The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

A SPECIAL Farmer Friday Interview with Jeffrey Smith.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Wrap Up of Roundup:Jeffrey Smith joins us to discuss the astonishing news that Bayer will discontinue sales of Roundup to residential consumers in the US.  Jeffrey is a passionate advocate for people and nature in the fight against Roundup and GMO’s.  He explains the significance of this announcement by discussing both the history leading up to it and the opportunities created by it. There is still much work to do to protect our health and safety, but this is a monumental step forward! Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/27/629-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Wrap Up of Roundup.

628: Brazen Brassicas.In This Podcast:This is the July 2021 Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman discussing brassicas.  Sassy, unpretentious and unapologetic, the brassica family covers some of the easiest and trickiest plants to grow, and from which to save seeds.  Break through the mystery, the challenge, and myths and learn how to grow and save seeds from this family of diverse species which includes kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, arugula and broccoli. At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class. Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/24/628-seed-chat/ for shownotes and links.Brazen Brassicas.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Zach Loeks.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Ecosystem Mimicry and Layering:Greg welcomes back Zach Loeks to discuss how to simplify the process of ecosystem design by observing and mimicking the natural layers and patterns of existing ecosystems.  Zach details what to look for when observing.  He also explains how to create a more complete ecosystem by using layering to fill a space vertically and patterns to fill it horizontally.  You will enjoy the fun examples he gives.  Don't miss hearing Zach explain how to jazz up your design!Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/20/627-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Ecosystem Mimcry and Layering.

Getting Excited About Sharing Gardening Stories.In This Podcast:Kevin is passionate about gardening and driven to find ways to help others grow plants.  We are excited to have him return, this time to give us updates about both his personal and professional gardening endeavors.   Kevin shares stories of new digs, new products and a new book.  All of his stories share the common themes of ease and sustainability, and all of them are generously sprinkled with epic tidbits of gardening wisdom. Kevin Espiritu began his business Epic Gardening as a way for him 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, and his new book is Grow Bag Gardening, both from our friends at Quarto Publishing.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/17/626-kevin-espiritu/ for shownotes and links.Epic Gardening Growth.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Zach Loeks.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Old Growth:Greg talks with Zach Loeks about old growth.  Most of us think of redwood forests or the Amazon, but Zach explains how the concept of old growth also applies to food forests.  Learn what old growth is and listen as Zach paints a beautifully vivid picture of what it looks like.  He takes us on a journey through time, traveling back to the food forests of our ancestors, and forward to imagine what his planting will look like hundreds of years in the future.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/13/625-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Old Growth in a Food Forest.

Encouraging Children to Eat More Colorful Foods.In This Podcast:Sharon Pesner was just an ordinary mom, struggling to get her children to eat healthy foods, until she bravely presented her ideas at a PTA meeting and they grew into a program called Eating the Rainbow.  Sharon shares how the program developed, the contagious excitement it generated, and the impact it had on the entire school community.  She also reflects on the personal growth she experienced while working on the program, and she tells us where she volunteers now.Sharon Pesner is the creator of the Eating the Rainbow School Nutrition Program.  A parent-led, community supported, principal & PTA endorsed, school-wide program that ran successfully at the Chestnut Hills Elementary School in Dix Hills, NY until it closed.  Eating the Rainbow was an inspired idea that with the help of three other moms, and numerous volunteers, evolved into an EPIC program reaching far into the community and school district and impacting hundreds of kids and their families.  Sharon is a mother of two ‘almost-adults’, and knows that a mom’s dedication to the health of her kids can move mountains when it needs to.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/10/624-sharon-pesner/ for shownotes and links.Eating the Rainbow.

In This Farmer Friday Podcast on How to Grow Potatoes:Greg dishes with Kevin Espiritu about potatoes. Bake them, mash them, or boil them in a stew…. There are many ways to eat the versatile potato and, as Kevin discovered, there are several ways to grow them as well! He gives us the steps for two common methods, and then he tells us what happened when he experimented to see if he could make the process even simpler. The result is what Kevin calls his “lazy potato” method, and it couldn’t be much easier!Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/06/623-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.How to Grow Potatoes.

