How I Grow This

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with David from The Weedy Garden, exploring his journey from adventure photography to gardening during the COVID lockdown. David shares insights on gardening in Australia, the importance of composting, and the philosophy behind his gardening practices. He emphasizes the need for hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge and discusses the balance between nature and human intervention in gardening. The conversation also touches on the challenges of gardening in different climates, the role of photography in his work, and future goals for his YouTube channel.

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Casey Ostwick, founder of Honey Tree Farm in North Carolina. They discuss Casey's journey from tree service to farming, the challenges of soil fertility, and the unique growing conditions in North Carolina. Casey shares insights on plant growth, nutrition, and disease management, as well as practical techniques for bed flipping and managing tunnels. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting in the farming process.

Briana Bosch shares her journey from a background in business to a productive flower farm and beyond, focusing on regenerative gardening and sustainable practices (and no plastics!) She discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in Colorado's unique climate, her passion for native plants, growing without plastics, and the importance of community involvement in her farming endeavors.

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Curtis Stone, an influential figure in the world of market gardening and homesteading. Curtis shares his journey from aspiring off-grid homesteader to successful market gardener, detailing the evolution of his farming practices and the unexpected paths that led to his success. The conversation also touches on personal challenges, grief, and the importance of resilience in both farming and life.

Luke Hammond interviews Nicole Burke, a passionate gardener and author, who shares her unique journey from a food addiction to becoming a gardening expert. Nicole discusses her early experiences with gardening, the evolution of her practices, and how she built a successful gardening business. She emphasizes the importance of soil health, innovative planting techniques, and adapting to climate challenges. Throughout the conversation, Nicole provides valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring gardeners, making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Meet Ray Tyler, a successful market gardener grossing $800k on 1.25 acres in Selmer, Tennessee. Ray shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with weather, soil management, and family health crises, and his innovative techniques for crop production. He discusses the importance of resilience, labor management, and financial strategies in running a successful farm. Ray emphasizes the need for aspiring farmers to embrace challenges and focus on continuous improvement in their practices.

In this episode, Luke Hammond compares notes with Stephen Cornette of Nature's Always Right about the various contexts of gardening, transitioning from California to Tennessee, and the philosophy behind sustainable farming. They discuss the importance of mimicking nature, the challenges of ease in gardening, and the benefits of raised bed gardening. Stephen shares insights on Korean natural farming as well as the cultural nuances in farming practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of growing your own food, strategies for improving challenging soil conditions, and the importance of inspiring future generations of gardeners.

Meet Josh and Carolyn Thomas, a dynamic couple known for their contributions to the homesteading movement. They share their journey from urban living to establishing a homestead, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped their lifestyle choices, including a significant health scare related to vaccinations. The couple emphasizes the importance of intentional living, building systems for success, and the challenges they faced, including unexpected glyphosate contamination in their bodies. They offer encouragement to aspiring homesteaders, stressing the value of starting small and doing what one can with available resources. The conversation also touches on practical gardening tips and the lessons learned from failures along the way.Check out what Josh and Carolyn are up to at www.homesteadingfamily.com

Matt Powers, the Citizen Scientist, takes you on a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of soil science and sustainable growing practices. From a professional ski racer to a leading figure in permaculture, discover how a knee injury redirected his path, leading him to embrace music and eventually growing, where he now thrives as an educator and advocate for sustainable living. Tune in to explore Matt's unique story and his passion for blending science with nature.Matt's Course: https://matt-powers.mykajabi.com/regenerative-soil-microscopy-the-online-course

Luke interviews Christy Wilhelmi, a gardening expert and author, who shares her journey from apartment gardening to managing a community garden in Los Angeles. They discuss the dynamics of community gardening, including interpersonal relationships, pest control, watering systems, and the impact of climate change on gardening practices. Christy emphasizes the importance of soil health and composting, and shares insights from her books on gardening in small spaces. The conversation highlights the role of community engagement and volunteerism in gardening, and offers encouragement for those feeling isolated in urban environments.

Katie shares her journey from being a hospital dietitian to embracing homesteading and functional nutrition, emphasizing the significance of listening to one's body and focusing on real, whole foods. The discussion also touches on cravings, the role of supplements, and the nutritional quality of homegrown versus store-bought produce. Finally, they delve into food preservation techniques and the impact of seasonal eating on health.

Meet Jill McSheehy, a passionate gardener and host of the 'Beginner's Garden Podcast.' Luke and Jill discuss various aspects of gardening, including climate conditions, the impact of heat index, plant spacing, organic practices, and the balance between gardening as a passion and a profession. Jill shares her experiences with gardening failures, planting dates, soil health, irrigation strategies, and the challenges of animal pressure. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and enjoying the gardening journey.

Luke Hammond interviews Cameron and Becky Porter, the dynamic duo behind the Seasonal Homestead YouTube channel. They share their inspiring journey into organic gardening, which began as a response to Becky's health challenges. The conversation delves into their experiences with gardening, the impact of COVID-19 on their homesteading journey, and the techniques they use to grow a variety of crops while managing pests naturally. They also discuss the importance of food preservation and the joy they find in their homesteading lifestyle, all while balancing family life and the demands of running a homestead.

