @crown_bees Jessi Bloom is an ecological landscape designer, author, arborist, and teacher. Over the years, she has worn many hats professionally, helping thousands of land stewards with consulting and design/build work, and educating through books and educational events. Jessi started NW Bloom EcoLogical Services, based in Woodinville, WA, in 2000 to innovate and emphasize awareness of permaculture, sustainable landscape design, construction, and land management. The Seattle Times named her a "rockstar in the ecological gardening movement," where her leadership led NW Bloom to numerous environmental awards. She sits on the advisory committee for the WA State Dept. of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Programs, where her decades as a private sector arborist serve in behalf of the PNW ISA (International Society of Arboriculture). Bill Thorness is a writer and gardener who's been doing both in Seattle since the mid-1980s. He is the author of Cool Season Gardener: Extend the Harvest, Plan Ahead, and Grow Vegetables Year Round and Edible Heirlooms: Heritage Vegetables for the Maritime Garden, and writes for many regional publications, including The Seattle Times. He is also a King County Master Gardener. Kim M. Camara serves as Executive Director of Windz of Change Alliance, based in Seattle for over 25 years. Kim is a visionary collectively working with Indigenous inter-Tribal community peoples on contemporary and traditional sacred pathways. Her roles interweave project developer, grant writer, teacher/educator, choreographic and event producer, visual design artist, and youth mentor. With a focus on imparting knowledge, bridging, engaging, and inspiring creative leadership and relationships, she advocates the Windz vision to respectfully bridge and strengthen Indigenous Tribal community Peoples, Presence, Place, Sacred Spaces and Relationships. Accomplishment activities encompass artistic cultural heritage events, eco-cultural parks activation installations, presentations, and workshops, festivals, art shows, youth teaching, and artist opportunity referrals and granting assistance. Swil Kanim is a U.S. Army veteran, storyteller, actor, and classically trained violinist from Washington State. A board member of the Seattle Symphony, he blends original compositions with powerful stories drawn from his life and heritage, inspiring audiences nationwide. His music and compositions are the direct result of a well-supported public school music program, which he credits for nurturing his artistry. Swil Kanim is the recipient of the Woodring College Professional Excellence Award, the Bellingham Mayor's Arts Award, and has been recognized as a Certified Virtuoso Violinist by the Whatcom Chapter of the Washington Music Educators Association. In 2008, he was also honored to perform with His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Seeds of Compassion event in Seattle. Buy the Book Mason Bee Revolution: How the Hardest Working Bee Can Save the World One Backyard at a Time (2nd edition) Third Place Books

Raw Nutrition, Pawtrition, and the Future of Canine HealthIn this episode, Greg speaks with entrepreneur and canine nutrition educator Ryan Cole about the hidden problems with highly processed dog food and the growing movement toward raw feeding for dogs. Ryan shares the personal story that launched his mission after rescuing a pit bull with severe allergies and discovering how dramatically diet impacted the dog's health and quality of life.The conversation explores kibble manufacturing, common ingredient red flags, raw feeding basics, portion control, canine obesity, treats, digestive health, and how personalized nutrition plans can improve a dog's longevity. Ryan also introduces Pawtrition, an AI-powered dog meal planning platform designed to help dog owners create customized raw feeding plans based on breed, age, weight, and health goals.Our Guest: Ryan Cole is an entrepreneur and founder of Lineage Premier, a canine-focused health and nutrition company dedicated to empowering dog parents with better feeding guidance and nutrition education. He is also the creator of Pawtrition, a Lineage Premier product and AI-powered dog meal planning app designed to help pet owners feed smarter with personalized nutrition plans tailored to each dog's breed, age, weight, and health goals. Through his work, Ryan bridges practical pet care with education, helping dog parents move beyond the guesswork toward informed decisions that support long-term canine health and vitality.Key Topics & EntitiesRyan ColePawtritionLineage PremierRaw feeding for dogsHighly processed kibble and canine healthFood allergies in dogsPit bull rescue storiesCanine nutrition educationPersonalized dog meal planningBioavailable nutrients in raw dietsPortion control and canine obesityHealthy dog treats and frozen fruit snacksBreed-specific nutritionDigestive health and stool quality in dogsKey QuestionsWhat inspired Ryan Cole to focus on canine nutrition?Ryan's journey began after rescuing a pit bull named Pops who suffered from severe allergic reactions to processed foods, shampoos, and synthetic materials. After switching to boiled chicken and rice and later researching raw feeding, Ryan saw dramatic health improvements that inspired him to dedicate his career to canine nutrition education.Why does Ryan believe highly processed kibble is problematic?Ryan explains that many kibble products are made from low-quality byproducts and heavily processed ingredients that are cooked at high temperatures, stripping away natural nutrients. Manufacturers then spray synthetic nutrients and fats onto the kibble after processing to improve flavor and nutritional labeling.What ingredients should dog owners watch for on labels?Ryan recommends paying close attention to the word “crude” on ingredient labels, especially crude proteins and crude fats. He also advises dog owners to read manufacturing warnings about cross-contamination from facilities processing allergens like nuts and grains.What does a healthy raw diet for dogs look like?A balanced raw diet includes raw meats, organ meats, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and oils. Ryan shares examples like chicken leg quarters, ground beef, chicken gizzards, green beans, duck eggs, and Alaskan fish oil.How does Pawtrition help dog owners?Pawtrition generates personalized 30-day meal plans based on a dog's breed, age, weight, activity level, and health goals. The platform also includes budgeting tools, nutrition tracking, shopping assistance, veterinary checklists, and educational resources.Are most dogs overfed or underfed?Ryan says the bigger issue is often calorie-dense kibble rather than meal quantity itself. Because processed food is highly concentrated and less nutritionally bioavailable, dogs can gain weight even when owners believe they are feeding appropriate portions.What are signs a dog's diet may not be working?Common warning signs include chronic itching, dull coats, digestive problems, inconsistent stool quality, scooting behavior, and excessive shedding or inflammation.Should dog owners rotate proteins and foods?Ryan recommends dietary variety whenever possible to improve nutrient diversity and prevent nutritional imbalances. Different proteins and vegetables offer different bioavailable nutrients and health benefits.What treats does Ryan recommend?Ryan prefers whole-food treats like frozen watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, and homemade fruit popsicles mixed with healthy fish oils instead of processed commercial treats.What drives Ryan's work today?Ryan credits his mother's work ethic and his lifelong passion for helping animals and people. He views Pawtrition and Lineage Premier as community-driven educational tools rather than simply businesses.Episode HighlightsRyan rescued his first pit bull, Pops, at age 17 after his father passed away.Pops suffered severe reactions to processed foods and synthetic products before transitioning to a raw diet.Ryan explains how kibble manufacturing prioritizes shelf life and profit margins over nutrition quality.Greg shares a story about healing a rescued golden retriever through raw feeding after medications failed.Pawtrition creates downloadable customized feeding plans for dog owners.Ryan discusses why working breeds like heelers should remain lean to protect joints and hips.The conversation highlights the importance of observing each individual dog rather than following generic feeding advice.Ryan recommends the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom for its message about interconnectedness and purpose.ResourcesPersonalized canine meal planning — PawtritionRaw feeding education and breed resources — Lineage PremierFollow Ryan Cole on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under “Lineage Premier”Visit www.urbanfarm.org/Pawtrition for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode: Abey Rae Scaglione has cultivated a deep understanding of the need for animals in our food system, layered upon her decades-long fascination with nutrition and self-sufficiency. After earning her degree in psychology, Abey worked as Pilates instructor in Los Angeles, eventually owning her own studio. Long interested in where our food comes from, it was in Northern California that she fell in love with growing vegetables and raising chickens. In 2021, Abey moved with her husband and two sons to Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, where they raise sheep, cattle, turkeys and chickens. As a former vegetarian turned rancher, she has an incredibly intimate relationship with the complex realities of raising animals for food and the deep conviction that more can be done for animal welfare by supporting good farming practices, than by rejecting all animal agriculture.Our Guest: Abey Rae Scaglione has cultivated a deep understanding of the need for animals in our food system, layered upon her decades-long fascination with nutrition and self-sufficiency. After earning her degree in psychology, Abey worked as Pilates instructor in Los Angeles, eventually owning her own studio. Long interested in where our food comes from, it was in Northern California that she fell in love with growing vegetables and raising chickens. In 2021, Abey moved with her husband and two sons to Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada, where they raise sheep, cattle, turkeys and chickens. As a former vegetarian turned rancher, she has an incredibly intimate relationship with the complex realities of raising animals for food and the deep conviction that more can be done for animal welfare by supporting good farming practices, than by rejecting all animal agriculture.Key TopicsAbey Rae ScaglioneRuckle Heritage FarmRegenerative agricultureLocal food systemsAnimal welfare in agricultureFrom vegetarianism to ranchingSelf-sufficiency and homesteadingRaising sheep, cattle, turkeys, and chickensNutrition and food sourcingSmall-scale farming realitiesSalt Spring Island farming cultureFood resilience and sustainabilityEthical meat productionFamily farmingKey Questions AnsweredWhy did Abey Rae Scaglione transition from vegetarianism to ranching?Abey's evolving understanding of nutrition, ecology, and food systems led her to recognize the important role animals play in regenerative agriculture. Her firsthand experiences growing food and raising animals deepened her perspective on ethical animal stewardship and sustainable farming.How did her background in psychology and wellness shape her approach to farming?Her education in psychology and years as a Pilates instructor gave her insight into health, behavior, and holistic wellness. That foundation naturally expanded into curiosity about food quality, nutrition, and self-reliance.What changed after moving to Salt Spring Island?Relocating to British Columbia in 2021 allowed Abey and her family to fully immerse themselves in farming life at Ruckle Heritage Farm, where they now raise multiple livestock species and participate directly in building resilient local food systems.What does Abey believe about animal welfare?She believes meaningful improvements in animal welfare come from supporting responsible and regenerative farming practices rather than rejecting all forms of animal agriculture.Why are resilient food systems important?Localized and regenerative food systems can strengthen communities, improve soil health, reduce dependence on industrial agriculture, and create more transparency between consumers and producers.Episode HighlightsAbey shares the surprising path from vegetarianism to regenerative ranching.A discussion about why animals are essential to healthy agricultural ecosystems.The realities of raising livestock ethically on a family farm.Insights into reconnecting consumers with where food actually comes from.Reflections on moving from Los Angeles wellness culture to rural farm life.Why supporting small farms can directly improve animal welfare outcomes.The connection between nutrition, ecology, and resilient communities.ResourcesAbey's Website —  radicalfarmbook.comAbey's Book Recommendation - Milk Into Cheese, David AsherVisit www.urbanfarm.org/RadicleFarm for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

