The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

Building a community of farms, one yard at a time.In This Podcast: How do you farm in a city without a large plot of land? Allie Borovik, the creator of Neighborfood, is learning how to do just that in Austin, TX. Using Fleet Farming and Curtis Stone for inspiration, she has devised a business model that allows her to produce and harvest food for local chefs and restaurants without purchasing her own land. Listen in to learn her method of yard farming, the benefit to her landowners, and how she builds her inventory of yards and produce.Allie was born in Houston, TX and raised in Memphis, TN - not on farms, but always around food. She spent her college years in New York City playing volleyball and studying politics, food, and public health. In 2017, she fell in love with farming at the Farmer Training Program in Burlington, VT.  A year later she was growing vegetables and some animals at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture outside of NYC. Just this past spring, Allie moved to Austin, TX to start Neighborfood, a neighborhood-based network of small yard farms. Currently, she has three yards in production and is selling her produce to restaurants and markets around the city. Allie started Neighborfood as a way to feed people, build communities, and combat climate change. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/12/14/502-allie-borovik-on-networking-small-yard-farms/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!502: Allie Borovik on Networking Small Yard Farms

Learning how to cook with vegetables.In This Podcast: Shortly after getting married, Sonja Overhiser and her husband, Alex, did a 180 from fast and frozen food to eating a home-cooked, mostly whole food plant-based diet. She shares what motivated them to learn to cook as well as her efforts to teach others through an award-winning food blog, cookbook, and popular newsletter. There are so many social, mental, and physical benefits to plant-forward diets and she gives examples of how the shift in cooking has changed their life.Sonja is the writer behind the award-winning food blog A Couple Cooks and author of the book Pretty Simple Cooking, named a best vegetarian cookbook by Epicurious and Food & Wine. Along with her husband Alex, the couple has a worldwide following for their vegetarian and plant-based recipes. She's also author of a recipe series with Washington Post Food called Voraciously: Plant Powered, on how to cook more plant-forward meals. Featured everywhere from the TODAY Show to Bon Appetit, Sonja is a national advocate for healthy and sustainable eating to improve our health, communities, and planet. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/12/10/501-sonja-overhiser/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!501: Sonja Overhiser on Eating more plants.

Moving others to take the leap towards inspiration.In This Podcast: We normally focus on inspiring urban farming, but for our 500th episode, we wanted to educate on one way you can turn your urban farming passion into a business. John Lee Dumas is the creator of Podcasters Paradise, a school that teaches how to start and run a successful podcast. JLD tried several careers before he found his perfect fit, and he discusses what led him to podcasting, managing a business, how to create energy for action, and some of his hurdles along the way. Our guest today is not all that involved with the food movement, he is more in the inspiration movement. I began listening to him in 2014 and was so inspired by his bright personality and incredible guests that I joined Podcasters Paradise - the podcasting school that he and his partner Kate run. This led me to launch the Urban Farm Podcast in the fall of 2015. Using their techniques and strategies, we now have a global reach, 50,000 downloads a month, AND hundreds of episodes educating and inspiring others to be part of their food system. So, in celebration of our 500th episode I have asked JLD to be my guest today. John Lee Dumas, or JLD as he is known by his listeners, is the host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, an award-winning podcast where he interviews inspiring entrepreneurs who are truly ON FIRE. With over 2000 episodes, 1 million+ listens a month, and seven-figures of annual revenue, he is just getting started. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/12/07/500-john-lee-dumas/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Disclosure: This interview mentions affiliate links. If you choose to purchase affiliate items or courses, The Urban Farm will earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps us to continue giving you great content for FREE and we appreciate the support. We believe in all the affiliate programs we suggest. See our Disclosure Policy (www.urbanfarm.org/disclosure) for more details. 500: John Lee Dumas on Lighting your Life on Fire.

Creating a circular food system in the arctic extremes.In This Podcast: Dropping everything and moving to the northernmost city in the world might be what some people would call ‘extreme’, yet Chef Benjamin Vidmar did that and is going even further by working towards a zero-waste food system for the city. He shares how this project uses permaculture in a city that imports its food and exports its waste, and how he has garnered the city leaders’ support. Listen in to see how you can help.Benjamin is an Eco-chef and Foodie from Cleveland, Ohio with over 20 years of international experience. After working for 18 years as a professional chef in the United States, Asia, and Scandinavia, he visited Svalbard, Norway for the first time in 2007 and instantly fell in love with the Arctic. After several years as the head chef at Svalbard Pub, he felt called to interrupt and innovate a food system that simply wasn’t working.In 2015 he created Polar Permaculture to help restore sustainable systems in the “northern most” town in the world. Today, Polar Permaculture produces farm fresh, nutritious vegetables, microgreens, and sprouts for the local community with a sustainable, circular system in mind.  Their intent is to produce enough food for the entire town of Longyearbyen and process all of the community’s organic and biological waste.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/12/03/499-benjamin-vidmar/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!499: Benjamin Vidmar on Growing Food at the Pole.

Encouraging landscapes and gardens with plants favorited by native bees.In This Podcast: We've heard about bees on previous podcasts, but Jaime Pawelek, a taxonomist who identifies bees and unnamed species, is sure to teach you something new! We go outside of the typical honey, carpenter, and mason bee discussion and into some unique varieties like a sweat bee. Jamie shares details on how bees collect pollen and nectar, their motivation, seasonal needs, and environmental needs to bring these pollinators to your garden. Learn more on how to plant garden bees! Jaime is the owner of Wild Bee Garden Design and has been studying native bees for nearly 15 years. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Conservation and Resource Studies in 2008. At the university, she worked in the Urban Bee Lab with Dr. Gordon Frankie for several years where she learned about the close relationships of bees and plants by observing their interactions all across California.   With the information she learned, and started designing gardens full of native and drought tolerant plants for homeowners and businesses to help them create valuable pollinator habitats.  She currently works as a taxonomist identifying bees for various researchers around the country.   Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/30/498-jaime-pawelek/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!498: Jaime Pawelek on Pollinator-Friendly Habitats

