The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

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 & resilienceKey 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 features. Its methodology incorporates astronomical cycles, historical patterns, and proprietary modeling, achieving roughly 80% accuracy.Episode HighlightsThe Old Farmer’s Almanac is not shutting down; the confusion came from a different publication folding.Only 14 editors have stewarded the Almanac over 234 years—an average tenure of ~17 years.The publication began as a “calendar of the heavens,” helping agrarian families plan by moon phases and sun cycles.Early America once had over 500 almanacs; competition, content borrowing, and printer-led editions were common.The Almanac diversified early—calendars, guides, kids’ editions, regional weather coverage, and a robust website.Climate shifts have pushed many planting dates earlier; many growers now update their calendars by weeks.Almanac.com now drives record engagement, especially during moments of news confusion.The Almanac remains committed to human responses—no AI answers for reader questions.Calls to Action & ResourcesThe Old Farmer’s Almanac — almanac.comPlanting Calendar (Low Desert) — plantingcalendar.orgOld Farmer’s Almanac Books & Calendars — Available via almanac.comVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/OldFarmersAmanac for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.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.

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-layerHe 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 -  NativeSunGardens.comVisit UrbanFarm.org/CaliforniaFoodForest for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

With Scott MurrayIn This Podcast: In this episode, returning guest and 50-year organic agriculture veteran Scott Murray shares the remarkable story of how coffee is commercially being successfully grown in Southern California. Scott explains how a single houseplant sparked a multi-variety coffee trial, eventually producing a Geisha harvest that sold out in one day at $796 per pound. He walks us through polyculture design, coffee’s surprising climate tolerance, and how California could become a boutique coffee region.Our Guest: Scott Murray has over 50 years of experience in organic agriculture across the U.S. and Mexico and has served as a California conservation official for 33 years. He specializes in farm creation, farmland preservation, and regenerative polyculture systems. Scott now leads pioneering research and consulting on California-grown coffee, managing multi-variety trials and agroforestry-based plantations.1. Who is Scott Murray?Scott Murray is a farmer, consultant, and conservation leader with 50 years of organic agriculture experience in the U.S. and Mexico. He has been a California conservation official for 33 years and specializes in farmland preservation, smart-growth planning, and farm creation. He has recently become a pioneer in growing coffee in Southern California.2. Are people really growing coffee in California?Yes! Scott and his collaborators have successfully grown multiple varieties of coffee in Southern California. Their first commercial harvest in 2018 sold out in one day at $796 per pound.3. How did coffee production begin on Scott’s farm?It started as a houseplant experiment when Scott’s son Sam bought a coffee plant from a nursery. When it produced cherries, it sparked curiosity. Later, Scott interplanted coffee into a rejuvenated avocado orchard, creating a thriving polyculture system.4. Why grow coffee under avocado trees?Coffee thrives with protection, partial shade, and companion plants. Avocado trees provide a microclimate that buffers wind, sun, and temperature swings. This intercropping also enhances biodiversity and farm resilience.5. What is the difference between monoculture and polyculture?Monoculture: Growing only one crop (e.g., avocados alone).Polyculture: Multiple crops grown together (e.g., avocados + coffee + bananas).Polycultures support pollinators, beneficial insects, soil health, and long-term productivity.6. How do they protect young coffee trees?Scott developed a “coffee protection structure” using:A gopher basketA chicken-wire cageAgricultural shade fabricThis boosts early survival and results in fast, healthy establishment.7. How many varieties of coffee are they testing?Scott is currently trialing 48+ varieties, including rare and exotic types such as Geisha and Whoosh Whoosh.8. What’s special about Geisha coffee?Geisha is one of the highest-value coffees in the world, known for its floral, tea-like flavor profile. Scott’s California-grown Geisha fetched $796/lb—demonstrating the potential for a specialty coffee industry in California.9. How does California’s climate affect coffee quality?Because California coffee cherries often stay on the plant for up to 12 months, the beans can accumulate more complex flavor compounds, potentially elevating specialty coffee quality.10. Why is biodiversity important in coffee farms?More plant diversity means:Better pollinationMore predator insects to control pestsImproved soil healthGreater climate resilienceEnhanced flavor complexity in coffee11. What role do avocados play in the system?Pruned avocado trees create space and light for coffee. Multiple avocado varieties also lengthen the harvest season and improve pollination, boosting overall grove productivity.12. Where can people learn more or see these systems?Scott has created short videos with NCAT/ATTRA showcasing the coffee-avocado polyculture. They are available at: EdgeOfUrbanFarm.comKey search - California coffee, Scott Murray, organic farming, regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, polyculture, avocado grove, Geisha coffee, climate-resilient crops, specialty coffee, coffee varieties, on-farm experiments, Southern California farmingVisit UrbanFarm.org/919 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

A Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into permaculture's eighth principle, 'Information and Imagination Intensive,' highlighting its emphasis on multi-disciplinary approaches to problem-solving using both low and high-tech solutions. They delve into the importance of utilizing quality thought and data to maximize yields and share personal experiences about integrating various systems like passive solar heating, water filtration, and composting. The discussion also covers the concept of food forests, zone planning, and sustainable design strategies for reducing energy and resource consumption. They encourage community collaboration and innovation, reflecting on their own permaculture journeys and offering insights on creating self-sustaining environments. Upcoming events like the Phoenix Permaculture Design Course and the Great American Seed Up are also mentioned.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/918 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

A Rosie On The House ReplayThis episode is the replay pof our monthly 'Rosie on the House' radio show in Phoenix. It features host Romey Romero, Farmer Greg and guest Kari Spencer discussing backyard livestock, primarily chickens and goats, for urban farming. They chat about the benefits of keeping chickens and goats, including eggs, milk, garden pest control, and composting. They also delve into the logistics of raising these animals, such as the necessary supplies, housing, and regulations. The episode touches on the challenges and advantages of meat birds, ducks, turkeys, quail, and guinea hens, offering practical advice and sharing personal experiences for listeners interested in starting their own urban farm.Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/917 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering Consults HERE over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.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.

