844: Greg and Heidi’s Hurricane Experience- A Garden Chat

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Greg Peterson and Heidi Lichte share their recent experiences dealing with Hurricane Helene, emphasizing the importance of community resilience and preparedness. They discuss their methods for surviving without power for seven days, such as using a rocket stove for cooking and a composting toilet, and highlight the significance of community support and resource sharing during crises. Additionally, they detail some successes and learnings from their farm, including growing elderberries, raspberries, sweet potatoes, and maintaining a resilient garden amidst climate challenges. Heidi also shares her ongoing passion for teaching online yoga classes, which she has adapted since March 2020.

840: Harvesting and Storing Seeds – A Seed Chat

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A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In this episode, we discuss methods of dry and wet harvesting, particularly for tomatoes and squashes, and emphasize the importance of understanding plant families in seed collection. Various methods to ensure seed viability, such as proper drying and cool storage, are explored, along with the significance of seed diversity and the role of local seed libraries. The conversation also highlights the need for more individuals to start saving seeds to adapt to changing climates and revitalize local agriculture.

837: BioDynamics 101 – A Garden Chat

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A Garden Chat with Mike Biltonen. – Join Farmer Greg and Mike Biltonen, Exploring Biodynamics. Biodynamics is an advanced farming method that views the farm as a single, self-sustaining organism. It incorporates cosmic and lunar influences, along with organic farming practices, to enhance plant, animal, and soil health. Special preparations made from herbs, minerals, and manure are used to stimulate soil fertility and plant growth. Biodynamics also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living systems and seeks to create harmony between them.

836: Seed Saving Secrets – A Seed Chat

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A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In this episode, Greg Peterson from Urban Farm U and Bill McDorman discuss the fundamentals of seed saving, techniques for collecting and preparing seeds from various plants, and the benefits of maintaining genetic diversity. They also address specific audience questions about harvesting and storing seeds, and the effects of cross-pollination. The conversation emphasizes the importance of home-based seed saving for adapting plants to local conditions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

831: Growing Gourmet Mushrooms – A Garden Chat

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A Garden Chat with Michael Judd. – Farmer Greg and Michael Judd, an expert in edible and ecological landscape design, discuss growing gourmet mushrooms outdoors. They cover the three easiest mushrooms to grow: shiitake, oyster, and wine cap mushrooms, along with their preferred growing conditions and necessary preparations. Michael shares practical advice on sourcing the right wood, maintaining moisture, and utilizing permaculture principles for effective mushroom cultivation. He also offers insights into his mini course and other resources available for those interested in further learning

830: Seed Starting Essentials Explained – A Seed Chat

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A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In June 2024’s Seed Chat, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman discuss key aspects of nurturing seed starts for a thriving garden. They emphasize the importance of proper seed starting mediums, suggesting lightweight, aerated materials like perlite and cocopeat over regular garden soil. They also highlight the need for adequate light, recommending artificial light setups if natural light is insufficient. Proper watering techniques are crucial, ensuring the soil remains moist without over-watering. They advocate for hands-on gardening and learning through observation and experimentation to achieve the best results. Come Chat with Us!

825: Selecting for Good Seed Stock

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A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In June 2024’s Seed Chat, Bill McDorman and Greg Peterson delve into the art of cultivating optimal seed stock straight from your garden. Discover the satisfaction of hand-selecting seeds that thrive in your unique microenvironment. Bill and Greg explore the importance of observing characteristics of your plants for selecting what you want and looking for obvious factors such as disease and insect resistance. Learn how to enhance your garden’s resilience by selecting seeds adapted to local conditions in your garden or farm. Bill and Greg will present a green-thumb guide on curating seed stock that reflects your garden’s personality and promises seasons of success. Come Chat with Us!

819: How to Plant Your Seeds – A Seed Chat

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A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned enthusiast, join us for an engaging session where we’ll identify the secrets of successful seed planting. Bill and Greg will guide you through the process, from selecting the right seeds to nurturing them into thriving plants. Learn about soil preparation, optimal planting depths, and the crucial role of sunlight and water. Discover insider tips for overcoming common challenges and ensuring a bountiful harvest. Come Chat with Us!

813: What are Farm Trusts – A Garden Chat

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A Garden Chat with Zack Wyatt. – We chat with Zack Wyatt of the Carolina Farm Trust is focused on revolutionizing the food systems in the Carolinas through regenerative farming practices and sustainable approaches. The Carolina Farm Trust has four pillars—Farm Apprenticeship Program, Food is Health Program, Urban Farm Network, and CFT Market & Distribution Center that are integral to their mission of fostering a healthier, more sustainable food system from farm to table