The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

With Graham Duvall of Terramonga Food HubIn this Episode Graham Duvall shares his 15-year journey building resilient regional food systems in western North Carolina through Mother Earth Food and its evolution into Terramonga Hub. He explains how food hubs strengthen local agriculture by connecting farmers with consumers, creating reliable market access, and improving food security. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, the collapse and rebirth of a mission-driven business, and why resilient local food economies are essential for thriving communities. Graham also reflects on personal growth, mindfulness, and the importance of staying committed to meaningful work despite repeated setbacks.Our Guest: Graham is the co-founder of Mother Earth Foods and warehouse manager at Terramonga Hub in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a longtime advocate for resilient regional food systems, helping connect local farms, food artisans, and communities through innovative food distribution and aggregation networks. His work supports sustainable agriculture, strengthens western North Carolina local food economy, and expands access to fresh, responsibly produced food.Key TopicsGraham DuvallTerramonga HubMother Earth FoodRegional food hubsLocal food systemsFood sovereigntyWestern North Carolina agricultureFarmers marketsCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA)Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) ProgramRegenerative agricultureLocal food distributionDaniel Quinn's IshmaelMichael Pollan's How to Change Your MindKey Questions AnsweredWhat is a food hub?A food hub is a flexible community-based organization that aggregates, stores, markets, and distributes products from local farms while creating dependable outlets for producers and increasing access to fresh local food.Why are food hubs becoming increasingly important?They help rebuild regional food resilience, support small farmers, shorten supply chains, strengthen local economies, and improve food security in an increasingly centralized food system.Why do farmers need food hubs?Many farmers can grow enough food but struggle to find reliable markets. Food hubs solve this by connecting producers with consumers, institutions, and community organizations.Why is western North Carolina well suited for local food systems?The region combines a rich agricultural history, strong farmers market culture, experienced growers, fertile farmland, and community support for local agriculture.How does Terra Monga Hub serve customers?Customers order online each week from a curated selection of seasonal produce, meats, dairy, artisan foods, and pantry items sourced primarily from local and regional farms and delivered directly to their homes.What happened to Mother Earth Food?After 14 years of operation and multiple financial challenges, Mother Earth Food closed and transitioned into Terra Monga Hub through a partnership with Terra Monga Farm, allowing the mission to continue under a new structure.What lessons come from entrepreneurial failure?Business setbacks can become opportunities when the mission remains intact. Adaptability, persistence, and strong partnerships often create the path forward.How can individuals help transform the food system?Start locally by growing food, supporting nearby farmers, shopping at farmers markets, and investing in community food systems where you live.Episode HighlightsGraham explains how food hubs create reliable market access for local farmers while strengthening community resilience.The evolution of Mother Earth Food into Terra Monga Hub demonstrates how mission-driven businesses can adapt after financial hardship.Western North Carolina's farming heritage provides fertile ground for rebuilding regional food systems.Graham shares how the Healthy Opportunities Pilot Program delivered nutritious food to hundreds of food-insecure families.Entrepreneurship in local food requires resilience through repeated cycles of growth, contraction, and reinvention.Personal development, mindfulness, and intentional self-reflection helped Graham maintain clarity during difficult seasons.Both Graham and Greg discuss how Daniel Quinn's Ishmael fundamentally changed their understanding of humanity's relationship with food and nature.The conversation concludes with a reminder that meaningful change begins within our homes and local communities.ResourcesLearn about Terramonga Hub — https://terramongahub.comContact Graham Duvall — [email protected] your local farmers market and support regional food producers.Start a home garden to reconnect with your food source.Read: Ishmael by Daniel QuinnRead: How to Change Your Mind by Michael PollanVisit www.urbanfarm.org/Terramonga for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

How we are finally figuring out Plant nutrition with Landen SchillingIn this month's Seed Chat, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman welcome Landon Schaelling of Sacred Soil Solutions to explore the emerging science of rhizophagy, the process by which plants consume microbes for nutrition. The conversation examines how endophytes, fermentation, compost, and seed saving may work together to improve plant health, resilience, and flavor. They also discuss practical ways gardeners can introduce beneficial microbes into their gardens while highlighting the rapidly evolving research that is reshaping our understanding of soil biology and plant nutrition.Our Guests: Landon Schaelling is the founder of Sacred Soil Solutions. He is focused on bringing optimal and approachable microbe inputs to gardeners and homesteaders, while also teaching farmers in the American West how to implement soil building solutions at scale.And Bill McDorman has committed his life to community-based seed stewardship. In 1984, he started Seeds Trust High Altitude Gardens, a bioregional mail order seed company that he ran for 28 years. He authored the book Basic Seed Saving in 1994, and in 2010 Bill and his wife, Belle Starr, founded Seed School.Key TopicsRhizophagy (root-eating process)Endophytes and plant microbiomesSoil microbiologySeed saving and local adaptationHorizontal gene transferFermentation for microbial cultivationCompost and fungal soil biologyMicrobe Master MixEffective Microorganisms (EM/EM1)Dr. James F. WhiteJohn Kempf's Plant Health PyramidDr. Christine JonesBiochar and Terra PretaSacred Soil SolutionsKey Questions AnsweredWhat is rhizophagy?Rhizophagy is the process by which plants absorb living microbes through their root tips, consume many of them for nutrition, and release others back into the soil, creating a dynamic relationship between plants and soil biology.What are endophytes?Endophytes are beneficial bacteria and fungi that live inside plant tissues without causing disease. They become part of the plant's internal microbiome and contribute to nutrient cycling, resilience, and overall plant health.Why is this research changing how we understand plant nutrition?Emerging research suggests healthy plants obtain much of their nutrition by consuming living microbes rather than relying solely on dissolved minerals in the soil, expanding traditional models of plant nutrition.Why are locally saved seeds so valuable?Seeds saved in a local environment gradually adapt genetically to regional growing conditions. Local microbial communities appear to undergo similar adaptation, potentially increasing plant vigor over time.How can gardeners introduce beneficial microbes?Gardeners can inoculate seeds, apply microbial solutions as foliar sprays, drench transplant roots, build high-quality compost, and encourage living soil ecosystems through mulch and cover crops.Why are microbial fermentations useful?Fermentation allows gardeners to rapidly multiply beneficial microorganisms that can be applied efficiently to seeds, soil, and foliage while adapting to local growing conditions.Does treating seeds with microbes improve plant performance?According to Landon Schaelling's experience, treated seeds often produce stronger root systems, healthier foliage, improved nutrient uptake, greater vigor, and enhanced flavor.Is feeding the plant different from feeding the soil?The discussion suggests both are important, but directly supporting plant microbiology may allow healthier plants to build better soil through root exudates and microbial partnerships.How does drought affect soil microbes?Dry soils reduce microbial activity. Maintaining mulch and consistent soil moisture helps preserve beneficial microbial populations.Can microbial communities adapt to new environments?Yes. Through horizontal gene transfer and rapid reproduction, microbial populations can adapt to local conditions much faster than plants themselves.Episode HighlightsGreg celebrates the Urban Farm Podcast approaching its 1,000th episode.Bill McDorman introduces the emerging science of rhizophagy and why it has changed his perspective on gardening.Landon explains how plants consume microbes through root tips rather than relying solely on dissolved nutrients.The conversation explores how endophytes become part of a plant's internal immune and digestive systems.Bill shares dramatic improvements after using microbial treatments on greens grown in sandy soil.The panel discusses microbial fermentations as an accessible alternative to intensive compost production.Audience questions cover drought, raised beds, honey versus molasses, wheat adaptation, and sourcing microbial inoculants.The episode concludes with a discussion about nature's intelligence, seed adaptation, and the intriguing tradition of placing seeds in one's mouth before planting.Calls to Action & ResourcesAttend future live Seed Chats — https://seedchat.orgListen to previous Seed Chats — https://urbanfarmpodcast.comLearn about Sacred Soil Solutions — Contact Landon Schaelling directly for information on Microbe Master Mix and educational resources. Instagram: @sacredsoilsolutionsFacebook: Landen SchaellingEmail: [email protected] Recommended ResearchDr. James F. White — Rhizophagy Cycle researchJohn Kempf — Plant Health PyramidDr. Christine Jones — Soil carbon and regenerative agricultureEffective Microorganisms (EM/EM1) fermentation methodsVisit www.urbanfarm.org/996 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

with Brad Lancaster & Andrew MillisonIn this Episode - What begins as a simple effort to redirect stormwater becomes a powerful story of ecological restoration, community organizing, and policy change. Brad Lancaster and Andrew Millison discuss how a grassroots, initially "pre-legal" water harvesting project transformed neighborhoods in Tucson, inspired new city policies, and is now influencing communities across the Southwest. They explore how small interventions can create lasting cultural shifts, why regenerative change requires generations of stewardship, and how anyone can become a catalyst for positive change in their own community.Our Guests: Brad is the author of the books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, the creator of HarvestingRainwater.com, and co-founder of Neighborhood Foresters.org. These converge through his neighborhood’s rain-irrigated native food forestry efforts in downtown Tucson, AZ. Their work has planted over 1,800 native food-bearing trees and thousands of multi-use understory plants solely watered by the 1.25 million gallons of stormwater they planted in streetside- and in-street rain gardens.  Andrew Millison is an educator and founder of Oregon State University’s Permaculture Design program. He has travelled the Earth documenting impactful stories of land regeneration on his popular YouTube channel, which boasts over 100 million video views. In his 30-year career in Permaculture, he has designed and consulted on numerous projects throughout the world.Key TopicsStreet-side water harvestingBrad LancasterAndrew MillisonTucson neighborhood restorationCommunity-led ecological designRainwater harvestingUrban heat island mitigationNative food forestsWater policy reformRegenerative community developmentGreen infrastructureEarth Repair FundNeighborhood stewardshipPermaculture designKey Questions AnsweredHow did an illegal curb cut become a model for public policy?A neighborhood experiment redirecting street runoff into planted basins demonstrated measurable environmental and community benefits. Those results convinced city officials to legalize and eventually promote the practice, creating a model now spreading to other cities.What problems does street-side water harvesting solve?It reduces flooding, cools neighborhoods, slows traffic, supports native ecosystems, grows food, increases biodiversity, improves walkability, and strengthens neighborhood relationships—all using rainwater that previously became waste.Why is community participation more important than infrastructure?Infrastructure creates opportunity, but long-term success depends on residents becoming active stewards. Cultural change happens when people continually care for and improve the systems they've created together.How has Tucson changed over the past 30 years?What was once a hot, barren streetscape has become a shaded urban forest filled with native plants, birds, pedestrians, cyclists, and community gathering spaces.Why focus on native plants?Native species require less irrigation, survive harsh conditions, support local wildlife, and create resilient landscapes that continue thriving even when maintenance decreases.What does "pre-legal" mean?Rather than breaking rules for the sake of rebellion, Brad describes testing practical solutions before regulations existed. Successful demonstrations then became the basis for changing policy.How do you convince government agencies to support innovation?By solving their existing problems—flooding, crime, heat, traffic, maintenance costs—and collaborating with receptive allies inside government rather than making demands.When does a project become a cultural movement?When it measurably improves people's daily lives, inspires widespread participation, changes public policy, and motivates others to adapt the ideas within their own communities.Why did Andrew Millison choose to document this story?Because it represents a proven, decades-long example of regenerative change that others can replicate, offering practical hope instead of theoretical solutions.What mindset shift do the speakers hope listeners experience?To begin seeing neighborhoods as living watersheds full of opportunities for regeneration, rather than fixed infrastructure that cannot be improved.Episode HighlightsA neighborhood experiment in harvesting street runoff evolved into city-approved infrastructure and inspired policy changes beyond Tucson.Water harvesting became a catalyst for cooling neighborhoods, restoring wildlife habitat, calming traffic, and building stronger communities.Native food forests transformed once-barren public rights-of-way into productive community commons.Brad Lancaster explains how changing policy requires collaboration, persistence, and demonstrating successful models.Andrew Millison shares why documenting proven regenerative projects creates hope and motivates action.The discussion explores how infrastructure can become a tool for cultural transformation.Both guests emphasize that regenerative work is lifelong, requiring continual community participation rather than one-time projects.Listeners are encouraged to identify their own community's "acupuncture point"—the small intervention capable of creating widespread positive change.ResourcesWatch the documentaryFundraising documentary on Brad Lancaster's Tucson water harvesting projectLearn Rainwater HarvestingHarvestingRainwater.comSupport the ProjectEarth Repair Fund crowdfunding campaignExplore Native Urban ForestryNeighborhoodForesters.orgLearn PermacultureOregon State University Permaculture ProgramBooksRainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad LancasterYouTubeAndrew MillisonBrad LancasterPodcast Show Notes Visit www.urbanfarm.org/TucsonWaterHarvesting for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback. Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this special commentary episode, Farmer Greg reflects on his conversation with Shelby Maldonado and Leeza Chen of the Appalachian Grower Seed Collective. He explores how the Southeast lost much of its regional seed-growing infrastructure, why COVID-19 exposed the fragility of modern seed supply chains, and what it takes to rebuild resilient, locally adapted seed systems. Greg highlights the importance of bioregional seed stewardship, community collaboration, and becoming a "seed ancestor" by saving and sharing seeds. The episode is both a call to action and a vision for strengthening local food security through regional seed sovereignty.Key TopicsAppalachian Grower Seed CollectiveSeed sovereignty and regional resilienceCOVID-19 seed shortagesLocal seed production infrastructureSeed saving traditionsBioregional seed adaptationSouthern heirloom varietiesCommunity seed cooperativesClimate resilience in agricultureShared seed processing equipmentUtopian Seed ProjectLocal food securitySeed stewardshipBecoming a seed ancestorKey Questions AnsweredWhy did the Southeast largely stop producing its own seeds?Over time, seed production became concentrated in other regions and large commercial seed companies. Farmers shifted from saving seeds to purchasing them annually, causing local seed knowledge and infrastructure to fade.What did the COVID-19 pandemic reveal about the seed supply chain?When seed inventories sold out during the pandemic, many growers realized they were dependent on distant suppliers and vulnerable to disruptions beyond their control.Why are locally adapted seeds so valuable?Seeds selected over multiple seasons in the same region naturally adapt to local soils, climate, pests, and weather patterns, often outperforming varieties developed elsewhere.What is bioregional seed adaptation?Bioregional adaptation is the ongoing process of selecting and saving seeds that thrive under local growing conditions, creating increasingly resilient crops over successive generations.How did the Appalachian Grower Seed Collective get started?The collective began with ten farmers, shared seed-cleaning equipment housed in a mobile trailer, grant funding, and a year dedicated to building trust before launching seed production.Why does the collective only steward seeds grown locally for at least three years?Three growing seasons provide enough time for varieties to begin adapting to regional conditions, strengthening their long-term resilience and performance.How can individual gardeners begin preserving seed diversity?Anyone can save seeds from plants they love, share them with neighbors, and begin creating a regional seed legacy—even without large-scale infrastructure.Why should every region develop a seed collective?Regional seed collectives create local agricultural resilience, preserve genetic diversity, strengthen community relationships, and provide insurance when commercial supply chains fail.Episode HighlightsCOVID-19 exposed how dependent many local farmers are on distant seed suppliers.Modern local food systems are only as resilient as their seed sources.Seed saving knowledge disappeared gradually as commercial seed purchasing became the norm.Trust-building among growers proved just as important as equipment or funding.Every growing season becomes a selection event that strengthens locally adapted genetics.Gardeners can become the first "seed ancestor" in a new regional seed lineage.Seed collectives create practical infrastructure that complements—not replaces—the commercial seed industry.Building resilient food systems begins with communities stewarding their own seeds.Calls to Action & ResourcesListen to Episode 993 - https://urbanfarm.org/seedcollectiveLearn about the Appalachian Grower Seed Collective - https://utopianseed.org/storeConnect with the Urban Farm Podcast - https://urbanfarm.orgEmail Farmer Greg - [email protected] in starting a seed collective?Reach out to the Appalachian Grower Seed Collective to learn from their experience and begin building seed resilience in your own region. [email protected] www.urbanfarm.org/993 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

