A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. -Greg and Bill discuss the fundamentals of seed saving, emphasizing the importance of observation in the garden to identify the healthiest plants for seed collection. They share their experiences and techniques for selecting seeds, such as paying attention to plant resilience, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation.
A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay. Romey chats with Farmer Greg about the many iterations of composting. urban farming and composting. They discuss Farmer Greg’s journey, his urban farm in central Phoenix, and his involvement in promoting sustainable and regenerative food systems. Emphasis is laid on the critical elements of composting, including the use of woody mulch, leaves, chicken manure, and food scraps.
Steve Lorch, founder and CEO of Table Rock Tea Company in Pickens, South Carolina, shares his journey from a surgical nurse and serial entrepreneur to becoming a leading expert in growing tea in the United States. Steve recounts how his experience with Hydro Missions International led to his fascination with tea during a water project in Kenya. He shares how he started growing tea and eventually founded Table Rock Tea Company.
Ryan Blosser shares his inspiring journey from being a basketball player to becoming a leading figure in permaculture. Ryan moved from his hometown in Waynesboro, Virginia, to Hawaii, where he discovered a deep connection to nature through surfing, which eventually led him to permaculture.
Dave Boehnlein studied natural resources and environmental studies at the University of Minnesota which lead him to becoming an educator and leader in permaculture design and implementation. He co-authored the book ‘Practical Permaculture’ and is now leading a project called Rooted Northwest, a co-housing and regenerative agriculture community in Arlington, Washington. This project aims to combine farmland preservation, community living, and education using a permaculture approach. Rooted Northwest is currently looking for home buyers and social impact investors to join the initiative and help support their mission.
A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman. – Greg and Bill McDorman explore why seed saving virtually disappeared. They reveal how, historically, seed saving was an integral practice for gardeners and farmers, promoting more resilient and adaptable crops. However, the industrialization of agriculture and commercialization of seeds in the 20th century led to a decline in this practice due to economic pressures and the introduction of laws favoring seed patents and protections. Bill recounts the historical developments, including the idea of patenting of plants in the 1930s and the eventual patenting of seeds in the 1980s.
A Rosie on the House Radio Show Replay. Romey Romero and Farmer Greg welcome Brad Lancaster, a renowned expert in water harvesting. They discuss Brad’s journey in water harvesting starting from his childhood in Tucson, the practices he developed over the years, and the techniques mentioned in his book. Brad elaborates on practical methods to harvest rainwater efficiently in urban settings, including the creation of basins, curb cuts, and the use of rain gardens. He shares his experiences from global travel, particularly from Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia, which influenced his work and techniques.
Greg speaks with Hilde Festerling, a storyteller and small holder goat farmer, about her unique podcast, the Goat American Novel. The podcast is a Barnyard Gothic series inspired by Hilde’s experiences with her goat herd and farming community. Hilde shares a compelling story about a challenging kidding event that led her to create the podcast. The conversation delves into the artistic and familial collaboration behind the podcast, the importance of storytelling, and the fascinating dynamics of goats. Hilde also discusses how her work aims to reconnect urban audiences with farming life and the potential for communal goat farming in urban settings.
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.
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.