Providing organic, non-GMO, and soy-free chicken feed to local backyard farmers. In This Podcast: Even if you don't own chickens, if you've ever considered the difference that eating organic makes, this podcast on Chicken Feed Co-ops is for you! Learn why Scott Brown is passionate about finding reasonably priced organic feed for his hens and how his plight created a community co-op. Most importantly, he shares some of the science and studies on GMO's, soy, and organic foods. Through bioaccumulation, our food's food is our food and he puts a whole new spin on eating well. Scott is just a guy who started a chicken feed co-op to save money on eggs. He organized Phoenix Organic Feed, Flour and Grain, as a local buying club to get organic chicken feed at reasonable prices.  Plus as an added bonus he can specify which ingredients go into the premium USDA certified organic feeds, grains, and flours.   Phoenix Organic Feed, Flour and Grain is a local supplier of organic, non-GMO chicken feed serving Phoenix and Tucson.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/26/497-scott-brown/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!497: Scott Brown on Chicken Feed Co-ops

Making growing healthy food at home fast, easy, and fun.In This Podcast: The idea of growing 20% of your own food at home can be intimidating, but Jason Pechenik found a way to make it attainable, affordable, and fool-proof. He shares how his hydroponic Farm Stand saves water, energy, shortens time to harvest, and extends growing seasons. The most amazing part of the program is the plant suggestions by zip code and continuous coaching and reminders to add water and nutrients. Listen in for a promo code and free app that helps all food growers!Jacob is a passionate entrepreneur who has built a career around questioning and improving industry status quos. After graduating from MIT with a BS in Chemical Engineering he founded and led an early web-based B2B supply chain platform, a peer-to-peer derivatives trading platform, and a film finance and production company with over 30 film credits.  But when expecting their first child, Jacob became acutely aware of limitations in our food system, and they were inspired to look into possible solutions. This passion led them to found The Farm Project, a Public Benefit Corporation whose mission is to transform our food system by engaging and empowering consumers.  With Jacob as Founder and CEO, The Farm Project launched the hit web series “Your Food’s Roots” in partnership with ATTN: in 2017. And in the spring of 2019, the company launched Lettuce Grow, an initiative that empowers everyone to grow 20% of their own food at home. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/23/496-jacob-pechenik/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!496: Jacob Pechenik on Home Grown Salads

Pursuing regenerative farming solutions for desert climates and communities.In This Podcast: Dry, arid regions make for some creative watering strategies. Sara El-Sayed has taken the traditional olla method of watering to a new level by incorporating drip irrigation tubing. The Clayola system creates a hands-off watering system that only needs monthly attention. She also shares about how food creates culture and identity, how to consider the whole food system beyond the grocery store shelves, the growing conditions in Egypt, and how to regenerate areas using biomimicry.Sara is pursuing her Ph.D. at Arizona State University in food system sustainability, specifically on Women in Arid Region's Regenerative Practices. She is dedicated to making a difference in her local food system and has co-founded multiple organizations for this purpose.   Nawaya is a social enterprise working as a catalyst to transition small scale farmer communities in Egypt into more sustainable ones through education and research. Dayma is an LLC responsible for outdoor Environmental Education, teaching young adults about Biomimicry and local Egyptian communities. And, Clayola, is an LLC creating low-tech irrigation systems in collaboration with local Egyptian clay artisans.  Sara has served as a board member in Slow Food, an international movement aiming to safeguard local food cultures and traditions by promoting Good, Clean and Fair food for all. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/19/495-sara-el-sayed/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!495: Sara El-Sayed on Low-Tech Irrigation.

Foraging and harvesting edible plants.In This Podcast: Explore the abundance of the desert with Cactus Kelly Athena. Normally a teacher and wild desert cuisine harvester, Kelly will open your eyes to ways you could be eating the native plants in your area or harvesting them and selling to local chefs and restaurants. After this episode, you'll be harvesting your neighborhood trees to try desert edamame, mesquite flour, nopales, and prickly pear! Also, she explains the environmental and social benefits of hyperlocal cuisine.Kelly grew up loving nature in Northern California and moved to Phoenix in 1986. She holds a Master's Degree in Music and Photography, and is a Master Gardener of Maricopa County. She was named Arizona Photographer of the year in 2000, and especially enjoys photographing nature. Five years ago, she began hosting plant walks to help people learn to identify and sustainably harvest wild plants. Then she was dubbed “Cactus Kelly.” Kelly is especially interested in desert bean trees such as the Palo Verde, Mesquite, and Ironwood trees as well as edible cacti and weeds. She harvests wild desert cuisine for restaurants and chefs in the area, makes prickly pear juice and powder, and teaches desert foraging in schools and at the Desert Botanical Garden.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/16/494-kelly-athena/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!494: Kelly Athena on Wild Desert Cuisine.

Researching how urban farmers can increase the performance of our landscapes.In This Podcast: If the term active carbon sequestration has you picturing scientists in hazmat suits, you aren’t alone! Returning guest Scott Murray shares how to harness the power of nature and use home landscaping to reduce carbon in the environment. Listen in for an easy to understand explanation of the impact of carbon on our global environment, how capturing it helps the growth of our plants and trees, and what we can do right now to create microsystems that reduce your carbon output.Scott has 46 years of organic agricultural production experience in the United States and Mexico. He has a multitude of experience with conservation, food production, and environmental leadership—including serving as an elected California Conservation official for the last 27 years. Scott also specializes in farmland preservation projects utilizing Smart Growth Principles. These days he does farm creation and consulting as his primary work, including work on a farm growing coffee in Southern California which had its first harvest and sold out in one day for $796 a pound. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/12/493-scott-murray/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!493: Scott Murray on Active Carbon Sequestration