The Appalachian Growers Seed Collective w/ Shelby Mandonado and Leeza ChenIn this Episode Shelby Mandonado and Leeza Chen share the story behind the Appalachian Growers Seed Collective, a collaborative network of farmers producing and stewarding locally adapted seeds for the Southern Appalachian region. They discuss why regional seed production matters, how climate change makes local adaptation increasingly important, and how farmers can reclaim seed sovereignty by saving and sharing seeds. The conversation explores the practical realities of launching a seed collective, preserving heirloom varieties, and strengthening local food systems through collaboration rather than competition. It is an inspiring discussion about resilience, biodiversity, and the long-term power of community-grown seeds.Our Guests: Shelby is a farmer, organizer, and mother with a passion for collaborative models of community building based around our shared love of the land. And Leeza is a seed farmer near Asheville, North Carolina. She is inspired by the way seeds are both deeply personal and powerfully political, often leaning on them as a lens to understand our connection to the land, culture, and sovereignty.Key TopicsAppalachian Growers Seed CollectiveShelby MandonadoLeeza ChenSouthern Appalachian seed stewardshipBioregional seed adaptationSeed sovereigntyLocal food systemsCommunity-based seed productionSeed farmingClimate resilience in agricultureUtopian Seed ProjectHeirloom and heritage crop preservationFarmer collaboration and shared equipmentSeed saving as cultural preservationKey Questions AnsweredWhat is the Appalachian Growers Seed Collective?A regional network of approximately ten farmers who collaboratively grow, steward, package, and sell locally adapted seed varieties while sharing equipment, knowledge, and resources.Why are locally adapted seeds so important?Seeds grown and selected in a specific region become better adapted to local climate, weather patterns, soils, pests, and diseases, improving reliability for future growers.What is a seed farmer?A seed farmer allows crops to complete their full life cycle, harvesting mature seed instead of edible produce, then cleaning, testing, and packaging seed for future planting.Why has on-farm seed saving declined?Commercial seed industry consolidation has led many growers to purchase seed annually rather than saving their own, reducing regional adaptation and local seed resilience.How did the COVID-19 pandemic influence the collective?Seed shortages during the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the food system and highlighted the need for local seed production and regional seed independence.How was the collective started?The founders secured a grant, purchased shared seed-processing equipment, built a mobile processing trailer, and spent significant time developing trust, shared values, and collaborative systems before expanding production.What makes Southern Appalachian seed production unique?The region's humid climate presents challenges rarely addressed by traditional seed-saving literature, requiring local experimentation and farmer-to-farmer learning.How can others start a regional seed collective?Begin with trusted growers, define shared values and goals, develop a complementary seed collection, share resources, and grow at the "speed of trust."How does the Utopian Seed Project support the collective?The nonprofit evaluates diverse crop varieties through research and field trials, then shares promising selections with the collective for regional seed production and distribution.What role does seed stewardship play in climate resilience?Saving seed from plants that survive local stresses gradually builds populations better adapted to changing environmental conditions.Can someone without a farming heritage become a seed steward?Absolutely. Every seed saver can become the first generation of a new seed lineage by preserving, sharing, and passing seeds to future growers.Episode HighlightsThe collective includes about ten farmers working together to grow, process, and market locally adapted seeds.Seeds are selected only after proving themselves through multiple growing seasons in Southern Appalachian conditions.COVID-19 seed shortages revealed how dependent local food systems are on distant commercial seed suppliers.Shared equipment, including a mobile seed-processing trailer, allows small farmers to access professional seed-cleaning tools.Trust-building, shared meals, and collaborative decision-making are considered just as important as technical farming skills.Climate change makes regional seed adaptation increasingly valuable for future food security.Every heirloom seed carries generations of cultural history, family traditions, and local knowledge.Anyone can become the first ancestor in a new seed-saving tradition by simply beginning to save and share seed.ResourcesAppalachian Growers Seed Collective Store — https://utopianseed.org/storeUtopian Seed Project — https://utopianseed.orgReal Seeds ZigZag Winnower Plans — https://www.realseeds.co.ukConnect with Leeza Chen — [email protected] Book - The Seed Garden by Jared ZystroFollow Utopian Seed Project — Instagram, Facebook, and the Utopian Seed Project mailing list for breeding trials, research, and seed releases.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/SeedCollective for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode we have Landen Schaelling, founder of Sacred Soil Solutions, sharing how healthy soil biology transforms plant health from the ground up. Drawing on years of homesteading, regenerative soil research, and microscopy, he explains why bacteria, fungi, and other microbes are the true engine behind thriving gardens and farms. The conversation explores the science of rhizophagy, microbial ferments, compost quality, and practical strategies that gardeners and farmers can immediately implement to build healthier, more resilient soil. Landen also discusses how understanding living soil can reduce fertilizer inputs, improve plant immunity, and restore natural ecological balance.Our Guest: Landen Schaelling is the founder of Sacred Soil Solutions. He is focused on bringing optimal and approachable microbial inputs to gardeners and homesteaders, while also teaching farmers in the American West how to implement soil-building solutions at scale. Landen has been homesteading through a permaculture lens in Northern Arizona for over a decade. In the last couple of years, he has devoted his focus to restoring holistic soil microbiology and using practical microscope work to verify and guide that process.Key TopicsLiving soil biologySoil microbiomeRhizophagy (plant root feeding)Compost quality and fungal dominanceSoil microscopySymbiotic Antioxidative Microbes (SAM)Microbial fermentsCompost extracts vs. compost teasSoil pH and alkalinityWater retention in arid climatesPlant Health PyramidComplete protein synthesis in plantsRegenerative agricultureHomesteading and permacultureKey Questions AnsweredWhat makes soil truly healthy?Healthy soil contains a balance of minerals, water, air space, organic matter, and abundant biological life. Understanding each site's history helps determine the best path toward regeneration.Why are microbes so important?Microbes drive nutrient cycling, improve plant nutrition, build soil structure, support water retention, and create resilient ecosystems that naturally suppress disease and pests.What is rhizophagy?Rhizophagy is the process by which plant roots actively absorb bacteria and yeast through root tips, consume them, and gain proteins, micronutrients, and growth-promoting compounds directly from living microbes.Why does compost sometimes perform better than fertilizer?High-quality compost delivers living biology rather than simply nutrients. Plants respond rapidly when beneficial microbes become available through compost or microbial ferments.What's the difference between compost tea and microbial ferments?Compost tea extracts microbes already living in compost, while microbial ferments grow stable populations of beneficial microbes that can be applied as foliar sprays or soil drenches.Why is soil history important?Past management practices—including flood irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and previous crops—continue to influence soil biology, fertility, and plant performance years later.How can gardeners encourage healthier soil biology?Build mature compost, reduce unnecessary disturbance, increase carbon-rich materials, apply microbial ferments, mulch consistently, and maintain proper moisture.Can healthier soil reduce pests and diseases?Healthy plants with complete protein synthesis become naturally less attractive to many insect pests while beneficial microbes improve plant immune function against common diseases.How does soil microscopy help?Microscopy allows growers to directly observe microbial populations, assess compost quality, diagnose biological deficiencies, and monitor progress during soil restoration.What common mistake delayed Landen's success?Using feedlot cattle manure overloaded his soil with nitrates, producing vigorous foliage but poor fruit production and severe pest pressure, ultimately leading him to study soil biology more deeply.Episode HighlightsLanden left a traditional academic path after discovering permaculture and dedicated his life to regenerative homesteading.Healthy soil depends as much on living biology as it does on minerals and organic matter.Rhizophagy has changed how scientists understand plant nutrition, showing plants directly consume microbes.Compost quality depends more on microbial diversity than simply creating dark, finished organic matter.Acidic microbial ferments can help offset alkaline soils common throughout the American Southwest.Living microbes improve plant nutrition, reduce pest pressure, and strengthen natural disease resistance.Soil microscopy allows growers to verify biological activity instead of relying solely on assumptions.Taking action before knowing everything is often the fastest path to learning and improving soil health.ResourcesBook RecommendationRegenerative Soil by Matt PowersLearn MoreSacred Soil Solutions School (Skool community)Sacred Soil Solutions educational resources on microbial fermentsFollowFacebook: Landen SchaellingInstagram: Sacred Soil [email protected] www.urbanfarm.org/SacredSoil for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode Aly Nickling-Riddle shares her journey from personal tragedy and corporate life to building a homestead in Northern Ontario. After leaving everything behind to travel in a vintage RV, she unexpectedly met her future husband, and together they pursued a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle. Aly discusses the realities of homesteading, the emotional and financial challenges many aspiring homesteaders underestimate, and the inspiration behind her book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? This conversation offers a practical roadmap for anyone considering a move toward greater self-reliance.Our Guest: Aly is a Canadian author, keynote speaker, McGill lecturer, and freelance journalist who brings a refreshingly honest perspective to modern homesteading and self-sufficient living. With a background in media, business, and more than a decade of professional writing experience, she helps people think carefully before making major lifestyle changes. Her book, Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?, encourages aspiring homesteaders to look beyond social media ideals and understand the real physical, financial, and emotional demands of rural life. Through workshops, lectures, and presentations, she focuses on practical planning, resilience, sustainability, and building realistic paths toward long-term self-reliance.Key TopicsAly RiddleRiddle Ridge HomesteadHomesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?Self-sufficiency and resilienceEmotional challenges of homesteadingFinancial planning before buying landCommunity and neighbor relationshipsRural versus urban lifestylesInfrastructure costs and land developmentPreparedness and disaster resilienceBuilding realistic homestead plansPersonal consultations for aspiring homesteadersHurricane Helene recovery lessonsThe Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla EmeryKey Questions AnsweredWhy did Aly choose the homesteading lifestyle?After experiencing multiple personal tragedies and a divorce, Aly decided to rebuild her life from scratch. She left the corporate world, traveled in an RV, and eventually found a path toward a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.What inspired the book Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You?Aly and her husband noticed many people leaving homesteading after only a couple of years because they entered the lifestyle with unrealistic expectations. The book was created to help people understand what they are truly signing up for before they buy land.What makes this book different from other homesteading books?Most homesteading books focus on skills and projects after purchasing land. Aly's book focuses on the planning, financial, emotional, and practical considerations that should happen years before purchasing property.What is the biggest misconception about homesteading?Many people believe homesteading is a slower, stress-free lifestyle. In reality, it replaces urban stresses with different challenges that require resilience, adaptability, and commitment.How does Aly define homesteading?Homesteading is any effort to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on systems that can fail. It can happen in rural settings, suburban backyards, or even urban apartments.What hidden costs surprise new homesteaders?Infrastructure expenses such as wells, septic systems, driveways, utilities, and ongoing maintenance are often underestimated. Many people also overestimate how quickly a homestead can generate income.Why is community important for homesteaders?Strong neighbor relationships provide support, skill sharing, trade opportunities, and resilience during emergencies. Community often determines long-term success more than individual effort.What lesson did Aly learn from a tornado striking her property?The experience reinforced that no amount of planning eliminates uncertainty. Gratitude, adaptability, and resilience become essential when nature disrupts carefully crafted plans.What drives Aly's work today?She is passionate about helping people move from dreaming about self-sufficiency to creating practical, realistic plans that can succeed over the long term.Episode HighlightsAly rebuilt her life after personal tragedy by leaving corporate life and traveling full-time in a vintage RV.She met her future husband on the very first day of a work-camping opportunity in Florida.Their homesteading journey required far more planning and time than they originally expected.Emotional resilience is often more important than practical skills for long-term success.Homesteading can be practiced anywhere, not just on large rural properties.New homesteaders frequently underestimate infrastructure and development costs.Community relationships can be as valuable as land, tools, and equipment.A tornado that dropped over 100 trees on Aly's property became a lesson in gratitude and resilience.Calls to Action & ResourcesBook — Homesteading: Is It the Lifestyle for You? (Available through Amazon and local bookstores)Instagram — Riddle Ridge HomesteadFacebook — Riddle Ridge HomesteadConsulting Services — Personal planning consultations for new and aspiring homesteaders available through the website.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RiddleRidge for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Harvesting, Milling, and Cooking with Arizona’s Native SuperfoodIn this episode we explore mesquites as a desert food source, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg. This episodes guests are Peggy Sue Creekmore and Mike Clow and we explore one of the Sonoran Desert’s most abundant and overlooked food sources: mesquite beans. The conversation covers how to identify quality mesquite trees, harvest pods safely, dry them properly, and turn them into nutritious mesquite flour using a community hammer mill. Listeners learn why mesquite has been a staple food for centuries, how it compares to conventional flour, and how to transform this free local resource into delicious baked goods, drinks, and snacks. The episode also highlights educational workshops, harvesting walks, and community milling opportunities.Key Topics & EntitiesMesquite bean harvestingMesquite flour productionCommunity hammer mill projectNative desert food systemsPeggy Sue CreekmoreMike ClowFarmer Greg PetersonSonoran Desert edible plantsPalo verde beansCarob podsIronwood seedsAflatoxin preventionBruchid beetlesUrban Farm mesquite milling eventsKey Questions AnsweredWhy is mesquite considered a valuable food source?Mesquite pods are highly nutritious, naturally sweet, gluten-free, and rich in protein. Indigenous peoples and desert communities have relied on mesquite as a staple food across the Southwest and northern Mexico for centuries.Do all mesquite trees produce good-tasting pods?No. While all mesquite pods are technically edible, flavor varies significantly from tree to tree. Some are sweet and pleasant, while others can be chalky or have an unpleasant aftertaste. Tasting pods before harvesting is essential.What does mesquite flour taste like?Mesquite flour has a naturally sweet flavor often compared to graham crackers, caramel, or malt. Many recipes require little or no additional sugar because of the flour’s natural sweetness.When is mesquite harvesting season?Mesquite pods typically begin ripening in June, although weather and elevation can shift timing earlier or later. Pods should be fully tan, dry, and free of green coloration before harvesting.How should mesquite pods be harvested?Harvest pods directly from the tree rather than from the ground. Many harvesters use a tarp and gently shake or tap branches to collect ripe pods.Why shouldn't pods be collected from the ground?Ground-harvested pods can develop mold and aflatoxins, which may contaminate community milling equipment and reduce food safety.How can harvested pods be stored properly?Pods should be dried thoroughly in shallow boxes, baskets, dehydrators, ovens, or even a parked vehicle. Moisture is the primary cause of spoilage and milling problems.What is a mesquite hammer mill?A hammer mill is a specialized machine that pulverizes entire mesquite pods, including seeds and pod walls, into flour. Traditional grain mills cannot process mesquite effectively because its natural sugars gum up the machinery.What can be made with mesquite flour?Mesquite flour can be used in cookies, muffins, crepes, breads, energy balls, beverages, and other baked goods. It works particularly well in low-temperature baking and gluten-free recipes.What happens to the material that doesn't become flour?The coarse material, often called "chunky bits" or chaff, can be used to make tea, brewing mash, and other food products.Episode HighlightsMesquite flour is naturally sweet enough to reduce or eliminate added sugar in many recipes.Flavor quality varies dramatically between mesquite trees, making tasting an important step before harvesting.A mature mesquite tree can produce more than 100 pounds of pods in a season.Harvesters should only collect pods directly from the tree to prevent mold contamination.Proper drying is the single most important factor for successful milling.The Urban Farm community hammer mill converts harvested pods into food-grade flour.Mesquite flour is gluten-free and requires binders such as eggs, chia, or applesauce when baking.Desert trees such as palo verde, carob, ironwood, and mesquite offer significant edible resources often overlooked by modern food systems.Calls to Action & ResourcesMesquite Harvesting Walks — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquiteMesquite Milling Appointments — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquiteUrban Farm Educational Programs — https://urbanfarm.orgDesert Food Tree Guide — https://learn.desertkitchen.net/treesVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/990 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this Episode Beth Cole of Riverview Farms shares how local farms strengthen communities, preserve farmland, improve food security, and support healthier ecosystems. Drawing from her experience as a market gardener in Western North Carolina, Beth explains the value of Certified Naturally Grown certification, community-supported agriculture (CSA), farmers markets, and home gardening. She also reflects on lessons learned from Hurricane Helene, the challenges of starting a farm, and why growing food is one of the most important skills families can develop.Our Guest: Beth Cole is a market gardener in Asheville, North Carolina. At their farm they grow a variety of certified naturally grown veggies and cut flowers, are passionate about preserving farmland in the region and growing real food that nourishes the community.Key TopicsBeth ColeRiverview FarmsMarket gardeningAsparagus productionCertified Naturally Grown (CNG)Local food systemsCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA)Farmers marketsHurricane Helene recoverySoil health and floodplain farmingGarden plant startsDirt Craft Living SoilsFood security and preparednessGrowing food in Western North CarolinaKey Questions AnsweredWhat is market gardening?Market gardening is small-scale intensive food production focused on growing a diverse mix of vegetables and flowers for local markets, restaurants, and consumers. Riverview Farms grows on roughly two acres while maintaining additional acreage for wildlife habitat, hay production, and floodplain preservation.How does asparagus grow?Asparagus is a long-term perennial crop typically started from crowns. Growers wait several years before harvesting heavily, with full production often beginning around year five. Well-maintained asparagus beds can remain productive for 15 years or longer.What is Certified Naturally Grown?Certified Naturally Grown follows standards similar to organic certification but is designed for smaller farms. The program emphasizes sustainability, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and farmland preservation while relying on peer-to-peer farm inspections rather than third-party auditors.Why does buying from local farms matter?Purchasing from local farms helps preserve farmland, protect watersheds, support pollinators, strengthen local economies, and provide farmers with a sustainable livelihood. Local food purchases keep money circulating within the community.What is a CSA?Community Supported Agriculture allows customers to purchase a subscription to a farm's harvest. Members share both the risks and rewards of farming while providing farmers with critical early-season income.What positive lessons came from Hurricane Helene?Although the storm caused significant damage throughout the region, Beth observed that floodplain farmland acted as a natural sponge, reducing downstream impacts. In some areas, nutrient-rich sediments deposited by floodwaters improved soil quality and organic matter.Why should gardeners buy plants locally?Locally grown plant starts are better adapted to regional growing conditions and often outperform plants shipped long distances to big-box stores. Supporting local growers also strengthens the regional food economy.Why do new gardeners struggle?Gardening is a learned skill that requires time, observation, and experience. Success depends on understanding local conditions, improving soil health, and accepting mistakes as part of the learning process.Why are farmers markets important?Farmers markets provide the freshest possible produce, often harvested within 24 hours of sale. They create direct relationships between growers and consumers while supporting local agriculture.What motivates Beth's farming work?Beth is driven by concerns about chronic disease, declining food quality, and the disconnect between people and real food. She believes locally grown produce can improve both individual and community health.Episode HighlightsBeth transitioned from humanitarian work and Montana grain farming into market gardening in North Carolina.Riverview Farms shifted from primarily asparagus production to diversified vegetable and flower production.Asparagus requires patience, often taking five years before reaching full harvest potential.Certified Naturally Grown certification strengthens farmer-to-farmer learning through peer inspections.Buying local food directly supports farmland preservation, pollinator habitat, and watershed protection.Hurricane Helene highlighted the important role farms play in absorbing floodwaters and protecting communities.Local plant starts provide gardeners with healthier, more resilient plants adapted to regional conditions.Farmers markets offer unmatched freshness while building relationships between farmers and consumers.Soil quality is one of the most important investments gardeners can make.Gardening success comes from persistence, observation, and continuous learning.Calls to Action & ResourcesCertified Naturally Grownhttps://www.naturallygrown.orgRiverview Farms NCFacebook: Riverview Farms NCAppalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)https://asapconnections.orgDirt Craft Living Soilshttps://dirtcraftorganics.comRecommended BookGrow Great Vegetables in North Carolina — A practical guide for understanding regional growing conditions, soil, weather patterns, and crop selection.Visit www.urbanfarm.org/RiverviewFarms for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

