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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 6D AGO

    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

  3. 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

  4. 12/26/2025

    924: Virtual Farm Tours & Accessible Regenerative Education

    With Mary and Andrew from EdgePerma.comIn This Podcast: Andrew Tuttle and Mary Marshall, co-founders of Edge Perma and Redtail Edge Design, share how they’re using immersive technology to transform regenerative agriculture education. Drawing from backgrounds in permaculture, ecological design, and lived experiences of healing through land stewardship, they explain how virtual farm tours can make regenerative systems accessible to anyone, anywhere. The conversation explores permaculture as a pathway to peace, community resilience, and personal healing, while highlighting the power of relationship-building, service, and inclusive learning. This episode weaves together technology, ethics, and heart-centered education to reimagine how people connect with land and food systems. Episode HighlightsImmersive virtual tours as a tool to “copy and paste” regenerative systemsPermaculture as a framework for peace, food security, and climate resilienceUsing technology to expand access to farm-based learningThe emotional and healing power of land stewardshipTeaching ethics, design, and systems thinking through lived examplesShifting from rejection to resonance through service and community careEducation designed for inclusion, not gatekeeping Key Questions AnsweredHow did Andrew and Mary’s journey lead them to permaculture and regenerative agriculture? Their path began with questioning systems of conflict and scarcity, combined with personal grief and a search for healing. Permaculture offered a framework where humans could become restorative forces within ecosystems and communities. What problem do virtual farm tours solve in regenerative education? Most people never get to visit functional regenerative farms. Virtual tours bring these spaces to students, growers, and communities, removing barriers of geography, mobility, time, and cost. How do Edge Perma’s virtual farm tours work? They combine 360° video, drone footage, aerial panoramas, 3D models, and clickable learning elements to show farms from every angle, including system evolution over time. What makes virtual tours different from in-person farm visits? They add layers of understanding—like aerial views, topography, and system mapping—that aren’t possible on foot, while complementing (not replacing) real-world visits. How does this approach support different learning styles? The immersive, visual format supports neurodiverse learners and people who struggle with traditional classroom-based education, helping more people feel seen and included. What role does community and service play in their success? Andrew and Mary describe a shift from self-promotion to service, relationship-building, and listening—an ethic that unlocked trust, collaboration, and new opportunities. What does success mean to them beyond business growth? Success is measured in meaningful human impact—healing landscapes, supporting grief and remembrance, and creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet. Key Topics & EntitiesEdge Permaspan class="ql-ui"...

    42 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    923: Permaculture as a Life Design: Ethics, Principles, and Practice

    A Garden Chat with Don TitmusGreg Peterson and Don Titmus reconnect for a November Garden Chat focused on reviewing the ethics and principles of permaculture and how they apply beyond gardening into daily life. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience in arid and temperate climates, they explore observation, working with nature, stacking functions, and regenerative design. The conversation weaves together philosophy, practical examples from Phoenix and North Carolina, and reflections on how a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) can fundamentally reshape how people think and live. Our Guest: Don Titmus 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. Key Topics & Entities Permaculture ethicsPermaculture principlesObservation and designWorking with natureElements and stacking functionsZones (including Zone 0 / self-care)Regenerative and edible landscapesDrylands permacultureRainwater harvestingPerennial systemsPermaculture Design Course (PDC)Bill MollisonDavid HolmgrenUrban Farm PodcastBee Oasis (Mesa, AZ) Key Questions Answered What is permaculture, in simple terms? Permaculture is the art and science of working with nature—observing natural systems and designing human habitats that align with ecological patterns rather than fighting them. What are the core ethics of permaculture? Care for the earth, care for people, and care for the future (often expressed as sharing surplus). These ethics guide every design decision and ensure long-term sustainability and reciprocity. Why is observation considered the foundation of permaculture design? Spending time observing land, climate, wildlife, and human patterns prevents costly mistakes and reveals opportunities to work with existing energy flows rather than against them. What does it mean that “the problem is the solution”? Challenges—such as excess heat, water runoff, or waste—often contain the seeds of their own solutions when reframed through thoughtful design. How do elements and stacking functions create resilience? Each element in a system (trees, chickens, compost, water systems) should serve multiple functions, increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and strengthening connections across the whole system. What is a Permaculture Design Course (PDC), and who is it for? A PDC is a globally recognized 72-hour introduction to permaculture principles and design, tailored to local bioregions and intended to transform how participants think about land, community, and life systems. Why take a PDC in your own bioregion and in person? Local courses address climate-specific realities, and in-person learning builds community, shared experience, and deeper understanding through hands-on practice. How can permaculture principles apply beyond gardening? Permaculture offers a framework for life—informing health, relationships, work, energy use, and even practices like yoga—by emphasizing connection, care, and intentional design. Episode Highlights Permaculture as a life framework, not just a gardening...

