The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

Urban Farm Team
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Welcome to The Urban Farm Podcast, your partner in the Grow Your Own Food revolution! This audio only podcast features special guests like Rosemary Morrow, Zach Loeks, and Andrew Millison as we discuss the art and value of growing food in urban areas. We'll explore topics such as gardening basics, urban beekeeping and chicken farming, permaculture, successful composting, monetizing your farm, and much more! Each episode will bring you tips and tricks on how to overcome common challenges, opportunities to learn from the experience of people just like you, and plenty of resources to ensure you're informed, equipped, and empowered to participate more mindfully in your local food system... and to have a great time doing it! Support our Podcast and listen Ad-Free! Visit www.urbanfarm.org/patron for more information and see what else we include.

  1. 4D AGO

    967: Permaculture Beyond the Garden with Gigi White

    In This Podcast: Gigi shares how permaculture extends far beyond gardening into communication, community resilience, and social systems change. From EcoVillage living and military service to composting toilets after Hurricane Helene, Gigi explores earth care, people care, and fair share as a lived philosophy. This conversation dives into resource-based economies, repair culture, and the power of collective action. It’s a joyful, grounded exploration of how permaculture shapes both land and relationships.. Our Guest:  Gigi White was introduced to permaculture and foraging in college at Ithaca, New York in 2007 while studying acting and living at the Eco Village Ithaca. Which launched the rocket ship of figuring out how we can begin to work together in groups to live sustainably. After serving as an officer in the US Air Force with a tour in Iraq, she became a lifelong student of connecting nature to people sustainable. And joyful living through Improvisational music and acting. Key Topics & Entities Permaculture principles: Earth Care, People Care, Fair ShareEcoVillage at IthacaUnited States Air Force service and sustainabilityAnimal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara KingsolverTransition Towns movementThe Humanure Handbook by Joseph JenkinsHumanure and composting toilet systemsHurricane Helene disaster response in AshevilleTool libraries and repair cafésNonviolent Communication (NVC) in permacultureResource-based vs. capitalistic economiesRocket mass heaters and appropriate technologyGrafting fruit trees and perennial agriculture Key Questions Answered What is permaculture beyond gardening? Permaculture is a philosophy and design framework rooted in Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. It includes communication styles, economic systems, animal husbandry, energy design, and community-building—not just food production. How can communities respond sustainably during disasters? After Hurricane Helene disrupted water systems in Asheville, Gigi organized education sessions and materials for composting toilets. By mobilizing volunteers, sourcing buckets and sawdust, and partnering with a local tool library, she helped residents create safe, low-resource sanitation systems. What is humanure and why does it matter? Humanure is composted human waste managed safely through carbon layering (like sawdust) and proper aeration. When done correctly, it becomes soil after about a year in temperate climates, reducing strain on water systems and rebuilding topsoil. How does permaculture apply to social systems? Permaculture extends into communication (including Nonviolent Communication), collective decision-making, barter systems, repair culture, and resource-sharing networks. It asks, “Why are we doing what we’re doing?” and challenges systems like planned obsolescence. What lessons come from failure in sustainable...

    35 min

  2. FEB 6

    966: Mastering Sourdough, From Starter to Loaf with Amy Coyne

    -(subtitle)-.In This Podcast: In this episode, Greg chats with sourdough baker, teacher, and cookbook author Amy Coyne of Amy Bakes Breadto demystify sourdough from starter to slice. Amy shares her personal journey into sourdough, explains the science and simplicity behind naturally fermented bread, and offers practical guidance for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The conversation covers fermentation, hydration, common mistakes, discard recipes, and how to make sourdough fit into busy family life. Throughout, Amy emphasizes patience, experimentation, and joy in the process. Our Guest:  Amy Coyne is a sourdough baker, teacher and creator behind Amy Bakes Bread, where she shares tried and true sourdough recipes that are approachable, reliable, and fun to make. She's been baking for as long as she can remember, and sourdough has been part of her kitchen for over 13 years. Amy is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Sourdough, A cookbook made to help every home baker feel confident creating incredible sourdough bread from scratch. Key Topics & EntitiesAmy CoyneSourdough starterNatural fermentationWild yeast and bacteriaHydration levels in breadDutch oven bakingSourdough discardInclusion loavesFamily-friendly sourdoughThe Beginner’s Guide to SourdoughAmy Bakes BreadHome baking science Key Questions AnsweredWhat makes sourdough different from conventional bread? Sourdough relies on natural fermentation rather than commercial yeast, resulting in improved digestibility, lower glycemic response, and better nutrient absorption due to reduced phytic acid. How do you create and maintain a sourdough starter? A starter is made by culturing wild yeast and bacteria from flour and water through regular feedings, watching for predictable rise-and-fall cycles, and adjusting temperature and ratios for consistency. How does temperature affect sourdough fermentation? Warmer temperatures speed fermentation while cooler conditions slow it down, meaning timelines must shift with seasons and kitchen conditions. What is hydration, and why does it matter? Hydration refers to the ratio of water to flour; higher hydration creates a more open, airy crumb, while lower hydration produces a tighter, more structured loaf. What are the most common mistakes new sourdough bakers make? Unrealistic expectations, discomfort with wet doughs, and misunderstanding fermentation timing are common early hurdles. What can you do with sourdough discard instead of throwing it away? Discard can be used in crackers, pancakes, biscuits, cookies, gravies, and more—adding flavor, texture, and reducing waste. How can sourdough be adapted for busy schedules and families? Using refrigeration, adjusting starter...

    47 min

  3. JAN 30

    965: Compost Innovations: Ed Williams on Creating Living Soil"

    In This Podcast: Edmund Williams returns to discuss the LEHR Garden system and a breakthrough soil product emerging from it: LEHR Soil Amplifier. By combining ecological soil biology with engineered water flow, the LEHR system grows plants in primarily woody materials while composting beneath living roots. The resulting extracted soil behaves as a powerful biostimulant, dramatically improving plant growth, resilience, and heat tolerance. This episode explores living soil, stable carbon, and how feeding soil organisms transforms plant health. Our Guest: Edmund is a civil engineer and innovator in the urban and sustainable agriculture arena. He has been working with various municipalities and nonprofits to transform the ways our society feeds itself. The Lear Garden was designed to be a low maintenance system using biology as a part of the automation. To do this, Edmond created a compost bin as the core technology, and like any compost bin, it needs to be emptied periodically, The finished compost that comes out is unlike anything on the market having some very surprising and beneficial properties. Key Topics LEHR Garden (Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for Regeneration)LEHR Soil AmplifierBiostimulants in agricultureLiving soil biologyStable soil carbonGlomalin and mycorrhizal fungiBiochar as nutrient bufferUrban waste stream compostingFlood-and-drain raised bed systemsHeat resilience in desert gardeningSoil food webTall pot tree propagation method What makes a LEHR Garden different from hydroponics or permaculture alone? It integrates both ecology and hardware, using a raised flood-and-drain system filled mostly with wood chips and organic waste, allowing plants to grow in living soil biology rather than inert media. Why does the garden soil need to be removed and reset? As woody materials break down, water flow slows, causing anaerobic conditions. Removing and resetting the soil restores oxygen flow and system performance. What is LEHR Soil Amplifier? It is the sifted, biologically rich soil produced inside the system, containing earthworm castings, biochar, microbial life, and multiple known biostimulant compounds. How is this different from regular compost? Unlike compost made separately, this material forms beneath living roots, encouraging creation of stable soil carbon compounds such as glomalin, which are critical to true topsoil structure. How much is needed to see results? Very small amounts are effective — about one gallon can treat roughly 1,000 square feet of garden space. What plant responses have been observed? Reports include greener lawns, higher vegetable productivity, improved pest and disease resistance, thicker rose petals, and rapid recovery of stressed trees. Can it improve heat tolerance? Gardeners observed lush summer growth during record heat, with plants surviving and producing through extreme desert temperatures. What is the underlying mechanism? The product stimulates soil biology, increases mycorrhizal activity, provides mineral buffering through biochar, and enhances nutrient cycling. Episode Highlights LEHR stands for Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for RegenerationGardens grow food in mostly wood chips enriched by composting beneath rootsSoil removal became the “problem that was the solution”Sifted soil behaves as a high-density biological stimulantStable soil carbon forms directly through plant–fungal interactionsOne gallon treats approximately 1,000 square feetGardeners report dramatic improvements during...

    33 min

  4. JAN 23

    964: Building a Permaculture Babysitting Coop

    With Beatrice Nathan...Curious permaculture storyIn This Podcast: Beatrice Nathan joins the podcast to explore how permaculture principles can be applied to family life, childcare, and community resilience. She shares her journey from home gardening to teaching permaculture, and launching a Village Roots childcare co-op. The conversation weaves together food production, social permaculture, and mutual aid as practical responses to modern parenting and systemic stress. This episode highlights slow, small solutions that build trust, connection, and long-term community health. Our Guest:  Beatrice Nathan is a home gardener, permaculture teacher, turmeric farmer, and mom to two boys. She is passionate about reweaving the web of social support, empowering ordinary people to grow food and teaching practical design principles. She believes that we all have a part to play in creating a better future. Key Topics & Entities Beatrice NathanPermaculture ethics (Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share)Social permacultureVillage Roots Childcare Co-opBabysitting co-ops / time-based exchangeFront-yard food gardensCommunity resilienceParenting and childcare affordabilityPermaculture zones applied to time and energyDegrowth philosophyPermaculture Design Course (PDC)Ruby Ranch (Asheville, NC) Key Questions Answered What is permaculture beyond gardening? Permaculture is a framework for living a good life, offering ethics and principles that can be applied to land stewardship, relationships, parenting, and community design—not just gardens. How does a childcare co-op work without money? Families exchange babysitting hours using a shared spreadsheet. Hours earned caring for one family’s children can be used with any family in the co-op, building trust and flexibility without cash. Why is childcare so challenging for families today? High costs, limited availability, misaligned schedules, and the emotional toll on young children make conventional childcare inaccessible or unsustainable for many families. How does the Village Roots Childcare Co-op embody permaculture? The co-op applies permaculture ethics and principles like slow and small solutions, stacking functions, feedback loops, and people care to meet real childcare and community needs. How can permaculture help parents—especially mothers—avoid burnout? By reframing priorities through concepts like zones of time and energy, permaculture helps parents let go of nonessential commitments and focus on connection during demanding life seasons. What’s the value of front-yard food gardens? Front-yard gardens invite conversation, sharing, and relationship-building with neighbors, turning food production into a social connector. How can someone start a similar co-op in their community? Start small, set a geographic boundary, clearly communicate expectations, onboard families personally, and use existing guides and templates to reduce friction. Why is community-building increasingly important? As larger systems become more fragile, hyper-local, trust-based networks like co-ops, time banks, and tool libraries help meet needs when institutions fall short. Episode Highlights Permaculture as a life framework, not just a land design toolApplying permaculture ethics to childcare and family systemsDesigning a babysitting co-op using time instead of moneyFront-yard gardens as hubs for neighborhood connectionReframing permaculture zones around time, energy, and life...

    31 min

  5. JAN 16

    963: Childhood Curiosity to Herbal Mastery: With Kimberly Kling

    A Journey in Holistic Wellness In This Podcast: Clinical herbalist Kimberly Kling returns to discuss regenerative health in a highly toxic modern world. Drawing from personal experience, clinical practice, and ecological awareness, she explains how petrochemicals, industrial agriculture, and environmental toxins disrupt human health—especially the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and detox pathways. The conversation moves from root causes to practical, accessible steps people can take, including food choices, herbs, lifestyle shifts, and community action. Throughout, the focus remains on empowerment, resilience, and reconnecting with plant wisdom rather than fear. Our Guest: Kimberly is a clinical herbalist and the guiding force behind joyful roots in Southern Arizona where she helps her community locally and beyond cultivate inner wellness through earth centered herbal care, rooted in a deep reverence for the healing power of plants. Kimberly's journey began in childhood, crafting magical plant stews and foraging connections with Michigan's native flora. Her background in landscape architecture and engineering provided a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the land. However, it was motherhood and a personal health crisis that led to her clinical herbalism deepening her passion for holistic wellness. Now, Kimberly integrates traditional wisdom with modern herbal practices, empowering others to reconnect with plant wisdom for vibrant health and wellbeing. Medical Disclaimer: In today's episode we are talking about our health. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not medical doctors and no medical doctor/patient relationship is formed. Always seek advice from your qualified medical doctor regarding questions you may have about your medical condition. Key Topics & Entities Kimberly KlingJoyful RootsClinical herbalismEnvironmental toxinsPetrochemicalsHaber-Bosch ProcessGlyphosate, Diquat, ParaquatGut microbiomeMitochondrial healthAutoimmune illness (lupus)AntioxidantsLiver detoxificationRegenerative agricultureFood forests Key Questions Answered Why are modern humans experiencing chronic illness earlier than previous generations? Because exposure to synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics, and food additives has rapidly increased over the last ~150 years, overwhelming biological systems that evolved alongside natural substances. How do pesticides and herbicides affect the body if they’re “safe for humans”? They often harm microbial...