The Preserver's Garden: Featuring Staci and Jeremy Hill of Gooseberry Bridge FarmIn this Episode Staci and Jeremy share their journey from suburban living to operating an 11-acre farm in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. What began as a small raised-bed garden evolved into a lifestyle centered on food production, preservation, agritourism, and self-sufficiency. In this conversation, they discuss how preserving food became a cornerstone of their family's food security strategy, why they intentionally grow crops for canning and freeze-drying, and how planning a "preserver's garden" differs from traditional gardening. They also share lessons learned from preservation failures, the economics of home food production, and the inspiration behind their book, The Preserver's Garden.Our Guests: Stacy and Jeremy Hill are the owners of Gooseberry Bridge Farm, located in the Ozark Mountains of Southwest Missouri. They moved from the typical house at the end of a cul-de-sac in a subdivision to an 11-acre farm almost 10 years ago, and haven't looked back. In addition to producing and preserving as much of their own food by canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-drying their garden harvests, they also operate a you-pick flower farm with different varieties of flowers throughout the year. Their goals are to share their farm with the community and to be as self-sufficient as possible within the boundaries of what is realistic in today's world.Key TopicsGooseberry Bridge FarmStaci and Jeremy HillThe Preserver's GardenFood preservation strategiesCanning and water bath processingFreeze-drying food for long-term storageGrowing for food securityBuilding a year-round pantryPreserving tomatoes, peaches, beans, and zucchiniFamily involvement in food productionAgritourism and farm experiencesTeaching lost homesteading skillsFoxfire books and traditional knowledgeReducing grocery costs through food productionKey Questions AnsweredHow did Staci and Jeremy transition from suburbia to farming?They began with a small raised-bed garden after getting married and gradually expanded their food production over two decades. After moving to an 11-acre property in Missouri, they increased their gardening, added livestock, and eventually turned the farm into their primary source of income through agritourism and value-added products.What inspired them to focus on food preservation?As their family grew, they became interested in preserving traditional skills they could pass on to future generations. Each year they learned a new preservation method, eventually mastering canning, dehydrating, freeze-drying, and food storage.What does a well-stocked pantry look like?A successful pantry is built around foods a family actually enjoys eating. Rather than preserving what is easiest, they recommend preserving crops you enjoy and grow well. Their pantry includes extensive stores of tomato sauce, salsa, green beans, soups, fruits, and freeze-dried foods.What crops provide the biggest return for food security?Their highest-performing crops include tomatoes, bush beans, zucchini, summer squash, and okra. They emphasize growing large quantities and "outplanting failure" rather than constantly battling pests.Why do they freeze-dry food?Freeze-drying dramatically increases shelf life, often up to 25 years, while preserving flavor and nutrition. It also expands the range of foods they can store compared to traditional canning.How do they handle large harvests of tomatoes?They harvest tomatoes at the blush stage, allow them to ripen indoors, process them in batches, and often freeze excess harvests for winter canning. This approach reduces summer workload and avoids heating the kitchen during hot weather.Why was The Preserver's Garden written?A publisher noticed a gap between gardening books and preservation books. The result was a book focused on planning a garden specifically for preservation goals rather than simply dealing with surplus produce after harvest.How has preserving food impacted their household finances?Despite having more children and growing teenagers, their grocery expenses have declined over the years while food quality has improved. Producing and preserving food has reduced their dependence on grocery stores.What preservation failures taught them valuable lessons?Experiments freeze-drying sweet hot sauce and banana puree resulted in spectacular messes due to sugar expansion during the freeze-drying process. These failures reinforced the importance of testing and learning through experience.What advice do they give beginners?Start small. Preserve one thing, grow one crop, and build confidence through small successes. Fear and misinformation often prevent people from getting started.Episode HighlightsStaci and Jeremy moved from a suburban cul-de-sac to an 11-acre farm in the Ozarks nearly a decade ago.Their farm now supports agritourism, a flower operation, livestock experiences, and food production.A surprise harvest of 300–400 pounds of peaches led to a week-long experiment with new preservation recipes.Their pantry functions as a personalized grocery store stocked with foods their family regularly eats.They grow approximately 100 tomato plants and harvest up to 30–40 pounds of tomatoes per day during peak season.Freeze-drying transformed their food preservation capacity and significantly expanded their pantry.Their children actively participate in gardening, food preservation, and homesteading skills.An Instagram post featuring their pantry went viral and helped inspire the creation of their book.Calls to Action & ResourcesBook: The Preserver's Garden — https://thepreserversgarden.comFarm Website: Gooseberry Bridge Farm — https://gooseberrybridge.comInstagram: Gooseberry Bridge Farm — https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarmRecommended Reading: Foxfire Book SeriesVisit www.urbanfarm.org/PreserversGarden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Join our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: In this monthly Seed Chat, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore the global rules governing seed ownership, seed saving, biodiversity, and agricultural policy. The conversation dives into international treaties, plant patenting, farmers’ rights, and the growing tension between the Global North and Global South over control of genetic resources. Bill shares firsthand experiences attending United Nations treaty negotiations and working with Indigenous seed sovereignty issues through Native Seeds/SEARCH. The episode also highlights why everyday gardeners and farmers should become “seed citizens” by saving and sharing locally adapted seeds.Bill McDorman is a renowned seed saver, educator, and advocate for agricultural biodiversity. He co-founded the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance and has spent decades teaching gardeners and farmers how to grow, save, and share heirloom seeds. Through workshops, speaking, and mentorship, Bill inspires communities to strengthen local food systems, preserve regional seed diversity, and protect seed sovereignty for future generations.Key TopicsSeed libraries and locally adapted seed sharingInternational Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)UPOV and global plant variety protection lawsWorld Trade Organization (WTO) seed policy influenceFarmers’ rights and seed sovereigntyPlant patenting and intellectual property in agricultureConvention on Biological Diversity (CBD)Nagoya Protocol and access-benefit sharingDigital Sequence Information (DSI) and genetic ownershipNative Seeds/SEARCH and Indigenous seed stewardshipOrganic Seed Alliance and seed policy debatesGlobal North vs. Global South agricultural power dynamicsSeed banks and the Multilateral System (MLS)The importance of saving open-pollinated seedsThe future resilience of local food systemsKey Questions AnsweredWhat is the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture?The ITPGRFA is a legally binding international treaty created to govern the conservation, sharing, and equitable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. It officially entered into force in 2004 and now includes participation from more than 180 countries.Why do global seed treaties matter to everyday gardeners and farmers?These treaties influence who can save seeds, who profits from plant genetics, and how agricultural biodiversity is preserved. The policies affect food security, seed availability, farmer independence, and long-term resilience of local food systems.What is UPOV and why is it controversial?UPOV is an international agreement that grants intellectual property protections to plant breeders. Critics argue that newer versions of UPOV weaken farmers’ traditional rights to save and replant seeds while strengthening corporate control over agriculture.How does the WTO influence seed laws around the world?According to Bill McDorman, countries seeking participation in global trade systems often adopt UPOV-style protections as part of WTO-related trade expectations, creating pressure on smaller nations to align with industrial seed systems.What is the Nagoya Protocol?The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement designed to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. It attempts to address historical exploitation of Indigenous and Global South biodiversity by pharmaceutical and agricultural corporations.What is Digital Sequence Information (DSI)?DSI refers to genetic sequencing data derived from crops and plant varieties. A major debate centers around who owns this information and whether communities that stewarded these crops for generations should share in the economic benefits created from their genetic data.What are farmers’ rights in global seed policy?Farmers’ rights include the ability to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seed. These rights remain one of the most contested issues in international agricultural negotiations.Why are seed libraries important?Seed libraries help preserve locally adapted seed varieties while strengthening regional food resilience. They also create community networks for knowledge sharing and decentralized seed stewardship.How did Native Seeds/SEARCH navigate Indigenous seed stewardship?Bill shares stories from his time directing Native Seeds/SEARCH, including working with Zuni and Hopi communities to renegotiate relationships around seed stewardship, naming rights, and seed distribution.Why does Bill McDorman encourage people to attend UN treaty meetings?He believes participation in international seed policy discussions is critical for protecting biodiversity and farmers’ rights. Attending these events allows citizens, gardeners, and small farmers to directly engage with global agricultural policy.Episode HighlightsBill discovers a seed library inside a small-town New Mexico library and reflects on the importance of locally adapted seeds.Greg and Bill explain how seed laws emerged alongside industrial agriculture and large-scale seed commerce.Bill breaks down UPOV, WTO policy, and how plant patenting transformed global agriculture.The conversation explores how Indigenous plant genetics were historically extracted and commercialized.Bill recounts receiving a cease-and-desist letter regarding Zuni bean varieties while directing Native Seeds/SEARCH.A deep discussion unfolds around Digital Sequence Information and the ownership of plant DNA data.Bill explains why small farmers across Africa increasingly believe they no longer have the right to save seeds.The episode concludes with a call for more “seed citizens” actively saving and sharing seeds locally.ResourcesResource — Seed Chat Live Events — SeedChat.orgPodcast — Urban Farm PodcastOrganization — UPOV – International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of PlantsOrganization — World Trade Organization (WTO)Organization — Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)Treaty — International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)Organization — Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)Resource — Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharingCommunity — Organic Seed AllianceOrganization — Native Seeds/SEARCHEvent — Great American Seed Up — First weekend in November in Phoenix, ArizonaVisit UrbanFarm.org/987 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode Romey Romero from Rosie on the House and Farmer Greg sit down with Ashley McClure and Scott Brown of Phoenix Organic Feed to talk about raising backyard chickens in the summer heat. The conversation explores heat management, predator protection, organic feed, egg production, breed selection, and why chickens are one of the best tools for local food resilience. Ashley and Scott also share the grassroots story behind Phoenix Organic Feed and how a small community feed order turned into a regional network serving thousands of chicken keepers across metro Phoenix and the Verde Valley.Key TopicsBackyard chickens in desert climatesOrganic chicken feed and local food resilienceHeat management for chickensPredator-proof chicken coopsEgg production and breed selectionChickens as composters and pest controlFood security through backyard farmingPhoenix Organic Feed community distribution modelRhode Island Red chickensLeghorn chickensRaising meat birds vs. egg layersElectrolytes and hydration for poultryVictory Gardens and modern homesteadingKey Questions AnsweredWhy should people keep chickens in their backyard?Chickens provide eggs, protein, compost, pest control, entertainment, and a stronger connection to food production. The guests describe chickens as a practical step toward food resilience and self-sufficiency.Can chickens survive desert heat?Yes. Chickens can adapt to desert climates when they have shade, cool water, ventilation, electrolyte support, and ways to cool their feet. Breed selection also matters because heavier feathered birds struggle more in extreme heat.What are the biggest mistakes new chicken keepers make?Underestimating heat stress, failing to predator-proof coops, and not planning for chick care are major mistakes. Baby chicks require supplemental heat, proper feed, protection, and clean water.How do chickens help gardens and homesteads?Chickens convert kitchen scraps, weeds, and insects into manure that improves soil fertility. They also reduce pests like scorpions and ticks while contributing to compost systems.What breeds are best for egg production?Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds are highlighted as strong egg producers, capable of laying close to 300 eggs per year under ideal conditions.Do colorful eggs taste different?No. The shell color does not change flavor, but presentation matters. Dark brown, blue, and green eggs create visual appeal and help backyard egg sellers stand out.Why start Phoenix Organic Feed?Scott Brown started the business after struggling to find affordable organic chicken feed in Phoenix. What began as a one-ton community order through a local permaculture network eventually grew into a distribution network serving over 3,000 subscribers.What makes backyard eggs different from store-bought eggs?The guests explain that backyard eggs often have darker orange yolks, fresher flavor, and come from chickens raised on higher quality feed and forage.Episode HighlightsChickens help control scorpions, ticks, and garden pests naturally.Roosters protect hens from predators and help maintain flock harmony.Chickens cool themselves through their feet, making shallow water trays effective in desert heat.Frozen water bottles, fans, and swamp coolers can save chickens during extreme Arizona summers.Egg production drops during stress, overcrowding, and intense heat.Older hens often become the best foragers and flock teachers.Chickens naturally roost high off the ground to avoid predators.Backyard eggs with colorful shells and rich orange yolks can command premium prices.ResourcesAshley & Scott's Website — Phoenix Organic Feed WebsiteVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/985 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

