The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

Subtitle In 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 Topics Bolting to SeedGarden Variety Key Questions Answered How 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 Highlights Bolting to Seed Resources https://gardennerd.comBolting to Seedhttps://gardennerd.comhttps://urbanfarm.org/BoltingTwoSeed Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?HERE *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...

Subtitle In 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 Topics Questions Answered What 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 Highlights reliable water access and consistent irrigationUrban shade patternsFive-gallon containers or largerVertical trellising dramatically increases yield per square foot.Layering plantsdirt, air space, water, organic matter, and living organismsOMRI-certified productsmicrobial life develops and...

With Shannan Perciballi A Rosie On The House Replay This 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 Highlights Key Topics What 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. Resources https://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.comhttps://ediblephoenix.ediblecommunities.com/subscribehttps://uptownmarketaz.comhttps://localfirstaz.comwww.UrbanFarm.org/971 Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?HERE *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...

How to Revolutionize Local Food In 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 & Entities The Whole Okra Key Questions Answered How 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 Highlights Resources Western North Carolina Food Coalition — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.org Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wncfoodsystems Become a Member — https://www.wncfoodcoalition.org (Join for as little as $1) Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/WNCFoodCoalition Book Recommendation — The Whole Okra by Chris Smith Need a little bit of...

Honoring a soil building hero In 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 Topics Klebsiella planticola Key Questions Answered How 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...

A Garden Chat with Don Titmus In 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 Topics Key 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...

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 & Entities Key Questions Answered What 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...

-(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 & Entities The Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough Key Questions Answered What 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...

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 Topics What 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 Highlights

With Beatrice Nathan...Curious permaculture story In 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 & Entities Key Questions Answered What 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 Highlights

A Journey in Holistic Wellness In 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 & Entities Key Questions Answered Why 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...

A Rosie On The House Replay In 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 & Entities Key Questions Answered Why 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 Highlights Calls to Action & Resources https://www.fruittrees.orghttps://www.fruittrees.org

Our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org In 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 & Entities What does it mean to treat seeds as part of the commons? Why is the current market-based seed system failing biodiversity? How do seed co-ops work in practice? What role do seed exchanges and seed libraries play in communities? What is unique about the Seeds in Common model? Can individuals really name and steward new plant varieties? Episode Highlights Calls to Action & Resources Join live Seed Chats — https://seedchat.org Explore regional seed co-ops —

Don Tipping's Legacy of Regenerative Farming In 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 & Entities Key Questions Answered How 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...

With Mary and Andrew from EdgePerma.com In 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 Highlights Key Questions Answered How 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 & Entities

A Garden Chat with Don Titmus Greg 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 & Entities Key Questions Answered What 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 Highlights

Seed Chat with Bill McDorman Greg 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 Topics Why 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 Highlights Calls to Action & Resources SeedChat.org

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 & Entities The Farmer’s AlmanacThe Old Farmer’s Almanac Key Questions Answered What 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 Layering Joshua details: northway more • The 7 Layers of a Food Forest We explore the classic permaculture layers: Joshua shares examples of plant combinations that thrive together and create symbiotic relationships. • Mediterranean & Drought-Wise Design Learn why California’s Mediterranean climate is a perfect teacher for: • How to Start a Food Forest in 100 Square Feet Joshua’s favorite entry point: 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 Make Joshua shares the big ones: He 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 Murray In 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:Polyculture: 6. How do they protect young coffee trees? Scott developed a “coffee protection structure” using: This 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