Working to Protect the Land That Produces Our Food.In This Podcast:Leon Kolankiewicz defines the problem of urban sprawl, and he describes the alarming rate at which it is permanently destroying farmland and our future food security.   What is driving this sprawl, and what can we do about it? Leon is optimistic that farmland can be saved if long term trends are addressed. Hear the solutions he recommends, based on his decades of research, and the changes he believes can be made at both the individual and government levels.Leon is a consulting environmental scientist and planner. He has managed Environmental Impact Statements (EIS's) on projects ranging from dams and reservoirs to flood control facilities, roads, parks, power plants, oil drilling, and mines. He has assisted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the preparation of management plans at 50 national wildlife refuges in many states. Receiving his B.S. at Virginia Tech and M.Sc. at the University of British Columbia, during his career he has worked for several agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, National Marine Fisheries Service, as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras, and as a consultant. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/03/622-leon-kolankiewicz/ for shownotes and links.Leon Kolankiewicz on Preserving Quality Farmland.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Laura Allen.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on How to Grow Healthy Plants with Greywater:Greg welcomes back Laura, from Greywater Action, this time to teach us some specifics about using greywater.  While the concept of greywater is fairly straightforward, there are some basic rules.  Laura tells us how to easily recognize and avoid things that should not be in the water, what happens if one of them should make it into the water, and what types of plants are suitable for greywater. She also shares some very handy resources.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/30/621-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.How to Grow Healthy Plants with Greywater.

A chat with Don Titmus.  In This Garden Chat: Greg, co-host Janis Norton, and Don discuss how to apply permaculture concepts to address water issues in our landscapes.  They dive deep to reveal the natural systems that protect plants from climate extremes, and they explore ways we can replicate these systems in our landscapes.  Whether your local climate is wet or dry, hot or cold, you will appreciate the many practical tips for identifying, observing, and managing the water available on your property.On the last Tuesday every month we host The Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience.Our Special 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 started 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. He co-founded the Phoenix Permaculture Guild, started a Permaculture design company, redesigned his home site into a permaculture design destination, and helped develop a thriving permaculture community in the Phoenix, Arizona area. He has presented in 5 cities, worked in several states, attended classes in 5 states, and pretty much lives and breathes permaculture.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/27/620-garden-chat/ for shownotes and links.Water In and For Our Landscape.

A Farmer Friday Reflection by Greg Peterson.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Margaret the Condo Gardener:Greg tells the story of Margaret, who simply walked around her neighborhood and began her transition from food consumer to observer, and finally to gardener.  She thought she was looking for a place to grow food.  What she found was a renewed relationship with nature and stronger bonds within her community.  Learn what Margaret did on her walks that allowed her to discover an abundant source of fresh, healthy food... and so much more!Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/23/619-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Margaret the Condo Gardener.

618: Wildflowers.In This Podcast:At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman.  This is the June 2021 class discussing wildflowers.  Bill draws on his 28 years of careful observation as he shares expert tips for successful wildcrafting and planting of wildflower seeds, including mistakes to avoid.  He also clears up some common misconceptions about wildflowers and discusses problems in the wildflower industry. Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/20/618-seed-chat/ for shownotes and links.

A Farmer Friday Reflection by Greg Peterson.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Water Harvesting at the Urban Farm:Farmer Greg’s sustainable, regenerative water harvesting system has him singing in the rain, even in the desert.  Greg explains where the water comes from and where it goes, and he gives details about how he collects and distributes it.  He also gives a formula for calculating the amount of water available for harvesting on your own site, along with other helpful tips and resources for getting started safely and legally.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/16/617-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Water Harvesting at the Urban Farm.