 The Dentist Who Grows More Than Smiles, Andre The Farmer Joins Eggcellent Adventures:In this episode of Eggcellent Adventures, Reec Swiney sits down with Andre The Farmer, the viral gardening creator known for making agriculture, growing food, and backyard gardening feel fun, approachable, and inspiring.Andre shares how his gardening page grew into a powerful online platform, while also balancing life as a full-time dentist, content creator, husband, and father. The conversation dives into how he finds time to create meaningful agricultural content, why gardening connects so deeply with families, and how social media can be used to educate, inspire, and encourage people to grow their own food.Reec and Andre also talk about fatherhood, purpose, discipline, and the importance of planting seeds, both in the soil and in the next generation. This episode is a great conversation for anyone interested in gardening, family, content creation, self-sufficiency, and using your platform to make a positive impact.Watch Eggcellent Adventures Ep. 55 featuring @AndreTheFarmer now, and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations rooted in agriculture, family, and community.

In this episode, Greg Peterson sits down with DePhane Weaver, founding president of the Garden Exchange Stands organization, to explore how neighborhood seed and plant sharing can strengthen local food systems and reconnect communities. Inspired by family traditions of gardening and generosity, DePhane shares how a simple neighborhood exchange evolved into a nonprofit network with hundreds of garden stands across Arizona and beyond. The conversation dives into food sovereignty, community resilience, pollinator support, permaculture principles, and the joy of sharing seeds, plants, tools, and gardening knowledge. DePhane explains how Garden Exchange Stands helps neighbors connect through a global interactive map and volunteer-driven community network. This episode is a powerful reminder that growing food is about more than harvests — it's about relationships, local resilience, and creating spaces where people can give, learn, and belong.Our Guest: DePhane is the founding president of the Garden Exchange stands organization, inspired by family tradition of gardening and community service to FE champions, seed and plant sharings as a timeless way to connect neighbors, support wildlife and grow local food. Through a global map of exchange stands, the organization helps communities build gardens and a food sovereignty network.Key TopicsGarden Exchange Stands nonprofitCommunity-based seed and plant sharingFood sovereignty and local food systemsNeighborhood garden exchange networksPollinator-friendly gardeningPermaculture-inspired community designSeed saving and seed stewardshipFree garden exchange stands and seed librariesBuilding resilient neighborhood communitiesGardening as a tool for connectionVolunteer-driven nonprofit organizingSharing herbs, cuttings, tools, and garden suppliesInteractive global garden stand mappingSustainable living and wildlife habitat gardeningKey Questions AnsweredWhat is a Garden Exchange Stand?A Garden Exchange Stand is a neighborhood sharing station where people exchange seeds, plants, herbs, gardening tools, books, and other garden-related items for free. Some are permanent outdoor structures while others are portable or seasonal.How did Garden Exchange Stands begin?The project started organically when DePhane hosted seed and plant exchanges at her home. Leftover plants and supplies were placed near a neighborhood bench for others to take, eventually evolving into a larger community-driven nonprofit network.Why are garden exchange networks important?They strengthen local communities, encourage food production, reduce waste, support pollinators, and create opportunities for neighbors to connect through gardening and shared resources.How do people find exchange stands?Garden Exchange Stands uses an interactive online map where users can search by city, stand name, or location to find participating stands and seed-sharing sites.What kinds of items are exchanged?Participants share seeds, seedlings, herbs, cuttings, tools, gardening books, shade cloth, baskets, aprons, painted rocks, and seasonal harvests.Can people participate even if they live in an HOA?Yes. Many participants create small movable stands or seed libraries that fit HOA guidelines while still serving their local community.How does the organization support community resilience?The network encourages local food production, seed saving, pollinator habitat creation, and community cooperation — all key components of resilient local food systems.What role do volunteers play in the organization?The entire network is volunteer-powered. Volunteers help moderate groups, maintain stands, move plants between locations, host events, and support educational workshops.Why are herbs recommended for beginner gardeners?Herbs are inexpensive to grow, easy to maintain, highly productive, and useful for cooking and wellness. DePhane especially recommends rosemary and basil for beginners.What larger mission drives the organization?The mission centers on reconnecting people through gardening, sharing abundance, supporting wildlife, and rebuilding a culture of local food production and neighbor-to-neighbor generosity.Episode HighlightsDePhane shares how her family's gardening traditions inspired the creation of Garden Exchange Stands.The organization now supports hundreds of exchange locations throughout Arizona and additional stands across the United States.Garden stands operate similarly to Little Free Libraries, but for seeds, plants, and gardening supplies.Community members help maintain stands by watering plants, tidying displays, and redistributing excess supplies.The nonprofit promotes pollinator habitats alongside food production and seed saving.A Mother Earth News feature helped expand awareness of the movement into other states.Volunteers regularly transport plants and cuttings between cities to support gardeners across the region.DePhane explains how gardening creates lasting emotional connections between neighbors and communities.ResourcesGarden Exchange StandsArizona Garden Exchange Stands Facebook GroupSeed Library NetworkBook Recommendation — The Complete Book of Herbs by Leslie BremnessVisit www.urbanfarm.org/GardenExhangeStands for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Raising backyard chickens provides eggs, natural pest control, fertilizer and more. Scott Brown & Ashley McClure of Phoenix Organic Feed discuss everything chickens from baby chicks to roosters, breeds including feeding and caring for them. Plus the story of starting their organic feed business. Joined by 'Farmer Greg' Peterson of The Urban Farm. Rooster may crow but the hens deliver! Broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-keepingchickensinthedesert-with-the-urban-farm/

The local farming and agriculture community is helping Memphians to bloom where they're planted. Camille "Farmer C" James (Halls of Ivy) and Derravia and Bobby Rich (Black Seeds and Black Seeds Urban Farms) share how to grow what you know by discussing creative solutions and collaborations that make Memphis more sustainable while providing access to food education and healthy options. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Halls of Ivy Black Seeds Urban Farms Mia's Orchard Frayser Community Garden Everbloom Farmacy Alpha and Omega Veteran Services New Way Aquaponic Farms Agritourism The Works Jones Orchard Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Certified Tubby Creek Farm Booker T. Whatley Girls Inc. Black Seeds Urban Farms Instagram Farmer C Instagram Black Seeds Urban Farms: From Family Garden to Local Food Movement The Giving Garden: Black Seeds Urban Farms Feeds the Soul of Its Memphis Community Roxie's Market This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