Working with military vets to share urban farming skills.In This Podcast: AOVS Urban Farm is much more than CSA and Farmers Market produce. The farm is home to veterans, and Christopher Peterson discusses the immense benefits for the veterans who work and walk through the farm. This unique model has its challenges, and he shares how they planned a regenerative, ADA accessible space that produces food, but also acts as landscaping for the on-site residents. Listen in to learn about this unique approach to helping our veterans and the surrounding community! Christopher works as the Farm Manager at AOVS Urban Farm, a 2-acre Urban Farm and Gardens in South Memphis serving economically disadvantaged veterans who have suffered from physical and/or mental health conditions. Prior to this position, he ran Loch Holland Farm, a small, sustainable livestock farm focusing on multi-species rotational grazing and has worked on several other small, sustainable farms in the Memphis area.  Christopher also previously served as Executive Director for GrowMemphis (now a program of Memphis Tilth) and has consulted on various other Mid-south food initiatives. In addition to food work, he holds an MA in Human Value and Global Ethics and continues to teach locally as an adjunct professor in Philosophy and Anthropology.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/09/492-christopher-peterson/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!492: Christopher Peterson on Urban Farming with Vets

 Using the space above planters to the best advantage. In This Podcast: Sometimes it just doesn't feel like we have enough space in our gardens! Returning guest, Jason Johns, shares his solution that increased the yield per square foot from his garden, different styles of vertical gardens, and design tips. He also recommends his favorite plants and how to customize the soil and watering schedule when you are planting upward. Listen in for details on how to win his newest book to help you start creating your own vertical garden. Jason is the author of Vertical Gardening: A Complete Guide to Growing Food, Herbs, and Flowers in Small Spaces, as well as 17 other gardening books on everything from greenhouse gardening to growing giant pumpkins. Jason is passionate about gardening, having grown his own produce for over twenty years. He started with a second-hand greenhouse, an 8’ by 6’ patch of his mother’s garden, and far too many tomato plants.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/09/492-christopher-peterson/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!491: Jason Johns on Vertical Gardening

Admiring the most commonly pickled vegetable in all its varieties.In This Podcast: Do you know the difference between a cucumber and a cucumber melon? Neither did Jay Tracy, but a conversation with a desert gardening guru helped him discover this tasty, drought-tolerant plant that is easy to grow in hot climates. Learn all about how to grow cucumber melons, how he avoids cross-pollination, and why landrace varieties are more resilient. Jay also shares some of his favorite varieties, his secrets for pre-sprouting vs direct seeding, and how to win some seeds!Jay began gardening in 2006 in Tucson Arizona, then moved to Fairfield, California for cooler weather and health reasons. In Fairfield, he has three large garden beds - one at home, two at nearby friends’ houses - and one greenhouse. His blog Scientificgardener.com is where he records his experiments and discusses his love of gardening.  Early in his gardening life he found an interest in growing cucumbers and has experimented with common and not-so-common varieties, and with each success, he expands to even more rare varieties. Over time this hobby has expanded to a small business known as the Cucumber Shop. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/11/02/490-jay-tracy/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!This contest period has expired. 490: Jay Tracy on Cucumber Melons.

Changing the world by reclaiming nutrients lost from our bodies.In This Podcast: What is your first thought when you think of using urine as fertilizer? Abraham Noe-Hays from the Rich Earth Institute may change your mind. Urine contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all things that we look for in a fertilizer. They create pollution in our wastewater system, but when added to the agricultural cycle they benefit our plants. Listen in and learn about urine diversion, and you'll honestly start to contemplate if you should begin peeing in your yard!Abraham is the Research Director of the Rich Earth Institute. He coordinates multidisciplinary research and demonstration efforts involving farmers, scientists, planners, and volunteer participants (aka "urine donors"), with the goal of developing tools to allow other communities to start recycling urine. A lifelong resident of Vermont, he has used alternative sanitation systems since 1976, and has been academically and professionally involved in their development since 2000. The Rich Earth Institute is an organization operating the nation’s first community-scale urine recycling program. This program converts human urine into fertilizer for use on local farms. The initiative saves water, prevents pollution, and supports sustainable agriculture by turning a universal waste product into a valuable resource.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/29/489-abe-noe-hays/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!489: Abraham Noe-Hays on Fertilizer from Urine

Documenting the many unique aspects in seed varieties.In This Podcast: Returning podcast guest, Chris Smith, updates us on his Okra Trials, everything he learned, and how they determined the best variety of okra out of over 60 contestants! He also shares how The Utopian Seed Project is focusing on bringing seed and food diversity to the south. They are currently testing southern crops such as cowpeas, heritage beans, corn, and groundnuts. Listen in to learn about growing tropical perennials in the south, open-sourced seeds, and much more! Chris is an author, garden blog writer, and homesteading consultant. In 2018 while writing his book The Whole Okra, he grew out 76 different varieties of okra as research. In many ways, this research fed The Utopian Seed Project to take root and grow. Based in Asheville, NC, the Utopian Seed Project is a hands-in-the-earth organization committed to research trials on crop varieties in the Southeast to support diversity in food and farming. They are working towards an overarching vision to support food security in the face of climate change through diverse and regenerative agriculture. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/26/488-chris-smith/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!488: Chris Smith about Saving Seed Diversity

Bonus Episode 31: Seed Saving Class September 2019. In This Bonus Podcast: This is the September 2019 episode of a live Seed Saving Class discussing genetic modification, the current advances, what that means for our food, the truth behind the scientific studies, hand pollination, and so much more.There is always a bounty of information available in conversations with Bill McDorman.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/22/bonus31/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Discovering the wonders of harvesting native and urban trees, weeds, and cacti.In This Podcast: What would you eat if all the grocery stores in your area closed? Peggy Sorensen has found her answer in the native trees, shrubs, weeds, and cacti of the southwest! Hear how she got into foraging edible desert plants, which southwest plants are her favorite to harvest, and some of the ways to process and prepare them. If you've ever wondered about making your own prickly pear juice, mesquite flour, purslane pickles, or mallow chips, you'll love this intro to wild foods!Peggy is a wild-foods enthusiast and forager who enjoys helping people discover the edible plants, trees, and weeds that grow all around us but typically are not recognized as food.  She gives workshops and plant walks around the Phoenix area and not only brings in samples of the plants to see, touch and taste but she also likes to turn them into tasty treats in order to provide a well-rounded experience.  She has become known for her mallow chips, purslane pickles, prickly pear lemonade as well as mesquite nectar and truffles.  Peggy is also a gardener, an herbalist and a board member of the AZ Herb Association.  Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/19/487-peggy-sorensen/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!487: Peggy Sorensen on Foraging Edible Plants in the Desert

