In This Podcast: We chat with Melissa Booth, a microbiologist and creator of the course 'The Hidden Powers of Microbes.' Melissa speaks about her journey from Oklahoma's semi-arid deserts to her passion for research. Initially interested in becoming a physician, her path changed after engaging in research on HIV/AIDS. She eventually pursued a master's in microbiology, leading her to study marine microbes and their responses to environmental cues. Melissa discusses the vital role microbes play in ecosystems, particularly in soil health, and how human actions impact these microbial systems. She also highlights the symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants, their influence on plant health, and the benefits of composting for soil. Melissa shares insights on her course through The Great Courses, which covers the significance of microbes in various aspects of life. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of curiosity, resilience in the face of scientific failure, and reconnecting with nature.

Our Guest:  Melissa is a microbiologist, science communicator and creator of the course, the Hidden Powers of Microbes. She helps audiences uncover the surprising roles microbes play in everything from food and health to sustainability and climate resilience, bridging science and society with clarity, curiosity, and inspiration.

Melissa's Book - I Contain Multitudes, by Ed Yong

Contact Melissa and get her course -  TheScienceCommunicator.com

Visit UrbanFarm.org/Microbes for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Host Greg Peterson chats with Sam Cooke, founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a nonprofit cattle farm aimed at combating food insecurity in Wisconsin. Sam shares his journey from a small dairy farm in northern Wisconsin to his roles in the US Navy and as a firefighter, which led him to start the farm. He discusses the challenges and successes in building the nonprofit, emphasizing its dual focus on raising pasture-fed beef cattle for food banks and offering equine therapy for veterans and first responders. Sam also talks about future plans to expand the farm and incorporate a food truck to distribute meals more regularly. Throughout the conversation, Sam underscores the importance of community support, mental health, and sustainable farming practices..

Our Guest:  Sam Cooke is the founder and CEO of CC Cattle Company, a military veteran and a 15 year firefighter with the Madison Fire Department. After years of public service, he saw an opportunity to give back in a new, unique way by using his experience in farming to help address hunger in Wisconsin. Despite initial challenges, Sam built CC Cattle Company into a successful nonprofit that has fed thousands while advocating for sustainable and ethical farming solutions. Under his leadership vision and dedication, they continue to drive the mission forward, proving that small farms can have a big impact.

Sam's Book Recommendation - No One is Self Made by Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon

Contact Sam - https://www.cccattleco.org/

Visit UrbanFarm.org/CCCattle for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus start be discussing the importance of naming your farm and then dive deep into permaculture principle number six: the yield of a system is potentially unlimited. They touch upon Don's synergized version of permaculture principles, emphasizing multi-functional elements in farming. They draw on various examples such as multilayered forest gardens, polyculture systems, and the benefits of green roofs and living walls. The talk also sheds light on the role of weeds, water management, and composting systems to enhance soil health and overall productivity. The session provides valuable insights into designing and maintaining permaculture systems that promote biodiversity and abundance.

Our Guest: Don grew up in London and at age 16 spent 4 years being trained in horticulture through an apprenticeship and a college course. From there he continued landscaping in his hometown until he moved to Arizona in 1981, where he worked in landscaping and then starting his own business in garden maintenance. In 2003 he attended a Permaculture Design Course, which was life-changing for Don. He knew right away that this was the path he’d been waiting for, and later attended two Permaculture Teacher Trainings.

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/907 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

For more information about the Phoenix Permaculture design course visit UrbanFarm.org/PDC

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A seed chat with Bill McDorman

Our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org

In This Podcast: Farmer Greg and Bill McDorman chat about the transition from summer gardening to planting wildflowers, cover crops, and grains. The conversation covers the benefits of wildflowers, emphasizing their role in permaculture and ecological wealth. They highlight successful gardening practices, including using grains and legumes as cover crops to maintain soil health. Listeners learn about the historical significance and nutritional benefits of ancient grains, alongside practical advice on using grain mills for home processing.

Visit UrbanFarm.org/906 for the show notes and links on this episode!

*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A Rosie On The House Replay

In this episode of 'Rosie on the House,' Farmer Greg and Romey Romero discuss essential tips for growing fruit trees. They highlight the optimal time for planting, common mistakes homeowners make—such as planting in gravel or lawns and improper drip irrigation—and advises on best practices. Greg also shares his unique 'six-six rule' for effective tree planting, the importance of selecting the right root stock and chill hours, and how to ensure successful ripening times. Additionally, he offers insights into shading methods, both natural and paid, and proper fertilizing schedules to maximize fruit production. The conversation is packed with actionable advice to help homeowners cultivate thriving fruit trees.