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

With Host Greg Peterson and Guests Bill McDorman and Rebecca NewburnFind our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: This episode of Seed Chat explores the future of seed sovereignty through two connected lenses: grassroots seed libraries and the global seed banking system. Greg Peterson is joined by Bill McDorman and special guest Rebecca Newburn to examine how communities can steward seeds locally while industrial institutions struggle to preserve crop diversity at scale. Rebecca shares how the seed library movement has grown into a global network and why the next challenge is helping communities “close the loop” by saving and returning seeds. Bill then zooms out to explain the history, promise, and limitations of international seed banks—and why local seed stewardship may be our most resilient path forward. Key TopicsSeed Library NetworkCommunity seed librariesSeed saving educationCGIAR international gene banksGlobal Crop Diversity TrustSvalbard Global Seed VaultGRIN (Genetic Resources Information Network)Regional seed co-opsClimate adaptation through seed diversitySnake River Seed CooperativeUtopian Seed Project Key Questions AnsweredHow do seed libraries actually strengthen local food systems?Seed libraries give communities free access to seeds while rebuilding the habit of growing, saving, and sharing locally adapted crops. Their long-term value is not just seed distribution, it is creating local resilience through community stewardship and regional seed knowledge. What makes a seed library successful over time?The strongest seed libraries are sustained by committed people, clear systems, and community participation. Whether run by one passionate organizer or a collective, successful libraries create pathways for education, local seed donations, and long-term stewardship. What does it mean to “close the loop” in a seed library?It means moving beyond simply borrowing and planting seeds. A resilient seed library teaches people how to save seeds, clean them, label them, and return them so the system becomes regenerative instead of extractive. What is CGIAR and why does it matter?CGIAR is a global agricultural research network that manages 11 major international gene banks holding hundreds of thousands of seed accessions. These collections preserve crop diversity and serve as a global backup for agriculture, but they are increasingly underfunded and difficult to access. Why are global seed banks under pressure?Major seed banks face chronic funding shortages, institutional bottlenecks, and climate-related risks. Even the world’s largest backup systems, including Svalbard, are vulnerable to warming temperatures, infrastructure strain, and political instability. Why is local seed saving becoming more urgent?As climate disruption, fertilizer shortages, and industrial fragility intensify, communities will need crops adapted to local conditions. Local seed saving builds food security, preserves biodiversity, and gives communities direct control over future growing conditions. What role do regional seed companies and seed co-ops play?Regional seed companies and co-ops bridge the gap between grassroots seed libraries and commercial distribution. They grow regionally adapted seed at scale, distribute locally, and help create more durable seed infrastructure. Why does Bill argue that “nobody’s coming”?Bill’s central argument is that communities cannot rely solely on governments, institutions, or global systems to protect seed diversity. The responsibility for preserving and adapting seeds increasingly falls to local growers, seed savers, and regional networks. Episode HighlightsRebecca Newburn explains how seed libraries have evolved from a novel idea into a global movement with thousands of community-led seed libraries. Seed libraries succeed when they move beyond free seed distribution and teach people how to save and return seeds. Rebecca shares new downloadable “zines” designed to help gardeners plant, save, and return seeds with clear instructions. Bill outlines how CGIAR’s global gene banks were built to preserve crop diversity but now struggle with access, staffing, and long-term funding. The Global Crop Diversity Trust still lacks the endowment needed to sustainably maintain major international seed collections. Bill argues that climate resilience depends on getting seed diversity back into the hands of growers, not just preserving it in vaults. Regional seed banks and co-ops may offer a more resilient model than centralized institutions alone. Collaboration—not competition—is framed as the cultural shift needed to rebuild seed resilience at scale. ResourcesFind out about Seed libraries — Seed Library NetworkMonthly Seed chat — Urban Farm Seed ChatPodcast Archive — Urban Farm PodcastNewsletter — Seed Library Network SubstackRegional Seed Inspiration — Snake River Seed CooperativeRegional Seed Inspiration — Utopian Seed Project Visit UrbanFarm.org/982 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

This Seed Chat explores the growing consolidation of global seed ownership and the implications of patenting life. Farmer Greg and Bill McDorman dive into the history of seed patent law, the rise of corporate control, and the tension between industrial agriculture and traditional seed saving. They highlight global efforts, especially in Europe, to resist seed patents and protect biodiversity. The episode emphasizes seed saving as both a practical skill and a powerful act of resilience and autonomy.Key TopicsCorporate consolidation of global seed ownershipSeed patenting and intellectual property rightsSupreme Court case Diamond v. Chakrabarty (1980)Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA)Utility patents vs. plant breeder protectionsEuropean coalition: No Patents on SeedsRole of NGOs and international advocacyOpen Source Seed Initiative (OSSI)Center for Food Safety legal effortsETC Group and global seed policy researchOrganic Seed Alliance publicationsSeed saving as resistance and resilienceGenetic diversity and climate adaptationIndustrial agriculture vs. small-scale seed savingKey Questions AnsweredWho controls the world’s seeds?A small number of multinational corporations dominate the global seed market, controlling a significant percentage of commercial seed distribution. This concentration is driven by mergers, acquisitions, and patent protections that favor industrial agriculture.How did seed patenting become legal?The 1980 Supreme Court ruling in Diamond v. Chakrabarty opened the door for patenting living organisms. This decision enabled utility patents on seeds, allowing companies to claim ownership over genetically modified—and later even conventionally bred—plants.What was the original compromise to protect seed breeders?The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) provided a 20-year protection period for breeders while still allowing farmers to save seeds and researchers to use protected varieties. This balance has been eroded by utility patents.Why are seed patents controversial?Seed patents restrict farmers from saving seeds and limit other breeders from using patented genetics. This undermines traditional agricultural practices and reduces biodiversity.What is being done globally to resist seed patents?Organizations like No Patents on Seeds in Europe mobilize public campaigns, monitor patent filings, and challenge approvals. Coalitions of NGOs are working to influence policy and raise awareness.What is the Open Source Seed Initiative?OSSI is a movement that protects seeds from patenting by creating a legal framework that ensures varieties remain freely available for use, breeding, and saving.Why is seed saving important?Seed saving preserves genetic diversity, strengthens local food systems, and gives growers autonomy. It’s a foundational practice that has sustained agriculture for over 10,000 years.Is seed saving difficult?No—contrary to common belief, seed saving is simple at a small scale. The complexity often associated with it comes from industrial agriculture requirements, not backyard or community gardening.Episode HighlightsGlobal seed ownership is increasingly concentrated among a few corporations.The 1980 Supreme Court ruling enabled the patenting of life forms.The PVPA once balanced breeder rights with farmer freedoms.Utility patents now restrict both seed saving and research.European NGOs have mobilized hundreds of thousands against seed patents.Seed saving is accessible, resilient, and historically proven.Genetic diversity is critical for adapting to climate change.Local seed saving builds community and food sovereignty.Calls to Action & ResourcesJoin Live Seed Chats - https://seedchat.orgLearn about seed freedom advocacy - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.orgExplore open-source seeds - https://osseeds.orgSupport legal advocacy - https://www.centerforfoodsafety.orgNo Patents On Seeds - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.org/enOrganic Seed Alliance - https://seedalliance.org/A Guide to Seed Intellectual Property Rights - https://seedalliance.org/publications/a-guide-to-seed-intellectual-property-rights/Penn Parmenter - https://www.pennandcordsgarden.com/Seed The Untold Story - https://www.seedthemovie.comEmail Bill at [email protected] CanadaNational Farmers Union - Save Our Seed - https://www.nfu.ca/learn/save-our-seed/Seed Change - https://weseedchange.org/etc Group - Research global seed policy — https://www.etcgroup.orgVisit UrbanFarm.org/981 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode explores practical, low-cost strategies for reusing household gray water to irrigate landscapes. Brad Lancaster shares decades of experience designing regenerative water systems in dryland environments, emphasizing simple gravity-fed solutions over complex infrastructure. The conversation highlights how homeowners can dramatically reduce water use by “stacking functions” and capturing water already on-site. By pairing gray water with rainwater harvesting, households can meet most or all of their irrigation needs. Brad Lancaster runs a successful permaculture consulting design and education business in Tucson, Arizona. He's focused on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning and living. Growing up in a dryland environment, water harvesting has long been one of his specialties and a true passion. He's the author of the Permaculture Bible for Water Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volumes One and Two. And he has just released new color versions, revised and expanded of both of them.Key TopicsGray water (definition and household sources)Difference between gray water and black waterBrad Lancaster (water harvesting expert)Rainwater harvesting systemsGravity-fed irrigation designSoil as a living filtration systemMulch basins and infiltration strategiesLaundry-to-landscape systemsOutdoor shower gray water reuseWater conservation in dryland climatesArizona gray water regulations (13 guidelines)Soap and detergent impacts (salt vs liquid)Planting water before plants (design philosophy)Evapotranspiration and passive coolingKey Questions AnsweredWhat is gray water and how much of household water does it represent?Gray water is lightly used water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. It represents a significant portion of household water use—nearly equal to outdoor irrigation demand—making it a major opportunity for reuse.Is gray water safe to use in the landscape?Yes, when basic guidelines are followed. Avoid toxins, prevent pooling, and distribute water across multiple areas. Soil biology naturally filters the water, making it safe for fruit trees and many landscape plants.How can homeowners start using gray water cheaply and easily?Simple systems like redirecting a washing machine hose or using an outdoor shower can send water directly to plants using gravity. No pumps, tanks, or complex filtration systems are needed.What soaps and products should be used with gray water systems?Liquid soaps are preferred over powdered detergents because they contain fewer salt-based fillers. Avoid chlorine bleach and opt for hydrogen peroxide alternatives to protect soil health.Why shouldn’t gray water be stored in tanks?Stored gray water quickly turns septic due to organic matter, creating odor and health issues. It’s best used immediately by directing it into soil systems.How does combining gray water and rainwater maximize impact?Together, they can meet nearly all irrigation needs for a landscape, especially with low-water-use plants. This reduces reliance on municipal water and increases resilience.What does “plant the water first” mean?Design the landscape to capture and infiltrate water using basins and contours before planting. This ensures plants receive consistent moisture naturally.Where should plants be placed in a water-harvesting landscape?Higher water-use plants should be placed near water sources like roofs or gray water outlets. Trees should be positioned for shade and cooling benefits, especially on east and west sides of buildings.Episode HighlightsGray water is “perennial water”—it flows daily as long as you live in your homeYou’ve already paid for this water—reuse it instead of sending it to the sewerA simple laundry system can irrigate multiple trees by rotating a drain hoseSoil acts as a living sponge and filter, outperforming mechanical systemsOutdoor showers can double as irrigation systems and cooling zones for animalsAvoid overcomplication—gravity systems are cheaper, more reliable, and effectiveCapturing both rainwater and gray water can eliminate most irrigation needsWater harvesting landscapes create cooler microclimates and support biodiversityCalls to Action & ResourcesBrad Lancaster Resources — https://www.harvestingrainwater.comYouTube Channel — Search “Brad Lancaster water harvesting”Books — Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond (Volumes 1 & 2)Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/980 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

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

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

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

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

A Seed Chat with Bill McDormanJoin our live monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore why building a local seed economy is essential for resilient food systems. They share the origin story of the Great American Seed Up, how communities can distribute seeds affordably, and why seed diversity matters in the face of climate change and fragile global supply chains. The discussion highlights grassroots strategies—from seed libraries to neighborhood seed events—that empower communities to grow their own food. They also dive into the science of epigenetics and local adaptation, explaining why saving seeds from your own garden improves future crops.Key Topics & EntitiesLocal seed economiesThe Great American Seed UpSeed Up in a BoxCommunity seed distribution modelsSeed libraries and the Seed Library NetworkLocalSeeds.orgRegional seed companies and seed exchangesClimate change and food system resilienceSeed saving and landrace gardeningEpigenetics and plant adaptationJoseph Lofthouse’s Landrace GardeningBarbara McClintock and epigenetics researchCommunity gardening and food securityCowpeas and volunteer plantsKey Questions AnsweredWhat is a local seed economy and why does it matter?A local seed economy means seeds are produced, saved, and shared within a region. This strengthens food resilience because local varieties adapt to local conditions and communities are not dependent on global supply chains.Why isn’t storing seeds in one “seed bank” enough?A centralized seed bank doesn’t build resilience. The real solution is thousands of people growing and saving seeds. When many gardeners are involved, knowledge spreads and communities collectively maintain crop diversity.How did the Great American Seed Up begin?The idea emerged from a conversation about getting seeds into as many homes as possible. Inspired by a community seed distribution organized by a church group in Idaho, Greg Peterson created a large event where gardeners scoop bulk seeds into their own packets—dramatically lowering costs and increasing access.How can communities distribute seeds affordably?Buying seeds in bulk eliminates most packaging costs. At seed events, participants scoop seeds from bowls into small bags, often receiving 3–10× the amount found in retail packets for less money.What is Seed Up in a Box?Seed Up in a Box is a packaged kit that enables small groups to run their own mini seed distribution events, making it easy for neighborhoods, libraries, and community groups to share seeds locally.Why are seed libraries important?Seed libraries allow gardeners to borrow seeds, grow them, save new seeds, and return them to the community. This builds regional adaptation and spreads genetic diversity.What role does epigenetics play in seed saving?Plants can adapt to environmental stresses like heat or drought within a single generation. Through epigenetics, those adaptive traits can be passed to the next generation, meaning seeds saved from resilient plants become better suited to local conditions.Why do volunteer plants often grow better?Volunteer plants come from seeds already adapted to the local environment. Over several seasons, natural selection and epigenetic responses help them become more resilient.Episode HighlightsA single church community in Idaho organized a bulk seed distribution so hundreds of families could access seeds cheaply.The Great American Seed Up events allow hundreds of gardeners to scoop bulk seeds into their own packets.Eliminating packaging reveals that many seed packets contain only about 13 cents worth of seeds.During COVID, the Seed Up concept evolved into Seed Up in a Box so small groups could run their own seed distribution events.Seed libraries and local seed exchanges are growing worldwide as grassroots solutions for food resilience.Volunteer plants and locally saved seeds often outperform commercial varieties because they adapt to specific climates.Epigenetics shows plants can quickly adjust to stress and pass those adaptations to future generations.Even a few plants can produce abundant food—three volunteer cowpea plants produced three pounds of beans.ResourcesAttend Seed Chat LiveSeed Chat — https://seedchat.orgUrban Farm PodcastPodcast episodes and archives — https://urbanfarmpodcast.comSeed Up in a BoxCommunity seed distribution kits — https://seedupinabox.comSeed Library MovementSeed Library Network — https://seedlibrarynetwork.orgRegional Seed SourcesLocal Seeds directory — https://localseeds.orgSeed Community ResourcesGoing to Seed — https://goingtoseed.orgVisit UrbanFarm.org/974 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