In this Episode Christopher Parker shares his lifelong journey into mycology, rooted in growing up in the forests of Western North Carolina and decades of hands-on experience. He explains how fungi underpins life on Earth, drives soil fertility, and plays a critical role in regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores low-tech mushroom cultivation, indigenous ecological knowledge, and how working with fungi can create resilient, localized food systems. Christopher also highlights practical ways to grow mushrooms, restore ecosystems, and build livelihoods rooted in land stewardship.Our Guest: Christopher Parker is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, he is a farmer, educator, and myco-culture keeper with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous regenerative agriculture and mushroom cultivation. He co-founded The Forest Farmacy, an Indigenous-led mushroom school rooted in the Cherokee homeland of Western North Carolina. Chris teaches applied eco-mycology—weaving traditional forest-tending knowledge with modern cultivation science to heal ecosystems and strengthen food sovereignty. His work centers on low-tech, scalable cultivation that transforms farm and forest byproducts into gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helps farmers and land stewards create ecologically sound, culturally rooted, and economically resilient livelihoods.Key Topics & EntitiesChristopher ParkerIndigenous regenerative agricultureMushroom cultivation (low-tech and scalable)Mycology and soil microbiologyMycorrhizal fungi (ecto & endo)Food sovereignty and local food systemsForest farming and ecosystem restorationTrichoderma and soil regenerationKorean Natural Farming (KNF)Biochar and microbial inoculationMushroom cultivation on logs and sawdustThe Forest FarmacyThe Mycelial Healer (book)Radical Mycology (book by Peter McCoy)Key Questions AnsweredWhy does fungi matter in soil and regenerative agriculture?Fungi act as the “underground economy,” moving nutrients, water, and minerals between soil and plants. They unlock nutrients already present in the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for external fertilizers.Can healthy soil eliminate the need for fertilizers?Yes. When fungal and microbial life is balanced, natural processes provide nutrients to plants, dramatically reducing inputs and allowing nature to do the heavy lifting.How do mushrooms actually grow and function?The visible mushroom is only the fruiting body. Most of the organism exists as mycelium within logs or soil, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.What is a simple way to start growing mushrooms?Low-tech methods like inoculating logs, pasteurizing straw, or using simple heat sources can produce mushrooms without expensive equipment.How can mushroom cultivation support regenerative farming?Spent mushroom substrates and even contaminated batches can be repurposed to build soil biology, suppress pathogens, and enhance fertility.What role does observation play in successful growing?Careful observation of natural systems—like how fungi interact with insects, trees, and decay—reveals cultivation insights that can outperform conventional methods.What are common failures in mushroom cultivation?Certain species like maitake and chicken of the woods are difficult to grow on logs using standard methods. Understanding their natural ecology can unlock success.How can farmers integrate fungi into their systems?By using local fungi, building soil biology, and incorporating techniques like KNF and biochar inoculation, farmers can regenerate land while producing food.Episode HighlightsFungi and bacteria underpin all life on EarthMushrooms are just the “fruit”—most life is hidden as myceliumHealthy soil biology can eliminate fertilizer needsLow-tech mushroom growing is accessible to anyoneContaminated mushroom bags can regenerate soil via biocharObservation of nature led to breakthroughs in cultivation methodsIndigenous knowledge and modern science can work togetherStart small, learn deeply, and scale graduallyCalls to Action & ResourcesThe Forest Farmacy — https://theforestfarmacy.comChristopher's Book: The Mycelial Healer — Available via Chelsea Green PublishingCourse — Year-long mushroom cultivation program HEREChristophers Book Recommendation -  Paul Stamets, Growing Gourmet Medicinal Mushrooms and  Radical Mycology by Peter McCoyShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/forestfarmacyVisit www.urbanfarm.org/ForestFarmacy for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode Zach Brooks shares how he transformed a barren cotton field into the thriving Arizona Worm Farm which is now one of the largest worm composting operations in the U.S. What began as a personal experiment in sustainability evolved into a regenerative, off-grid-inspired ecosystem that converts waste into soil, food, and community education. Zach explains how worms, compost, and black soldier flies work together to rebuild soil and produce nutrient-dense food. The conversation highlights practical, scalable solutions for local food systems using simple, accessible technologies.Our Guest:  Zach semi-retired from healthcare management at the age of 42 when his consulting company went public, and when his first of three grandchildren were born, he went back to Arizona State University to get a second master's degree in sustainability. Frustrated that most causes of climate change were not only fixable, but fixable with off the shelf practices and technology, Zach set out to prove that an off-grid lifestyle could be every bit as comfortable as a wasteful lifestyle and have a positive impact on the environment. And the most exciting thing...Zach has now built Arizona Worm Farm into one of the largest most successful worm farms in the United States. What is the Arizona Worm Farm?A regenerative, working farm designed to turn food waste into compost, soil fertility, and food production while educating the community on sustainable gardening practices.How did Zach Brooks get started in worm farming?After a career in healthcare, Zach pursued a sustainability degree and became motivated to address climate challenges using practical, existing solutions. He started by rebuilding dead soil using worms.How large has the operation become?The farm produces over 4.5 million worms annually, supports thousands of customers, and manages millions more worms dedicated to compost production.What role do worms play in soil regeneration?Worms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings filled with beneficial microbes that improve soil health, fertility, and plant growth.What do the worms eat at scale?Primarily pre-composted organic waste, including horse manure, landscape waste, and pre-consumer food scraps from caterers and food processors.Why is local composting important?Fresh, local compost contains active microbial life and reduces landfill waste, creating a closed-loop system that supports local food production.What are black soldier flies and why are they important?They are composting insects whose larvae consume waste rapidly and convert it into high-quality protein for animals, offering a sustainable alternative feed source.What makes Arizona Worm Farm a “one-stop shop” for gardeners?It combines education, compost, worms, plant starts, and regenerative techniques to help people successfully grow food at home.How does the farm generate revenue beyond worms?Through classes, compost products, plant starts, and value-added inputs like worm tea and insect-based fertilizers.What is the long-term vision behind the farm?To demonstrate that regenerative, self-sustaining systems can support communities using simple inputs like sunlight, water, and organic waste.Episode HighlightsBuilt from a dead cotton field into a regenerative ecosystemScaled from 400,000 to 4.5 million worms annuallyProduces 80,000 worms per week through controlled breedingDiverts large volumes of food waste from landfillsIntegrates composting, aquaponics, and food forestsHosts highly sought-after, sold-out educational classesProduces 400–800 lbs of insect protein weekly via black soldier fliesDemonstrates year-round food production in a desert climateKey TopicsArizona Worm FarmZach BrooksWorm composting (vermiculture)Black soldier fly larvae systemsRegenerative agricultureSoil microbiology & soil food webComposting systems (hot compost + worm compost)Food waste diversionOff-grid living systemsAquaponics integrationSeasonal planting strategiesUrban farming education programsLocal food systems & backyard gardeningSustainable protein production (insects)ResourcesArizona Worm Farm — https://arizonawormfarm.comShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/azWormFarmClasses & Workshops — Available via website mailing listSelf-Guided Farm Tours — Visit in South PhoenixVisit www.urbanfarm.org/AZWormFarm for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode Greg and Scott explore the concept of resiliency through both human behavior and regenerative farming systems. Scott Murray shares practical strategies for adapting to stress, uncertainty, and environmental challenges while building stronger personal and agricultural systems. The conversation connects biological resilience, seen in ecosystems and farms, to everyday preparedness, food security, and mindset. Listeners walk away with six actionable ways to improve resilience in their homes, gardens, and lives.Our Guest: Scott Murray has over 50 years of experience in organic agriculture across the U.S. and Mexico and has served as a California conservation official for 33 years. He specializes in farm creation, farmland preservation, and regenerative polyculture systems. Scott now leads pioneering research and consulting on California-grown coffee, managing multi-variety trials and agroforestry-based plantations.Key TopicsResiliency (human and ecological definitions)Carrying capacity in biological systemsRegenerative farming principlesPolyculture vs monoculture systemsWater management and irrigation strategiesSoil health and biological farmingOrganic vs chemical agriculture debateFood security and home food productionCut-and-come-again gardening methodEmergency preparedness (food, water, go-bags)Decentralized food systems and local resilienceMindset and mental preparednessWhat is resiliency and how does it apply to daily life?Resiliency is the ability to adapt and recover from stress, adversity, or disruption. Like a rubber band returning to its original shape, humans can build emotional, mental, and behavioral flexibility to regain balance after challenges.How does resiliency show up in farming systems?In agriculture, resiliency comes from designing balanced ecosystems with diversity, proper water management, and healthy soil biology. Farms that mimic natural systems are better able to withstand environmental and economic shocks.Why is polyculture more resilient than monoculture?Polyculture systems grow multiple crops together, creating layered ecosystems that reduce risk, improve soil health, and increase productivity. If one crop fails, others can still thrive, ensuring more stable yields.Can organic systems produce enough food?Yes. The belief that organic farming cannot feed the world is a misconception. With proper design and soil management, organic systems can be highly productive and sustainable.What is “cut and come again” gardening?It's a harvesting method where you remove outer leaves from plants like lettuce, kale, or chard, allowing them to regrow and produce continuously over months instead of a single harvest.How can families increase food resilience at home?By growing even a small portion of their food, storing shelf-stable items, and building relationships with neighbors or local growers, families can buffer against disruptions in the food system.Why is water management critical for resilient farming?Efficient irrigation—such as shorter, more frequent watering—prevents waste, improves plant health, and reduces stress on crops, especially in drought-prone regions.What role does mindset play in resilience?Mental preparedness is foundational. When individuals are prepared and confident, they respond to crises with clarity rather than panic, enabling better decision-making.Episode HighlightsResiliency is like a rubber band—stretch, recover, return to balanceFarms of the future rely on biodiversity and natural systemsOverwatering and poor design can silently destroy farm productivityCutting water use in half can actually improve plant healthOne ounce of wheat seed can yield a five-gallon bucket of grain“Cut and come again” gardening extends harvests for monthsFood is more valuable than gold in times of crisisPreparedness reduces stress and increases adaptabilityResourcesUrban Farm Podcast - https://www.urbanfarm.orgEdge of Urban Farm - http://edgeofurbanfarm.comJohn Jeavons Urban Farm Podcast Episodes https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/16/423-john-jeavons/ https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/19/424-john-jeavons/Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/futurefarms for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Today, we’re bringing you the best from the KUOW Newsroom… First, King County employees are pushing back hard over their return-to-office mandate. Next, a story about Latino farmworkers in Washington State struggling with Long COVID. And finally, how a small, urban farm in Vancouver, Washington specializing in culturally specific produce has been impacted by immigration enforcement. