In this episode of "How I Grow This," Luke sits down with Amanda Pike, PhD, to explore her transformative journey of creating a sustainable food forest in South Florida. Amanda shares her insights on transitioning from a corporate lifestyle to embracing a holistic approach to health and family life. Discover how Amanda's two-acre food forest not only provides her family with daily sustenance but also serves as a model for sustainable living, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of managing a diverse ecosystem, the importance of aligning values with lifestyle choices, and the profound impact of nature on well-being.
In this dynamic and fascinating conversation, Luke and David Stelzer, founder of Azure Standard, discuss the latest (concerning!) public health statistics in the United States, and how Azure Standard is fighting back. The conversation ranges from David’s childhood struggles with health problems, to the rigorous regenerative agricultural standards they use when vetting farmers and suppliers, to how your order gets to your door! This is one you don’t want to miss.
In this conversation Luke and Stefano quickly move from fruit growing in the high desert (grow your own year round fresh apples anyone?) to how to start farming / homesteading in the first place when you can’t afford land. Stefano has done it the wrong way and the right way... And now he shares his wisdom with us!
Luke Hammond sits down with Lee Martineau, a passionate advocate for soil health and innovative gardening techniques. Broadcasting from the chilly reaches of Canada, Lee shares his journey from home scale gardener to founding multiple companies dedicated to soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. Discover how Lee's unique approach to using pellets for soil health is transforming barren pads to thriving ecosystems, and learn about the challenges and triumphs of growing in one of the world's harshest climates.
Steve lays it all out there. And probably some of what he has to say will surprise you. In this fun and fascinating episode, Steve takes us through his accidental journey from airline pilot with some worms on the side to the Urban Worm Company producing 1 million pounds of worm castings annually. This is one you can’t miss.
Ever wondered if those eggshell and banana peel houseplant trends hold any water? This conversation delves into the common myths and misconceptions surrounding gardening, particularly focusing on the ineffectiveness of DIY solutions. Understand plant needs, proper pest control strategies, and the necessity of thorough research to avoid common mistakes in gardening.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenny Leigh, a passionate gardener and professional musician, as she shares her journey from childhood gardening memories to creating a vibrant backyard flower farm in Nashville. Discover how Jenny balances her love for gardening with her music career, and learn about her innovative flower cart business and how community porch concerts bring the neighborhood together.
In this engaging conversation, “Joe Gardner” shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a renowned gardening expert. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local gardening conditions, the benefits of native plants, and sustainable practices. Joe discusses the advantages of raised bed gardening, the significance of composting, and nutrient management. He encourages listeners to embrace best practices in gardening while fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.
In this episode of "How I Grow This," host Luke Hammond sits down with Keith Burns, co-founder of Green Cover, to explore the transformative impact of regenerative agriculture. Discover how diverse cover cropping can enhance soil health, improve water retention, and boost crop resilience. Keith shares insights from his journey in sustainable farming, offering practical advice for both large-scale farmers and backyard gardeners. Tune in to learn how integrating nature's principles can lead to more sustainable and profitable farming practices.
In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with David from The Weedy Garden, exploring his journey from adventure photography to gardening during the COVID lockdown. David shares insights on gardening in Australia, the importance of composting, and the philosophy behind his gardening practices. He emphasizes the need for hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge and discusses the balance between nature and human intervention in gardening. The conversation also touches on the challenges of gardening in different climates, the role of photography in his work, and future goals for his YouTube channel.
In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Casey Ostwick, founder of Honey Tree Farm in North Carolina. They discuss Casey's journey from tree service to farming, the challenges of soil fertility, and the unique growing conditions in North Carolina. Casey shares insights on plant growth, nutrition, and disease management, as well as practical techniques for bed flipping and managing tunnels. The conversation emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting in the farming process.
Briana Bosch shares her journey from a background in business to a productive flower farm and beyond, focusing on regenerative gardening and sustainable practices (and no plastics!) She discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in Colorado's unique climate, her passion for native plants, growing without plastics, and the importance of community involvement in her farming endeavors.
In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Curtis Stone, an influential figure in the world of market gardening and homesteading. Curtis shares his journey from aspiring off-grid homesteader to successful market gardener, detailing the evolution of his farming practices and the unexpected paths that led to his success. The conversation also touches on personal challenges, grief, and the importance of resilience in both farming and life.
Luke Hammond interviews Nicole Burke, a passionate gardener and author, who shares her unique journey from a food addiction to becoming a gardening expert. Nicole discusses her early experiences with gardening, the evolution of her practices, and how she built a successful gardening business. She emphasizes the importance of soil health, innovative planting techniques, and adapting to climate challenges. Throughout the conversation, Nicole provides valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring gardeners, making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Meet Ray Tyler, a successful market gardener grossing $800k on 1.25 acres in Selmer, Tennessee. Ray shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with weather, soil management, and family health crises, and his innovative techniques for crop production. He discusses the importance of resilience, labor management, and financial strategies in running a successful farm. Ray emphasizes the need for aspiring farmers to embrace challenges and focus on continuous improvement in their practices.
In this episode, Luke Hammond compares notes with Stephen Cornette of Nature's Always Right about the various contexts of gardening, transitioning from California to Tennessee, and the philosophy behind sustainable farming. They discuss the importance of mimicking nature, the challenges of ease in gardening, and the benefits of raised bed gardening. Stephen shares insights on Korean natural farming as well as the cultural nuances in farming practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of growing your own food, strategies for improving challenging soil conditions, and the importance of inspiring future generations of gardeners.
Meet Josh and Carolyn Thomas, a dynamic couple known for their contributions to the homesteading movement. They share their journey from urban living to establishing a homestead, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped their lifestyle choices, including a significant health scare related to vaccinations. The couple emphasizes the importance of intentional living, building systems for success, and the challenges they faced, including unexpected glyphosate contamination in their bodies. They offer encouragement to aspiring homesteaders, stressing the value of starting small and doing what one can with available resources. The conversation also touches on practical gardening tips and the lessons learned from failures along the way.
Check out what Josh and Carolyn are up to at www.homesteadingfamily.com
Matt Powers, the Citizen Scientist, takes you on a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of soil science and sustainable growing practices. From a professional ski racer to a leading figure in permaculture, discover how a knee injury redirected his path, leading him to embrace music and eventually growing, where he now thrives as an educator and advocate for sustainable living. Tune in to explore Matt's unique story and his passion for blending science with nature.
Matt's Course: https://matt-powers.mykajabi.com/regenerative-soil-microscopy-the-online-course
Luke interviews Christy Wilhelmi, a gardening expert and author, who shares her journey from apartment gardening to managing a community garden in Los Angeles. They discuss the dynamics of community gardening, including interpersonal relationships, pest control, watering systems, and the impact of climate change on gardening practices. Christy emphasizes the importance of soil health and composting, and shares insights from her books on gardening in small spaces. The conversation highlights the role of community engagement and volunteerism in gardening, and offers encouragement for those feeling isolated in urban environments.
Katie shares her journey from being a hospital dietitian to embracing homesteading and functional nutrition, emphasizing the significance of listening to one's body and focusing on real, whole foods. The discussion also touches on cravings, the role of supplements, and the nutritional quality of homegrown versus store-bought produce. Finally, they delve into food preservation techniques and the impact of seasonal eating on health.