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

With Shannan Perciballi A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode explores Arizona’s local food community through a conversation with Shannon Perciballi, publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix. Shannon shares the story behind the magazine’s evolution, her transition from a 35-year restaurant career into publishing, and why “slow media” matters. The discussion highlights mesquite as an underrated desert food, the importance of supporting local restaurants and farmers, and how storytelling strengthens resilient regional food systems.Shannan Perciballi is the publisher and editor of Edible Phoenix, a quarterly magazine celebrating Arizona’s local food culture. A longtime Phoenix resident, she brings decades of experience in restaurants, wine, and hospitality to her work. Perciballi holds an English degree from Arizona State University and advanced wine certifications, and is deeply involved in supporting farmers, artisans, and regional food systems through storytelling, community partnerships, and advocacy for resilient local economies.Episode HighlightsShannon’s leap from restaurant executive to magazine publisher“We are never going to scoop a story—we are the slow story.”Mesquite flour and its sweet, caramel-like flavor in sourdough breadThe power of seed swaps to spark food-growing conversationsHow summer restaurant slowdowns ripple through the local farm economyThe tactile experience of holding a seasonal, intentionally crafted magazineKey TopicsEdible PhoenixShannon PercevalPamela HamiltonSlow media and quarterly publishingArizona local food cultureMesquite as a desert superfoodLocal First ArizonaUptown Farmers MarketNorth Phoenix Baptist ChurchDesert Botanical GardenSeed swaps and community eventsSupporting independent restaurants and farmersCulinary education through Careers through Culinary Arts ProgramWhat is Edible Phoenix and why does it exist?Edible Phoenix is a quarterly magazine celebrating Arizona’s local food culture. It tells the “slow stories” of farmers, ranchers, bakers, gardeners, and artisans whose work often goes unnoticed in mainstream media. Its mission is to strengthen community through storytelling and support resilient local economies.How did Shannon Perceval become the publisher?After a 35-year career in Arizona’s restaurant and hospitality industry, Shannon purchased the magazine in 2023 when founder Pamela Hamilton retired. A longtime subscriber, she stepped into ownership to preserve and grow a publication she deeply valued.What makes “slow media” different?Unlike fast-breaking news, Edible Phoenix publishes quarterly and focuses on depth over speed. It explores how food is grown, prepared, and shared—embracing seasonality and intentional storytelling rather than headlines.Why is mesquite important to Arizona’s food system?Mesquite trees produce sweet, protein-rich pods that can be milled into flour. Despite being abundant in the desert, they’re often overlooked. Featuring local foragers and educators helps reintroduce this native, climate-adapted food into the regional diet.Why is supporting local restaurants and farmers critical?Local restaurants often source from local farms, creating a circular food economy. When independent restaurants struggle—especially during summer slowdowns—farmers and ranchers feel the impact. Spending locally keeps money circulating in the community and sustains family-owned businesses.How can consumers discover truly local food businesses?Visit farmers markets and ask vendors where their products are served. Farmers often supply independent restaurants directly. Markets like Uptown Farmers Market are hubs for discovering both producers and chefs committed to local sourcing.What role do community events play?Events like seed swaps, cookbook exchanges, and food festivals foster relationships and food literacy. Celebrations such as Devoured at Desert Botanical Garden and Local First Arizona’s Fall Festival connect eaters directly with growers, chefs, and artisans.ResourcesEdible Phoenix — https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.comSubscribe to the magazine — https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/subscribeUptown Farmers Market — https://uptownmarketaz.comLocal First Arizona — https://localfirstaz.comVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/971 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

Honoring a soil building heroIn this rebroadcast of Episode 185, Greg honors the late Dr. Elaine Ingham, a global leader in soil biology and founder of Soil Food Web Inc. Dr. Ingham shares her journey from childhood microbiology lessons to groundbreaking research on the soil food web. The episode explores composting, soil biology, succession, and how restoring microbial life can regenerate ecosystems and dramatically increase yields.Our Guest: Dr. Elaine Ingham is the Founder, President and Director of Research for Soil Foodweb Inc., a business that grew out of her Oregon State University research program. Behind her user-friendly approach to soil lies a wealth of knowledge gained from years of research into the organisms which make up the soil food web. Her goal is to translate this knowledge into actions that ensure a healthy food web that promotes plant growth and reduces reliance on inorganic chemicals. Elaine also offers a pioneering vision for sustainable farming, improving our current soils to a healthier state, without damaging any other ecosystem. In her spare time, Elaine publishes scientific papers, writes book chapters and gives talks at symposia around the world.Key TopicsElaine InghamSoil Food Web IncOregon State UniversityEnvironmental Protection AgencyUniversity of GeorgiaColorado State UniversityUnited NationsMonsantoSoil food web (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, microarthropods)Genetically engineered Klebsiella planticolaBiosafety protocol debateEcological succession and weedsComposting (thermal, vermicomposting, static)Soil microbiome and human health connectionKey Questions AnsweredHow did Dr. Elaine Ingham begin her journey into soil microbiology?Introduced to microscopes at age six by her veterinarian father, she developed early scientific curiosity. After deciding against medical school, she pursued microbiology, earning graduate degrees at Colorado State University and building foundational methodologies for quantifying soil organisms.What is the soil food web, and why does it matter?The soil food web is the complex community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods that cycle nutrients, protect plants, and build soil structure. Without this biology, plants cannot thrive, and chemical dependency increases.What happened in the EPA experiment involving genetically engineered bacteria?Dr. Ingham and her graduate student tested a genetically engineered strain of Klebsiella planticola designed to produce alcohol from crop residues. In controlled soil experiments, the engineered bacteria killed all terrestrial plants by producing toxic alcohol concentrations at root zones.Why was this discovery globally significant?If released, the bacterium could have spread 10–11 miles per year, potentially eliminating terrestrial plant life. Dr. Ingham presented the findings at the United Nations, contributing to the approval of a biosafety protocol governing genetically engineered organisms.Why did Dr. Ingham leave Oregon State University?After presenting research that challenged biotechnology interests, including major corporate funders, her methodology was questioned. She ultimately left and founded Soil Food Web Inc. in 1996 to continue her work independently.How can growers restore soil health?By rebuilding biology through properly made compost containing diverse organic matter and maintaining aerobic conditions. Composting must be managed intentionally—monitoring temperature, oxygen, and ingredient diversity.Why are weeds part of soil succession?Weeds are early successional plants that establish when soil biology is degraded. As microbial diversity increases, ecosystems move toward more productive crops and perennials.What is the connection between soil microbes and human health?Beneficial microbes on plant surfaces originate in healthy soil and contribute to the human gut microbiome. Chemical inputs disrupt this protective biological layer.Episode HighlightsDr. Ingham’s childhood learning microbiology at age six.Transition from marine microbiology to soil systems research.First published documentation (1985) proving soil biology improves yields and suppresses disease.The EPA microcosm experiment: engineered bacteria killed wheat seedlings in seven days.Presentation at the United Nations biosafety meeting in Madrid.Conflict with university funding tied to agricultural biotechnology.Founding Soil Food Web Inc. to bring soil biology to growers.Compost as the gateway to restoring microbial life.ResourcesSoil Food Web — https://www.soilfoodweb.comUrban Farm Podcast — https://www.urbanfarm.org/podcastVisit www.urbanfarm.org/LifeInTheSoil for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn This Episode: Noel Ruiz shares his journey from urban Southern California to rural Southern Oregon, where he and his family run Homestead Culture. What began as a struggling backyard garden evolved into a life centered on permaculture, seed saving, perennial crops, and heart-centered homesteading. Noel explains grexes, seed diversity, and multi-generational thinking—while reflecting on failure, renewal, and cultivating culture from the inside out. This episode explores how growing seeds can also grow resilience, connection, and joy.Our Guest: Noel is a gardener, homesteader, seed saver, lover of plants and a proud father. Together, he and his sweetheart offer homestead grown seeds of perennial vegetables, flowers, herbs in diverse mixes and grexes, through their family business Homestead Culture. Noel shares free resources and online education around seed saving through HomesteadCulture.com. He enjoys writing articles that explore changing culture, personal transformation, gardening and seeds all while blurring the lines between work and life, as he practices homesteading from the heart.Key TopicsHomestead Culture (family-run seed and education business)Permaculture design & soil regenerationWWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms)Seed saving on a homestead scaleGrex breeding & genetic diversityLandrace adaptationPerennial vegetables, herbs, and flowersMulti-generational thinking in homesteadingHomesteading from the heartCultural transformation through gardeningProtecting fruit and nut trees from deer and rodentsLandrace Gardening by Joseph LofthouseOne-Straw Revolution by Masanobu FukuokaKey Questions What happens when your garden fails—and what can it teach you?Noel’s first larger garden struggled due to depleted, scraped topsoil. A permaculture consultation revealed the real issue: soil health, not personal failure. That shift reframed his mindset and launched his journey into regenerative practices.What is WWOOF, and how can it accelerate learning?WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) connects learners with farms and homesteads in exchange for room, board, and hands-on education. Noel spent two years immersed in diverse homesteads, gaining practical skills and mentorship.What does “homestead culture” mean?For Noel, “home” extends beyond a house to watershed and region. “Stead” means to stand firm. “Culture” means to cultivate. Together, it represents rooting deeply in place and tending life in ways that foster abundance, cooperation, and multi-generational resilience.Why plant trees from seed instead of grafted stock?While grafted trees fruit faster, seed-grown trees offer deep relationship and long-term legacy. Noel values the joy of growing plants from infancy and stewarding trees that may outlive him.What is a grex—and why grow one?A grex allows multiple varieties to cross-pollinate, saving seeds from diverse offspring. This increases adaptation, resilience, and joy in diversity. It’s both a practical breeding strategy and a celebration of natural cross-pollination.What is the difference between a seed farmer and a seed producer?Noel distinguishes himself as a homestead-scale seed producer, honoring full-time seed farmers who grow at commercial scale. His focus is small-batch perennial vegetables, flowers, herbs, and grexes.How can personal failure become transformation?After divorce and job loss, Noel entered a period of growth through volunteering and WWOOFing. The journey led to emotional maturity, reconnection with his former spouse, and the foundation of their current homesteading life together.What book is essential for seed savers?Landrace Gardening by Joseph Lofthouse reframed Noel’s approach to seed purity and adaptation. He sees it as required reading for both new and experienced seed savers.Episode HighlightsNoel’s first 300-square-foot garden sparked a lifelong passion.Soil failure became the gateway to permaculture.A paid farm job paid little—but delivered deep purpose.Two years of WWOOFing replaced career confusion with clarity.Homestead Culture emerged as a family-centered, heart-driven brand.Growing trees from seed is about relationship, not speed.Grexes increase resilience and garden-level adaptation.“We are all in it together”—multi-generational problems require multi-generational thinking.ResourcesHomestead Culture — https://homesteadculture.com/8 Freebies for Gardeners & Homesteaders — https://homesteadculture.com/freebies/Best Seed Saving Online Courses & Classes — https://homesteadculture.com/seed-saving-online-courses-classes/Seed Resources (Free Articles) — https://homesteadculture.com/seed-resources/Seed Catalog — https://homesteadculture.com/shop/Coupon Code (15% off seeds & courses for two weeks): URBANFARMRecommended ReadingLandrace Gardening by Joseph LofthouseOne-Straw Revolution by Masanobu FukuokaSponsorsHomestead Culture — Family-grown perennial vegetable, flower, herb, and grex seeds, plus online seed-saving education.https://homesteadculture.com/Visit www.urbanfarm.org/HomesteadCulture for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more! *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Gigi shares how permaculture extends far beyond gardening into communication, community resilience, and social systems change. From EcoVillage living and military service to composting toilets after Hurricane Helene, Gigi explores earth care, people care, and fair share as a lived philosophy. This conversation dives into resource-based economies, repair culture, and the power of collective action. It’s a joyful, grounded exploration of how permaculture shapes both land and relationships..Our Guest:  Gigi White was introduced to permaculture and foraging in college at Ithaca, New York in 2007 while studying acting and living at the Eco Village Ithaca. Which launched the rocket ship of figuring out how we can begin to work together in groups to live sustainably. After serving as an officer in the US Air Force with a tour in Iraq, she became a lifelong student of connecting nature to people sustainable. And joyful living through Improvisational music and acting. Key Topics & EntitiesPermaculture principles: Earth Care, People Care, Fair ShareEcoVillage at IthacaUnited States Air Force service and sustainabilityAnimal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara KingsolverTransition Towns movementThe Humanure Handbook by Joseph JenkinsHumanure and composting toilet systemsHurricane Helene disaster response in AshevilleTool libraries and repair cafésNonviolent Communication (NVC) in permacultureResource-based vs. capitalistic economiesRocket mass heaters and appropriate technologyGrafting fruit trees and perennial agricultureKey Questions AnsweredWhat is permaculture beyond gardening?Permaculture is a philosophy and design framework rooted in Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. It includes communication styles, economic systems, animal husbandry, energy design, and community-building—not just food production.How can communities respond sustainably during disasters?After Hurricane Helene disrupted water systems in Asheville, Gigi organized education sessions and materials for composting toilets. By mobilizing volunteers, sourcing buckets and sawdust, and partnering with a local tool library, she helped residents create safe, low-resource sanitation systems.What is humanure and why does it matter?Humanure is composted human waste managed safely through carbon layering (like sawdust) and proper aeration. When done correctly, it becomes soil after about a year in temperate climates, reducing strain on water systems and rebuilding topsoil.How does permaculture apply to social systems?Permaculture extends into communication (including Nonviolent Communication), collective decision-making, barter systems, repair culture, and resource-sharing networks. It asks, “Why are we doing what we’re doing?” and challenges systems like planned obsolescence.What lessons come from failure in sustainable design?After a rocket mass heater installation led to a house fire, Gigi learned the importance of risk assessment, thorough research, and asking difficult questions—especially in high-stakes projects involving heat and combustion.What drives long-term sustainability work?A deep love of the natural world. For Gigi, the magic of witnessing transformation—like a moth emerging from a chrysalis—fuels her dedication to ecological living and education.Episode HighlightsPermaculture is “a word for everything”—a philosophy of being, thinking, and relating.Living at EcoVillage at Ithaca revealed that sustainability can mean thriving—not surviving.Local food challenges in Alaska sparked deeper community connection and dietary awareness.Barter systems and lending exchanges offer alternatives to money-centered economies.Post-disaster “Poop Fairy” organizing helped Asheville residents regain sanitation independence.Tool libraries and repair cafés push back against planned obsolescence.A rocket mass heater fire became a powerful lesson in risk management and self-trust.Humor, humility, and joy are essential tools in sustainable living.Calls to Action & ResourcesThe Humanure Handbook — The Humanure HandbookIntentional Communities Directory — https://www.ic.orgTransition Movement — Transition TownsShow Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/gigisgardenNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