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new way of looking at climate solutions with Anthony MyintIn this Episode Anthony Myint shares his journey from pioneering pop-up restaurants to leading a climate-focused nonprofit transforming agriculture. He explains why consumer choice alone doesn't change farming systems and introduces a new model: funding regenerative agriculture directly through small, scalable contributions. Through Zero Foodprint, businesses and individuals can help finance on-the-ground practices like compost application and cover cropping. The conversation reframes “farm-to-table” into “table-to-farm,” emphasizing collective action to restore soil and climate.Our Guest: Anthony Myint is the executive director of Zero FoodPrint, a nonprofit named one of the most innovative companies in the world by Fast Company. Zero FoodPrint leads, collaborations with state agencies, local governments, and hundreds of businesses to implement impactful and validated regenerative agriculture projects. The organization has awarded over $8 million to 600 plus farm projectsKey Topics & EntitiesZero Foodprint nonprofit modelRegenerative agriculture practicesTable-to-farm vs. farm-to-tableRestaurant industry innovation (pop-ups, Mission Chinese Food)Climate-beneficial agricultureCompost application and soil carbon sequestrationCover crops and reduced soil disturbanceGrant funding for farmers (up to $25,000)Carbon measurement and cost-effectiveness modelingPublic-private partnerships (state, local, conservation groups)Consumer participation through 1% contributionsCollective regeneration conceptLimitations of organic market growth (1% of U.S. farmland)Economic barriers for farmers transitioning practicesKey Questions AnsweredWhat is regenerative agriculture?A system focused on improving land management through practices like compost use, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock, working with nature to restore soil health and sequester carbon.Why don't better consumer choices alone change farming?Because farmers operate within tight financial systems driven by loans and input costs. Paying slightly more for products doesn't provide enough capital or reduce risk for farmers to transition practices.What is Zero Foodprint's solution?A funding model where businesses and consumers contribute small amounts (often 1% of sales), which are pooled and distributed as grants to farmers implementing regenerative practices.How does the funding reach farmers?Farmers submit simple grant requests for specific practices. Funds are allocated based on cost-effectiveness (e.g., cost per ton of carbon sequestered) and verified by local experts.What does “table-to-farm” mean?Instead of just sourcing from good farms, it means sending money back to farms to actively support the transition to regenerative practices across the entire system.How can individuals participate?By dining at participating businesses, contributing monthly donations, or supporting campaigns that direct funds to regenerative agriculture projects.What impact has the model achieved so far?Over $8 million has been awarded to 600+ farm projects, funding real changes like compost application and cover cropping at scale.What is the biggest barrier to adoption?Even small contributions (like a penny or 1%) are still a new concept, and businesses and consumers are not yet accustomed to paying directly for climate solutions.Episode HighlightsAnthony's early career helped pioneer the pop-up restaurant movement, leading to Mission Chinese Food.A turning point came after realizing organic farming still represents only ~1% of U.S. farmland after decades.The failure of “vote with your dollar” thinking led to a new model focused on direct funding.Zero Foodprint enables consumers to participate passively—just by eating at certain restaurants.One restaurant group generated $650,000 for farm projects through a 1% contribution model.A single music tour commitment created $300,000 for regenerative agriculture.Grants are simple and accessible, taking farmers just 15–20 minutes to apply.The long-term vision mirrors recycling and renewable energy programs—small fees funding systemic change.ResourcesResource — Zero Foodprint WebsiteDonate — Support Regenerative AgricultureApply (Farmers) — https://www.zerofoodprint.org/applyVisit www.urbanfarm.org/ZeroFoodPrint for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode explores the foundation of successful gardening: healthy soil. Farmer Greg is joined by Shota Austin from Tank's Green Stuff to discuss composting, soil biology, and how gardeners in dry climates can transform lifeless dirt into thriving soil ecosystems. They explain how compost introduces life into depleted soils, why organic practices support soil microbiology, and how mulch, compost, and planting mixes work together to build resilient garden beds. The conversation also highlights practical strategies for gardeners, including dechlorinating water, choosing soil inputs wisely, and avoiding common soil-building mistakes.Shota Austin is with Tanks Green Stuff in Tucson AZ. Shota has been in the agriculture industry for the last two decades. Working with livestock, goats, sheep, cattle, chickens, cotton, alfalfa, nursery crops, orchards and vegetable production. As a former U of A Compost Cat, Shota has been working with compost since 2013 and now works as sales and marketing director for Tanks Green Stuff, where he oversees all aspects of the business, including production quality control. Product development, sales, marketing, social media, and customer service. Shota is also a founding member of the newly formed Arizona Compost Council.Key Topics & EntitiesTank's Green StuffArizona Compost CouncilCompost and soil microbiologyDesert soil and low organic matterOrganic fertilizers vs chemical fertilizersNPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)Mulch and soil moisture retentionRaised bed soil mixesCoco coir as a peat moss alternativeDechlorinating municipal waterSoil biology and plant healthOrganic compost production from landscape wasteManure risks in garden bedsLocal soil products for arid climatesKey Questions AnsweredWhy is compost so critical to soil health?Compost introduces organic matter, beneficial microbes, and nutrients into soil. In many desert environments, soil contains little organic material—often less than 1%. Compost transforms inert dirt into living soil by supporting microbial life that cycles nutrients and improves structure, water retention, and plant resilience.What is the difference between dirt and soil?Dirt is largely inert mineral material like sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments. Soil is a living ecosystem made up of minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, water, and air. When organic matter and biology are added to dirt, it becomes functional soil capable of supporting plant life.What role does soil microbiology play in plant health?Soil microbes act as the delivery system for plant nutrition. They break down organic matter, release nutrients, defend plants from pathogens, and create the soil structure plants rely on. When gardeners feed the soil microbiology rather than the plant directly, plants thrive naturally.What do the three fertilizer numbers (NPK) mean?The three numbers on fertilizer labels represent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth and green foliage. Phosphorus supports flower and fruit development. Potassium strengthens root systems and overall plant resilience. These nutrients work best when supported by micronutrients, trace minerals, and active soil biology.Why can chemical fertilizers harm soil biology?Many synthetic fertilizers and pesticides reduce beneficial microbial populations. While they may provide short-term plant growth, they disrupt the biological systems that naturally feed and protect plants. Organic fertilizers support soil organisms instead of suppressing them.How can gardeners remove chlorine from municipal water before watering plants?Chlorine can harm beneficial microbes in soil. One simple method is letting water sit in an open container so the chlorine dissipates. Another option is installing a whole-house charcoal filtration system that removes chlorine before the water reaches garden soil.What is the difference between compost, planting mix, and mulch?Compost is decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment. Planting mix blends compost with materials like coco coir and perlite to improve aeration, drainage, and moisture retention. Mulch is any material placed on top of soil to protect it, retain moisture, and gradually build organic matter as it decomposes.What ingredients create a high-quality planting mix?A strong planting mix typically includes compost for nutrients and microbial life, coco coir for moisture retention, aeration materials like perlite or pumice, a small amount of native soil for mineral content, and organic fertilizers for additional nutrients.Why is mulch essential for building soil in dry climates?Mulch protects soil from heat, reduces evaporation, and feeds soil organisms as it breaks down. In hot climates, thick mulch layers can reduce surface temperatures and improve soil moisture retention while gradually building organic matter.What materials should gardeners avoid putting in their soil?Gardeners should avoid chemical fertilizers, peat moss harvested unsustainably, screened fill dirt, and unverified manure sources. Non-organic straw or hay may also introduce herbicides or weed seeds that damage gardens.Episode HighlightsCompost adds life to soils that may contain less than 1% organic matter.Healthy soil is built from three main components: mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms.Soil microbes function like delivery systems, transporting nutrients from soil to plant roots.Thick mulch layers can reduce landscape temperatures by as much as 15–20°F.Coco coir from coconut husks provides a sustainable alternative to peat moss and lasts longer in soil.Organic fertilizers supply nutrients along with micronutrients and trace minerals that synthetic fertilizers often lack.Letting water sit in a bucket allows chlorine to dissipate before watering plants.Locally produced soil products are often better suited for regional climate and sustainability.ResourcesTank's Green Stuff — https://tanksgreenstuff.comUrban Farm Tree Planting Mix — Available through Urban Farm pop-up events - Store.urbanfarm.orgVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/973 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