Honoring a family heritage or nurturing neighbors.In This Podcast: Most people in Arizona are familiar with Hickman's eggs, but there is so much more to this family-run business than eggs! Clint Hickman shared with us the evolution of egg farming, and how his family business grew enough to feed Phoenix. He also explains all the side businesses that came out of egg farming: organic fertilizer, recycling programs, and animal feed. They even formed a mutually beneficial program with local prisons that gives farm-work-release inmates a leg up.Clint is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hickman’s Family Farms, the largest egg company in the Southwest United States and one of the top 20 nationwide. Truly family-run, Clint and his siblings have built up the business that his grandmother founded.  A graduate of the University of Arizona, he oversees the vast network of partners that Hickman’s maintains, and guides the company’s marketing efforts.   While growing up, Clint was inspired by how his grandparents treated friends and neighbors. From that, he now makes sure that programs are provided to help relieve hunger, support education, and promote extensive and ongoing training in the communities that Hickman brands are welcomed. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/15/486-clint-hickman/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!486: Clint Hickman on Building Community Sustainability

Creating a full circle food system that connects family and community.In This Podcast: Wholistic living has taken on a whole new meaning for Jolene Kuty! Through learning about health, she went from eating cheese infused hot dogs to working as a chiropractic physician surrounded by her half-acre urban farm. She created a full circle system using compost, chickens, mealworms, and contributions from neighbors. Hear how she engages her kids and educates with no element overlooked as she creates a thriving space that allows her to get outside and engage with the world. Chiropractic physician and health educator, Dr. Jolene Kuty, built an idyllic sustainable urban farm as a role model for her patients and her family. Her home and on-site chiropractic office is surrounded by 800 sq. ft. of raised organic vegetable gardens and over 20 Urban Farm fruit trees. They live, work, and play on a half-acre in the city where their five children swing beside seedlings and are surrounded by fresh growing fruit. They eat farm-to-table sharing recipes and inspiration with all who visit. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/12/485-jolene-kuty/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!485: Jolene Kuty on Abundant Holistic Harvests

Helping others understand and create food forests.In This Podcast: Eco-edible landscaping sounds like a cool new method, but it incorporates many of the tried and true methods of permaculture. Kristie Kapp educates on building a food forest and how to incorporate 7 layers, supporting plants, mineral accumulators, and beneficial insects. She teaches stacking plant functions and how to build the ideal soil for your food forest in just one year. Listen in to learn these principles and how to start creating regenerative, resilient ecosystems. Kristie is the Founder and Executive Director of Resilient Roots. She has a master's in ecology from Yale School of Environmental Studies and over twenty years of farming experience. She decided to merge the two professions, completed a permaculture landscape design program, and has been designing landscapes since 2014.   Resilient Roots is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and promote awareness about permaculture landscapes that are primarily edible and guided by ecological principles. They empower people to grow their own food in a manner that is sustainable and uses local resources.   Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/08/488-kristie-kapp/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!484: Kristie Kapp on Eco-edible landscaping

Moving from dreaming about it, to doing what it takes to grow a farm.In This Podcast: How does an adventurous spirit, practicing yoga and following your intuition lead someone to start a farm? As Tiffany Panaccione learned, those experiences teach you to follow your heart and try new things! Listen in to learn how she plans to turn her dream of farming into a profitable business. She discusses her plans for her first crop, and how she plans to build a customer base. Healthy soil, drip tape, and saving seeds are all part of the strategy she discusses. Tiff is a Phoenix native with a gypsy soul. Her self-healing journey has sailed her around the world and right back home to her roots. With a strong craving and an inner calling to go deep within herself and simultaneously the dirt, she is now listening, learning, discovering, and planning to cultivate the gifts of the Sonoran Desert. After all, she wonders… is it really worth doing the “hard work” if it isn’t your heart’s work? Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/05/483-tiffany-panaccione/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!483: Tiffany Panaccione on Starting an Urban Farm Business

Enhancing our connection to the earth and each other.In This Podcast: Learning about permaculture can be life changing, and Michael Gettens shares about his experience taking a permaculture design course, how to take on a production mindset instead of simply consuming resources, and how the current food system is degenerative instead of regenerative. Rainwater harvesting, sectors, zones, and solar cooking are all topics in this chat about working with the earth to connect with it and each other. Michael is a Permaculture student inspired by the diversity of plants and animals who call the Sonoran Desert home. Growing up in New Jersey, his Italian mother sparked an interest in nutrition, and thus the importance of fresh, local ingredients began his gardening journey. When he moved across the country in 2014 to Arizona, the unique climate presented an obvious focus on water to ensure a good harvest.  Michael took his first Permaculture Design Course in the Fall of 2017, led by Dan Dorsey - which guided him to a concentration in rainwater harvesting, and a goal to discover low-tech solutions that provide basic human needs. His current position at Galaxy Gardens includes irrigation maintenance, rain garden design, and planting services. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/10/01/482-michael-gettens/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!482: Michael Gettens on Evolving Lifestyles in a Changing World

Building soil quality through carbon management.In This Podcast: Biochar can improve your soil and help the environment at the same time! We visited with Dr. Rivka Fidel from the University of Arizona to learn all about biochar and carbon farming. Listen in for how you can make it, use it, and the science behind adding it to your compost. She also shares about her journey into the field of sustainable agriculture, why it's important for our future to create a carbon negative world, and highlights in carbon farming.Dr. Rivka Fidel is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice at the Department Environmental Science, University of AZ, teaching introductory level classes in Soil Science and Critical Zone Science. She received her PhD in Soil Science from Iowa State University and her B.S. in Environmental Science from Union College. Her research is in soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, specifically examining the efficacy of biochar for improving soil quality and mitigating climate change.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/28/481-rivka-fidel/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!481: Rivka Fidel on Biochar and Carbon Farming

Bonus Episode 30: Seed Saving Class August 2019. In This Bonus Podcast: Once again we join a conversation with Bill McDorman and Greg Peterson to learn about growing from seed, growing for seed, and why our seeds are so important in these changing times.This is the replay of the August 2019 Seed Saving Class  In this class, he covers the Art of Seed Saving, and of course a few more things as well.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/24/bonus30/ for more information and links on this bonus podcast, and to find our other great guests.

