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

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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.

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