UK cooperative practitioners and enthusiasts Cath Muller and Wren Draper recently visited CoCanberras Soil City Co-op Farms project near Bungendore. After a farm tour and great conversation we sat down to do an interview about their projects in the south of northern england - Commune in the North and the Bentley Urban Farm.

SubtitleIn this Episode Christy Wilhelmy, founder of Garden Nerd and author of multiple gardening books, returns to discuss her upcoming novel Bolting to Seed. The book is the sequel to her debut garden novel Garden Variety and blends gardening education with a cozy mystery storyline set in a community garden. Christy shares how real-life community garden experiences inspired her fiction, how she structures a mystery novel, and why she chose to independently publish the sequel through Kickstarter. Along the way, she highlights how storytelling can inspire people to start gardening, even if they've never grown food before.Our Guest: Christy is the founder of Garden Nerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog. Top ranked podcast and YouTube videos. She also specializes in small space, organic vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes. Between 50 and 70% of her family's produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet. She is the author of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening, 400 plus Tips for Organic Gardening Success, Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden and her debut novel Garden variety.Key TopicsChristy WilhelmyGarden NerdBolting to Seed novelGarden Variety novelCommunity gardens as storytelling inspirationIndependent publishing and Kickstarter campaignsCozy mystery genreGardening education embedded in fictionSmall space organic vegetable gardeningScrivener writing softwareThrips damage on citrus and nectarinesBeneficial insects and insectary plantsLacewings and minute pirate bugsBiological pest control in gardensKey Questions AnsweredHow did Christy Wilhelmy move from gardening books into writing fiction?Christy spent more than 27 years gardening in a community garden and realized the setting was full of unique personalities and stories. She began collecting ideas over time and eventually turned those experiences into her debut novel Garden Variety, a rom-com set in a Los Angeles community garden.What is the new novel Bolting to Seed about?The sequel takes place a year after Garden Variety and focuses on late spring and summer in the same community garden. The story blends gardening lessons with a cozy mystery: a murder occurs, and the characters must solve the case while navigating community garden life.Why did Christy decide to self-publish the new book?After her agent shopped the manuscript to traditional publishers for nearly a year, she learned that publishers were hesitant to buy sequels unless the first book was a major bestseller. Rather than wait indefinitely, she chose independent publishing to maintain creative control and move the project forward.How does Christy structure a mystery novel?She approaches writing as a “planner.” She outlines the story in advance, maps out character arcs, and lists key scenes that must happen to move the plot forward. Using Scrivener, she writes scenes separately and rearranges them until the structure works, filling in gaps and transitions as the story develops.How are gardening lessons included in the novel?Christy intentionally makes a list of gardening topics she wants to teach—usually around ten lessons—and integrates them naturally into the storyline. At the end of the book, readers will also find a growing guide summarizing the key gardening takeaways.What is the Kickstarter campaign supporting?The Kickstarter helps cover the expenses of independent publishing, including editing, cover design, layout, printing, and marketing. Supporters can pledge at different levels to receive rewards like signed books, custom seed packets, tote bags, virtual launch party tickets, and even cameo appearances in future novels.How can beneficial insects help manage thrips damage?Thrips can scar citrus and other fruit during the flowering stage. Encouraging beneficial insects like lacewings and minute pirate bugs through insectary plantings can help control thrips populations naturally.Episode HighlightsChristy shares how decades in a community garden inspired her first novel.Bolting to Seed shifts genres from romantic comedy to a cozy mystery.The sequel introduces new characters and a detective investigating a garden-related murder.Readers can learn gardening techniques while following the story.Christy explains the difference between “planner” and “pantser” writing styles.Independent publishing allows her to design the book exactly how she wants.The Kickstarter campaign includes creative rewards such as appearing in a future novel.Beneficial insect habitats can naturally manage pests like thrips.ResourcesGarden Nerd — https://gardennerd.comKickstarter campaign for Bolting to Seed — https://gardennerd.comPodcast show notes — https://urbanfarm.org/BoltingTwoSeed Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

SubtitleIn this Episode Enoch Graham shares practical strategies for growing abundant food in small urban spaces. Drawing on 15 years of gardening in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, Enoch explains how to maximize production in patios, rooftops, and compact yards. He outlines his Nine Keys to Small Space Gardening, covering water systems, sunlight management, container growing, vertical gardening, soil health, and creative use of limited space. The conversation also explores soil biology, organic practices, and why patience, especially during the first year, is essential for long-term garden success.Our Guest: Enoch Graham is the host of the weekend Gardening Talk YouTube show 'Let's Get Growing'. He has interviewed hundreds of the world's top gardening communicators and shares his small space gardening practices on his YouTube channel, the Urban Gardener. He has been growing his urban food garden for 15 years in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, utilizing many different spaces from a cemented back patio and to a carport rooftop to grow peppers. He has learned a lot over the years and truly loves sharing his experience with other passionate growers in the gardening community.Key TopicsEnoch GrahamSmall space urban gardeningContainer gardeningDrip irrigation and drip tapeRainwater capture and alternative water sourcesSunlight management in urban environmentsVertical gardening and trellisingLayered planting systemsSoil health and organic soil buildingCompost and organic matterBiochar in soil mixesOMRI-certified organic soil productsNo-till container gardeningRogue Valley, Southern OregonQuestions AnsweredWhat are the most important factors for growing food in small urban spaces?Enoch outlines nine key principles that guide successful small-space gardening: reliable water access, adequate sunlight, containers, vertical growing, layered planting, soil management, and creative use of available spaces.How can urban gardeners secure a reliable water supply?Gardeners should start by identifying nearby water sources such as hose spigots, rain barrels, gray water systems, condensation capture, or stormwater runoff. Consistent watering is essential, especially in container gardens where soil dries quickly.What irrigation methods work best for small gardens?Hand watering allows gardeners to observe plant health closely. However, automated drip irrigation systems or drip tape with timers are helpful when gardeners are away or during hot summer months.How do buildings and urban structures affect sunlight?Walls, fences, and tall buildings can create heavy shade. Gardeners should observe how sunlight moves through the space during the day and select shade-tolerant crops when necessary.Why are containers essential in urban gardens?Containers allow gardening on patios, rooftops, and paved surfaces. Larger containers—typically five gallons or more—help maintain moisture and support stronger plant growth compared to smaller pots.How can vertical growing increase productivity?Trellising vining crops like tomatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, and even melons allows gardeners to grow upward instead of outward, maximizing limited square footage.What does layering mean in a garden system?Layering involves growing plants at different heights—similar to a food forest—so taller plants capture sunlight above while shade-tolerant plants grow beneath them.Why is soil management especially important in container gardening?Container soil must provide structure, drainage, nutrients, and living biology. Good mixes often include compost, coco coir, vermiculite or perlite, and organic amendments.Why might a container garden struggle in its first year?New soil takes time to develop microbial life and balance. Gardeners should expect improvement in subsequent seasons as soil biology develops.How can gardeners maintain healthy container soil long-term?Instead of replacing soil each year, gardeners can treat containers like no-till systems by simply adding compost annually to replenish organic matter and nutrients.Episode HighlightsSuccessful small-space gardening starts with reliable water access and consistent irrigation.Urban shade patterns require careful observation before choosing crops.Five-gallon containers or larger help stabilize moisture and support plant growth.Vertical trellising dramatically increases yield per square foot.Layering plants mimics natural ecosystems and maximizes sunlight use.Healthy soil contains dirt, air space, water, organic matter, and living organisms.OMRI-certified products help maintain organic growing practices.Container soil improves over time as microbial life develops and compost is added annually.Calls to Action & ResourcesDrip Tape Class — Learn irrigation techniques taught each March by Urban FarmUrban Gardener YouTube Channel — Enoch Graham shares small-space gardening practices - https://www.youtube.com/@theUrbanGardenerOMRI Organic Certification — https://www.omri.orgVisit www.urbanfarm.org/TreasureYourGarden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-startinthesoil-with-the-urban-farm-tanks-green-stuff/