Bringing New Life to Gardens.In This Podcast:Tara Nolan encourages us to grow edibles in whatever space we have and shows us how to think outside the 4 foot by 8 foot box when designing raised beds.  Those who don’t have (or want) a full vegetable garden will appreciate her ideas for adding vegetables to the existing landscape.  Tara also takes us along on her gardening journey and shares how she combined that passion with her passion for writing, resulting in two books full of creative gardening ideas. Tara is a co-founder of the award-winning gardening website Savvy Gardening.  As a freelance writer and editor, her work has appeared in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, CBC Life and Garden Making, among others. Tara’s latest book, Gardening Your Front Yard: Projects and Ideas for Big & Small Spaces was published in March 2020. Her first book, the best-selling Raised Bed Revolution: Build it, Fill it, Plant it… Garden Anywhere, came out in 2016.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/13/616-tara-nolan/ for shownotes and links.Tara Nolan on Revamping Raised Bed Designs.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Laura Allen.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Getting Started with Greywater:Greg talks with Laura Allen from Greywater Action about a great way to get more life out of our water - by sending water we have already used in our home out to our gardens instead of down the drain.  Laura reveals the easiest place in the house to get started and the best plants to water using greywater.  She also explains how greywater systems work and how the installation compares to the very familiar traditional drip systems.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/09/615-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Getting Started with Greywater.

Looking Outside Of The Box For Garden Growing.In This Podcast:Jenn Frymark has grown fresh produce in some very unexpected places, so she is a firm believer that everyone can grow fresh and close to home, wherever home might be.  She explains how she took this belief a step further and started Gotham Greens, using her hard-earned expertise to find out if food could be grown and distributed locally as a business, rather than a grant-funded educational or community project.  Jenn talks about the early challenges and many successes.Jenn is the Chief Greenhouse Officer of Gotham Greens, a pioneer in urban indoor agriculture with a national network of local high-tech farms.  At Gotham Greens, Jenn oversees all greenhouse design and growing operations.  Prior to Gotham Greens, she managed greenhouses at McMurdo and South Pole stations in Antarctica, providing fresh vegetables for U.S. research scientists. She also worked in the greenhouse at the Cuisinart Resort and Spa in Anguilla and designed and led operations for the Science Barge in New York City. Jenn earned a Master’s degree in Plant Sciences from The University of Arizona and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Biology from Arizona State University. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/06/614-jenn-frymark/ for shownotes and links.Growing Fresh and Closer to Home.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Kristina Hunter.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Connecting with Nature:Greg is excited to speak with Kristina about the many benefits of connecting with nature, some of them unexpected! Kristina points out that we intuitively know that nature is good for us, and she recommends we include nature as a sacred part of our daily routine.  She teaches that connecting with nature provides direct and immediate benefits to our bodies and our minds.  Kristina and Greg both share simple ways they connect with nature each day.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/07/02/613-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Connecting With Nature.

A chat with Emily Rockey.  In This Garden Chat: Emily Rockey joins us for an illuminating discussion on soil - the living, breathing foundation of every garden.  Emily takes us down to the roots and peels back the layers to discover what makes up this fascinating, hidden ecosystem.  Nature already knows how to make the best soil, and Emily discusses some simple ways to replicate and care for that perfect balance in our gardens.On the last Tuesday every month we host The Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience.To join us for the next event, go to www.GardenChat.org or Click HERE to register for the Monthly Garden Chat with Live Q&AOur Special Guest:Emily is the Garden Supervisor at Mission Garden in Tucson Arizona, a 4-acre living agricultural museum which invites the public to learn about local multicultural histories, sustainability and organic gardening, and the environment. She has studied plant sciences at the University of Arizona, served as an intern on organic farms in the U.S. and Italy, and worked in non-profits and businesses focused on sustainability, gardening, and promotion of compost and healthy soil.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/29/612-garden-chat/ for shownotes and links.

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice, in short, bite-size episodes.In This Farmer Friday Podcast:Greg is excited to speak with Andrew Faust about biodynamic tree paste, a concept Greg learned about years prior, yet it is not widely discussed. Andrew is an expert on biodynamics and he educates us on this tree paste that adds micronutrients and eliminates pest habitats in trees. There are variations for the recipe, however all the ingredients are simple, natural, and is one of the most holistic approaches to orchard care.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/25/611-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Caring For Orchards with Holistic Biodynamic Tree Paste.

610: Saving Seeds of Cucurbits.In This Podcast:At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the May 2021 class discussing cucurbit varieties, crossbreeding squashes versus melons, and so much more on the main species of cucurbits and their differences that allow for 'wild crosses'.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/22/610-seed-chat/ for shownotes and links.