    50 min

  6. JAN 13

    962: Fruit Trees in the Low Desert or really anywhere for that matter!

    A Rosie On The House Replay In this episode we explore the concept of wicking bed gardens, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg, our guest is . Farmer Greg joins Romey Romero on Rosie on the House to break down how to successfully grow fruit trees in the low desert, even during unusually warm winters. He explains why fruit trees are worth planting, how climate confusion affects citrus and deciduous trees, and the most common mistakes that kill young trees. The conversation covers proven planting methods, soil preparation, watering strategies, and long-term thinking for orchards that can produce for decades. This episode is a practical, experience-based guide for homeowners who want reliable fruit harvests in desert climates. Key Topics & Entities Low desert fruit tree growingCitrus varieties (navel, Cara Cara, Trovita, Minneola, Gold Nugget)Deciduous fruit trees (apple, peach, apricot, plum, jujube, mulberry)Low-chill requirementsRootstock selectionBare root treesUrban Farm Fruit Tree ProgramSix-Six Basin RuleDesert soil organic matterMycorrhizae and soil biologyIrrigation and deep wateringMulch and microclimates Key Questions Answered Why plant fruit trees instead of relying on store-bought fruit? Homegrown fruit has superior flavor, freshness, and nutritional value, and a single tree can produce for decades with proper care. What makes fruit trees struggle during warm winters in the desert? Low-chill trees may not receive enough cold hours to set fruit consistently, causing irregular growth, dormancy confusion, or skipped production years. Therefore, we need to make sure we plant low chill fruit trees. What are the three non-negotiables when buying fruit trees for the low desert? Choose low-chill varieties, ensure the correct rootstock for desert conditions, and select soft-flesh fruit that ripens before July 1. What are the most common ways people accidentally kill fruit trees? Planting in hot microclimates, allowing grass to compete with roots, and relying on shallow daily drip irrigation. How should fruit trees actually be watered in the desert? Deep, infrequent watering—about once a month in winter and every 10–14 days in summer—allowing soil to dry between waterings. Why are bare root trees preferred for deciduous fruit? They’re planted while dormant, establish faster, and adapt better long-term than potted trees when planted correctly. How long does it take for a fruit tree to really produce? Year one focuses on roots, year two on shoots, year three begins fruiting, and years four to five bring full production. Episode Highlights Fruit trees thrive when planted for climate, not convenienceCitrus can be harvested across six months with smart variety selectionThe Six-Six Basin Rule dramatically improves survival and growthDesert soil must be rebuilt with organic matter and biologyOverwatering and under watering look the same—but both can kill treesBare root planting in January sets trees up for lifelong successA single well-planted tree can produce for 50–100 years Calls to Action & Resources Urban Farm Fruit Tree Program — https://www.fruittrees.orgFree Desert Fruit Tree Master Course — https://www.fruittrees.orgQuestions or tree photos...

    37 min

  7. JAN 9

    961: Seed Commons: Cultivating Shared Wealth

    Our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org In This Podcast: Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore the idea of the seed commons—seeds as shared cultural, ecological, and community wealth rather than private commodities. They discuss how market-driven seed systems have eroded biodiversity and why community-based models are essential for resilience in the face of climate, economic, and social uncertainty. Through stories, examples, and lived experience, they show how seed co-ops, exchanges, libraries, and grassroots experimentation restore abundance, adaptability, and human connection. The conversation frames seed saving as both a practical survival skill and a deeply human act of stewardship. Key Topics & Entities Seed commonsShared wealthBiodiversity lossClimate change adaptationSeed co-opsAppalachian SeedsSnake River Seed CooperativeSeed exchangesSeed librariesSeed Library NetworkSeeds in CommonOpen-pollinated seedsIndigenous and community seed stewardship What does it mean to treat seeds as part of the commons? Seeds are framed as shared wealth—like air or water—meant to circulate freely so they can keep adapting, carrying cultural memory, and supporting future generations rather than being locked behind patents or profit motives. Why is the current market-based seed system failing biodiversity? Large-scale commercial systems prioritize uniformity and profit, leading to the extinction of many traditional varieties and reducing the genetic diversity needed to adapt to climate and ecological change. How do seed co-ops work in practice? Regional growers collaborate to grow, clean, package, and distribute seeds together, sharing labor and profits while keeping ownership local and ensuring regionally adapted varieties remain available. What role do seed exchanges and seed libraries play in communities? They provide accessible, low-cost ways for people to share seeds, stories, and growing knowledge, strengthening trust, local resilience, and intergenerational learning. What is unique about the Seeds in Common model? Instead of preserving varieties separately, Seeds in Common mixes many varieties together and distributes them widely, prioritizing real-world adaptation and survival over strict categorization or commercial naming. Can individuals really name and steward new plant varieties? Yes—historically, many important crops came from backyard growers. Naming and caring for a variety is an act of responsibility, not ownership, rooted in long-term stewardship rather than profit. Episode Highlights Seeds as shared wealth are essential for resilience, adaptability, and cultural continuity.Seed co-ops like Appalachian Seeds and Snake River Seed Cooperative keep control local and varieties alive.Seed exchanges offer efficient, story-rich ways to share seeds and knowledge within communities.Seed libraries have rapidly grown worldwide, each shaped by local values and creativity.Mixing and growing diverse seeds reveals what truly works under local, low-input conditions.Naming and saving seeds is a deeply human tradition that predates modern agriculture.Abundance thinking emerges naturally when people engage directly with growing and saving seed. Calls to Action & Resources Join live Seed Chats — https://seedchat.org Explore regional seed co-ops — a href="https://snakeriverseeds.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    41 min

