The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

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...

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...

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...

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 -  

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

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 —...

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.

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode join Romey Romero & Farmer Greg on Rosie on the House's Outdoor Living Hour with special guests Sowan Thai and Bryant Cruz from Spaces of Opportunity, a 19-acre community farming project in South Phoenix. We dive into the origins and development of the farm, the unique model of community and urban farming it employs, and the various educational and market components it offers. Sowan and Bryant explain their roles in teaching sustainable farming practices, running an apprentice program, and the challenges and benefits of farming organically in an urban setting. They highlight efforts like agroforestry and integrated pest management while sharing inspiring stories of community growth and engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of local food production and the potential of urban farming in addressing food security and sustainability.Find out more - https://www.spacesofopportunity.org/Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/912 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 cohttps:///nsults 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: In this months Seed Chat Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman, discuss the art and craft of harvesting seeds. They cover the basics of seed saving, including observation, threshing, and water winnowing, with a focus on tomatoes. The chat also delves into various resources, books, and historical practices for effective seed harvesting. They answer audience questions, including issues with onion seed pollination and share personal anecdotes and practical tips for both small-scale and larger-scale seed saving. The session emphasizes the importance of creating a new seed-saving culture and learning from experienced gardeners.Visit UrbanFarm.org/911 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 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.

Elizabeth Bruckner's Journey of Resilience and Self-SufficiencyIn this podcast, Greg interviews Elizabeth Bruckner, the accidental suburban homesteader and author of 'The Homesteader Mindset.' Elizabeth shares her journey of cultivating resilience through intentional living, influenced by her family's World War II experiences and her education in acupuncture and oriental medicine. She discusses the concept of homesteading, debunking myths about time, complexity, and cost, and emphasizes the importance of habit creation and community. Elizabeth also touches on the significance of self-care and shares insights into her personal struggles and triumphs, including overcoming a chronic illness. The episode is filled with practical advice on starting small, finding joy in routine tasks, and being open to receiving help from others. Elizabeth’s story is both inspirational and educational, making a strong case for the benefits of adopting a homesteader mindset in modern life.00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Bruckner01:24 Elizabeth's Family History and Early Influences04:36 Journey into Acupuncture and Holistic Medicine08:08 The Accidental Homesteader12:20 Defining Modern Homesteading18:30 Practical Tips for Homesteading25:28 Habit Stacking and Habit Chaining26:09 Building Community Through Local Markets27:27 The Importance of Self-Care in Homesteading28:19 Understanding Stacking Functions in Permaculture33:08 Embracing Failures and Learning from Them36:22 The Healing Power of the Body and Self-Care41:18 The Joy of Curiosity and Community43:04 Final Thoughts and Advice.Our Guest:  Elizabeth is the author of the Homesteader Mindset, a book that will transform the way you view self-sufficiency and give you the tools and practical tips needed. For a more meaningful life, Elizabeth's book has quickly become a must read for every person who dreams of creating sustainable, living through traditional skills and common sense. Elizabeth holds an MS degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine and empowers her patients utilizing the five element. Theory of traditional Chinese medicine and the power of habit creation. Elizabeth's groundbreaking methods in self-development for the mind and the body have been incorporated by a wide spectrum of budding homesteaders and wellness seekers. Elizabeth's Free Gift - CreateWellnessProject.com/gift/Contact Elizabeth - CreateWellnessProject.comElizabeth's Book - The Homesteader MindsetElizabeth's Book Recommendations Folk's This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin One Straw Revolutionary by Larry Korn Grow a Little Fruit Tree by Ann RalphVisit UrbanFarm.org/HomesteaderMindset 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...

In This Podcast: We chat with Melissa Booth, a microbiologist and creator of the course 'The Hidden Powers of Microbes.' Melissa speaks about her journey from Oklahoma's semi-arid deserts to her passion for research. Initially interested in becoming a physician, her path changed after engaging in research in marine microbiology. She eventually pursued a master's in microbiology, leading her to study marine microbes and their responses to environmental cues. Melissa discusses the vital role microbes play in ecosystems, particularly in soil health, and how human actions impact these microbial systems. She also highlights the symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants, their influence on plant health, and the benefits of composting for soil. Melissa shares insights on her course through The Great Courses, which covers the significance of microbes in various aspects of life. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, resilience in the face of scientific failure, and reconnecting with nature.Our Guest:  Melissa holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, in addition to her M.S. in Cellular, Molecular and Microbiology. She is a science communicator and creator of the course, the Hidden Powers of Microbes. Where she helps audiences uncover the surprising roles microbes play in everything from food and health to sustainability and climate resilience, bridging science and society with clarity, curiosity, and inspiration.Melissa's Book - I Contain Multitudes, by Ed YongContact Melissa and get her course -  TheScienceCommunicator.com Visit UrbanFarm.org/Microbes 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.

