Grow Your Food: Doctor Renewable investigates how one can reduce our energy demand by reducing the energy required that goes to make products we buy at the grocery store. Robert and Eric talk with Dr. Philip Ferguson who decided he would grow on their relatively small hobby farm year-round the food his family requires. Doctor renewable investigates how the application for THE RED CUP where a family can reduce their impact on biodiversity loss by producing their own food and live with more abundance. (repeat)

This interview features Phil, a man who grows most of his family's food on a small acreage. About 20 years ago, Phil decided to try and become self-sufficient in food production. He started by creating a year-long meal plan with his family to determine what they needed to grow. He calculated that he could feed his family of four on a single acre, though he purchased five, much of which is forested. During the workday, Dr. Philip Ferguson specializes in spacecraft, drone guidance, navigation, and control for space and Arctic remote sensing. When he gets home, Philip relaxes on his farm and produces the food his family requires year-round. From chickens to vegetables, Philip has figured it out. Eric brings out his microgreen rack for the show and Robert starts to think he may buy basil plants this summer.

His calculations included needing three raised beds of onions, one deer (hunted), 36 chickens, and one and a half pigs annually. In total, he estimated needing 30-50 raised garden beds, depending on whether he grew his own seeds. After finding suitable property and setting up the gardens, he hasn't bought a dinner meal for his family in about three years. He grows a diverse range of food, including fruits, vegetables (both above and below ground), and even hops for making beer. While acknowledging the work involved, Phil emphasizes that it's enjoyable and relaxing, a welcome change from his city job. His family helps during peak seasons, with his eldest child even pursuing culinary arts. He views the work as therapeutic and fulfilling, believing there's no better work than providing for oneself. Phil is mostly self-taught, drawing some inspiration from his peach-farmer grandfather. He recalls a pivotal moment when he realized the effort required to grow even a simple salad, prompting him to explore self-sufficiency. He believes it's essential for families, especially children, to understand where their food comes from.

Phil's approach is a holistic system, where even animal byproducts are composted and used to fertilize the gardens. He emphasizes year-round gardening, using hydroponics in his basement for fresh greens during the winter months. This balances seasonal eating with the desire for fresh produce year-round. He has minimized his carbon footprint, with his only remaining reliance on fossil fuels being a gas-powered woodchipper for creating mulch. He uses various water conservation methods, including a pond fed by redirected household water. Phil praises the accessibility of information through YouTube channels and even AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which have greatly aided his learning. He emphasizes the importance of compost and cover crops for healthy soil and straight carrots, avoiding tilling. For those with limited space, Phil suggests a small indoor setup with hydroponics and microgreens, using large plastic tubs and seedling trays. He believes a small machine room is sufficient for a family's needs. He highlights the significant cost savings of his lifestyle, with his family's weekly grocery bill remaining consistently below $70, even with inflation. He encourages integrating technology, like devices, into farming activities to engage younger generations. He also uses automation, such as Bluetooth temperature sensors and automated lighting in the chicken Coop. Phil advocates for designing houses with features like cold rooms and strategically placed freezers to minimize energy consumption and utilize natural resources. He believes a balance between old-school and new technology is key to sustainable food production.