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice, in short, bite-size episodes.In This Farmer Friday Podcast:Marlene Simon from Flower Power Garden Hour Podcast returns to reveal the many ways that cover crops can be used in the garden to add nitrogen, shade, moisture, and more. Marlene explains the process of nitrogen fixing and the most common mistakes gardeners make when trying to maximize nitrogen within the soil. Marlene and Greg discuss the benefits that arise with growing cover crops and how we can use them efficiently in the garden.Don’t miss an episode!visit UrbanFarm.Org/podcastDo you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/18/609-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Growing Cover Crops for Multiple Benefits.

Expanding farmers reach to customers with busy schedules.In This Podcast:We hear from Jon Hayes about a new app he created and launched that brings local food even closer to home. Jon tells us how his app has many benefits outside of local food sourcing, and essentially can be utilized for anything to do with food production from gardening products to consulting services. With this app’s ability to reach a large market segment, this can be a fundamental solution to the global food system. Don’t miss an episode!visit UrbanFarm.Org/podcastJon is a software engineer and aspiring (sub)urban farmer and the founder of Locavore.co.  Locavore is an online, hyper-local, peer-to-peer food network where you can find fresh locally grown produce, food services, opportunities, farm equipment and more to buy, rent, sell, share or trade.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/15/608-jon-hayes/ for shownotes and links.Jon Hayes on Online Farmers Marketplace.

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice, in short, bite-size episodes.In This Farmer Friday Podcast:Kristina Hunter from Live. Well. Green Podcast educates us on the many sources and types of contaminants that can be found in soil, especially in an urban garden. While some sources are evident, Kristina calls attention to also consider the site's history. Sharing viable solutions, Kristina guides us through some key tips to mitigate and avoid contaminated soil.Don’t miss an episode!visit UrbanFarm.Org/podcastDo you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/11/607-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Watching for Contaminants in Your Soil.

Bringing gardening methods full circle.In This Podcast:We learn from Crystal Stevens about the many inexpensive ways to build a regenerative and edible landscape using natural resources. Crystal describes the different possibilities that can be incorporated into any size space that can lead one down the path towards self-sufficiency. One of her specialties is herbs and she shares with us some of the medicinal properties of herbs and their health benefits. Don’t miss an episode!visit UrbanFarm.Org/podcastCrystal lives along the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi River in Godfrey, Illinois with her husband, and 2 children. She is an Author, an Artist/Art Teacher, a Folk Herbalist, a Regenerative Farmer, and a Permaculturist. She has written 3 books published by New Society Publishers: Grow Create Inspire, Worms at Work, and Your Edible Yard. Crystal speaks at conferences and Mother Earth News Fairs across the United States and has been teaching a Resilient Living workshop series for over a decade.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/08/606-crystal-stevens/ for shownotes and links.Crystal Stevens on regenerative urban farming.

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice, in short, bite-size episodes.In This Farmer Friday Podcast:Greg is joined by Andrew Faust, host of Permaculture Perspectives podcast, who gives us an in-depth look at a holistic approach to growing plants called biodynamic farming. A term coined by a chemist and he tells us this is a practice that aligns permaculture principles with astrological patterns. Andrew shares the mystical perspectives of this approach that have been scientifically proven to work as ‘beyond organic’ methodologies for gardening and farming.Don’t miss an episode! Visit UrbanFarm.Org/podcastDo you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/04/605-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Using Biodynamic Approaches to Farming and Gardening.

Connecting farmers with farm workers looking for jobs.In This Podcast:We learn about the Farm Post App created and designed by Michael Schaeffer, an entrepreneurial idea stemming from need to connect farmers with workers. While traditional ways of finding farm work have become obsolete, Michael has successfully implemented an easy-to-use app for farmers to post jobs and workers are able to apply directly through this app. Michael’s app was initially designed to support Iowa farmers, however due to its success the app is gaining momentum nationwide.  Michael is an Iowa entrepreneur on a mission to close the technology gap in the farm employee market. With roots in farming and precision agriculture, Michael understands the challenges farmers face in connecting with the agricultural and urban farm workforce. After interviewing hundreds of farmers and ranch owners across the country, he developed the Farm Post App (Previously the farm hand app) to make it easy for farmers to connect with experienced help in their local areas. In less than two years, the Farm Post App has helped farmers fill thousands of positions in their farm operations.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/06/01/604-michael-schaeffer/ for shownotes and links.Michael Shaffer on Finding Farmhands.

