8: The Woman Behind 'The Market Gardener' | Maude-Hélène Desroches

In this episode we chat with Maude-Hélène Desroches, JM’s wife and farming partner, who has been operating their home farm, La Grelinette, by herself since 2015. Maude-Hélène not only has a wealth of knowledge and experience in small-scale organic farming but is also a committed environmentalist who believes in the power of eco-citizenship and community to shape a better future. We delve into the innovative farming methods at La Grelinette, the farm's evolution over the years, the pressing issue of overdevelopment, and the importance of rewilding spaces. Maude-Hélène also shares insights on how individual actions can create a ripple effect of positive change in the world.PLEASE make sure to subscribe to the podcast, download our episodes, and rate them! Your support means the world to us. Thank you!Timestamps[1:34] Intro[2:37] Discovering farming in the early 2000's through travel in Mexico and New Mexico[9:41] Returning to Quebec, having a child and starting a farm, living in a teepee[17:59] The origin of 'La Grelinette' Farm and it's evolution over time[22:35] Realizing the farm was onto something, JM writing The Market Gardener[27:49] Soil health, ecological practices, mulch/compost/fertilizer/plastic[40:57] The future, over development, spreading of small farms, conservation[53:17] Eco-citizenship[59:53] Local farms' impact on communities and society[1:07:08] Older and seasoned farmers inspiring the next generation[1:12:11] Advice for team management, work/life balance,[1:21:10] Past employees starting their own farms[1:25:55] Soil by Matthew Evans[1:28:48] Inspired by Eliot Coleman, visiting Frith Farm in Maine[1:30:45] Personal growth through overcoming challenges[1:35:08] The future of 'La Grelinette'SponsorsBootstrap Farmer https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/ Activevista https://www.activevista.com.au/ Tessier https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10Use promocode MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions (Ontario, the Maritimes, and the states of Vermont, Maine, New York, and New Hampshire).Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute:  ⁠https://themarketgardener.com⁠ Masterclass:  ⁠https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass ⁠Newsletter:  ⁠https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter⁠Blog:  ⁠https://themarketgardener.com/blog⁠ Books: ⁠https://themarketgardener.com/books⁠Growers & Co: ⁠https://growers.co⁠Heirloom: ⁠https://heirloom.ag/⁠The Old Mill: ⁠https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/⁠Follow UsWebsite: ⁠http://themarketgardener.com ⁠Facebook: ⁠http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute⁠  Instagram: ⁠http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners⁠Guest Social Media LinksMaude-Hélène:Website: https://lagrelinette.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesJardinsdelaGrelinette/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_grelinette/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier