The Urban Farm Podcast With Greg Peterson

Motivating People Into Action to Protect Our Ecosystems.In This Podcast:Jeffrey Smith sounds the alarm about the devastating harm that can be caused by genetic engineering.  He explains how GMO’s have the potential to destroy entire microbiomes, and he describes the serious negative effects on people, pets and the environment.  Discover the first step Jeffrey recommends we all take to start healing our bodies of dozens of diseases, then learn how easy it is to take that a step further.  Take action and become an advocate for all of nature!  Jeffrey is a bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker and celebrated public speaker. He has influenced the behavior and health of millions of people worldwide through his books like Seeds of Deception, and Genetic Roulette, and his podcast Live Healthy Be Well. Jeffrey is the founding executive director of the Institute for Responsible Technology, which has started a global education campaign called Protec

A Farmer Friday Interview with Christy Wilhelmi.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Garden Soil Prep for Success:Christy Wilhelmi returns to the Urban Farm, this time to talk about keeping life healthy below the ground as well as above it.  Healthy soil is all about healthy microbes, and Christy shares her special recipes for feeding them.  Hear why worm castings are a gardener’s secret weapon against certain pests and learn how to make a compost tea your soil will love.  You’ll also discover how to use a broadfork and find out why you might want to trade in your tiller.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some lis

Focusing on Leveraging Micro Landscapes into Ecosystem Changes.In This Podcast:Zach Loeks encourages each of us to transform our human habitat by focusing on one small section of landscape at a time.  He believes that changes are most successful when they are manageable, and he reminds us that positive change will naturally grow and spread.  Zach paints a beautiful picture of “edible biodiversity” and then shares some manageable, specific changes that will move us toward that goal. Zach is an educator, designer and grower who specializes in Edible Eco-system Design through landscaping and education. He manages an award-winning farm with diversified food forest products, heirloom garlic, and a hardy tree nursery.  He is also the director of the Ecosystem Solution Institute, which is dedicated to the education, propagation and inspiration of ecosystem solutions for land use transition. The Institute oversees pathbreaking education sites, including an Edible Biodiversity Conservation Area nea

A Farmer Friday Interview with Nicole Gennetta.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Keeping Bees:Nicole Gennetta, a Master Beekeeper, sets us on the path to successful beekeeping by sharing the 5 steps she recommends beginners take before getting any bees.  She tells how to determine if bees are legal on your property, and she recommends beginners learn all they can about beekeeping before making any purchases.  Nicole gives tips on finding the information you need, purchasing equipment, and acquiring the bees for your new hive.  Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will

A chat with Kari Spencer.  In This Garden Chat: Great gardeners seem to know all the rules - but the very best gardener is the one who wrote the rules. She is Mother Nature and has no equal. Her systems and regenerative cycles CAN be replicated in our own gardens and food forests to help them be amazingly resilient. Permaculture is the best way to start and it can make your gardening much easier! Author Kari Spencer is going to help us find the best ways to adopt permaculture practices for increased resilience in our gardens.On the last Tuesday every month we host The Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience.Our Special Guest:Kari Spencer is a popular local gardening & homesteading speaker. As a Master Gardener and a Master Farmer, she enjoys sharing her passion for growing and raising food with others. In addition to teaching classes all

A Farmer Friday Interview with Christy Wilhemi.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Growing Great Berries:Christy Wilhelmi helps us appreciate the potential of berries in our gardens and urban farms. She breaks down the different varieties of berries and why to choose different types for your own climate and harvest goals.  We learn a bit about why some berries are better in containers, and some are fabulous in the ground, and why climate and chill hours can make or break your harvest.  And she shares some highlights on blueberries and acidic soil as well as some fertilizing tips.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some

636: How to let your garden go to seed.In This Podcast:This is the August 2021 Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman discussing brassicas.  Take the best seeds from this year’s garden and save them for the next. When you adapt and save seeds from plants that were hardy, and exhibited characteristics you like (disease and insect resistance for example) those seeds will work better in your garden the following year because after all, that is where they learned their new tricks. Join us and we’ll show you how to select the best seed for your best garden. At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class. Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013. He is one of the creators of The Great American Seed Up.Visit https://