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.Marlene Simon from Flower Power Garden Hour podcast returns for an eye-opening chat on understanding all stages of the bug life cycle. Marlene tells us what signs to look for when certain eggs or insects appear in your garden, as our first instinct is to kill them however these could be indicators of nature working in your favor. Bugs also have the added benefit of helping us identify whether plants are healthy or not as Marlene says “Bad bugs are attracted to stressed plants”.  Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/28/603-farmer-friday/ for shownotes and links.Spotting beneficial predators in your garden.

602: Partnering with NatureA chat with Jessica WalliserJessica Walliser returns for a riveting discussion about unique ways we can partner with nature that will enable a thriving garden. Many perceive bugs or mushrooms as a pest problem, however, Jessica points out that fungi and insects can actually be an indicator of other things happening in your garden. Jessica guides us through different ways that we can utilize nature to create a symbiotic ecosystem and identifying the difference between pests versus beneficial bugs.On the last Tuesday every month we host The Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience. To register for the live classes go to www.GardenChat.orgJessica co-hosted The Organic Gardeners, an award-winning program on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 15 years, is a former contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine as well as being a co-founder of the popular gardening website SavvyGardening.com. Jessica is the author of seven gardening books, including the Amazon best-seller Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and her newest book Plant Partners: Science-based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/25/602-garden-chat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.Returning guest Brian Wells, host of The Homestead Journey podcast, shares the most common yet avoidable mistakes that everyone should know when beginning a homestead. Brian points out that homesteading is a journey of trial and tribulation with emphasis on not a 'one size fits all' approach. The tips he shares focus importance on being realistic, accepting failure, and knowing what works best for you and your space.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/21/601-farmer-friday/ under the Farmer Fridays section for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Avoiding three common mistakes when starting a homestead.

600: Saving Seeds of Grasses and Grains.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the April 2021 class discussing the importance of growing our own grains, ancient grain sources, and so much more on which grains are best for specific regions.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/18/600-seed-chat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Building Healthy Soil with Five Essential Components.Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.Greg kicks off this episode with answering two questions from our listeners that focus on aspects of looking at pest management from a different angle. Tying into our main focus, Greg shares with us the concept of understanding natural pest management and what will bring the healthy life you want in your space. In order to have healthy life, Greg guides us through the five necessary components that we should be adding to our soil that will produce healthy plants.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/14/599-farmer-friday/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Tommie Hockett on sharing seeds with friends.Splitting a Seed Up In a Box with six others and building community resilience.We hear first-hand experience from one of our avid podcast listeners, Tommie Hockett, on how he hosted a community seed sharing event. Living in rural Texas, Tommie does not have many close neighbors and he shares with us how he devised a plan to build community resilience that expanded across county lines. Tommie notes how his expectations were exceeded throughout the process from the number of seeds he received to the unexpected guests that showed up out of curiosity.Tommie runs Sissy & Bubba's Farmstead alongside his beautiful wife Chellie. Through their strong faith, they are striving to be good stewards while living a self-sufficient life full of abundance! Tommy recently convinced a few friends to go in on a purchase of a Seed Up In a Box and had their own seed sharing event.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/11/598-tommie-hockett/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Uncovering the Root Causes of Blossom End Rot.Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.Marlene Simon, host of the Flower Power Garden Hour Podcast, joins us this week as she uncovers the truths and busts the myths about blossom end rot. Marlene explains how many people believe the issue stems from a lack of calcium in the soil. Lacking substance in the soil is not usually the case, however, the main causes can be prevented at the roots. She reveals her top tips that will help naturally correct the issue and advises not to waste money on special sprays.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/07/597-farmer-friday/ under the Farmer Fridays section for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Patti Milligan on Saliva and the Immune System.Improving our body’s resilience to environmental and emotional stressors.This week we delve into the world of saliva research as we speak with Patti Milligan on the importance of healthy saliva production. Patti describes how our saliva production can be impacted by the foods we eat and when we eat those certain foods that create healthy saliva, this bolsters our immune systems. Patti advises us on some tried and true ways to improve saliva production including the types of foods we should be eating and which foods to avoid. Patti has been in the nutrition field for nearly 40 years. Working in clinical nutrition, integrative medicine and natural foods, Patti brings a unique blend of clinical, educational, holistic, consumer, and PR experience. Her work and passion in the field of Neuroscience of Taste has led her to the field of saliva research and exploring the ‘why’ behind the foods we like. Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/05/04/596-patti-milligan/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Defining what is modern homesteading. Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.Greg invites Brian Wells, host of The Homestead Journey Podcast, to share with us how he defines what it means to be a homesteader. Brian describes homesteading as a lifestyle that has evolved into the modern era where its definition depends on the standpoint of where people live and what they do. He emphasizes that homesteading is not about the destination rather it is more about the journey, because a journey is never truly complete, it is continuously evolving.   Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/30/595-farmer-friday/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

