Expanded growing options through hydroponics. — In This Podcast: When Kevin Espiritu started gardening he quickly became interested in hydroponics, and as he tried to learn how, he found that most articles and books were focused on only one well-known plant and he wanted to grow food. He started documenting his …
A chat with a seed expert. — In This BONUS Podcast: We join a replay of the July 2019 live Seed Saving Class conversation with Bill McDorman and Greg Peterson where they cover extreme seed saving, how out-of-normal temps affect plant pollination, adapting for temperature changes, and more…
Digging into the reasons plants flourish. — In This Podcast: We delve deeper into the relationship between plant roots and healthy soil with Jake Mowrer. He explains why the soil changes when plant roots extend through it’s layers, and lessons learned from the dustbowl times regarding …
by Guest blogger: David Stark — The critical importance of microbes (bacteria, fungi and protozoa) for soil health finally is becoming more widely recognized. In response, a plethora of microbial products are hitting the shelves. Since most of the microbes sold are soil microbes, a common and logical question is…
Things I learned about wicking garden beds – by Team Member: Ray Jess — When I was introduced to wicking beds almost four years ago, I became obsessed. I have built them at home, for friends, and even built a few on contract. I enjoyed giving suggestions and recommendations to anyone who …
Getting serious about the microscopic life in soil. — In This Podcast: Retired after years of leadership in Monsanto, David Stark was asked to mentor a young company making what was essentially compost tea. Reluctantly and with some concerns over the science, he agreed and now is excited to share what he has learned about…
Having WAY too much fun with worms! — In This Podcast: Watching his coworker throw her lunch scraps into a large bin under her desk was just too exciting for Bentley Christie and soon he was on his way to becoming the Compost Guy with a popular blog and website about worm composting. He shares his excitement and admiration for…
Keeping people at the core of small business success. — In This Podcast: When an entrepreneurial opportunity came his way, Carl Atwell jumped on board with a passion. He is now president of Gempler’s and is building it again with a commitment towards his customers and employees. He shares the story of how Gempler’s was created with a focus on good values and how he connected with that. He also explains…
The Future of Food – Native Bees by Guest Blogger: Dave Hunter of Crown Bees: We know there are huge differences in how pollen is carried by the European honey bee and our native bees. Relatively unknown, people are surprised to learn that hole-nesting native bees like our mason and leafcutter bees are actually much better pollinators than honey bees.
Research shows that mason bees can significantly increase the yield of…
Developing a relationship between primary pollinators and growers. — In This Podcast: Realizing that his apple trees were barely producing compared to his neighbors, Dave Hunter found the answer was mason bees. His hobby increased his harvest, and eventually his new passion developed into…