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond interviews James Fry, founder of Grow Everywhere, discussing innovative gardening techniques, particularly focusing on soil health, aquaponics, and the unique Revolution Garden system. They explore the importance of soil microbes, the use of urine as a fertilizer, and the challenges and benefits of different gardening methods. James shares his personal gardening journey and philosophy, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency in home gardening.

In this episode, Luke Hammond speaks with Nina Shirley (founder of the Dirt Academy) about her journey into gardening, the challenges of growing in South Florida's climate, and the importance of community in gardening. They discuss organic practices, the design of beautiful and functional gardens, and the concept of food forests. Nina shares her experiences with various crops, particularly sweet potatoes and tropical fruits, and emphasizes the joy of inviting others into the gardening experience.

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond interviews lighting expert Victor Zadarej, who shares his extensive experience in gardening and the development of grow lights. They discuss the critical factors in choosing the right grow light, the evolution of lighting technology, and common misconceptions about grow lights. Victor emphasizes the importance of light spectrum, energy efficiency, and practical tips for indoor gardening, providing listeners with valuable insights to enhance their growing experience.

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond speaks with Kaylee Richardson from the Honeystead about her experiences in gardening, beekeeping, and the integration of herbs into her garden. They discuss the challenges of growing in Virginia's unpredictable climate, innovative garden designs, and the importance of pollinators. Kaylee shares her favorite herbs, their medicinal properties, and how she incorporates them into her gardening practices, emphasizing a sustainable and chemical-free approach. The discussion also covers essential oils, winter gardening techniques, and the basics of herbal medicine, encouraging listeners to embrace gardening and herbalism as accessible and rewarding practices.Check out what Kaylee is up to via her website and youtube:https://thehoneystead.com/https://www.youtube.com/@TheHoneystead

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond interviews Audrey Crawford, a passionate gardener and owner of Audrey's Little Farm. Audrey shares her journey from growing up on a family ranch in Central California to establishing her own gardening business. She discusses her experiences with home gardening, the influence of her family, and the challenges she faces in her climate. Audrey also dives into her favorite crops, particularly tomatoes, and shares her gardening techniques, pest management strategies, and the importance of growing what her family enjoys. In this conversation, Audrey Crawford shares her gardening journey, focusing on pest management, companion planting, and creating a thriving garden ecosystem. She discusses her shift towards organic practices, the importance of beneficial insects, and the strategies she employs to manage pests without chemicals. Audrey also delves into the concept of companion planting, the creation of a multi-layered canopy in her garden, and effective weed management techniques. Additionally, she highlights her irrigation methods and the significance of resourcefulness in gardening, encouraging listeners to utilize local resources for their gardening needs.Follow along on Audrey's Journey via her website, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.https://audreyslittlefarm.com/http://facebook.com/audreyslittlefarmhttp://www.youtube.com/@AudreysLittleFarminstagram.com/audreyslittlefarm

In this episode, host Luke Hammond speaks with Noah Sanders about his extensive gardening experience in East Central Alabama. They discuss the challenges of gardening in a humid climate with red clay soil, innovative techniques for creating sustainable garden beds, and the importance of compost and mulch in maintaining soil health. Noah shares insights on managing weeds, scaling gardening practices, and designing aesthetically pleasing gardens that encourage family involvement in homesteading. In this conversation, Noah discusses the importance of embracing a "Hobbit lifestyle" that prioritizes family, relationships, and a love for simple living. The discussion explores how to find joy in gardening, the significance of joy in maintaining a work ethic, and how gardening can reflect one's character and values. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in managing time and resources, and how to cultivate a fulfilling and creative gardening experience that inspires future generations.Find Noah online at his website, facebook or youtube: https://redeemingthedirt.com/https://www.redeemingthedirtacademy.com/https://www.facebook.com/redeemingthedirt/www.youtube.com/@RedeemingtheDirtNoahSanders

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond interviews Emma Jagoz from Moon Valley Farm, discussing her journey as a farmer, the challenges of growing in Maryland's climate, and the diverse crops she cultivates. Emma shares insights on sustainable farming practices, the importance of community supported agriculture (CSA), and how she manages a team of 30 farmers while maintaining morale during peak seasons. The conversation highlights the significance of feedback loops with customers and the evolution of farming techniques from hand tools to modern equipment. In this conversation, we explore the journey of a passionate farmer who transitioned from a small-scale operation to managing 70 acres of diverse crops. The discussion covers the importance of investing in versatile farming tools, effective irrigation techniques, integrated pest management strategies, and the significance of community-supported agriculture. Check out what Emma is up to on the Moon Valley Farm website, facebook or Instagram!https://www.moonvalleyfarm.net/https://www.facebook.com/moonvalleyfrederick/https://www.instagram.com/moonvalleyfarm/?hl=en