How to Revolutionize Local FoodIn this Episode Dana Choquette, the Executive Director of the Western North Carolina Food Coalition, shares how a first-generation regenerative livestock farmer became a regional leader in local food system infrastructure. From backyard sheep during COVID to coordinating 12 food hubs and 9 food councils, Dana explains how small farms can transform local economies, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen community resilience. This episode explores food hubs, policy innovation, hunger relief, and why collaboration—not competition—is the future of regional food systems.Our Guest:  Dana Choquette is the executive director of a 19 county community coalition that works to strengthen the local food system in western North Carolina. She mobilizes projects to help people in all corners of the food system from those experiencing hunger to those building viable small farms. All while building local food distribution infrastructure. She's a first generation regenerative livestock farmer, and particularly loves working with sheep and cattle.Key Topics & EntitiesWestern North Carolina Food Coalition (WNC Food Coalition)Dana Choquette's transition from urban life to regenerative livestock farmingWestern North Carolina's 19-county food systemFood hubs as aggregation and distribution infrastructureWNC Food Hub Collaborative (12 independent hubs collaborating regionally)Grow Where You Live Policy (community gardens in high-density housing)Food councils (9 hyper-local councils across WNC)Community-based food pantries and 24/7 open-access pantriesManna FoodBank partnershipWarehouse aggregation and distribution modelInstitutional food purchasing vs. national distributorsCarbon footprint and local food sourcingFarmer viability and consistent market outletsChris Smith's book The Whole OkraKey Questions AnsweredHow did Dana transition from urban living to farming and food systems leadership?Dana had no farming experience until nearly age 30. After relocating from Colorado to Western North Carolina during COVID, she and her husband started with backyard sheep. What began as a trial experiment quickly evolved into expanded livestock, leased land, and a deep commitment to producing food for their community. That hands-on experience led her into food systems work and ultimately to leading the WNC Food Coalition.What is a food coalition and how does it function regionally?A food coalition coordinates local stakeholders across the food system—from hunger relief to farmer support to policy advocacy. In Western North Carolina, the coalition serves 19 counties through 9 hyper-local food councils, each responding to the specific needs of its community.What is a food hub and why is it important?Food hubs are brick-and-mortar aggregation and distribution centers that purchase food from local farmers and redistribute it to consumers, institutions, CSAs, retail outlets, and food pantries. They create consistent market outlets for farmers, reduce distribution gaps, and help keep food dollars circulating locally.How do food hubs differ from national distributors?National distributors aggregate global food at scale, often prioritizing cost efficiency. Food hubs prioritize local sourcing, fair farmer compensation, shorter supply chains, and lower carbon footprints. They also strengthen local economies and improve freshness and nutritional value.How is the WNC region addressing hunger right now?The coalition partners with Manna FoodBank and operates 24/7 open-access community pantries, direct home delivery, and snack bag programs for unhoused individuals. Their approach blends immediate relief with long-term systems change.What is the Grow Where You Live Policy?A proposed Asheville policy requiring new high-density housing developments to include at least 5,000 square feet of community growing space, along with long-term maintenance support.What was the coalition's biggest failure and lesson learned?Early on, the organization tried to solve too many food system challenges at once. They narrowed their focus, strengthened core programs, and built capacity before expanding again.What is the coalition's biggest success?Bringing 12 independent food hubs together into a collaborative network focused on regional impact rather than competition.Episode HighlightsDana began farming with Craigslist sheep and YouTube tutorials during COVID.Western North Carolina's terrain forces farmers to be scrappy and innovative.Food hubs offer consistent year-round markets for small farmers.The region supports 12 collaborating food hubs and 9 food councils.The coalition operates a central warehouse to aggregate donations and distribute food across multiple counties.24/7 open-access pantries remove barriers to food access.Local food improves freshness, nutrition, and taste.Dana's driving motivation: building a resilient food system for her daughter's future.ResourcesWestern North Carolina Food Coalition — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.orgInstagram — https://www.instagram.com/wncfoodsystemsBecome a Member — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.org (Join for as little as $1)Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/WNCFoodCoalitionBook Recommendation — The Whole Okra by Chris SmithNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more! *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this episode, mother-son duo Robin & Kellen Kanzius of Fred's Urban Farm talk about the logistics and nuances of running a self-serve farm stand.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-foodcommunity-with-the-urban-farm-shannan-perciballi-of-edible-phoenix/

Join Paul on a Farm Talk edition of On the Road with Paul Ward as he visits Deep Creek Mushrooms, a compact urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, California that's growing roughly 400 pounds of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms every week out of a 1,400 sq ft warehouse. Levi and Kalynn Mobley share how a simple hobby turned into a full-time mushroom operation: from early experiments in a spare bedroom to cashing out their 401(k)s and moving into an industrial space. Along the way, they unpack the real work behind mushroom farming—twice-daily harvests, seven days a week—and why fresh mushrooms have such a short window to get from farm to plate. The episode dives into the world of adaptogenic mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps—how they support brain health, gut health, energy, and inflammation—and what to look for in quality supplements in a market dominated by bulk imports. You'll also hear how Deep Creek Mushrooms helps home gardeners grow their own fungi with countertop grow kits and then recycle spent blocks into rich, mycelium-packed soil for tomatoes, pumpkins, and herbs at home. Whether you're a foodie, small farmer, gardener, or just mushroom-curious, this conversation offers a practical, down-to-earth look at what it takes to grow fungi for a living. In This Episode: What an urban mushroom farm looks like inside a small warehouse Why Deep Creek grows gourmet varieties instead of standard button or portobello How lion's mane supports cognitive function, focus, and gut health What makes mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, and cordyceps adaptogenic The real day-to-day workload of harvesting about 400 pounds of mushrooms per week Why high-quality mushroom supplements matter—and how Deep Creek keeps their process transparent How at-home mushroom grow kits work and how spent blocks become “super soil” for the garden Where you can find Deep Creek Mushrooms locally and how to order their extracts and kits online Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & episode intro 01:00 – Inside an urban mushroom farm in Apple Valley, CA 02:15 – Gourmet vs. supermarket mushrooms: why Deep Creek grows 16+ varieties 04:30 – Lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail & cordyceps: adaptogens explained  10:20 – Who buys mushrooms vs. who buys supplements 14:00 – From hobby to business: cashing out the 401(k) and going all-in 19:20 – The truth about farming fungi: constant harvests & short shelf life 24:30 – Grow kits, home mushrooms, and turning spent blocks into garden gold 27:00 – How to connect with Deep Creek Mushrooms & final thoughts Connect with Deep Creek Mushrooms

Sky Lebron is the guest host on "Live & Local," with segments on USF's new man in charge, faith congregations' reaction to violence, a couple who loves Florida's parks and front-lawn food production.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

Sky Lebron is the guest host on "Live & Local," with segments on USF's new man in charge, faith congregations' reaction to violence, a couple who loves Florida's parks and front-lawn food production.Call: 813-755-6562Message: FloridaMatters@wusf.orgWebsite: https://www.wusf.orgSign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletterFollow us on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSFInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg

In this episode, mother-son duo Robin & Kellen Kanzius of Fred's Urban Farm talk about the logistics behind growing microgreens outdoors in their region.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into permaculture's eighth principle, 'Information and Imagination Intensive,' highlighting its emphasis on multi-disciplinary approaches to problem-solving using both low and high-tech solutions. They delve into the importance of utilizing quality thought and data to maximize yields and share personal experiences about integrating various systems like passive solar heating, water filtration, and composting. The discussion also covers the concept of food forests, zone planning, and sustainable design strategies for reducing energy and resource consumption. They encourage community collaboration and innovation, reflecting on their own permaculture journeys and offering insights on creating self-sustaining environments. Upcoming events like the Phoenix Permaculture Design Course and the Great American Seed Up are also mentioned.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/918 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Kinship Community Food Center is helping Milwaukeeans in five different zip codes fight against food insecurity with their farm fresh model.