594: Designing Your Edible Landscape. A chat with Kristin Parsons.We visit with Kristin Parsons who helps us explore the beneficial concepts of permaculture design and how to integrate functionality into the outdoor living space. We cover the important components of food forests, the first steps for beginners, and how to create ‘guilds’ for a thriving edible landscape.This is the first episode of our NEW monthly Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience. To register for the live classes go to www.GardenChat.orgKristin is a native Texan, who went to college in Kansas and ended up in Arizona in 2004. She has been gardening, raising chickens, planting fruit trees, and constructing buildings ever since! Although Kristin has been an architect designing interiors and commercial buildings, her roots began with spending time in the garden with her grandfather as a child and was drawn to the concept of permaculture. After completing a permaculture design course, she made a career change and now works full time as a consultant helping her clients with edible landscape designs. She formed her business Cultivated LLC six years ago and currently is in the process of designing 45 acres worth of landscape.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/27/594-garden-chat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Exploring the Seven Layers of a Food Forest.Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.In This Brief Bite: Greg invites Crystal Stevens on our show to illustrate the seven dense layers of a food forest and the important role each layer provides to an ecosystem. From the top canopy layer to the microbes under the soil, Crystal points out how each layer is an interrelated network that optimizes nutrient uptake at each level. She closes with the importance of dynamic accumulators, an underestimated aspect for creating healthy soil.  Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/23/593-farmer-friday/ listed under Farmer Friday's for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

592: Saving Seeds of Onions, Umbels, and More.A chat with an expert on Seeds.At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the March 2021 class discussing the many varieties of umbels, unique characteristics of onions and garlic, as well as so much more on aspects of permaculture as it relates to saving seeds.Come join us for the next live class, or catch up on our previous classes through our podcast episodes. Either way you will expand your seed knowledge and gain new perspectives on your food system.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/20/592-seed-chat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Jeffrey Smith on Genetically Modified Microbes.Raising public awareness about gene editing.After attending a lecture on GMO’s twenty-five years ago, Jeffrey Smith could not help but feel concerned about the future impacts of genetic engineering on ecosystems. Jeffrey speaks on the growing intensity of GMO contamination in all aspects of life and he advocates the importance of protecting the global microbiome. Jeffrey also points out that genetic engineering creates unpredictable changes in organisms and if not careful, can eliminate terrestrial plant life.Jeffrey is a bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker and celebrated public speaker. He has influenced the behavior and health of millions of people worldwide through his books like Seeds of Deception, and Genetic Roulette, and his podcast Live Healthy Be Well. Jeffrey is the founding executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, which has started a global education campaign call Protect Nature Now with the first documentary titled “Don’t Let the Gene Out of the Bottle”.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/13/590-jeffery-smith/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Starting an Organic Orchard.Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.In This Bite: Greg Peterson chats with the Urban Farm General Manager, Janis Norton, as she shares the story behind how she and Greg met, what led Janis to the world of organic gardening, and how she transformed her backyard from a dead & barren, desert-dirt slab to a vibrant and green, food producing urban jungle.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning?Well, in our new Farmer Fridays episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack…Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/09/589-farmer-friday/ for the show notes on this Farmer Friday episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Jessica Walliser on Science-based Companion Planting.Using tested methods to plan garden planting.In This Podcast: Discovering the science-based facts behind companion planting, Jessica Walliser captivates us with her expert knowledge on the unique benefits that arise when pairing plants together. Jessica explains how companion planting can be used as a strategy to improve soil health, manage pests, and even produce tastier vegetables. She helps us explore the various uses for companion planting and depending on the goal, how these practices will contribute to adding diversity in your space.Jessica co-hosted The Organic Gardeners, an award-winning program on KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for 15 years, is a former contributing editor for Organic Gardening magazine as well as being a co-founder of the popular gardening website SavvyGardening.com. Jessica is the author of seven gardening books, including the Amazon best-seller Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and her newest book Plant Partners: Science-based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/06/588-jessica-walliser/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Gardening tips, tricks, and advice in short, bite-size episodes.In This Brief Bite:  This is the first episode of the Farmer Friday Chats and Greg answers some questions about the importance of microbial life in your soil, foliar feeding and its benefits, and how to ‘establish’ your citrus trees.  Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podcast guest to share educational farming tidbits.  This quick podcast episode is designed to be brief and not take up your day. So… listen in and enjoy this Garden snack… Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/04/02/587-farmer-friday/ for the show notes on this Farmer Friday episode, and access to our full podcast library!First Farmer Friday