A Farmer Friday Interview with Vicki Hird.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Rebugging Your Farm and Garden:Vicki Hird reminds us that it is possible to have bugs without having a bug problem.  In fact, when it comes to bugs, the more you have in your garden the better!  Vicki provides information about the beneficial roles that bugs play and she tells how to nurture and protect them.  Learn what to do to encourage (and live with!) a healthy bug population in your own garden as well as how to advocate for them in your community.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch

Turning Homesteading Skills Into a New Business Venture.In This Podcast:Anyone who has ever had chickens knows that feeding poultry is a messy business.  Erik Diedrichsen found a better way, and in the process, he found his way into a new business venture.  Erik shares his experience of growing a product from idea to market and explains what he believes it takes to be a successful inventor. Hear about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned, and of course get the scoop on what Erik and Greg call the “best chicken feeder on the market”.Erik lost his main trade show business due to Covid.  He turned to the skills he knew as a part-time homesteader and designed, patented, and produced the “best chicken feeder on the market” and started his new business PoultryProFeeder.com.  Aside from wanting to provide a proven superior product, Erik is using the opportunity to learn the business process.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/09/14/634-erik-diedrichsen/ for shownotes and links.Deve

A Farmer Friday Interview with Mike Biltonen.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Soil Is Not Dirt:Though the words are often used interchangeably, soil and dirt are not the same thing.  Mike Biltonen explains that we must know the distinction before we can truly appreciate the treasure that is our soil.  Once we realize its true worth, we will want to nurture and protect this most valuable resource, to preserve both the life in it and the life that comes from it.  Mike gives details about specific ways we can do just that.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a mome

Don’t Let Yard Size Determine Your Harvests.In This Podcast:Are your fruit trees an investment or an experiment?  Christy Wilhelmi talks about the steps needed to ensure that the fruit trees you plant in your yard are an investment that bears fruit.  She covers every stage of the process, including planning your harvest, planting trees in suitable soil, and pruning to keep your trees a manageable size.  Christy also explains why these steps are different from what you might hear in classes or read in agricultural textbooks. Christy is founder of Gardenerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog, top-ranked podcasts, and YouTube videos. She also specializes in small-space, organic vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes.  She is author of Gardening for Geeks (Fox Chapel Publishing), 400+ Tips for Organic Gardening Success (Amazon Digital), Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden published by our friends at Cool Springs Press, and her

A Farmer Friday Interview with Nicole Gennetta.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Feeding Chickens:What do chickens eat?  Nicole Gennetta explains that they are omnivores and can eat just about anything, so she answers that question by providing an important list of foods to avoid.  She discusses how to safely prepare specific foods and prevent food-related problems.   Listen and learn how to grow chicks into healthy adults by considering their special nutritional needs, and even how to show your chickens some love with healthy treats they’ll appreciate.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener quest

A chat with Niki Jabbour.  In This Garden Chat: Great things come in small packages, even in gardening!  Niki Jabbour’s enthusiasm for corners, windowsills, and balconies will have you reconsidering the growing potential of your tiniest spaces.  Niki tells us what makes a good space, giving examples of some places that are often overlooked.  Learn how to decide which foods to grow and where, how to plant them, and how to ensure your plants thrive in their small space.  You’ll never look at a driveway the same way again! On the last Tuesday every month we host The Urban Farm Garden Chats where Greg Peterson has a relaxed conversation in a Zoom room with a special guest to cover useful gardening topics, and they answer questions from the live listening audience.To join us for the next event, go to www.GardenChat.org or Click HERE to register for the Monthly Garden Chat with Live Q&AOur Special Guest:Niki is the author of four books on food gardening including The Year-Round Ve

A SPECIAL Farmer Friday Interview with Jeffrey Smith.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Wrap Up of Roundup:Jeffrey Smith joins us to discuss the astonishing news that Bayer will discontinue sales of Roundup to residential consumers in the US.  Jeffrey is a passionate advocate for people and nature in the fight against Roundup and GMO’s.  He explains the significance of this announcement by discussing both the history leading up to it and the opportunities created by it. There is still much work to do to protect our health and safety, but this is a monumental step forward! Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some