Sarah Gretsinger worked for other farms for over a decade before starting her urban farm, The Kale Next Door, on the land around her house in Akron, Ohio. Hear how she scaled down techniques she had practiced on larger farms in order to grow intensively on a small land base. Host April Parms Jones, one of Sarah's CSA customers, gets all the details of how Sarah gets the most out of not a lot of space.They do a deep dive on garlic, just in time for garlic planting season. Sarah outlines the practices she uses to encourage healthy soil, and explains how flowers fit in with the veggies in her CSA. Sarah also discusses the ways urban farming can help relocalize the food system and how others who have land in urban areas can start growing on it or make it available to others to help solve the issue of land access. Connect With Guest:Instagram: @thekalenextdoor Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support:Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last. Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. Farmhand is the virtual assistant built for farmers—helping CSAs scale sales, run error-free fulfillment, and deliver 5-star service. Whether you're at 100 members or 1,000, Farmhand helps you grow without burning out. You've heard us—and our farmers—right here on the Growing for Market Podcast. Explore more stories and learn more at farmhand.partners/gfm. Discover innovative packaging solutions at A-ROO Company, your one-stop shop for customizable and eco-friendly packaging across various industries, including floral, produce, and specialty packaging. Explore stylish and eco-friendly Kraft Paper Sleeves and sheets at shop.a-roo.com today and enjoy an exclusive 15% discount with code "GFM15" for Growing For Market listeners. When it comes to quality and innovation, A-ROO Company is the name you can trust. There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there's only one that's cooperatively owned by farmers. That's GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com. If you have never attended an ASCFG Conference, there is no better time to invest in yourself! The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is welcoming Growing for Market readers to register at the ASCFG member rate for the 2026 Conference in Albuquerque on January 13-14. Register at ascfg.org. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-cluck-quack-baa-with-the-urban-farm-city-farming-author-kari-spencer/

Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into the Permaculture Principle Everything Gardens, focusing on the beneficial relationships within an ecosystem, particularly soil, food webs, and the role of different plants and animals. They explore how weeds, chickens as soil tillers, water as a sculptor, and the role of fungi, earthworms, and birds all lead back to gardening. They also tackle specific topics like the impact of wind, creating microclimates, and practical considerations for raising chickens and growing mushrooms. The session wraps up with audience questions on gardening tips, urban farming, and permaculture design courses. If you would like to attend live visit GardenChat.org to sign up for our monthly live chat.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/913 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!For more info about the Phoenix Permaculture Design course visit UrbanFarm.org/PDCNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-community-farms-with-the-urban-farm-sowan-thia-of-spaces-of-opportunity/

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus start be discussing the importance of naming your farm and then dive deep into permaculture principle number six: the yield of a system is potentially unlimited. They touch upon Don's synergized version of permaculture principles, emphasizing multi-functional elements in farming. They draw on various examples such as multilayered forest gardens, polyculture systems, and the benefits of green roofs and living walls. The talk also sheds light on the role of weeds, water management, and composting systems to enhance soil health and overall productivity. The session provides valuable insights into designing and maintaining permaculture systems that promote biodiversity and abundance.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/907 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!For more information about the Phoenix Permaculture design course visit UrbanFarm.org/PDCNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this episode, mother-son duo Robin & Kellen Kanzius of Fred's Urban Farm talk about the logistics behind their best-selling microgreen salad mix.  Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Time to think about planting your fruit trees! The Urban Farm's Greg Peterson knows a thing or two from growing fruit trees on a third of an acre. He explains the keys to success understanding chill hours and root stocks that are climate appropriate. Digging that square hole, what goes in that hole, protection at its young stage and more tips for a future harvest of fruit. Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-selectingfruittrees-with-greg-peterson-of-the-urban-farm/

For the Greatest Impact, A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into the Permaculture Principle of 'making the least change for the greatest possible effect'. The discussion covers various techniques such as composting, leveraging points in the system, and creating sustainable urban gardens. Additionally, they talk about water management using swales, energy efficiency with solar ovens, and designing regenerative systems. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating edge in gardens and the impact of the permaculture design course on personal and community gardening practices.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/901 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Growing food in your gardens starts with rich, nutrient dense healthy soil. The foundation for that soil is composting. 'Farmer Greg' Peterson of The Urban Farm breaks down the 'greens and browns' of composting along with other contributions from worm castings, chickens and soldier flies. Plus the added benefit  composting has for the environment and food security. Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-beginnercomposting-with-the-urban-farm/

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into the Permaculture Principle 'The problem is the solution,' using examples like managing excess lemons and wetland areas to illustrate the concept. They also talk about water harvesting techniques, such as swales and curb cuts, and offer solutions for gardening in small spaces, like using tower gardens and partnering with neighbors. The session concludes with an explanation of what a permaculture design course entails and the benefits of taking it in-person. Participants are encouraged to drop questions in the Q&A, and the next month's topic will be 'Make the least change for the greatest possible effect or yield.'Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/895 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Part I: Caryn Hartglass, Long Term Vegan with High Cholesterol. Caryn gives a 1-year update on her journey to lower her cholesterol. As a long time vegan, this is challenging. She has been doing an SOS-free (salt, oil, sugar free) diet for one year. Part II: Ciara Sidell, Randall's Island Park Alliance Urban Farm Ciara Sidell is the Urban Farm Manager at Randall's Island Park Alliance in NYC. The Randall's Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is the proud steward of the beautiful Randall's Island Park, which is uniquely situation between three boroughs – Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens. For over 30 years, RIPA has worked in partnership with the City and the Parks Department to restore, maintain, sustain, develop, manage and program Randall's Island Park as a place for all New Yorkers to enjoy. Since its inception in 2006 the Urban Farm has grown in size and scope, featuring over 100 raised beds, two greenhouses, four rice paddies and a small fruit orchard. With education at the forefront of its design, the Urban Farm embodies the core belief that plants and children can grow side by side. With over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables from around the world, the Urban Farm allows visitors to deepen their understanding of where food comes from. Strolling through the farm, you'll discover fruits and vegetables you've never seen in grocery stores and crops that are culturally relevant to our nearby communities. Through free hands-on classes and public events focused on sustainability, cooking, planting, and composting, farm visitors of all ages can explore locally-grown food in an urban environment. School groups can visit through our Edible Education Program, and we invite the public to explore during weekend open hours and many program offerings. The Urban Farm is located at the island's southern end, adjacent to the park's playground, a picnic area, playing fields, and a public restroom. The Randall's Island Park Alliance is proud to program and maintain the Urban Farm and greatly appreciates donations to help continue to make these events possible     Links mentioned in the podcast: Keene Garlic Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ron Weiss, MD, Ethos Primary Care and Ethos Farm Joel K. Kahn, MD, Lipoprotein(a), The Heart's Quiet Killer: A Diet & Lifestyle Guide

Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-waterharvesting-with-the-urban-farm/

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusThis month Greg from Urban Farm and Don Titmus from Bee Oasis discuss the principle of working with nature rather than against it. They cover various permaculture techniques, such as building soil organically, harvesting rainwater, using polyculture, and incorporating animals for land management. The conversation highlights the importance of seed saving, biological pest control, and the benefits of a permaculture design course. They also share personal experiences and insights on creating sustainable and resilient ecosystems.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/889-garden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved funds to pay law firm Fisher Philips the remaining money owed for an independent investigation into the handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to force a game 7 in the NBA Finals. Indiana's Black Legislative Caucus Members reflect on Juneteenth. The work at one local urban farm continues, despite recent federal funding cuts. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Drew Daudelin, Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved funds to pay law firm Fisher Philips the remaining money owed for an independent investigation into the handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to force a game 7 in the NBA Finals. Indiana's Black Legislative Caucus Members reflect on Juneteenth. The work at one local urban farm continues, despite recent federal funding cuts.