-(subtitle)-.In This Podcast: In this episode, Greg chats with sourdough baker, teacher, and cookbook author Amy Coyne of Amy Bakes Breadto demystify sourdough from starter to slice. Amy shares her personal journey into sourdough, explains the science and simplicity behind naturally fermented bread, and offers practical guidance for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The conversation covers fermentation, hydration, common mistakes, discard recipes, and how to make sourdough fit into busy family life. Throughout, Amy emphasizes patience, experimentation, and joy in the process.Our Guest:  Amy Coyne is a sourdough baker, teacher and creator behind Amy Bakes Bread, where she shares tried and true sourdough recipes that are approachable, reliable, and fun to make. She's been baking for as long as she can remember, and sourdough has been part of her kitchen for over 13 years. Amy is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Sourdough, A cookbook made to help every home baker feel confident creating incredible sourdough bread from scratch. Key Topics & EntitiesAmy CoyneSourdough starterNatural fermentationWild yeast and bacteriaHydration levels in breadDutch oven bakingSourdough discardInclusion loavesFamily-friendly sourdoughThe Beginner’s Guide to SourdoughAmy Bakes BreadHome baking scienceKey Questions AnsweredWhat makes sourdough different from conventional bread?Sourdough relies on natural fermentation rather than commercial yeast, resulting in improved digestibility, lower glycemic response, and better nutrient absorption due to reduced phytic acid.How do you create and maintain a sourdough starter?A starter is made by culturing wild yeast and bacteria from flour and water through regular feedings, watching for predictable rise-and-fall cycles, and adjusting temperature and ratios for consistency.How does temperature affect sourdough fermentation?Warmer temperatures speed fermentation while cooler conditions slow it down, meaning timelines must shift with seasons and kitchen conditions.What is hydration, and why does it matter?Hydration refers to the ratio of water to flour; higher hydration creates a more open, airy crumb, while lower hydration produces a tighter, more structured loaf.What are the most common mistakes new sourdough bakers make?Unrealistic expectations, discomfort with wet doughs, and misunderstanding fermentation timing are common early hurdles.What can you do with sourdough discard instead of throwing it away?Discard can be used in crackers, pancakes, biscuits, cookies, gravies, and more—adding flavor, texture, and reducing waste.How can sourdough be adapted for busy schedules and families?Using refrigeration, adjusting starter ratios, and choosing approachable recipes makes sourdough manageable and sustainable long-term.Episode HighlightsSourdough bread uses just four core ingredients: flour, water, salt, and starterFermentation improves both flavor and nutritional availabilityStarters can be refrigerated to fit modern lifestylesHydration and flour choice dramatically affect loaf structureDutch ovens help home bakers replicate professional steam bakingInclusion loaves (cheese, fruit, nuts, butter) expand sourdough’s versatilityDiscard recipes turn “waste” into some of the most flavorful bakesCalls to Action & ResourcesAmy Bakes Bread — https://amybakesbread.comThe Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough — Available at local bookstores, libraries, and major retailersExplore sourdough discard recipes and free guides on Amy’s websiteVisit UrbanFarm.org/AmyBakesBread for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Edmund Williams returns to discuss the LEHR Garden system and a breakthrough soil product emerging from it: LEHR Soil Amplifier. By combining ecological soil biology with engineered water flow, the LEHR system grows plants in primarily woody materials while composting beneath living roots. The resulting extracted soil behaves as a powerful biostimulant, dramatically improving plant growth, resilience, and heat tolerance. This episode explores living soil, stable carbon, and how feeding soil organisms transforms plant health.Our Guest: Edmund is a civil engineer and innovator in the urban and sustainable agriculture arena. He has been working with various municipalities and nonprofits to transform the ways our society feeds itself. The Lear Garden was designed to be a low maintenance system using biology as a part of the automation. To do this, Edmond created a compost bin as the core technology, and like any compost bin, it needs to be emptied periodically, The finished compost that comes out is unlike anything on the market having some very surprising and beneficial properties.Key TopicsLEHR Garden (Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for Regeneration)LEHR Soil AmplifierBiostimulants in agricultureLiving soil biologyStable soil carbonGlomalin and mycorrhizal fungiBiochar as nutrient bufferUrban waste stream compostingFlood-and-drain raised bed systemsHeat resilience in desert gardeningSoil food webTall pot tree propagation methodWhat makes a LEHR Garden different from hydroponics or permaculture alone?It integrates both ecology and hardware, using a raised flood-and-drain system filled mostly with wood chips and organic waste, allowing plants to grow in living soil biology rather than inert media.Why does the garden soil need to be removed and reset?As woody materials break down, water flow slows, causing anaerobic conditions. Removing and resetting the soil restores oxygen flow and system performance.What is LEHR Soil Amplifier?It is the sifted, biologically rich soil produced inside the system, containing earthworm castings, biochar, microbial life, and multiple known biostimulant compounds.How is this different from regular compost?Unlike compost made separately, this material forms beneath living roots, encouraging creation of stable soil carbon compounds such as glomalin, which are critical to true topsoil structure.How much is needed to see results?Very small amounts are effective — about one gallon can treat roughly 1,000 square feet of garden space.What plant responses have been observed?Reports include greener lawns, higher vegetable productivity, improved pest and disease resistance, thicker rose petals, and rapid recovery of stressed trees.Can it improve heat tolerance?Gardeners observed lush summer growth during record heat, with plants surviving and producing through extreme desert temperatures.What is the underlying mechanism?The product stimulates soil biology, increases mycorrhizal activity, provides mineral buffering through biochar, and enhances nutrient cycling.Episode HighlightsLEHR stands for Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for RegenerationGardens grow food in mostly wood chips enriched by composting beneath rootsSoil removal became the “problem that was the solution”Sifted soil behaves as a high-density biological stimulantStable soil carbon forms directly through plant–fungal interactionsOne gallon treats approximately 1,000 square feetGardeners report dramatic improvements during extreme heatTrees in tall pots showed accelerated growth using the amplifierCalls to Action & ResourcesLEHR Garden System — https://lehrgarden.comContact Edmund Williams — mailto:[email protected] Episode Show Notes Visit — UrbanFarm.org/SoilAmplifierNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

With Beatrice Nathan...Curious permaculture storyIn This Podcast: Beatrice Nathan joins the podcast to explore how permaculture principles can be applied to family life, childcare, and community resilience. She shares her journey from home gardening to teaching permaculture, and launching a Village Roots childcare co-op. The conversation weaves together food production, social permaculture, and mutual aid as practical responses to modern parenting and systemic stress. This episode highlights slow, small solutions that build trust, connection, and long-term community health.Our Guest:  Beatrice Nathan is a home gardener, permaculture teacher, turmeric farmer, and mom to two boys. She is passionate about reweaving the web of social support, empowering ordinary people to grow food and teaching practical design principles. She believes that we all have a part to play in creating a better future. Key Topics & EntitiesBeatrice NathanPermaculture ethics (Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share)Social permacultureVillage Roots Childcare Co-opBabysitting co-ops / time-based exchangeFront-yard food gardensCommunity resilienceParenting and childcare affordabilityPermaculture zones applied to time and energyDegrowth philosophyPermaculture Design Course (PDC)Ruby Ranch (Asheville, NC)Key Questions AnsweredWhat is permaculture beyond gardening?Permaculture is a framework for living a good life, offering ethics and principles that can be applied to land stewardship, relationships, parenting, and community design—not just gardens.How does a childcare co-op work without money?Families exchange babysitting hours using a shared spreadsheet. Hours earned caring for one family’s children can be used with any family in the co-op, building trust and flexibility without cash.Why is childcare so challenging for families today?High costs, limited availability, misaligned schedules, and the emotional toll on young children make conventional childcare inaccessible or unsustainable for many families.How does the Village Roots Childcare Co-op embody permaculture?The co-op applies permaculture ethics and principles like slow and small solutions, stacking functions, feedback loops, and people care to meet real childcare and community needs.How can permaculture help parents—especially mothers—avoid burnout?By reframing priorities through concepts like zones of time and energy, permaculture helps parents let go of nonessential commitments and focus on connection during demanding life seasons.What’s the value of front-yard food gardens?Front-yard gardens invite conversation, sharing, and relationship-building with neighbors, turning food production into a social connector.How can someone start a similar co-op in their community?Start small, set a geographic boundary, clearly communicate expectations, onboard families personally, and use existing guides and templates to reduce friction.Why is community-building increasingly important?As larger systems become more fragile, hyper-local, trust-based networks like co-ops, time banks, and tool libraries help meet needs when institutions fall short.Episode HighlightsPermaculture as a life framework, not just a land design toolApplying permaculture ethics to childcare and family systemsDesigning a babysitting co-op using time instead of moneyFront-yard gardens as hubs for neighborhood connectionReframing permaculture zones around time, energy, and life seasonsDegrowth, relocalization, and mutual aid as practical responses to system stressTeaching permaculture through lived, community-based examplesCalls to Action & ResourcesVillage Roots show notes — urbanfarm.org/villagerootsGrow & Harvest Asheville — https://growandharvestasheville.comPermaculture at Ruby Ranch (PDC) — https://growandharvestasheville.comSubstack: Collapsing Into Permaculture — Collapsing Into PermacultureSubstack guide referenced: Cramming for the ApocalypseInstagram: Grow & Harvest AVL — Grow_Harvest_AVLVisit UrbanFarm.org/VillageRoots for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Journey in Holistic WellnessIn This Podcast: Clinical herbalist Kimberly Kling returns to discuss regenerative health in a highly toxic modern world. Drawing from personal experience, clinical practice, and ecological awareness, she explains how petrochemicals, industrial agriculture, and environmental toxins disrupt human health—especially the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and detox pathways. The conversation moves from root causes to practical, accessible steps people can take, including food choices, herbs, lifestyle shifts, and community action. Throughout, the focus remains on empowerment, resilience, and reconnecting with plant wisdom rather than fear.Our Guest: Kimberly is a clinical herbalist and the guiding force behind joyful roots in Southern Arizona where she helps her community locally and beyond cultivate inner wellness through earth centered herbal care, rooted in a deep reverence for the healing power of plants. Kimberly's journey began in childhood, crafting magical plant stews and foraging connections with Michigan's native flora. Her background in landscape architecture and engineering provided a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the land. However, it was motherhood and a personal health crisis that led to her clinical herbalism deepening her passion for holistic wellness. Now, Kimberly integrates traditional wisdom with modern herbal practices, empowering others to reconnect with plant wisdom for vibrant health and wellbeing.Medical Disclaimer: In today's episode we are talking about our health. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not medical doctors and no medical doctor/patient relationship is formed. Always seek advice from your qualified medical doctor regarding questions you may have about your medical condition.Key Topics & EntitiesKimberly KlingJoyful RootsClinical herbalismEnvironmental toxinsPetrochemicalsHaber-Bosch ProcessGlyphosate, Diquat, ParaquatGut microbiomeMitochondrial healthAutoimmune illness (lupus)AntioxidantsLiver detoxificationRegenerative agricultureFood forestsKey Questions AnsweredWhy are modern humans experiencing chronic illness earlier than previous generations?Because exposure to synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics, and food additives has rapidly increased over the last ~150 years, overwhelming biological systems that evolved alongside natural substances.How do pesticides and herbicides affect the body if they’re “safe for humans”?They often harm microbial cells rather than human cells directly, disrupting the gut microbiome, increasing oxidative stress, damaging mitochondria, and contributing to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic disease.What role does the microbiome play in detoxification and health?Humans host more microbial cells than human cells, with vastly more genetic material; toxins that disrupt these microbes can cascade into immune dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neurological issues.What personal steps can people take without becoming overwhelmed?Start small: filter water, improve indoor air quality, reduce chemical cleaners, prioritize rest and sleep, and make gradual food upgrades rather than trying to change everything at once.How can food and herbs support detox and mitochondrial health?Antioxidant-rich foods and herbs reduce oxidative stress, while fiber, minerals, and liver-supportive plants help the body process and eliminate toxins more effectively.Which foods are most important to buy organic?Grains like wheat and oats, which are commonly sprayed with glyphosate as a desiccant, along with legumes such as garbanzo beans.Why are bitter and “weedy” plants like dandelion so valuable?They support liver function, digestion, detoxification, pollinators, and biodiversity—demonstrating how cultural perceptions often obscure ecological and medicinal value.What does working with a clinical herbalist look like?A deep intake, personalized care plan, herbal and lifestyle guidance, and follow-up sessions that address the whole person across multiple roots of wellness.Episode HighlightsEnvironmental toxicity has accelerated dramatically since the mid-1800s with synthetic chemicals and industrial agriculture.Most toxin exposure is cumulative and synergistic, not acute, quietly stressing the body over decades.Mitochondrial damage links toxins to fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and chronic illness.Antioxidants from colorful plants and herbs are a frontline defense against oxidative stress.Soluble fiber and mucilaginous plants may help bind and eliminate toxins and microplastics.Liver-supportive foods like beets, dandelion, milk thistle, and burdock are foundational to detox.Small, consistent lifestyle changes matter more than perfection or fear-based responses.Calls to Action & ResourcesJoyful Roots — https://www.joyfulroots.comWork with Kimberly — https://www.joyfulroots.comRemedy & Rhyme Podcast — Available on all podcast platformsYUKA App — Food and product ingredient scannerVisit UrbanFarm.org/JoyfulRoots for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode we explore the concept of wicking bed gardens, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg, our guest is .Farmer Greg joins Romey Romero on Rosie on the House to break down how to successfully grow fruit trees in the low desert, even during unusually warm winters. He explains why fruit trees are worth planting, how climate confusion affects citrus and deciduous trees, and the most common mistakes that kill young trees. The conversation covers proven planting methods, soil preparation, watering strategies, and long-term thinking for orchards that can produce for decades. This episode is a practical, experience-based guide for homeowners who want reliable fruit harvests in desert climates.Key Topics & EntitiesLow desert fruit tree growingCitrus varieties (navel, Cara Cara, Trovita, Minneola, Gold Nugget)Deciduous fruit trees (apple, peach, apricot, plum, jujube, mulberry)Low-chill requirementsRootstock selectionBare root treesUrban Farm Fruit Tree ProgramSix-Six Basin RuleDesert soil organic matterMycorrhizae and soil biologyIrrigation and deep wateringMulch and microclimatesKey Questions AnsweredWhy plant fruit trees instead of relying on store-bought fruit?Homegrown fruit has superior flavor, freshness, and nutritional value, and a single tree can produce for decades with proper care.What makes fruit trees struggle during warm winters in the desert?Low-chill trees may not receive enough cold hours to set fruit consistently, causing irregular growth, dormancy confusion, or skipped production years. Therefore, we need to make sure we plant low chill fruit trees.What are the three non-negotiables when buying fruit trees for the low desert?Choose low-chill varieties, ensure the correct rootstock for desert conditions, and select soft-flesh fruit that ripens before July 1.What are the most common ways people accidentally kill fruit trees?Planting in hot microclimates, allowing grass to compete with roots, and relying on shallow daily drip irrigation.How should fruit trees actually be watered in the desert?Deep, infrequent watering—about once a month in winter and every 10–14 days in summer—allowing soil to dry between waterings.Why are bare root trees preferred for deciduous fruit?They’re planted while dormant, establish faster, and adapt better long-term than potted trees when planted correctly.How long does it take for a fruit tree to really produce?Year one focuses on roots, year two on shoots, year three begins fruiting, and years four to five bring full production.Episode HighlightsFruit trees thrive when planted for climate, not convenienceCitrus can be harvested across six months with smart variety selectionThe Six-Six Basin Rule dramatically improves survival and growthDesert soil must be rebuilt with organic matter and biologyOverwatering and under watering look the same—but both can kill treesBare root planting in January sets trees up for lifelong successA single well-planted tree can produce for 50–100 yearsCalls to Action & ResourcesUrban Farm Fruit Tree Program — https://www.fruittrees.orgFree Desert Fruit Tree Master Course — https://www.fruittrees.orgQuestions or tree photos — [email protected] www.UrbanFarm.org/962 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore the idea of the seed commons—seeds as shared cultural, ecological, and community wealth rather than private commodities. They discuss how market-driven seed systems have eroded biodiversity and why community-based models are essential for resilience in the face of climate, economic, and social uncertainty. Through stories, examples, and lived experience, they show how seed co-ops, exchanges, libraries, and grassroots experimentation restore abundance, adaptability, and human connection. The conversation frames seed saving as both a practical survival skill and a deeply human act of stewardship.Key Topics & EntitiesSeed commonsShared wealthBiodiversity lossClimate change adaptationSeed co-opsAppalachian SeedsSnake River Seed CooperativeSeed exchangesSeed librariesSeed Library NetworkSeeds in CommonOpen-pollinated seedsIndigenous and community seed stewardshipWhat does it mean to treat seeds as part of the commons?Seeds are framed as shared wealth—like air or water—meant to circulate freely so they can keep adapting, carrying cultural memory, and supporting future generations rather than being locked behind patents or profit motives.Why is the current market-based seed system failing biodiversity?Large-scale commercial systems prioritize uniformity and profit, leading to the extinction of many traditional varieties and reducing the genetic diversity needed to adapt to climate and ecological change.How do seed co-ops work in practice?Regional growers collaborate to grow, clean, package, and distribute seeds together, sharing labor and profits while keeping ownership local and ensuring regionally adapted varieties remain available.What role do seed exchanges and seed libraries play in communities?They provide accessible, low-cost ways for people to share seeds, stories, and growing knowledge, strengthening trust, local resilience, and intergenerational learning.What is unique about the Seeds in Common model?Instead of preserving varieties separately, Seeds in Common mixes many varieties together and distributes them widely, prioritizing real-world adaptation and survival over strict categorization or commercial naming.Can individuals really name and steward new plant varieties?Yes—historically, many important crops came from backyard growers. Naming and caring for a variety is an act of responsibility, not ownership, rooted in long-term stewardship rather than profit.Episode HighlightsSeeds as shared wealth are essential for resilience, adaptability, and cultural continuity.Seed co-ops like Appalachian Seeds and Snake River Seed Cooperative keep control local and varieties alive.Seed exchanges offer efficient, story-rich ways to share seeds and knowledge within communities.Seed libraries have rapidly grown worldwide, each shaped by local values and creativity.Mixing and growing diverse seeds reveals what truly works under local, low-input conditions.Naming and saving seeds is a deeply human tradition that predates modern agriculture.Abundance thinking emerges naturally when people engage directly with growing and saving seed.Calls to Action & ResourcesJoin live Seed Chats — https://seedchat.orgExplore regional seed co-ops — https://snakeriverseeds.com | https://www.utopianseed.orgLearn about seed libraries — https://seedlibrarynetwork.orgParticipate in seed sharing experiments — https://seedsincommon.orgVisit UrbanFarm.org/961 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Don Tipping's Legacy of Regenerative FarmingIn This Podcast: Greg reconnects with returning guest Don Tipping to explore nearly a decade of evolution at Seven Seeds Farm and Siskiyou Seeds. The conversation dives deep into regenerative farming, bioregional seed stewardship, on-farm ecology, and the long arc of plant breeding as climate adaptation. Don shares practical insights from 30 years of full-time farming, from pest resilience without chemicals to compost, livestock integration, and the vision for a decentralized bioregional seed bank. The episode emphasizes patience, systems thinking, and seed saving as both a practical skill and a cultural act.Guest Bio: Don has been farming and offering hands on, practical workshops at Seven Seeds Farm since 1997. Seven Seeds is a small, certified organic family farm in the Siskiyou Mountains of SW Oregon that produces fruits, vegetables, seeds, flowers and herbs, while raising sheep, poultry and people. The farm has been designed to function as a self-contained, life regenerating organism with waste products being recycled and feeding other elements of the system. Lauded as one of the best examples of a small productive Biodynamic and Permaculture farms in the northwest by many, Seven Seeds helps to mentor new farmers through internships and workshops. In 2009 they began Siskiyou Seeds, a bioregional organic seed company that grows and stewards a collection of over 700 open pollinated flower, vegetable and herb seeds and is constantly breeding new varieties.Key Topics & EntitiesDon TippingSeven Seeds FarmSiskiyou Seeds (Siskiyou Seeds)Regenerative agricultureBioregional seed stewardshipOpen-pollinated seedsSeed savingGarden ecologyPlant breedingPermaculture systemsCompost and soil fertilityLivestock integrationClimate adaptationCascadia Seed BankKey Questions AnsweredHow has Don’s farm and seed work evolved over the last nine years?The seed company has grown into the core of the farm’s work, with most annual and perennial crops now grown specifically for seed. Don has shifted toward contracting with a wider network of growers while focusing his own energy on plant breeding, research, and education.What makes bioregional, farmer-grown seed different from industrial seed?Unlike industrial seed—often brokered globally with little transparency—bioregional seed is selected under local climate, pest, and disease pressures. Over time, this results in crops that are better adapted, more resilient, and better suited to regional food systems.Why doesn’t Seven Seeds Farm rely on row covers or chemical inputs?By allowing natural selection to occur—such as letting cucumber beetles eliminate weaker plants—the farm selects for stronger genetics over time. This approach is paired with whole-system ecology that supports predators and beneficial insects.Why should gardeners save their own seed?Seed saving is empowering, abundant, and adaptive. One plant can produce years’ worth of seed, while gradually adapting to a gardener’s microclimate and conditions, even without advanced technical knowledge.How does Don manage seed purity when growing multiple crops?By understanding plant species and their pollination rules, Don grows only one variety per species when crops are close together. Knowing botanical Latin and species boundaries is key to effective seed saving.What role do animals play in the farm’s regenerative system?Livestock act as ecological equalizers—cycling nutrients, selecting diverse forage, and converting plants into fertility, fiber, and food. Sheep, poultry, and other animals help close nutrient loops and reduce off-farm inputs.Why is manure sourcing such a critical issue for organic farms?Persistent herbicides can survive composting and contaminate soil for years. Sourcing manure from known organic dairies ensures transparency, protects soil health, and maintains organic integrity.What is the vision behind the Cascadia Seed Bank?The goal is a decentralized, fireproof, nonprofit bioregional seed bank designed as a living backup for regional food systems—paired with on-farm trials, education, and community engagement.Episode HighlightsThe shift from crop protection to crop selection as a pest-management strategySeed saving as “the original magic penny” that multiplies abundanceGarden ecology as a diagnostic lens for pest and disease problemsCompost as the foundation of soil, seed, and long-term fertilityLivestock hides becoming more valuable than meat in evolving farm economicsPlant breeding as a long-term response to climate changeThe need for regional seed sovereignty beyond global seed vaultsCalls to Action & ResourcesSiskiyou Seeds — https://www.siskiyouseeds.comSiskiyou Seeds YouTube Channel — https://www.youtube.com/@SiskiyouSeedsThe Agrarian Renaissance Podcast — Available on YouTube and podcast platformsVisit UrbanFarm.org/SevenSeeds for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