Nikki Jabbour on Growing Under Cover.Protecting gardens from cold weather and pests and extending growing seasons.An intriguing conversation on how to garden year-round in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Niki Jabbour illustrates her growing techniques that she claims to be a ‘game-changer’ in her garden. Niki describes the different types of crop covers used for various plants that can allow you to garden during winter as well as maintaining resilience against pests. She also emphasizes the importance behind creating microclimates in her space to produce the best tasting vegetables.Niki is the author of four books on food gardening including The Year-Round Vegetable Gardener and Growing Under Cover. She’s also a two-time winner of the prestigious American Horticultural Society Book Award. Niki writes for newspapers and magazines and has hosted a weekly radio show for the past 14 years. Growing Under Cover, her latest book focuses on techniques for a more productive, weather-resistant, pest-free vegetable garden.  Nikki gardens in zone 5B in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  Has about 20 raised beds, assorted cold frames, and a polytunnel in her garden. She harvests year round without adding heat by using garden covers like row covers, shade cloth, mini hoop tunnels, cold frames, a 14 by 24 foot polytunnel and deep mulching. Her techniques not only allow her to enjoy a year-round harvest but they reduce pests. They also create a microclimate around her plants which allows growing heat loving veggies in a short season climate.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/03/30/586-niki-jabbour/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Eddy Badrina on Growing vertically in greenhouses.Transforming industrial agriculture.In This Podcast: In This Podcast: Exploring the future of farming, we chat with Eddy Badrina about a new technology that can be a viable solution for creating a regenerative food system. Eddy shares his concerns the impacts traditional farming has on the environment and how the greenhouse technology at Eden Green can shrink down 35 acres of farming into just over an acre. Receiving international attention, he says that vertical farming could be the answer to providing local, healthy foods at commercial levels.Eddy is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and the Bush School for Government and Public Service. He has had mission-critical roles at the US Department of State, executive leadership at a White House Initiative, and director level positions at two successful startups. And, he is CEO of Eden Green Technology, a vertical farming technology company dedicated to changing the way we farm our food and feed our communities.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/03/23/585-eddy-badrina/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