In this week's episode, we spotlight the oh-so-gorgeous and sweet-as-pie Brahma chicken! In this week's main topic we chat about the things we learned from our visits to UK urban farms. We share our recipe for an amazingly delicious Chocolate Victoria Sponge cake, and we try to find some retail therapy with vintage chickens at the London and Paris markets.Grubbly Farms - click here for our affiliate link.https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100963304-15546963Pre and Probiotic and Vitamin and Electrolyte Powders!Bright and Early Coffee - use code CWTCL15 for 15% off of any bagged coffee. K Cups always ship free!https://brightandearlycoffee.com/Omlet Coops- Use Our Affiliate Link and COFFEE10 code for 10% off!https://tidd.ly/3Uwt8BfChicken Luv -  use CWTCL50 for 50% off your first box of any multi-month subscription!https://www.chickenluv.com/Breed Spotlight is sponsored by Murray McMurray Hatcheryhttps://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/Metzer Farms Waterfowlhttps://www.metzerfarms.com/Nestera UShttps://nestera.us/cwtclUse our affiliate link above for 5% off your purchase!Chocolate Victoria Sponge - https://coffeewiththechickenladies.com/farm-fresh-egg-recipes/chocolate-victoria-sponge/CWTCL Websitehttps://coffeewiththechickenladies.com/CWTCL Etsy Shophttps://www.etsy.com/shop/CoffeeWChickenLadiesAs Amazon Influencers, we may receive a small commission from the sale of some items at no additional cost to consumers.CWTCL Amazon Recommendationshttps://www.amazon.com/shop/coffeewiththechickenladiesSupport the show

In this episode, mother-son duo Robin & Kellen Kanzius of Fred's Urban Farm talk about the viability of growing mcirogreens as a means to make a living.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

I had so much fun, and learned a ton from this conversation with Greg Peterson of the Great American Seed Up and the Urban Farm Podcast! If you've been listening for a while, you know that podcasters are great conversationalists, and can be very entertaining - Greg is no exception! Greg's podcast has about 900 (nine hundred!) episodes since the end of 2015!Greg has been on a mission since he was 15 years old to figure out how to fix the broken food system, and has been running the Great American Seed Up out of Arizona for several years; kind of like a buffet for seeds - thousands of people attend in person each year, to stock up on seeds. He says seeds are expensive to buy when you buy from a store, mostly because of the pretty packaging, so they simplify it, and you can buy in bulk. *You can also mail order seeds, FYI* In my head, I've been trying to imagine what the event looks like, to have bulk seeds for thousands of shoppers...The first soundbite I posted to promote this episode gave me chills - he said this: "I am the person on the planet responsible for transforming our global food system." WOW! And this is the message he hopes you will take away from this conversation: "The most important thing that we can be doing right now is figuring out where our food comes from and how to grow our own. And that starts with having seeds and knowledge to grow food." He also says that 20% of our gardens should include pollinator-friendly plants - that's a great piece to start with!You can find all things Greg Peterson at https://www.urbanfarm.org/ and https://greatamericanseedup.org/They're also on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/urbanfarmu?igsh=MXZpNzhmbzdrd3Nndg%3D%3DYou can send me messages(this is new!)!Support the showPlease follow Grounded In Maine podcast on Instagram here YouTube channel link is here You can DM me there or email me at amysgardenjam@gmail.com Website for Amy's Garden Jam is https://amysgardenjam.com/ (podcast has its own tab on this site!) Amy's email newsletter: https://amy-fagan.kit.com/499688fe6a How Do I Get There From Here by Jane Bolduc - listen to more at https://www.janebolduc.com/Podcast cover by Becca Kofron- follow here on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/cute_but_loud/ and check out her awesome art projects. Grounded in Maine Podcast is hosted by Buzzsprout, the easiest podcast hosting platform with the best customer service! Learn more at https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1851361 You can support this podcast one time (or many) with the Buy me a coffee/Hot Chocolate link here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/groundedinmaine Grounded in Maine Podcast is sponsored by ESG Review. Learn more about the good they're doing at https://esgreview.net/

Explore the abundance of the desert with The Urban Farm's 'Farmer Greg' Peterson's special guest Cactus Kelly. She teaches thru foraging walks identifying edibles from bean trees, cacti, plants and weeds in the urban desert environment. And explains how she mills and extracts these edibles into juices, flour and powders. Take a audio walk with her describing and harvesting these native desert edibles. Original broadcast archive page with expanded content https://rosieonthehouse.com/podcast/outdoor-living-hour-urban-farming-and-nativeedibles-with-the-urban-farm-cactus-kelly/

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusJoin Farmer Greg Peterson and Don Titmus, a horticulturist and permaculturist as they reflect on their 20-year friendship and shared journey in permaculture. They outline the fundamental principles of permaculture. They introduce the concepts from permaculture of elements, zones and stacking functions, where each element in a design performs multiple roles, using chickens as a primary example. They look at how zones and sectors work in permaculture design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the external elements and how they impact the property. Greg and Don also mention the Permaculture Design Course (PDC) they offer, tailored for different climatic regions, and encourage in-person attendance for enriched learning. They conclude by encouraging contributions to support their educational efforts and thank viewers for participating.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/884-garden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode of 'Rosie on the House,' hosted by Romey Romero, Farmer Greg is joined by Erin Erickson and her mother Elise Pitterle, who run a small urban farm in South Tempe called Tempe Garden Girls. Motivated by food scarcity during the COVID era, they expanded their gardening efforts into a full-fledged urban farm, growing various vegetables, flowers, and maintaining fruit trees and poultry. Greg & Romey chat about their journey, the challenges faced, and the learning process of adapting to Arizona's unique climate. They also highlight the importance of community, educational outreach, and providing season-appropriate plant starts to help others succeed in urban farming. The episode underscores the critical role of local farmers in creating a sustainable and self-sufficient food system.Erin and her husband, Todd raise their three daughters, maintain a thousand square foot garden, and care for various poultry. Erin grew up on a vineyard in Oregon, and loves passing on her passion for gardening to her kids and community. Her mother, Elise, is a certified master gardener with decades of experience dedicated to growing food and teaching others. Together, they sell produce at the Uptown Farmer's Market and are launching a region specific veggie start box to help local gardeners thrive In Arizona's unique climate.Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/882-Rosie for the show notes and links on this episode!Find them at TempeGardenGirls.comNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusJoin Farmer Greg Peterson and Don Titmus, a horticulturist and permaculturist dive into month 2 of their yearlong discussion of the principles of permaculture. They discuss foundational aspects of observation, protracted and thoughtful observation (PATO), and the importance of understanding local environments. They also highlight their 'Garden Chats' available at gardenchat.org and urbanfarmpodcast.com, where listeners can learn more about permaculture ethics and principles. Additionally, they emphasize the need for in-person courses to build a strong community and offer practical examples of challenges like managing pests, weather patterns, and optimizing plant growth. Finally, they encourage documenting observations and naming one's farm to cultivate a sense of ownership and community engagement.Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he'd been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/877-garden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Toby Hemenway's Book Reference - Gaia's GardenNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more. *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

How can urban farming transform communities and increase access to fresh, local food? In this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we're joined by Devon Wilson, founder and farmer of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Devon started Sunlight Gardens to increase access to fresh, local food and inspire the next generation of farmers through their fresh corner store, community events, and Farm Squad youth program. Devon's passion for food justice stems from personal experience—witnessing multiple family members struggle with diet-related illnesses. Now, he's working toward equitable food systems and sustainable change by bringing fresh produce to his community. Tune in to hear how Devon and his team built Sunlight Gardens from the ground up and what's next for this thriving urban farm!   Episode Highlights: Getting Started: How did Devon get into farming? [1:33] Land Access: How did Sunlight Gardens acquire its current property? [5:05] Fresh Corner Store: How did Farmacy come to be, and what do they offer? [14:08] Global Insights: What did Devon learn from his fellowship in Japan? [27:56] Farming in Japan: How is agriculture evolving, and what's changing for the better? [38:45] Looking Ahead: What's Devon's vision for the future of Sunlight Gardens? [42:47] New Farmers: What advice does Devon have for aspiring farmers? [46:29] Don't miss this episode to hear how Devon is building a thriving urban farm and inspiring the next generation of farmers!   About the Guest: Devon Wilson is the founder and CEO of Sunlight Gardens, a two-acre organic urban farm in Battle Creek, Michigan. Sunlight Gardens' mission is to increase access to local food and inspire future farmers. The farm features a fresh corner store (Farmacy), six hoop houses, a composting area, an event venue, and a fruit orchard. Through partnerships with local businesses and institutions, Devon and his team are making eating locally fun and accessible.  

In this episode, mother-son duo Robin & Kellen Kanzius of Fred's Urban Farm talk about the logistics behind having many or few product SKUs.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.