With Mary and Andrew from EdgePerma.comIn This Podcast: Andrew Tuttle and Mary Marshall, co-founders of Edge Perma and Redtail Edge Design, share how they’re using immersive technology to transform regenerative agriculture education. Drawing from backgrounds in permaculture, ecological design, and lived experiences of healing through land stewardship, they explain how virtual farm tours can make regenerative systems accessible to anyone, anywhere. The conversation explores permaculture as a pathway to peace, community resilience, and personal healing, while highlighting the power of relationship-building, service, and inclusive learning. This episode weaves together technology, ethics, and heart-centered education to reimagine how people connect with land and food systems.Episode HighlightsImmersive virtual tours as a tool to “copy and paste” regenerative systemsPermaculture as a framework for peace, food security, and climate resilienceUsing technology to expand access to farm-based learningThe emotional and healing power of land stewardshipTeaching ethics, design, and systems thinking through lived examplesShifting from rejection to resonance through service and community careEducation designed for inclusion, not gatekeepingKey Questions AnsweredHow did Andrew and Mary’s journey lead them to permaculture and regenerative agriculture?Their path began with questioning systems of conflict and scarcity, combined with personal grief and a search for healing. Permaculture offered a framework where humans could become restorative forces within ecosystems and communities.What problem do virtual farm tours solve in regenerative education?Most people never get to visit functional regenerative farms. Virtual tours bring these spaces to students, growers, and communities, removing barriers of geography, mobility, time, and cost.How do Edge Perma’s virtual farm tours work?They combine 360° video, drone footage, aerial panoramas, 3D models, and clickable learning elements to show farms from every angle, including system evolution over time.What makes virtual tours different from in-person farm visits?They add layers of understanding—like aerial views, topography, and system mapping—that aren’t possible on foot, while complementing (not replacing) real-world visits.How does this approach support different learning styles?The immersive, visual format supports neurodiverse learners and people who struggle with traditional classroom-based education, helping more people feel seen and included.What role does community and service play in their success?Andrew and Mary describe a shift from self-promotion to service, relationship-building, and listening—an ethic that unlocked trust, collaboration, and new opportunities.What does success mean to them beyond business growth?Success is measured in meaningful human impact—healing landscapes, supporting grief and remembrance, and creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet.Key Topics & EntitiesEdge PermaRedtail Edge DesignVirtual farm toursRegenerative agriculturePermaculture design360° video and drone technologyAccessible educationInspiration FarmAlderleaf Wilderness CollegeDave BoehnleinWSU ExtensionEdmonds CollegeHealing landscapesCalls to Action & ResourcesEdge Perma virtual tours — https://edgeperma.comFollow Edge Perma on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/edgepermaContact Andrew Tuttle — [email protected] notes & episode page — https://www.urbanfarm.org/EdgePermaNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusGreg Peterson and Don Titmus reconnect for a November Garden Chat focused on reviewing the ethics and principles of permaculture and how they apply beyond gardening into daily life. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience in arid and temperate climates, they explore observation, working with nature, stacking functions, and regenerative design. The conversation weaves together philosophy, practical examples from Phoenix and North Carolina, and reflections on how a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) can fundamentally reshape how people think and live.Our Guest: Don Titmus grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he’d been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.Key Topics & EntitiesPermaculture ethicsPermaculture principlesObservation and designWorking with natureElements and stacking functionsZones (including Zone 0 / self-care)Regenerative and edible landscapesDrylands permacultureRainwater harvestingPerennial systemsPermaculture Design Course (PDC)Bill MollisonDavid HolmgrenUrban Farm PodcastBee Oasis (Mesa, AZ)Key Questions AnsweredWhat is permaculture, in simple terms?Permaculture is the art and science of working with nature—observing natural systems and designing human habitats that align with ecological patterns rather than fighting them.What are the core ethics of permaculture?Care for the earth, care for people, and care for the future (often expressed as sharing surplus). These ethics guide every design decision and ensure long-term sustainability and reciprocity.Why is observation considered the foundation of permaculture design?Spending time observing land, climate, wildlife, and human patterns prevents costly mistakes and reveals opportunities to work with existing energy flows rather than against them.What does it mean that “the problem is the solution”?Challenges—such as excess heat, water runoff, or waste—often contain the seeds of their own solutions when reframed through thoughtful design.How do elements and stacking functions create resilience?Each element in a system (trees, chickens, compost, water systems) should serve multiple functions, increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and strengthening connections across the whole system.What is a Permaculture Design Course (PDC), and who is it for?A PDC is a globally recognized 72-hour introduction to permaculture principles and design, tailored to local bioregions and intended to transform how participants think about land, community, and life systems.Why take a PDC in your own bioregion and in person?Local courses address climate-specific realities, and in-person learning builds community, shared experience, and deeper understanding through hands-on practice.How can permaculture principles apply beyond gardening?Permaculture offers a framework for life—informing health, relationships, work, energy use, and even practices like yoga—by emphasizing connection, care, and intentional design.Episode HighlightsPermaculture as a life framework, not just a gardening methodThe importance of long-term observation before making land changesHow drought, heat, and salinity shape drylands permaculture strategiesZone 0 reframed as self-care and personal sustainabilityStacking functions illustrated through trees, chickens, kitchens, and urban planningRegenerative landscapes that produce food with minimal ongoing inputInformation and imagination as key resources in resilient designHow a PDC can permanently shift worldview and decision-makingCalls to Action & ResourcesGarden Chat Community — https://gardenchat.orgPermaculture Design Course (Phoenix) — https://permaculture.netPDC Map (Permaculture Institute of North America) — https://pina.inUrban Farm Podcast — Explore past episodes on permaculture ethics and principlesVisit www.urbanfarm.org/923 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more! *Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Seed Chat with Bill McDormanGreg Peterson and seed expert Bill McDorman dig into the urgent need for climate-resilient seeds as global conditions shift. They explore how traditional varieties falter under heat, drought, flooding, and unpredictable weather—and why locally adapted, open-pollinated seeds are becoming essential tools for regional food security. Bill outlines practical pathways for gardeners and growers to build resilience through diversity, landrace gardening, and modern microbiome research. Together they offer a grounded, hopeful roadmap for anyone looking to future-proof their garden or local food system.Key TopicsClimate-resilient seedsOpen-pollinated varietiesLocal adaptationLandrace gardeningSoil microbiome & mycorrhizaeRizophagy (Dr. James White, Rutgers)Elliot ColemanJohn JeavonsAl Gore COP30 climate updateHeritage grains & wheat diversitySeed libraries & seed exchangesNational seed infrastructure concernsJoseph Lofthouse & Going to SeedGenetic diversity & heterosisKey Questions AnsweredWhy do traditional seed varieties fail under climate chaos?Because they were bred for stable, narrow climate ranges with controlled inputs—conditions that no longer exist. Locally adapted seeds handle stress better and evolve alongside changing weather patterns.How can home gardeners contribute to climate adaptation?By introducing maximum genetic diversity into their gardens—mixing varieties, saving seeds, and participating in regional seed exchanges. This creates plant populations that actively adapt to local conditions.What is landrace gardening and why does it matter now?Landrace gardening mixes many varieties of the same crop and lets natural selection reveal the most resilient performers. It dramatically increases adaptability and requires less space and time than traditional trialing.How do soil organisms like mycorrhizae and bacteria affect climate resilience?They increase nutrient uptake, boost disease resistance, and help plants tolerate extreme conditions. Emerging rizophagy research shows plants actively cultivate microbes to meet stress.What resources should new growers explore to build resilience?Classics like The New Organic Grower (Elliot Coleman), How to Grow More Vegetables (John Jeavons), Joseph Lofthouse’s Landrace Gardening, and foundational seed-saving guides.Episode HighlightsClimate resilience requires local action, not waiting for national agricultural reform.Al Gore’s COP30 update emphasizes the urgency of transitioning agriculture.Soil microbiology breakthroughs (rizophagy) are reshaping how we understand plant roots.Most commercial varieties were never tested across wide climates—huge opportunity remains.Wheat alone has 400,000 documented varieties, yet only a handful dominate U.S. production.Diversity—not uniformity—is the foundation of resilience.Landrace gardening allows growers to trial hundreds of varieties in small spaces.Seed sharing and regional networks may become essential if national systems weaken.Calls to Action & ResourcesSeed Chat Live — SeedChat.orgGoing to Seed Project — https://goingtoseed.orgUrban Farm Podcast — https://urbanfarm.orgLandrace Gardening (Joseph Lofthouse) — https://goingtoseed.org/landrace-gardeningBasic Seed Saving (Bill McDorman) — GreatAmericanSeedUp.orgSoil Microbiome Research (Dr. James White/Rutgers) — Search “rizophagy James White Rutgers” on YouTubeVisit UrbanFarm.org/922 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Chat with Carol Connare, Editor The Old Farmers Almanac In this episode, Greg talks with Carol Connare, Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the oldest continually published periodical in North America. Carol shares her path from archival work at UMass Amherst back to her “dream job,” stewarding the 234-year-old institution. She clarifies the recent confusion between The Farmer’s Almanac (which closed) and The Old Farmer’s Almanac (which is thriving), explains the Almanac’s origins, traditions, and editorial approach, and offers insight into how it continues to adapt to modern growers’ needs. The conversation touches on climate shifts, regional variability, moon-based planting, and the Almanac’s evolution from a simple calendar of the heavens to a robust gardening and seasonal guide.Key Topics & EntitiesThe Old Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1792)Carol Connare, 14th editor & lifelong gardenerRobert B. Thomas, original founderAlmanac history & competitionDifference between The Farmer’s Almanac vs The Old Farmer’s AlmanacLong-range weather forecastingClimate shifts & updated frost/planting tablesRegionalized weather zones (18 U.S. regions)Moon-phase plantingArchival content & historical continuityDiversification: calendars, guides, kids’ editionAlmanac.com as a major content platformHardiness zone recalibrationGrowing practices & resilienceKey Questions AnsweredWhat is the difference between The Farmer’s Almanac and The Old Farmer’s Almanac?The Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1818) was a separate publication that recently shut down. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, is alive, healthy, and independent. Historically, multiple almanacs existed, often overlapping in name and content. Confusion persists because both shared similar naming and themes, but only The Old Farmer’s Almanac continues publication.How did Carol become Editor-in-Chief of such a historic publication?Carol “boomeranged” back to the organization after 20 years at UMass Amherst. Her archival and publications work there prepared her well, since the Almanac is essentially an evolving 234-year archive. As a lifelong gardener, she considers the role her dream job.What does an almanac actually do today?At its core, the Almanac remains a “calendar of the heavens”—tracking moon phases, sunrise/sunset, tides, and seasonal shifts. It layers this with planting guidance, long-range weather forecasts, reference tables, quirky curiosities, and everyday inspiration delivered “with a pleasing degree of humor,” following the founder’s charge.How does the Almanac support readers in different climates like Arizona vs. North Carolina?Weather forecasts and planting tables are region-specific across 18 U.S. zones. Frost dates, planting windows, and climate references are calibrated for local conditions, and updated continually—especially after recent hardiness zone shifts and warming trends.Is the Almanac adapting to climate change?Yes. Carol explains that warming patterns have required updated planting and frost guidance nationwide. The Almanac recalibrated its data after the 2022 hardiness zone update and continues to adjust based on reader feedback and on-the-ground observations.How does long-range weather forecasting work, and why is it famous?Though not fully explained in this segment, Carol highlights that long-range forecasting is a tradition dating back to the Almanac’s founding and remains one of its most used features. Its methodology incorporates astronomical cycles, historical patterns, and proprietary modeling, achieving roughly 80% accuracy.Episode HighlightsThe Old Farmer’s Almanac is not shutting down; the confusion came from a different publication folding.Only 14 editors have stewarded the Almanac over 234 years—an average tenure of ~17 years.The publication began as a “calendar of the heavens,” helping agrarian families plan by moon phases and sun cycles.Early America once had over 500 almanacs; competition, content borrowing, and printer-led editions were common.The Almanac diversified early—calendars, guides, kids’ editions, regional weather coverage, and a robust website.Climate shifts have pushed many planting dates earlier; many growers now update their calendars by weeks.Almanac.com now drives record engagement, especially during moments of news confusion.The Almanac remains committed to human responses—no AI answers for reader questions.Calls to Action & ResourcesThe Old Farmer’s Almanac — almanac.comPlanting Calendar (Low Desert) — plantingcalendar.orgOld Farmer’s Almanac Books & Calendars — Available via almanac.comVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/OldFarmersAmanac for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Today we’re joined by returning guest Joshua Thayer, permaculture designer, author, and founder of Native Sun Gardens in California. Joshua has helped communities across the U.S. and abroad design food forests that restore ecology and produce abundance. His new book, California Food Forests: Feeding the Future, distills decades of hands-on design into practical steps anyone can use—no matter where they live.Whether you're in a Mediterranean climate, drought-prone region, or temperate landscape, Joshua brings strategies to help you turn your yard, homestead, or urban lot into a resilient, stacked, biodiverse food forest.• What is Permaculture?Joshua breaks down permaculture as “applied ecology”—designing edible and ecological systems that match the local site, climate, and natural patterns. In this episode we learn why permaculture is adaptive, not formulaic.• What Exactly Is a Food Forest?A food forest is more than an orchard. Joshua explains how layers—from canopy to shrubs to vines to roots to mycelium—work together to create resilience, fertility, pollinator habitat, and year-round harvests.• Stacking Functions & Vertical LayeringJoshua details:How to place tall trees on the north side in the Northern HemisphereHow vertical stacking lets you grow way more in small spacesWhy “meadow-style” mid-height diversity beats densely planting tall trees• The 7 Layers of a Food ForestWe explore the classic permaculture layers:Canopy treesSub-canopy treesShrubs & bramblesHerbaceous plantsGroundcoversRoot cropsVines & climbers(+ the mycelium layer!)Joshua shares examples of plant combinations that thrive together and create symbiotic relationships.• Mediterranean & Drought-Wise DesignLearn why California’s Mediterranean climate is a perfect teacher for:Water-wise food productionSoils that need oxygen and drainageSelecting resilient varietiesPlanting drought-tolerant guildsJoshua also explains how these principles translated to a project in Virginia with soggy soil.• How to Start a Food Forest in 100 Square FeetJoshua’s favorite entry point:Start with a 10×10 ft “tile”One main tree (like apple, plum, avocado)Two supporting plants (berries + herbs)Add soil-building ground covers and root cropsMake it simple, modular, repeatable.• Top Mistakes New Growers MakeJoshua shares the big ones:Not starting because the project feels too bigPlanting too denselyCreating too much shade too earlyIgnoring soil healthDesigning tall trees before establishing the mid-layerHe explains how “thinking like a meadow” helps avoid over-shading and keeps the system diverse and manageable.Get Joshua’s New Book:California Food Forests: Feeding the Future — packed with design tips, plant guilds, AutoCAD templates, and practical maps to build your first 100-sq-ft food-forest module.Connect With Joshua:• Native Sun Gardens – Food forest design, consulting, and permaculture education -  NativeSunGardens.comVisit UrbanFarm.org/CaliforniaFoodForest for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

