Episode 868 · March 7, 2025
868: Tempe Garden Girls on Transforming Local Food
Erin and Elise are out to change the local food economy.
In this episode
Greg speaks with Erin Erickson and her mother, Elise Pitterly, who are part of a mother-daughter team aiming to transform the food economy in Phoenix. They own a small urban farm in South Tempe where they grow a variety of produce and raise poultry. Erin, with a background in vineyard farming from Oregon, and Elise, a certified master gardener, share their journey from initial challenges to developing a flourishing farm using permaculture and regenerative agriculture. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on their decision to move to Arizona, exploring new gardening techniques inspired by various YouTube homesteaders. They touch on the importance of local farming, community support, and their approach to market their produce effectively. Additionally, they highlight their upcoming venture of launching a region-specific veggie start box for local gardeners.
Our Guest
Erin and her husband, Todd raise their three daughters, maintain a thousand square foot garden, and care for various poultry. Erin grew up on a vineyard in Oregon, and loves passing on her passion for gardening to her kids and community. Her mother, Elise, is a certified master gardener with decades of experience dedicated to growing food and teaching others. Together, they sell produce at the Uptown Farmer's Market and are launching a region specific veggie start box to help local gardeners thrive In Arizona's unique climate.
Book Recommendations
Erin - The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs by Joel Salatin
Elise - Vegetables Love Flowers by Lisa Mason Ziegler's
How to reach Erin & Elise
https://www.TempeGardenGirls.com
Click HERE for more Info
*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 consults
Have someone look at your actual garden
One to one, over phone or Zoom. Send photos of your yard and get a permaculture-based plan for what to plant, where, and when. No trip charge.
Book a consult
with Greg, Janis or Ray