584: Where, When, & How to Start Saving Seeds.A chat with an expert on Seeds.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the February 2021 class discussing the importance behind creating systems for local seed viability, reclaiming ancient grains and heirloom seeds, and so much more on how to create fundamental changes to our food supply.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/03/16/584-seed-chat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Gregg Muller on Breeding Your Own Vegetables.Breeding vegetables for a unique variety that is well-suited to your climate.In This Podcast: Diving into the topic of breeding for genetic seed diversity, Gregg Muller’s curiosity led him to experiment with crossbreeding unique seed varieties. Gregg illustrates the epic vegetable breeds he has been creating from purple snow peas to ‘single serve’ melons. Living in the dry climate of Bendigo, Victoria in Australia, he discusses the importance of protecting open genetic resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.Gregg holds a Bachelor of Arts in pure mathematics and philosophy, diploma of teaching, a graduate diploma of outdoor education, a master’s degree in environmental science, and is currently enrolled in a PhD program examining the ecology of root-parastic trees. He has worked as a park ranger, Secondary school maths and science teacher, environmental planner, outdoor instructor, and spent the last 19 years as a natural history lecturer at university. But his passion, as you will soon learn, is growing vegetables. He has grown vegetables for over 50 years, but now concentrates on breeding locally adapted vegetables, providing seeds for his local community and interested vegetable growers and breeders with climates similar to the dry, Mediterranean conditions of Central Victoria, Australia.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/03/09/583-gregg-muller/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Patti Milligan on Growing Healthier Eaters.Connecting childhood nutrition to gardening.In This Podcast: A fascinating chat with Patti Milligan lets us explore ways to help children crave healthier foods. Patti discusses how taste, smell, and environment are influential to what drives our diet preferences from a young age. She encourages parents to embrace sensory appreciation when introducing children to new and healthy foods that will shape their perceptions and better evolve maturing taste buds. Patti has been in the nutrition field for nearly 40 years. Her work and passion in the field of Neuroscience of Taste has led her to the field of saliva research and exploring the why behind the foods we like. Working in both clinical nutrition and integrative medicine/natural foods, Patti brings a unique blend of clinical, educational, holistic, consumer, and PR experience. She and her son created the Be Memorable foundation in which they support individuals making a difference in novel ways for kids’ nutrition (focusing on school gardens and childhood cancer). She is the author of Why is Shirley Unusual? an interactive children’s nutrition & gardening book, the proceeds of which go to sponsoring school gardens.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/03/02/582-patti-milligan/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

580: Seed Saving Class December 2020.  A chat with an expert on Seeds.In This Podcast: At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman. This is the December 2020 class discussing the highlights of seed saving topics from the year, from proper seed storage to seed viability, and so much more about why plants thrive better from saved seeds.Come join us for the next live class, or catch up on our previous classes through our podcast episodes. Either way you will expand your seed knowledge and gain new perspectives on your food system.Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/02/23/581-seedchat/ for the show notes on this bonus episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Jessica Smith on Healthy Soil and Healthy Plants.How healthy soil supports healthy plants and how growing food can solve many of the world’s.An inspiring conversation with Jessica Smith on the importance of healthy soil, an overlooked resource that could solve many of the world’s problems. Jessica shares the story of her journey towards understanding life within soil and how nurturing plant life is the same as nurturing the human body. Her Mission: Encouraging the world to understand that our role in nature is to support it, not control it. Jessica is a Certified Ecological Farmer and Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. With a B.S. in Sustainable Living and Living Soils, and a Masters in Soil Science, she combines her passions to encourage the earth and its inhabitants back into a state of balance and vitality. She teaches regenerative and ecological gardening and farming in hopes to improve soil health, ecosystem health, environmental health, and human health. Jessica also co-created & co-produced the movie Grow Food found at GrowFoodFilm.comVisit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/02/16/580-jessica-smith/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

Michael Kilpatrick on Starting a New Farm.Helping others navigate the challenges of starting a new farm.Farming is often perceived as a career that requires long hours, little leisure and profit. However, Michael Kilpatrick spends every day working towards his vision working with farmers to create sustainable farming systems that generate profit and provide the ability to enjoy life. Listen in to learn about his ideas on how to build a profitable farm, the most important aspects of farming, as well as sound advice for someone who is looking to start a new farm.   Michael is a farmer, presenter, host, inventor and online entrepreneur who lives to help farmers apply business principles and practical, proven solutions to grow their businesses and de-stress their lives. He has managed large certified organic farms and businesses, consulted for industry experts, and spoken at dozens of industry conferences. He is the host of the Thriving Farmer Podcast and Summit series, Visionary and educator at Growing Farmers, and farmer at The Farm on Central.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/02/09/579-michael-kilpatrick/ for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!