With Scott MurrayIn This Podcast: In this episode, returning guest and 50-year organic agriculture veteran Scott Murray shares the remarkable story of how coffee is commercially being successfully grown in Southern California. Scott explains how a single houseplant sparked a multi-variety coffee trial, eventually producing a Geisha harvest that sold out in one day at $796 per pound. He walks us through polyculture design, coffee’s surprising climate tolerance, and how California could become a boutique coffee region.Our Guest: Scott Murray has over 50 years of experience in organic agriculture across the U.S. and Mexico and has served as a California conservation official for 33 years. He specializes in farm creation, farmland preservation, and regenerative polyculture systems. Scott now leads pioneering research and consulting on California-grown coffee, managing multi-variety trials and agroforestry-based plantations.1. Who is Scott Murray?Scott Murray is a farmer, consultant, and conservation leader with 50 years of organic agriculture experience in the U.S. and Mexico. He has been a California conservation official for 33 years and specializes in farmland preservation, smart-growth planning, and farm creation. He has recently become a pioneer in growing coffee in Southern California.2. Are people really growing coffee in California?Yes! Scott and his collaborators have successfully grown multiple varieties of coffee in Southern California. Their first commercial harvest in 2018 sold out in one day at $796 per pound.3. How did coffee production begin on Scott’s farm?It started as a houseplant experiment when Scott’s son Sam bought a coffee plant from a nursery. When it produced cherries, it sparked curiosity. Later, Scott interplanted coffee into a rejuvenated avocado orchard, creating a thriving polyculture system.4. Why grow coffee under avocado trees?Coffee thrives with protection, partial shade, and companion plants. Avocado trees provide a microclimate that buffers wind, sun, and temperature swings. This intercropping also enhances biodiversity and farm resilience.5. What is the difference between monoculture and polyculture?Monoculture: Growing only one crop (e.g., avocados alone).Polyculture: Multiple crops grown together (e.g., avocados + coffee + bananas).Polycultures support pollinators, beneficial insects, soil health, and long-term productivity.6. How do they protect young coffee trees?Scott developed a “coffee protection structure” using:A gopher basketA chicken-wire cageAgricultural shade fabricThis boosts early survival and results in fast, healthy establishment.7. How many varieties of coffee are they testing?Scott is currently trialing 48+ varieties, including rare and exotic types such as Geisha and Whoosh Whoosh.8. What’s special about Geisha coffee?Geisha is one of the highest-value coffees in the world, known for its floral, tea-like flavor profile. Scott’s California-grown Geisha fetched $796/lb—demonstrating the potential for a specialty coffee industry in California.9. How does California’s climate affect coffee quality?Because California coffee cherries often stay on the plant for up to 12 months, the beans can accumulate more complex flavor compounds, potentially elevating specialty coffee quality.10. Why is biodiversity important in coffee farms?More plant diversity means:Better pollinationMore predator insects to control pestsImproved soil healthGreater climate resilienceEnhanced flavor complexity in coffee11. What role do avocados play in the system?Pruned avocado trees create space and light for coffee. Multiple avocado varieties also lengthen the harvest season and improve pollination, boosting overall grove productivity.12. Where can people learn more or see these systems?Scott has created short videos with NCAT/ATTRA showcasing the coffee-avocado polyculture. They are available at: EdgeOfUrbanFarm.comKey search - California coffee, Scott Murray, organic farming, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, polyculture, avocado grove, Geisha coffee, climate-resilient crops, specialty coffee, coffee varieties, on-farm experiments, Southern California farmingVisit UrbanFarm.org/919 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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

A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode is the replay pof our monthly 'Rosie on the House' radio show in Phoenix. It features host Romey Romero, Farmer Greg and guest Kari Spencer discussing backyard livestock, primarily chickens and goats, for urban farming. They chat about the benefits of keeping chickens and goats, including eggs, milk, garden pest control, and composting. They also delve into the logistics of raising these animals, such as the necessary supplies, housing, and regulations. The episode touches on the challenges and advantages of meat birds, ducks, turkeys, quail, and guinea hens, offering practical advice and sharing personal experiences for listeners interested in starting their own urban farm.Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/917 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering Consults HERE over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Seed Chat with Bill McDormanRegister for our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: In this Seed Chat episode, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman unpack how a handful of global corporations came to control most of the world’s commercial seed supply—and what that means for biodiversity, farmers, and local food systems. Bill traces the history from small regional seed companies to mergers, patents, and Supreme Court decisions that turned living seeds into corporate assets. They also spotlight the grassroots resistance: seed libraries, landrace and adaptation gardening, community seed sharing, and regional networks working to “liberate diversity.” Listeners walk away with both a clear understanding of the problem and very practical ways to grow, save, and share seeds as an act of food freedom.Key TopicsSeed sovereignty and community control of seedCorporate consolidation and mergers in the seed industryLoss of agricultural biodiversity and its consequencesCapitalism and the “free market” meeting biologyPatents, intellectual property, and the Diamond v. Chakrabarty decisionChemical companies and private equity in global agricultureEuropean common catalog and whitelist/blacklist dynamicsSeed libraries and local seed-sharing networksLandrace gardening and adaptation gardening (Joseph Lofthouse)Going to Seed, Seed Library Network, ETC Group, Let’s Liberate DiversityGreat American Seed Up and Seed Up in a Box as local seed strategiesLocal food economies, resilience, and community wealthKey Questions AnsweredHow did we get from thousands of small regional seed companies to just a few corporations controlling most commercial seed?The episode traces a decades-long process of mergers, acquisitions, and the pursuit of patentable seed “assets” that could be put on corporate balance sheets, turning diversity built over 10,000 years into a narrow set of owned varieties.Why does the intersection of free-market capitalism and biology create such problems for seeds and farmers?Bill explains that when profit-maximizing logic is applied to living systems, everything that doesn’t immediately generate revenue—like locally adapted varieties and genetic diversity—gets discarded, even though it’s what makes agriculture resilient.What role did patents and legal decisions like Diamond v. Chakrabarty play in this consolidation?Once the Supreme Court allowed life forms “invented by humans” to be patented, seeds could be owned like machinery. That shift unlocked new financing for takeovers and accelerated consolidation, often at the expense of traditional, community-developed seed diversity.How are people and communities around the world pushing back and rebuilding seed sovereignty?The conversation highlights European and global movements like Let’s Liberate Diversity, ETC Group, and numerous nonprofits and seed networks that are preserving and sharing open-pollinated, locally adapted seeds outside of corporate control.What can individual gardeners and local groups actually do that makes a real difference?Listeners are encouraged to grow and save their own seeds, increase diversity in their gardens, participate in or start seed libraries, and plug into grassroots projects and classes that teach adaptation gardening and community-level seed work.Episode HighlightsAt 00:04 — Greg and Bill introduce the theme of seed sovereignty in an age where a small number of corporations dominate the global seed supply.At 01:16 — Bill describes how traditional success metrics in agriculture hide a deeper story of burnout, consolidation, and loss of diversity.At 02:14 — He shares his early journey searching for the “golden boulder” of answers in the seed world, only to learn there is no single authority—just persistent, patient investigation.At 03:16 — Bill frames the core issue: when capitalism and free-market thinking collide with biology, the system fails living diversity.At 04:13 — He explains how mergers and acquisitions reduced an estimated 20,000 small seed entities worldwide down to a handful of corporate giants, with diversity being thrown out in the process.At 05:54 — The conversation turns to time, showing how large companies systematically patented seeds and used that patentable material as financial leverage for further consolidation.At 07:28 — Bill highlights the ETC Group and their work tracking corporate power, as well as Philip Howard’s visual maps of seed industry consolidation.At 08:46 — They explore how European policies like the common catalog wiped out many traditional varieties and triggered a strong civil society response to protect local seeds.At 09:21 — Bill and Greg shift to practical action: grow as much diversity as you can now, learn landrace and adaptation gardening, and use emerging networks like Going to Seed to accelerate learning.At 11:32 — They share how the Great American Seed Up model and seed libraries can rapidly distribute open-pollinated seeds into communities, building resilience from the ground up.Calls to Action & ResourcesUrban Farm Podcast — Listen to more conversations with Greg and Bill on seeds, soil, and urban agriculture: https://urbanfarmpodcast.comSeed Chat (Live Events) — Join future live Seed Chat sessions and ask your questions in real time: https://seedchat.orgGreat American Seed Up — Learn about the Phoenix-based, bulk seed-sharing event and how it supercharges local seed resilience: https://greatamericanseedup.orgSeed Up In A Box — Host your own mini seed-up using bundled open-pollinated seeds, info cards, and bags: https://seedupinabox.comGoing to Seed — Explore landrace and adaptation gardening resources, classes, and community seed projects: https://goingtoseed.orgSeed Library Network — Start or support a local seed library and connect with others doing the same: https://seedlibrarynetwork.orgLet’s Liberate Diversity — European network focused on on-farm conservation and community seed work: https://liberatediversity.orgETC Group — Research and updates on corporate control of seeds and genetic resources: https://etcgroup.org“First the Seed” by Jack Kloppenburg — A foundational book on the political economy of plant breeding and seed ownership. https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/F/First-the-SeedMichael Shuman’s Work on Local Investing — Learn how redirecting capital into local food and farm systems can strengthen community resilience. https://michaelhshuman.com/Shattering by Pat Mooney and Carrie FowlerDiamond Vs Chakbarty - https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/447/303/There’s an ongoing international survey hosted by Let’s Liberate Diversity https://seeds.ifoam.bio/seed-network-surveySeeds & Genetic Diversity - https://www.etcgroup.org/issues/seeds-genetic-diversityETC Group- https://www.etcgroup.org/issues/corporate-monopoliesAdaptation Gardening - https://goingtoseed.org/products/1406309Visit UrbanFarm.org/916 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn...

with Charles Malki of IV OrganicsIn This Episode: Greg interviews Charles Malki, a multifaceted biologist, attorney, author, and inventor, about the innovative benefits of whitewashing trees. Charles details his journey from a passion for plant sciences during his childhood to a career in medicine and law, ultimately leading to the creation of Ivy Organic. He explains the importance of whitewashing for tree protection against weather extremes and pests, emphasizing the environmental benefits of using organic products. The discussion also covers the genesis of Ivy Organics, the science behind their product formulations, and their impact on both small-scale gardeners and commercial orchards. Charles shares valuable personal and professional anecdotes, highlighting the significance of setting clear goals, fostering beneficial relationships, and continually educating oneself and others about sustainable gardening practices.Our Guest:  Charles Malki is a biologist, attorney, all American swimmer, philanthropist, inventor, entrepreneur, and author. He has been published in journals, including the Journal of Surgical Research and American Federation of Medical Research. At the heart of all of his successes is his love of life and his passion to educate others on the limitless topics that rotate to plant sciences, and it all benefits you, your family and friends, community, and our planet.Connect with IV Organics - IVOrganics.comBook recommendations -  Saving the World with the Home Garden by Charles MalkiThe Secret by Rhonda ByrneVisit UrbanFarm.org/IVOrganics for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Exploring lack soldier fly culture.In This Podcast: Greg chats with Dr. Jeff Tomberlin about the remarkable benefits of black soldier flies in recycling organic waste. Jeff explains the global distribution and industrialization of black soldier flies, their life cycle, and their ability to convert waste into valuable resources like protein for animal feed and fertilizer. The conversation highlights community and individual efforts in utilizing black soldier flies for sustainability and reducing food waste, emphasizing the potential for large-scale impact through local actions. Jeff also offers practical advice for beginners interested in starting their own black soldier fly bins and stresses the importance of patience and community involvement.Our Guest: Dr. Tomberlin is a Professor, AgriLife Research Fellow, & Presidential Impact Fellow in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. He is the principal investigator of the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Sciences (F.L.I.E.S.) Facility at Texas A&M University..Visit UrbanFarm.org/BSF for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

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