Experimenting with living off existing food sources for difficult times.In This Podcast: We followed up with Kevin Espiritu to hear the results of his Apocalypse Survival Challenge. Could you survive for a whole month only eating what you grow, fish, barter, or forage? Hear how Kevin used his 200 square foot gardening space, community foodscapes, and trade - to nourish himself for an entire month. He gets specific on identifying what foods to grow in the 90 days prior to the challenge, how he added protein using fishing and plants, and his surprising takeaways. His business Epic Gardening began as a way for Kevin to present gardening information in a more modern, updated way to friends and family. First came the website. Followed by YouTube, a daily podcast, and finally his social media presence on Instagram, and Facebook.  Kevin is the author of Field Guide to Urban Gardening from our friends at Quarto Publishing.  Like Greg, Kevin was a presenter on the recent Superfood Summit and loves to share gardening knowledge. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/21/480-kevin-espiritu/  for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!480: Kevin Espiritu on his Apocalypse Grow Survival Challenge

How to get creative with 80 pounds of fruit.In This Podcast: We are back with returning guest and team member, Katie Fiore to talk about getting creative when your yard gives you an excess of food. While many people fear abundance, she embraces the creativity it allows and shares a different way to look at cooking with apples in both the long and short term. You’ll also learn about the concept of a local "Cool Tool" community shed for lesser-used harvest tools, as well as saving seeds and succession planting for seasonal abundance. Katie  is an Arizona native who spent most of her life thinking she had a brown thumb. Five years ago, her first successful attempt at growing food was herbs grown in wine barrels. Since then she has become an Urban Farm junkie. In Spring 2018 she planted 15 fruit trees and bushes in the backyard and has started adding a few raised beds to her garden. Now, she is up to 21 fruit trees on her property, all with sweet potatoes planted under them.  A career change last summer has given her the time to pursue a healthier, lower stress life with her new husband Mark. She is currently following her dreams of blogging about all her adventures, nurturing her backyard food forest, and helping GrowPHX Collaborative establish a Speakers Bureau in Arizona. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/17/479-katie-fiore/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!479: Katie Fiore on Apple Abundance.

Transforming ordinary spaces into beautiful, food-producing landscapes.In This Podcast: Entering college without much direction, a life-changing experience in Paraguay helped Matt Lebon find his place in the global food system. Now, he runs a custom foodscaping company making spaces beautiful and edible. He share about hands-on education in permaculture and farm school as well the magical food moments his company helps to create. He gives insight into how gardens and orchards connect people to nature and how schools can use their foodscapes to teach science.Matt is a proud St. Louis native with over ten years of farming and gardening experience. He got his start with farming as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, later going to study permaculture and work on several farms in Israel and Brooklyn, NY.  Then he became a practitioner and instructor on edible landscaping, organic agriculture, orcharding, and permaculture design.  He is most passionate about creating magical food moments in the everyday places we work, learn and play. His company Custom Foodscaping transforms ordinary spaces into beautiful, food-producing landscapes. They provide consultation, design, and installation services to create edible landscaping in your farm & garden. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/14/478-matt-lebon-2/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!478: Matt Lebon on Foodscaping

Conveying observations from the kitchen, the dining room, and the garden.Journalism and food have been major themes all throughout Joe Yonan's life. In this podcast, learn about how he got involved with food at a very young age, his journey to food editor, and what a food editor actually does. Joe also shares about learning to homestead, succession planting, and what he's growing in his garden. He has written two cookbooks and edited another called “America The Great Cookbook,” don't tell anyone else, but we smell a book giveaway cooking!Joe is the Food and Dining editor of The Washington Post, supervising all food coverage in the features department. He is also the editor of "America The Great Cookbook" and has written two cookbooks “Eat Your Vegetables: Bold Recipes for the Single Cook” (2013) and “Serve Yourself: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One" (2011).Joe was a food writer and Travel section editor at the Boston Globe before moving to Washington in 2006 to edit The Post’s Food section. He writes The Post’s Weeknight Vegetarian column and for five years wrote the Cooking for One column, both of which have won honors from the Association of Food Journalists.In addition to writing about food and dining, Joe also has written about his efforts to grow food on his 150-square-foot urban front yard.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/10/477-joe-yonan/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.This contest period has expired.477: Joe Yonan on Documenting the Culinary Experience

Inspiration through nature’s bounty of nourishing plants.In This Podcast: Working in a desk job and knowing that it was not a good fit, it still took Kimberly Kling a little while to build up the courage to do something different.  Eventually she found herself on a path to learning about herbalism and has finally found her passion. As a devoted learner, she is learning as much as she can, but still finds time to share with others what she has learned so far.Kimberly is an herbalist, mother, part-time homesteader, gardener, and the creatrix behind Joyful Roots, a botanical wellness brand. Kimberly and her family live on a 4-acre mini farm in a rural ranching town in Southern Arizona. She finds immense enjoyment in getting to know the local wild plants, experimenting with gardening, making art, creating with food and herbs, and exploring the land around her.Through her business, Joyful Roots, her passions are channeled into to helping others cultivate their inner joy by amplifying their self-care rituals and growing deeper roots in our Mother Earth. Kimberly is committed to offering small batch, 100% natural body-care and soul-care products that nourish our bodies, respect the Earth, and empower us into greater well-being.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/07/476-kimberly-kling/ for links to her poem, and to a surprising recipe.476: Kimberly Kling on the Impact of Herbs.