628: Brazen Brassicas.In This Podcast:This is the July 2021 Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman discussing brassicas.  Sassy, unpretentious and unapologetic, the brassica family covers some of the easiest and trickiest plants to grow, and from which to save seeds.  Break through the mystery, the challenge, and myths and learn how to grow and save seeds from this family of diverse species which includes kale, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, arugula and broccoli. At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class. Bill McDorman is Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/24/628-seed-chat/ for shownotes and links.Brazen Brassicas.

A Farmer Friday Interview with Zach Loeks.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Ecosystem Mimicry and Layering:Greg welcomes back Zach Loeks to discuss how to simplify the process of ecosystem design by observing and mimicking the natural layers and patterns of existing ecosystems.  Zach details what to look for when observing.  He also explains how to create a more complete ecosystem by using layering to fill a space vertically and patterns to fill it horizontally.  You will enjoy the fun examples he gives.  Don't miss hearing Zach explain how to jazz up your design!Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some lis

Getting Excited About Sharing Gardening Stories.In This Podcast:Kevin is passionate about gardening and driven to find ways to help others grow plants.  We are excited to have him return, this time to give us updates about both his personal and professional gardening endeavors.   Kevin shares stories of new digs, new products and a new book.  All of his stories share the common themes of ease and sustainability, and all of them are generously sprinkled with epic tidbits of gardening wisdom. Kevin Espiritu began his business Epic Gardening as a way for him to present gardening information in a more modern, updated way to friends and family.  First came the website, followed by YouTube, a daily podcast, and finally his social media presence on Instagram, and Facebook.  Kevin is the author of Field Guide to Urban Gardening, and his new book is Grow Bag Gardening, both from our friends at Quarto Publishing.Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/2021/08/17/626-kevin-espiritu/ for showno

A Farmer Friday Interview with Zach Loeks.In This Farmer Friday Podcast on Old Growth:Greg talks with Zach Loeks about old growth.  Most of us think of redwood forests or the Amazon, but Zach explains how the concept of old growth also applies to food forests.  Learn what old growth is and listen as Zach paints a beautifully vivid picture of what it looks like.  He takes us on a journey through time, traveling back to the food forests of our ancestors, and forward to imagine what his planting will look like hundreds of years in the future.Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times

Encouraging Children to Eat More Colorful Foods.In This Podcast:Sharon Pesner was just an ordinary mom, struggling to get her children to eat healthy foods, until she bravely presented her ideas at a PTA meeting and they grew into a program called Eating the Rainbow.  Sharon shares how the program developed, the contagious excitement it generated, and the impact it had on the entire school community.  She also reflects on the personal growth she experienced while working on the program, and she tells us where she volunteers now.Sharon Pesner is the creator of the Eating the Rainbow School Nutrition Program.  A parent-led, community supported, principal & PTA endorsed, school-wide program that ran successfully at the Chestnut Hills Elementary School in Dix Hills, NY until it closed.  Eating the Rainbow was an inspired idea that with the help of three other moms, and numerous volunteers, evolved into an EPIC program reaching far into the community and school district and impacting h

In This Farmer Friday Podcast on How to Grow Potatoes:Greg dishes with Kevin Espiritu about potatoes. Bake them, mash them, or boil them in a stew…. There are many ways to eat the versatile potato and, as Kevin discovered, there are several ways to grow them as well! He gives us the steps for two common methods, and then he tells us what happened when he experimented to see if he could make the process even simpler. The result is what Kevin calls his “lazy potato” method, and it couldn’t be much easier!Do you ever wish you could catch those tidbits of wisdom that some people throw out without warning? Well, in our new Farmer Friday episodes - Farmer Greg shares quick thoughts, revelations, tips, and general farming advice in bite-sized and fun episodes. Sometimes it might be Greg just sharing a thought that hit him while working in the yard, or a really cool inspiration from the garden, and occasionally he’ll answer some listener questions. Other times he will catch a moment with a farming friend or podc