    36 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    922: Climate-Resilient Seeds for an Uncertain Future

    Seed Chat with Bill McDormanGreg Peterson and seed expert Bill McDorman dig into the urgent need for climate-resilient seeds as global conditions shift. They explore how traditional varieties falter under heat, drought, flooding, and unpredictable weather—and why locally adapted, open-pollinated seeds are becoming essential tools for regional food security. Bill outlines practical pathways for gardeners and growers to build resilience through diversity, landrace gardening, and modern microbiome research. Together they offer a grounded, hopeful roadmap for anyone looking to future-proof their garden or local food system. Key Topics Climate-resilient seedsOpen-pollinated varietiesLocal adaptationLandrace gardeningSoil microbiome & mycorrhizaeRizophagy (Dr. James White, Rutgers)Elliot ColemanJohn JeavonsAl Gore COP30 climate updateHeritage grains & wheat diversitySeed libraries & seed exchangesNational seed infrastructure concernsJoseph Lofthouse & Going to SeedGenetic diversity & heterosisKey Questions Answered Why do traditional seed varieties fail under climate chaos? Because they were bred for stable, narrow climate ranges with controlled inputs—conditions that no longer exist. Locally adapted seeds handle stress better and evolve alongside changing weather patterns. How can home gardeners contribute to climate adaptation? By introducing maximum genetic diversity into their gardens—mixing varieties, saving seeds, and participating in regional seed exchanges. This creates plant populations that actively adapt to local conditions. What is landrace gardening and why does it matter now? Landrace gardening mixes many varieties of the same crop and lets natural selection reveal the most resilient performers. It dramatically increases adaptability and requires less space and time than traditional trialing. How do soil organisms like mycorrhizae and bacteria affect climate resilience? They increase nutrient uptake, boost disease resistance, and help plants tolerate extreme conditions. Emerging rizophagy research shows plants actively cultivate microbes to meet stress. What resources should new growers explore to build resilience? Classics like The New Organic Grower (Elliot Coleman), How to Grow More Vegetables (John Jeavons), Joseph Lofthouse’s Landrace Gardening, and foundational seed-saving guides. Episode Highlights Climate resilience requires local action, not waiting for national agricultural reform.Al Gore’s COP30 update emphasizes the urgency of transitioning agriculture.Soil microbiology breakthroughs (rizophagy) are reshaping how we understand plant roots.Most commercial varieties were never tested across wide climates—huge opportunity remains.Wheat alone has 400,000 documented varieties, yet only a handful dominate U.S. production.Diversity—not uniformity—is the foundation of resilience.Landrace gardening allows growers to trial hundreds of varieties in small spaces.Seed sharing and regional networks may become essential if national systems weaken. Calls to Action & Resources Seed Chat Live — SeedChat.orgGoing to Seed...

    34 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    921: The Old Farmers Almanac is NOT going anywhere