Farming for a local restaurant and a rapidly growing community.In This Podcast: It was not a direct path to this destiny for David Barrow, but running a sustainable urban farm in Austin Texas has been his biggest success. With many regenerative and sustainable practices in use on the farm it is no wonder the soil is healthy and the crops are productive. Working hand-in-hand with a restaurant onsite allows for the freshest of dishes in a unique way. He shares some key aspects about how sustainable farming is working in East Austin.David is the Farm Manager for Eden East Farm in East Austin. After 18 years of working in the film industry, he began managing Eden East and runs the farm in conjunction with a locally sourcing restaurant.Eden East Farm is a sustainable urban farm sitting three miles from the state capital building. They grow over 65 varieties of produce throughout the year, and service restaurants and the public alike. Formerly Springdale Farm, the property has served the community for over 100 years in some sort of farming capacity.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/09/03/475-david-barrow/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.475: David Barrow on Sustainable Urban Farming in Texas

Taking an everyday vegetable to the table in delicious new ways.After Amy Lacey’s health took a downturn and she wanted to bring some normalcy back to her family’s routine, she tried a recipe for a vegetable she did not really like. Little did she know how a bland vegetable could make such a difference for so many people. Combine that with her passion for doing good things and paying it forward, and she is truly making a delicious impact in the world.Amy is the author of Cali’flour Kitchen: 125 Cauliflower-Based Recipes for the Carbs You Crave. She is the co-founder and CEO of Cali’flour Foods, and her Cali’flour products have been featured in Food & Beverage Magazine, GQ, and OK! Magazine. They were also named one of “Whoopi’s Favorite Things” on The View; and won Clean Eating magazine’s Clean Choice Award two years in a row.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/31/474-amy-lacey/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.This contest period has expired.474: Amy Lacey on The very versatile cauliflower.

Expanded growing options through hydroponics.In This Podcast: When Kevin Espiritu started gardening he quickly became interested in hydroponics, and as he tried to learn how, he found that most articles and books were focused on only one well-known plant and he wanted to grow food. He started documenting his experiences to help others, and now Kevin has several platforms to share information for new and beginning gardeners. Today he shares several tips about small space gardening, and how there is a way for anyone with a will. www.urbanfarm.org/epicgardening Living in a condo in 2011, Kevin didn’t have the space for a big backyard soil-based garden, so he got creative. Learning about urban gardening was eye opening for Kevin and as a self-admitted geek and someone with an obsessive personality, he got hooked. Living in a condo in 2011, Kevin didn’t have the space for a big backyard soil-based garden, so he got creative. Learning about urban gardening was eye opening for Kevin and as a self-admitted geek and someone with an obsessive personality, he got hooked.  He started building his own “bizarre” hydroponic systems with amazing results, and when his friends and family wanted to learn how to do the same – Kevin was in business.  Epic Gardening began as a way to present gardening information in a more modern, updated way. First, the website, next YouTube, a daily podcast, and then his Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest presence. Kevin is the author of Field Guide to Urban Gardening from our friends at Quarto Publishing.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/27/473-kevin-espiritu/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.This contest period has expired.473: Kevin Espiritu on Small-Space Urban Gardens

Focusing on sustainable growing practices on 20-acres down under.In This Podcast: We meet Angela Neyland as she tells us why an old TV comedy series influenced her and how she found permaculture. With this foundation, she shares the journey that led her and her husband to start a permaculture based homestead. She describes her property and some of the challenges they have overcome so far as well as her future plans for the property.Angela is an Australian 34-year-old mother and part-time university research officer who holds a PhD in Australian Aboriginal archaeology. She and her husband Danial own Loganberry Forest, a permaculture homestead in rural Victoria Australia where she recently started a small heirloom seed business for her homegrown seeds online.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/24/472-angela-neyland/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.472: Angela Neyland on Permaculture Homesteading in Australia.

Bonus Episode 29: Seed Saving Class July 2019. In This Bonus Podcast: Once again we join a conversation with Bill McDorman and Greg Peterson to learn about growing from seed, growing for seed, and why our seeds are so important in these changing times.This is the replay of the July 2019 Seed Saving Class  In this class he covers Extreme Seed Saving, and of course a few more things as well.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/20/bonus29/ for more information and links on this bonus podcast, and to find our other great guests.

Digging into the reasons plants flourish.In This Podcast: We delve deeper into the relationship between plant roots and healthy soil with Jake Mowrer. He explains why the soil changes when plant roots extend through it's layers, and lessons learned from the dustbowl times regarding soil degradation. Through his simple explanations, it is easier to understand the nature of soil make-up. And, he shares simple tips on how to improve soil quality. Jake was raised on a farm in north Georgia where his family produced broiler chickens and beef cattle.  Growing up, the work was often hard, but the food was always good. Life on the farm is a good way to gain an appreciation for the connectivity of food production in our daily lives.Jake now works with farmers in Texas as a Texas A&M faculty member in the Soil and Crop Science Department, and as an Extension Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to communicate the importance of managing soil as a natural resource.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/17/471-jake-mowrer/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.471: Jake Mowrer on Deep Roots in Soil

Getting serious about the microscopic life in soil.In This Podcast: Retired after years of leadership in Monsanto, David Stark was asked to mentor a young company making what was essentially compost tea. Reluctantly and with some concerns over the science, he agreed and now is excited to share what he has learned about soil science and plant health. Grateful for not turning down the request, he now can help teach about soil and plant health and explain about the various microbes in the soil and the essential roles they play.Dr. Stark is President of Holganix LLC where he leads the company’s efforts to expand its business into agriculture.  Dr. Stark spent over 25 years with Monsanto Company where he held various senior leadership roles in technology, corporate affairs and business operations. In 2015 he went to work for Holganix, sells a line of 100% natural bionutritional products for turf, ornamental and agriculture use. The product starts with a proprietary process for making and concentrating a diverse mix of over 800 species of beneficial bacteria, fungi and protozoa. The end result is the most complete mix of Organic beneficial microbes on the market.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/13/470-david-stark/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.470: David Stark on Soil Microbes.

Creating resilience in an urban community.In This Podcast: It was after spending some time out of the country that Francey Slater woke to the poor American relationship with food.  This motivated her towards food justice and making a difference in her community.  With a belief that healthy food is a right for everyone, she co-founded a non-profit that is creating community and school gardens, and building a stronger, resilient community as a result. Francey is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mill City Grows in Lowell, MA. Her experience creating garden-based educational programming spans two decades, several continents, and youth through adult learners. Mill City Grows is an organization that fosters food justice by improving physical health, economic independence and environmental sustainability in Lowell through increased access to land, locally-grown food and education.Prior to founding Mill City Grows, she was the Education Director for CitySprouts, worked as a member of the Urban Nutrition Initiative in Philadelphia, PA, helped to restore agricultural efforts in a village school in Bangalore, India; and provided education for farmers, gardeners, and youth in Hocotepec, Mexico. Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/10/469-francey-slater/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.469: Francey Slater on Urban Ag and Food Justice.

