895: Permaculture Principle “The Problem is the Solution” – A Garden Chat

A Garden Chat with Don Titmus. – In this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into the Permaculture Principle ‘The problem is the solution,’ using examples like managing excess lemons and wetland areas to illustrate the concept. They also talk about water harvesting techniques, such as swales and curb cuts, and offer solutions for gardening in small spaces, like using tower gardens and partnering with neighbors. The session concludes with an explanation of what a permaculture design course entails and the benefits of taking it in-person. Participants are encouraged to drop questions in the Q&A, and the next month’s topic will be ‘Make the least change for the greatest possible effect or yield.’

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889: Permaculture Principle…Working with Nature

A Garden Chat with ______. – This month Greg from Urban Farm and Don Titmus from Bee Oasis discuss the principle of working with nature rather than against it. They cover various permaculture techniques, such as building soil organically, harvesting rainwater, using polyculture, and incorporating animals for land management. The conversation highlights the importance of seed saving, biological pest control, and the benefits of a permaculture design course. They also share personal experiences and insights on creating sustainable and resilient ecosystems.

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884: Elements, Zones and Stacking Functions in Permaculture

A Garden Chat with Don Titmus- Join Farmer Greg and Don Titmus, a horticulturist and permaculturist as they reflect on their 20-year friendship and shared journey in permaculture. They outline the fundamental principles of permaculture then introduce the concepts from permaculture of elements, zones and stacking functions, where each element in a design performs multiple roles, using chickens as a primary example. They explore how zones and sectors work in permaculture design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the external elements and how they impact the property.

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871: Permaculture Ethics, Principles and Practice – A Garden Chat

A Garden Chat with Don Titmus. – Join Farmer Greg and Don, a horticulturist and permaculturist as they reflect on their 20-year friendship and shared journey in permaculture. They outline the fundamental principles and ethics of permaculture focusing on Earth care, people care, and fair share. This episodes sets the stage for a series of eight more sessions focusing on the individual permaculture principles. They emphasize the organic and adaptable nature of permaculture, likening it to martial arts in energy flow and management.

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

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.

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837: BioDynamics 101 – A Garden Chat

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.

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831: Growing Gourmet Mushrooms – A Garden Chat

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

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820 The Edible Landscape Project – A Garden Chat

A Garden Chat with Joan Baron. – Join Farmer Greg and Joan as they explore how Joan took an often overlooked area around her property and turned it into a lush garden. She transformed the alley behind her house into a lush garden that the city, neighbors and community are raving about. Listen and find out how you can do the same.

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