    Chat with Carol Connare, Editor The Old Farmers Almanac In this episode, Greg talks with Carol Connare, Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the oldest continually published periodical in North America. Carol shares her path from archival work at UMass Amherst back to her “dream job,” stewarding the 234-year-old institution. She clarifies the recent confusion between The Farmer’s Almanac (which closed) and The Old Farmer’s Almanac (which is thriving), explains the Almanac’s origins, traditions, and editorial approach, and offers insight into how it continues to adapt to modern growers’ needs. The conversation touches on climate shifts, regional variability, moon-based planting, and the Almanac’s evolution from a simple calendar of the heavens to a robust gardening and seasonal guide. Key Topics & EntitiesThe Old Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1792)Carol Connare, 14th editor & lifelong gardenerRobert B. Thomas, original founderAlmanac history & competitionDifference between The Farmer’s Almanac vs The Old Farmer’s AlmanacLong-range weather forecastingClimate shifts & updated frost/planting tablesRegionalized weather zones (18 U.S. regions)Moon-phase plantingArchival content & historical continuityDiversification: calendars, guides, kids’ editionAlmanac.com as a major content platformHardiness zone recalibrationGrowing practices & resilience Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the difference between The Farmer’s Almanac and The Old Farmer’s Almanac? The Farmer’s Almanac (founded 1818) was a separate publication that recently shut down. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, is alive, healthy, and independent. Historically, multiple almanacs existed, often overlapping in name and content. Confusion persists because both shared similar naming and themes, but only The Old Farmer’s Almanac continues publication. How did Carol become Editor-in-Chief of such a historic publication? Carol “boomeranged” back to the organization after 20 years at UMass Amherst. Her archival and publications work there prepared her well, since the Almanac is essentially an evolving 234-year archive. As a lifelong gardener, she considers the role her dream job. What does an almanac actually do today? At its core, the Almanac remains a “calendar of the heavens”—tracking moon phases, sunrise/sunset, tides, and seasonal shifts. It layers this with planting guidance, long-range weather forecasts, reference tables, quirky curiosities, and everyday inspiration delivered “with a pleasing degree of humor,” following the founder’s charge. How does the Almanac support readers in different climates like Arizona vs. North Carolina? Weather forecasts and planting tables are region-specific across 18 U.S. zones. Frost dates, planting windows, and climate references are calibrated for local conditions, and updated continually—especially after recent hardiness zone shifts and warming trends. Is the Almanac adapting to climate change? Yes. Carol explains that warming patterns have required updated planting and frost guidance nationwide. The Almanac recalibrated its data after the 2022 hardiness zone update and continues to adjust based on reader feedback and on-the-ground observations. How does long-range weather forecasting work, and why is it famous? Though not fully explained in this segment, Carol highlights that long-range forecasting is a tradition dating back to the Almanac’s founding and remains one of its most used...

    34 min

  8. 12/05/2025

    920: Understanding Food Forest Design with Joshua Thayer.

    Today we’re joined by returning guest Joshua Thayer, permaculture designer, author, and founder of Native Sun Gardens in California. Joshua has helped communities across the U.S. and abroad design food forests that restore ecology and produce abundance. His new book, California Food Forests: Feeding the Future, distills decades of hands-on design into practical steps anyone can use—no matter where they live. Whether you're in a Mediterranean climate, drought-prone region, or temperate landscape, Joshua brings strategies to help you turn your yard, homestead, or urban lot into a resilient, stacked, biodiverse food forest. • What is Permaculture?Joshua breaks down permaculture as “applied ecology”—designing edible and ecological systems that match the local site, climate, and natural patterns. In this episode we learn why permaculture is adaptive, not formulaic. • What Exactly Is a Food Forest?A food forest is more than an orchard. Joshua explains how layers—from canopy to shrubs to vines to roots to mycelium—work together to create resilience, fertility, pollinator habitat, and year-round harvests. • Stacking Functions & Vertical LayeringJoshua details: How to place tall trees on the north side in the Northern HemisphereHow vertical stacking lets you grow way more in small spacesWhy “meadow-style” mid-height diversity beats densely planting tall trees • The 7 Layers of a Food ForestWe explore the classic permaculture layers: Canopy treesSub-canopy treesShrubs & bramblesHerbaceous plantsGroundcoversRoot cropsVines & climbers(+ the mycelium layer!) Joshua shares examples of plant combinations that thrive together and create symbiotic relationships. • Mediterranean & Drought-Wise DesignLearn why California’s Mediterranean climate is a perfect teacher for: Water-wise food productionSoils that need oxygen and drainageSelecting resilient varietiesPlanting drought-tolerant guildsJoshua also explains how these principles translated to a project in Virginia with soggy soil. • How to Start a Food Forest in 100 Square FeetJoshua’s favorite entry point: Start with a 10×10 ft “tile”One main tree (like apple, plum, avocado)Two supporting plants (berries + herbs)Add soil-building ground covers and root cropsMake it simple, modular, repeatable. • Top Mistakes New Growers MakeJoshua shares the big ones: Not starting because the project feels too bigPlanting too denselyCreating too much shade too earlyIgnoring soil healthDesigning tall trees before establishing the mid-layer He explains how “thinking like a meadow” helps avoid over-shading and keeps the system diverse and manageable. Get Joshua’s New Book: California Food Forests: Feeding the Future — packed with design tips, plant guilds, AutoCAD templates, and practical maps to build your first 100-sq-ft food-forest module. Connect With Joshua: • Native Sun Gardens – Food forest design, consulting, and permaculture education -  a href="https://www.nativesungardens.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    34 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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