Podcast - Free Archives - Page 3 of 28

891: Creating Food System Change with Hayden Caraway

Hayden Caraway shares his initiative, Homegrown Collective, a platform aimed at transforming the food system by connecting consumers with responsibly grown and locally sourced food. Hayden, who faced health issues due to processed foods, was inspired by food practices in places like Costa Rica and Italy. Through this nonprofit platform, local food producers can gain free online exposure and sell directly to consumers, making it easier for them despite limited marketing budgets. The platform is both a website and a mobile app, designed for user convenience and community support. The conversation covers the platform’s development, its reception, upcoming plans, and Hayden’s personal journey and motivations. Listeners are encouraged to quiet their minds, focus on their goals, and support local food systems.

890: Mike Bollinger on Seed Savers Exchange

Greg interviews Mike Bollinger, the Executive Director of Seed Savers Exchange, discussing his journey and work there. Mike shares his path from running a certified organic vegetable farm, to being involved with Seed Savers Exchange in various capacities since 2003. They delve into the history and mission of the organization on its 50th anniversary, which started in 1975 by Diane and Kent Whaley. Seed Savers Exchange focuses on preserving heirloom and open-pollinated seeds by fostering a community of gardeners dedicated to saving and sharing seeds. Mike explains the various initiatives, including their Exchange platform, seed bank, catalog, online store, and educational programs. They also explore the significance of seed diversity for food security and adaptability. Mike highlights their efforts to engage urban gardeners and the broader community, and shares a touching story about the preservation of Glen Goodall’s Italian Bean. They conclude with Mike’s reflections on community, biodiversity, and his belief in the power of growing food with intention.

888: Desert Foraging with Cactus Kelly – A Rosie Replay

A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay.In this reply episode of ‘Rosie on the House’, Romey Romero and Farmer Greg host special guest Cactus Kelly, a master gardener and foraging educator. We explore foraging native edibles in Arizona, highlighting various plants like Palo Verde beans, mesquite, and Ironwood. Cactus Kelly shares valuable insights on how to harvest, prepare, and consume these native plants, often found in urban environments. We also delve into the uses of weeds, cacti such as prickly pear and barrel cactus, and other native flora. We dive into foraging techniques, the nutritional benefits of these plants, and how they support local ecosystems. The segment aims to educate and encourage sustainable harvesting practices while introducing traditional uses and modern applications of native desert plants.

887: Who Owns Our Seeds with Bill McDorman, A Seed Chat

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In This Podcast: Greg and Bill navigate the evolution of seed ownership and its impact on biodiversity. They highlight how, historically, seeds were predominantly grown locally, fostering diversity. However, today, four major companies dominate the global seed market, resulting in a significant loss of agricultural diversity. This shift has made the food system vulnerable to diseases and climate change, which were traditionally mitigated by seed diversity. Efforts to preserve genetic diversity through seed banks are underfunded and face operational challenges, raising concerns about future accessibility.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of local seed saving and sharing initiatives as a means to reclaim control over seeds. Resources like Seed Up Saturday and organizations such as goingtoseed.org are promoted as vital tools for increasing seed diversity within communities. The session concludes with encouragement for individuals to actively participate in seed saving and sharing to enhance local food security and biodiversity.

886: Tony Sarah on Earth Friendly Fertilizers

Tony Sarah shares his background in the nursery business and the accidental discovery that led him to develop his organic fertilizer, Tony’s Magic Mix. He discusses the ingredients and scientific principles behind the fertilizer, focusing on soil health and balanced plant nutrients. Tony recounts success stories, such as record avocado harvests and thriving gardens in harsh climates like Phoenix and emphasizes the importance of promoting a healthy soil biome with organic fertilizers. Tony also talks about his personal journey, including past business failures, the success of his current business, and the support from his family. Tony concludes with a recommendation for spending time outdoors and enjoying the magic of nature.

BONUS Episode: Getting the Most Seed Diversity to the Most People

Hosted by Bill McDorman and Greg Peterson, focusing on increasing seed diversity and local seed stewardship. Guest speakers include Julia Dakin of Going to Seed, Rebecca Newburn from Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library, and Bevin Cohen of Small House Farm. Topics covered include the importance of seed diversity, the role of community seed saving, seed libraries, and sustainable agricultural practices.

885: Michael Olson on 3 Laws of the Food Chain

In This Podcast: Greg interviews Michael Olson, a returning guest and influential figure in the food system. Michael shares his background as a Montana farm boy, Vietnam veteran, and author of Metro Farm. Then they jump into Michael’s ‘Three Laws of the Food Chain,’ which include: 1) Agriculture is the foundation upon which we build all our sandcastles, 2) The farther we go from the source of our food, the less control we have over what’s in our food, and 3) Cheap food isn’t cheap. They discuss the evolution of local food movements, the impact of farmer’s markets, and the importance of understanding where our food comes from. Michael emphasizes the value of local, nutrient-rich foods and the historical precedent for sustainable, small-scale farming seen in Asian cultures. The episode concludes with a call to action for consumers to seek out food with its farmer’s face on it, underscoring the profound impact of food on human well-being.

883: Seeding your way to Independence & Abundance

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – In this months Seed Chat Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman, explore how saving seeds fosters independence, self-sufficiency, and better food production. They delve into the conversation that by saving seeds, gardeners can create a diverse and resilient plant community adapted to their local conditions. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, such as Greg’s successful basil seed saving, and highlights the benefits of community gardening and seed sharing. They underscore the importance of growing food locally to combat the decline in nutritional quality associated with industrial agriculture and long-distance food transport. The hosts also mention the Great American Seed Up initiative to encourage widespread seed saving and promote food security

882: Creating Your Urban Farm – A Rosie Replay

In this episode of ‘Rosie on the House,’ hosted by Romey Romero, Farmer Greg is joined by Erin Erickson and her mother Elise Pitterle, who run a small urban farm in South Tempe called Tempe Garden Girls. Motivated by food scarcity during the COVID era, they expanded their gardening efforts into a full-fledged urban farm, growing various vegetables, flowers, and maintaining fruit trees and poultry. Greg & Romey chat about their journey, the challenges faced, and the learning process of adapting to Arizona’s unique climate. They also highlight the importance of community, educational outreach, and providing season-appropriate plant starts to help others succeed in urban farming. The episode underscores the critical role of local farmers in creating a sustainable and self-sufficient food system.

881: Tom Spellman on Fruit Trees in Extreme Weather

Greg Peterson from Urban Farm Fruit Tree Program and Tom Spellman, a seasoned nursery expert with Dave Wilson Nursery, discuss the intricacies of managing fruit trees in a changing climate. They provide an educational overview of effective fruit tree planting and maintenance techniques. Key topics include the importance of proper planting mix, establishing adequate basins with woody mulch, painting trunks for heat protection, and using cover crops like cow peas and sweet potatoes to maintain soil health. They also emphasize supplemental irrigation during high heat periods, the significance of rootstocks, and managing wind stress with natural windbreaks. The session includes practical advice on insect management, the benefits of companion planting, and ensuring optimal nutrient supply tailored to tree growth stages. The wrap with announcing the launch of Tom’s new YouTube channel, ‘Growing with Tom Spellman,’ and a motivational note on personalizing one’s garden space.