Sam Cooke on creating a non profit cattle farm,In This Podcast: Host Greg Peterson chats with Sam Cooke, founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a nonprofit cattle farm aimed at combating food insecurity in Wisconsin. Sam shares his journey from a small dairy farm in northern Wisconsin to his roles in the US Navy and as a firefighter, which led him to start the farm. He discusses the challenges and successes in building the nonprofit, emphasizing its dual focus on raising pasture-fed beef cattle for food banks and offering equine therapy for veterans and first responders. Sam also talks about future plans to expand the farm and incorporate a food truck to distribute meals more regularly. Throughout the conversation, Sam underscores the importance of community support, mental health, and sustainable farming practices..Our Guest:  Sam Cooke is the founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a military veteran and a 15 year firefighter with the Madison Fire Department. After years of public service, he saw an opportunity to give back in a new, unique way by using his experience in farming to help address hunger in Wisconsin. Despite initial challenges, Sam built CC Cattle Company into a successful nonprofit that has fed thousands while advocating for sustainable and ethical farming solutions. Under his leadership vision and dedication, they continue to drive the mission forward, proving that small farms can have a big impact.Sam's Book Recommendation - No One is Self Made by Dr. Lakeysha HallmonContact Sam - https://www.cccattleco.org/Visit UrbanFarm.org/CCCattle 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 start be discussing the importance of naming your farm and then dive deep into permaculture principle number six: the yield of a system is potentially unlimited. They touch upon Don's synergized version of permaculture principles, emphasizing multi-functional elements in farming. They draw on various examples such as multilayered forest gardens, polyculture systems, and the benefits of green roofs and living walls. The talk also sheds light on the role of weeds, water management, and composting systems to enhance soil health and overall productivity. The session provides valuable insights into designing and maintaining permaculture systems that promote biodiversity and abundance.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/907 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!For more information 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 850 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 seed chat with Bill McDormanOur monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: Farmer Greg and Bill McDorman chat about the transition from summer gardening to planting wildflowers, cover crops, and grains. The conversation covers the benefits of wildflowers, emphasizing their role in permaculture and ecological wealth. They highlight successful gardening practices, including using grains and legumes as cover crops to maintain soil health. Listeners learn about the historical significance and nutritional benefits of ancient grains, alongside practical advice on using grain mills for home processing.Visit UrbanFarm.org/906 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 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 of 'Rosie on the House,' Farmer Greg and Romey Romero discuss essential tips for growing fruit trees. They highlight the optimal time for planting, common mistakes homeowners make—such as planting in gravel or lawns and improper drip irrigation—and advises on best practices. Greg also shares his unique 'six-six rule' for effective tree planting, the importance of selecting the right root stock and chill hours, and how to ensure successful ripening times. Additionally, he offers insights into shading methods, both natural and paid, and proper fertilizing schedules to maximize fruit production. The conversation is packed with actionable advice to help homeowners cultivate thriving fruit trees.Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/905 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 cohttps:///nsults 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 Podcast: Greg reconnects with Michael Judd, an expert in permaculture and sustainable living. They discuss the illusive fruit the Paw Paw, and Michael's involvement in creating Maryland's first natural green burial site. Michael then shares his passion for pawpaws, detailing their unique adaptation as a tropical fruit that thrives in colder climates. The conversation covers the pawpaw's growth, cultivation, and versatility, including Michael's book 'For the Love of Pawpaws' and upcoming courses and events. Drawing on his extensive experience, Michael also emphasizes the holistic approach in permaculture, the importance of genetic diversity in plant cultivation, and encourages listeners to dive into permaculture practices without hesitancy.Our Guest: Michael has worked with agro-ecological and whole-system designs throughout the Americas for over two decades, focusing on applying permaculture and ecological design. His projects increase local food security and community health in both tropical and temperate growing regions. He is the founder of Ecologia Edible & Ecological Landscape Design, Project Bona Fide, and co-founder of Morris Orchard Natural Burial and SilvoCulture, a Maryland based nonprofit which is helping plant 1 million nut trees in the Mid-Atlantic region. He is also the author of ‘Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist’, and ‘For the Love of PawPaws’.Contact Michael - EcologiaDesign.comVisit UrbanFarm.org/PawPaws 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.