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/905 for the show notes and links on this episode!

*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Greg reconnects with Michael Judd, an expert in permaculture and sustainable living. They discuss the illusive fruit the Paw Paw, and Michael's involvement in creating Maryland's first natural green burial site. Michael then shares his passion for pawpaws, detailing their unique adaptation as a tropical fruit that thrives in colder climates. The conversation covers the pawpaw's growth, cultivation, and versatility, including Michael's book 'For the Love of Pawpaws' and upcoming courses and events. Drawing on his extensive experience, Michael also emphasizes the holistic approach in permaculture, the importance of genetic diversity in plant cultivation, and encourages listeners to dive into permaculture practices without hesitancy.

Our Guest: Michael has worked with agro-ecological and whole-system designs throughout the Americas for over two decades, focusing on applying permaculture and ecological design. His projects increase local food security and community health in both tropical and temperate growing regions. He is the founder of Ecologia Edible & Ecological Landscape Design, Project Bona Fide, and co-founder of Morris Orchard Natural Burial and SilvoCulture, a Maryland based nonprofit which is helping plant 1 million nut trees in the Mid-Atlantic region. He is also the author of ‘Edible Landscaping with a Permaculture Twist’, and ‘For the Love of PawPaws’.

Contact Michael - EcologiaDesign.com

Visit UrbanFarm.org/PawPaws for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In This Podcast: Greg interviews Linley Dixon, a small-scale organic vegetable farmer in southwest Colorado. Linley specializes in soil-grown greenhouse tomatoes and has been farming since 2010. She shares her path to farming, including the challenges faced in finding suitable farmland with water rights, and the creation of Adobe House Farm. Linley also discusses the launch of the Real Organic Project certification program and her efforts to promote transparency and integrity in USDA Organic standards. The conversation touches on sustainable farming practices, the importance of composting, and how to create soil fertility on the farm. Linley gives insights into the economic benefits and community support pivotal to her success. The episode highlights the benefits of locally-grown organic produce and the importance of small-scale farming in building sustainable local food systems.

Our Guest:  Linley Dixon has been farming organic vegetables in southwest Colorado since 2010, specializing in soil grown greenhouse tomatoes. In 2018, she helped launch the Real Organic Projects certification program is and is now the co-director of the nonprofit with Vermont Organic Farmer Dave Chapman. For over a decade, she has worked with the organic movement to achieve greater transparency and integrity in USDA Organic, she holds a PhD in plant pathology from the University of Florida and a master's in soil Science from West Virginia University's Organic Research Farm.

Linley's Book Recommendation - The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball

Contact Linley -  linley@adobehousefarm.com

Linley's Websites -  AdobeHouseFarm.com &  RealOrganicProject.org

Visit UrbanFarm.org/AdobeHouseFarm for the show notes and links on this episode!

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*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy...

In This Podcast: Greg interviews Linley Dixon from The Real Organic Project to discuss the organization's efforts to maintain the true integrity of organic farming. Linley recounts her journey from farming in Colorado to working with the National Organic Standards Board and witnessing regulatory battles that compromised organic standards. She explains the foundation of The Real Organic Project as an add-on certification emphasizing soil health and traditional organic practices. The conversation covers issues such as the inclusion of hydroponics in organic certification, the influence of large corporations, and the need for better enforcement of organic standards. Linley also shares insights into the project's conference, podcast, and community initiatives aimed at educating consumers and supporting local farmers. The discussion highlights the importance of consumer awareness, local farming support, and continued advocacy for robust organic regulations..

Our Guest: Linley Dixon has been farming organic vegetables in southwest Colorado since 2010, specializing in soil grown greenhouse tomatoes. In 2018 she helped launch the Real Organic Project’s certification program and is now the Co-Director of the non-profit with Vermont organic farmer Dave Chapman. For over a decade she has worked with the organic movement to achieve greater transparency and integrity in USDA Organic. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Florida and a Masters in Soil Science from West Virginia University’s Organic research farm.

Email Linley at -  Linley@RealOrganicProject.org

Check out their website at  RealOrganicProject.org

Visit UrbanFarm.org/RealOrganic for the show notes and links on this episode!

Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click HERE to learn more.

*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.