Fascination with an underappreciated vegetable.His first introduction to okra did not go over well, but years later Chris Smith was given okra seeds as a gift and he felt responsible to do his best with them.  This prompted him to research, learn, and experiment with many varieties and recipes. He learned a lot and he shares part of his journey becoming fascinated with this often discounted vegetable. There is a lot more to this plant than just a simple pod. Check out the recipe for pickled okra he shared with us and included on our shownotes page.Chris is a garden writer and homesteading consultant who serves on the board of The People’s Seed. When he is not okra-ing he can sometimes be found at Sow True Seed, an Asheville-based open-pollinated seed company. The Whole Okra: A Seed to Stem Celebration by our friends at Chelsea Green Publishing, has just been released and is available!Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/06/468-chris-smith/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.This contest period has expired.468: Chris Smith on Okra

Having WAY too much fun with worms!In This Podcast: Watching his coworker through her lunch scraps into a large bin under her desk was just too exciting for Bentley Christie and soon he was on his way to becoming the Compost Guy with a popular blog and website about worm composting.  He shares his excitement and admiration for the legless wonders that produce a valued garden soil amendment. Not stopping there, he explains a new method of composting that transformed his garden into a bountiful wonder.Bentley, also known as "Compost Guy", earned an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biology with undergrad and grad studies in: plant pathology, microbiology, soil and compost science.  He has been working with worms for over 20 years, is the author of the blog Red Worm Composting and is currently teaching about trench vermicomposting.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/08/03/467-bentley-christie/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.467: Bentley Christie on Worm Composting

Bringing residents, local government, and businesses together to build an epic garden and so much more.In This Podcast: The area Shannon McBride grew up in had experienced a tumultuous change when the Phoenix light rail was built right down the middle. Instead of getting angry, she decided to start a collaboration for the area. Building around a vision for a safe, walkable community, she started with a community garden; and through team work, donations, and community buy-in, the results are impressive. But she’s not done and there is so much more to this collaboration. 19North is not your typical community garden by any means!Shannon grew up in the 19NORTH Community in Central Phoenix where she currently lives. In her career journey, she has held executive positions with Fortune 100 companies working in: Human Resources, Communications, Strategy Implementation and Training/Development.Her community work began as a Pastor at Open Door Fellowship Church where she founded 19NORTH - a non-profit community development organization that is bringing together schools, churches, neighborhoods, local government, city offices and businesses to help assure that, "Every Business Thrives, Every Student Succeeds and Every Neighborhood is Safe".Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/30/466-shannon-mcbride/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.466: Shannon McBride on Successful Community Collaboration

Empowering a community through the benefits of growing food in the middle of the city. In This Podcast: After running the Cooperative Extension Program for Urban Gardening in Atlanta, and taking leadership roles in several other community orgs, Bobby Wilson was not going to stop when he retired! Instead he invested his retirement money into a farm and is transforming it in a community resource with education and community plots along with the production agriculture. He has a huge vision for what his team can accomplish.Bobby is the President and CEO of Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, founded to use as a teaching tool, economic empowerment zone, and as a food production site for the southwest Metropolitan Atlanta area.  He promotes the benefits of urban agriculture in food deserts with a farming model that works to decrease the number of food insecure families through education on planting, cultivating, and cooking fresh produce.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/27/465-bobby-wilson/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.The contest in this episode has been closed.465: Bobby Wilson on Five Acres in Atlanta

Tapping into the many benefits of backyard botanicals.In This Podcast: While becoming a licensed acupuncturist and doctor, Nicole Finklestein felt the carbon footprint of the medicinals and botanicals in her practice was extensive. She drew on her family farming background to start growing herbs and flowers. She discusses holistic practices used on her farm, as well as regenerative agriculture used to rebuild the soil. She has great advice for those interested on jumping into the niche market of medicinal farming.Nicole is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, licensed acupuncturist, and registered herbalist who was raised as a naturalist on her family's berry farm in rural Ohio. She spent much of her childhood exploring the plant kingdom and testing botanical remedies passed down through generations of Appalachian healers. With over a decade of Western and Eastern herbal study, she founded Herban Austin - an herb farm in Central Texas where she cultivates botanicals for both medicinal and culinary use.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/23/464-nicole-finklestein/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.464: Nicole Finklestein on Urban Herb Farming

Keeping people at the core of small business success.In This Podcast: When an entrepreneurial opportunity came his way, Carl Atwell jumped on board with a passion. He is now president of Gempler’s and is building it again with a commitment towards his customers and employees. He shares the story of how Gempler’s was created with a focus on good values and how he connected with that. He also explains how the relationship with his customers and employees is so important to him and to his vision for the company.Carl has spent 25 years working toward the dream of someday owning a company centered around employees and customers.  In January he purchased Gempler’s, an 80-year-old farm-and-home-store that helps anyone who works outdoors.Gempler’s is an independent farming and outdoor-work supply company with a promise to treat you like a neighbor, not a number. They provide innovative products to make the hardest outdoor jobs easier with fair pricing, and friendly service every time.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/20/463-carl-atwell/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.463: Carl Atwell on Entrepreneurship and Valued Relationships

Turning garden pests into edible treats.In This Podcast: Her 9-year-old son wanted to eat snails while in France, and once home he wanted to eat the garden snails too – so food writer Molly Watson did the research and figured out how to harvest and cook the snails they collected. Her down to earth descriptions can help any gardener who wondered if the pests had an edible purpose. She also shares a lot about her research for her upcoming book about how to decide about being vegan.Molly is the editor-in-chief of Edible Communities, the flagship website for a network of 80+ hyper-local food magazines across the US and Canada. She is the author of Bowls! (2017) and Greens + Grains (2014), both from Chronicle Books, as well as the forthcoming Should We All Be Vegan? out this fall (2019) from Thames & Hudson. She lives in San Francisco where the winters feel colder than her native Minnesota, no matter what the local say.Molly hates to garden! She’s tried it, she wants to like it, but she just doesn’t! She wrote about it a bit in her award-winning piece “Cooking’s Not for Everyone,” about how people shouldn’t have to cook (garden) to have high-quality, locally grown, sustainable food. Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/16/462-molly-watson/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.462: Molly Watson on Harvesting Garden Snails