  8. JAN 2

    960: Regeneration and Innovation: The Future of Farming

    Don Tipping's Legacy of Regenerative FarmingIn This Podcast: Greg reconnects with returning guest Don Tipping to explore nearly a decade of evolution at Seven Seeds Farm and Siskiyou Seeds. The conversation dives deep into regenerative farming, bioregional seed stewardship, on-farm ecology, and the long arc of plant breeding as climate adaptation. Don shares practical insights from 30 years of full-time farming, from pest resilience without chemicals to compost, livestock integration, and the vision for a decentralized bioregional seed bank. The episode emphasizes patience, systems thinking, and seed saving as both a practical skill and a cultural act. Guest Bio: Don has been farming and offering hands on, practical workshops at Seven Seeds Farm since 1997. Seven Seeds is a small, certified organic family farm in the Siskiyou Mountains of SW Oregon that produces fruits, vegetables, seeds, flowers and herbs, while raising sheep, poultry and people. The farm has been designed to function as a self-contained, life regenerating organism with waste products being recycled and feeding other elements of the system. Lauded as one of the best examples of a small productive Biodynamic and Permaculture farms in the northwest by many, Seven Seeds helps to mentor new farmers through internships and workshops. In 2009 they began Siskiyou Seeds, a bioregional organic seed company that grows and stewards a collection of over 700 open pollinated flower, vegetable and herb seeds and is constantly breeding new varieties. Key Topics & Entities Don TippingSeven Seeds FarmSiskiyou Seeds (Siskiyou Seeds)Regenerative agricultureBioregional seed stewardshipOpen-pollinated seedsSeed savingGarden ecologyPlant breedingPermaculture systemsCompost and soil fertilityLivestock integrationClimate adaptationCascadia Seed Bank Key Questions Answered How has Don’s farm and seed work evolved over the last nine years? The seed company has grown into the core of the farm’s work, with most annual and perennial crops now grown specifically for seed. Don has shifted toward contracting with a wider network of growers while focusing his own energy on plant breeding, research, and education. What makes bioregional, farmer-grown seed different from industrial seed? Unlike industrial seed—often brokered globally with little transparency—bioregional seed is selected under local climate, pest, and disease pressures. Over time, this results in crops that are better adapted, more resilient, and better suited to regional food systems. Why doesn’t Seven Seeds Farm rely on row covers or chemical inputs? By allowing natural selection to occur—such as letting cucumber...

    45 min
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About

Welcome to The Urban Farm Podcast, your partner in the Grow Your Own Food revolution! This audio only podcast features special guests like Rosemary Morrow, Zach Loeks, and Andrew Millison as we discuss the art and value of growing food in urban areas. We'll explore topics such as gardening basics, urban beekeeping and chicken farming, permaculture, successful composting, monetizing your farm, and much more! Each episode will bring you tips and tricks on how to overcome common challenges, opportunities to learn from the experience of people just like you, and plenty of resources to ensure you're informed, equipped, and empowered to participate more mindfully in your local food system... and to have a great time doing it! Support our Podcast and listen Ad-Free! Visit www.urbanfarm.org/patron for more information and see what else we include.

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