Investing in small agriculture businesses.Production farming in America is not an easy business path to start on without some help or connections.  Appreciating the value of farming after his travels in the US Navy, Chris Rawley realized these challenges farmers face when trying start or expand small-to-midsize farms and decided he could help. He breaks down the basic process for agriculture investing outside of traditional bank loans and the benefits for both farmers and investors. Check out his article too!As a career naval officer, Chris has traveled the world. Over the course of visiting dozens of war-torn and poverty-stricken countries, he began to appreciate the importance of farming to every single person on earth. As a professional investor, he decided to invest in a farm, but discovered that these types of investments were inaccessible to the average person. He created Harvest Returns in 2016 to democratize investments in agriculture.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/13/461-chris-rawley/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests - and check out his article at www.urbanfarm.org/investinfoodsystem461: Chris Rawley on Alternative Funding for Urban Farmers

Making the hatching of backyard chickens easy and fun.In This Podcast:  If you are not careful, you might find that hatching eggs can quite easily develop into a passion, just ask Pascale Pearce! She took a job that needed her to hatch eggs at least once, so she knew what she was talking about – and now she loves to help others understand the process.  She shares some key points about incubating bird eggs and starting the chicks off right.We also include a link to a great article from her with even more info!A native of France, Pascale is a graduate of Bordeaux Business School where she earned an MBA specializing in International Trade. In 1994 in the UK, she started as Brinsea Export Manager and joined Brinsea USA in 1998 shortly after its creation where she was in charge of business development.Brinsea® is a family run business offering bird breeding and veterinarian products. Established in 1976 by an engineer with an interest in breeding birds it quickly became a passion, which coupled with his background and enthusiasm has produced the most innovative egg incubators and brooders available.With 25 years’ experience in the bird breeding and animal intensive care, Pascale enjoys sharing her knowledge of incubation with backyard breeders to make hatching an enjoyable experience they will want to repeat.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/09/460-pascale-pearce/ for more on this podcast, and www.urbanfarm.org/hatchingeggs for her article.460: Pascale Pearce on Egg Incubation for Beginners

Expecting that ruralization is the next evolution.In This Podcast: Studying the changes in shifting populations, Jason Bradford is predicting the trend for urban growth is going to reverse. He breaks down why our energy dependency is indicating a reversal, why technology is creating discounted problems, and more importantly why personal action toward energy literacy and resilience is critical. He talks about what to do as the approaching change draws near. Jason has been affiliated with Post Carbon Institute since 2004, first as a Fellow and then as a Board Member. He graduated from U.C. Davis with a B.S. in biology before earning his doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis, where he also taught ecology. He’s worked for the Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development at the Missouri Botanical Garden, was a Visiting Scholar at U.C. Davis, and co-founded the Andes Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Group.After all that, Jason shifted from academia to learn more about and practice sustainable agriculture. completed training with Ecology Action (aka GrowBiointensive) in Willits, California, and founded Brookside School Farm.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/06/459-jason-bradford/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.459: Jason Bradford on Rural Living as our Future

Bringing concentrated, jam-packed garden education to life.Her passion for bringing people together in educational garden summits is quite evident when you listen to Stacey Murphy tell us what she has planned this year.  She explains why she started presenting her summits and some of the exciting results she’s getting in return.  She also talks about how food dies, nutrients are lost every day and what you can do about it. Her collection of experts will be covering several topics related to growing superfoods in your garden.Stacey has helped tens of thousands of new gardeners from six continents grow vegetables and herbs in small spaces, and enjoy a green lifestyle nourished with fresh, homegrown food. With her holistic garden system, she teaches what to grow in any climate. Stacey is a garden geek, growing food since 1979, and her superpower is packing, literally, tons of vegetables and herbs into tight spaces.Featured on Martha Stewart Radio and PBS’s Growing a Greener World, Stacey believes growing food organically is the best health plan for people, communities, and the earth.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/07/02/458-stacey-murphy/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.458: Stacey Murphy on the Superfood Garden Summit

Developing a relationship between primary pollinators and growers.Realizing that his apple trees were barely producing compared to his neighbors, Dave Hunter found the answer was mason bees.  His hobby increased his harvest, and eventually his new passion developed into a brand-new industry and a new company. Now he is working hard to educate how mason bees and leaf cutter bees are a significant pollination solution. His goal is to build more native bee industries around the world. Dave is the founder and owner of Crown Bees, a native bee company in Woodinville, WA that sells bees and products online, to nurseries and farmers. His experience with mason bees extends over two decades. Dave founded the commercial mason bee industry, Orchard Bee Association, and works with researchers to ensure that what Crown Bees practices is both ethical for the bee and efficient for the farmer/gardener.  He co-authored the book The Mason Bee Revolution, and speaks to gardeners, farmers, and researchers throughout the year.Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/06/29/457-dave-hunter/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.Also - Check out Dave’s post on our Blog: The Future of Food ~ Native BeesThis contest period has expired. 457: Dave Hunter on Native Bees

Bringing a whole system approach of design and nature to the farm.In This Podcast: Taking a permaculture course as a young adult gave Raven Venturelli the confidence and inspiration to start her own farm. However, finding land in California to develop her nature-based farming concepts was difficult so she followed her parents and moved to Arizona. She has used her holistic design methodology to build a farming business the way she wants and the quality and diversity of produce at Blue Apple Farm has developed a following at the local farmer’s market. Raven is a small farmer and activist for environmental and social justice. She has been studying Permaculture Design for ten years and manages Blue Apple Farm in Cornville, Arizona. She is on the board of the Sedona-based non-profit, Gardens for Humanity, on the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Teaching Team, and runs the Verde Valley Seed Library. Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/06/25/456-raven-venturelli/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.456: Raven Venturelli on Permaculture for the Small Farm