A Seed Chat with Bill McDormanRegister for our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.orgIn This Podcast: In this Seed Chat episode, Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman unpack how a handful of global corporations came to control most of the world’s commercial seed supply—and what that means for biodiversity, farmers, and local food systems. Bill traces the history from small regional seed companies to mergers, patents, and Supreme Court decisions that turned living seeds into corporate assets. They also spotlight the grassroots resistance: seed libraries, landrace and adaptation gardening, community seed sharing, and regional networks working to “liberate diversity.” Listeners walk away with both a clear understanding of the problem and very practical ways to grow, save, and share seeds as an act of food freedom.Key TopicsSeed sovereignty and community control of seedCorporate consolidation and mergers in the seed industryLoss of agricultural biodiversity and its consequencesCapitalism and the “free market” meeting biologyPatents, intellectual property, and the Diamond v. Chakrabarty decisionChemical companies and private equity in global agricultureEuropean common catalog and whitelist/blacklist dynamicsSeed libraries and local seed-sharing networksLandrace gardening and adaptation gardening (Joseph Lofthouse)Going to Seed, Seed Library Network, ETC Group, Let’s Liberate DiversityGreat American Seed Up and Seed Up in a Box as local seed strategiesLocal food economies, resilience, and community wealthKey Questions AnsweredHow did we get from thousands of small regional seed companies to just a few corporations controlling most commercial seed?The episode traces a decades-long process of mergers, acquisitions, and the pursuit of patentable seed “assets” that could be put on corporate balance sheets, turning diversity built over 10,000 years into a narrow set of owned varieties.Why does the intersection of free-market capitalism and biology create such problems for seeds and farmers?Bill explains that when profit-maximizing logic is applied to living systems, everything that doesn’t immediately generate revenue—like locally adapted varieties and genetic diversity—gets discarded, even though it’s what makes agriculture resilient.What role did patents and legal decisions like Diamond v. Chakrabarty play in this consolidation?Once the Supreme Court allowed life forms “invented by humans” to be patented, seeds could be owned like machinery. That shift unlocked new financing for takeovers and accelerated consolidation, often at the expense of traditional, community-developed seed diversity.How are people and communities around the world pushing back and rebuilding seed sovereignty?The conversation highlights European and global movements like Let’s Liberate Diversity, ETC Group, and numerous nonprofits and seed networks that are preserving and sharing open-pollinated, locally adapted seeds outside of corporate control.What can individual gardeners and local groups actually do that makes a real difference?Listeners are encouraged to grow and save their own seeds, increase diversity in their gardens, participate in or start seed libraries, and plug into grassroots projects and classes that teach adaptation gardening and community-level seed work.Episode HighlightsAt 00:04 — Greg and Bill introduce the theme of seed sovereignty in an age where a small number of corporations dominate the global seed supply.At 01:16 — Bill describes how traditional success metrics in agriculture hide a deeper story of burnout, consolidation, and loss of diversity.At 02:14 — He shares his early journey searching for the “golden boulder” of answers in the seed world, only to learn there is no single authority—just persistent, patient investigation.At 03:16 — Bill frames the core issue: when capitalism and free-market thinking collide with biology, the system fails living diversity.At 04:13 — He explains how mergers and acquisitions reduced an estimated 20,000 small seed entities worldwide down to a handful of corporate giants, with diversity being thrown out in the process.At 05:54 — The conversation turns to time, showing how large companies systematically patented seeds and used that patentable material as financial leverage for further consolidation.At 07:28 — Bill highlights the ETC Group and their work tracking corporate power, as well as Philip Howard’s visual maps of seed industry consolidation.At 08:46 — They explore how European policies like the common catalog wiped out many traditional varieties and triggered a strong civil society response to protect local seeds.At 09:21 — Bill and Greg shift to practical action: grow as much diversity as you can now, learn landrace and adaptation gardening, and use emerging networks like Going to Seed to accelerate learning.At 11:32 — They share how the Great American Seed Up model and seed libraries can rapidly distribute open-pollinated seeds into communities, building resilience from the ground up.Calls to Action & ResourcesUrban Farm Podcast — Listen to more conversations with Greg and Bill on seeds, soil, and urban agriculture: https://urbanfarmpodcast.comSeed Chat (Live Events) — Join future live Seed Chat sessions and ask your questions in real time: https://seedchat.orgGreat American Seed Up — Learn about the Phoenix-based, bulk seed-sharing event and how it supercharges local seed resilience: https://greatamericanseedup.orgSeed Up In A Box — Host your own mini seed-up using bundled open-pollinated seeds, info cards, and bags: https://seedupinabox.comGoing to Seed — Explore landrace and adaptation gardening resources, classes, and community seed projects: https://goingtoseed.orgSeed Library Network — Start or support a local seed library and connect with others doing the same: https://seedlibrarynetwork.orgLet’s Liberate Diversity — European network focused on on-farm conservation and community seed work: https://liberatediversity.orgETC Group — Research and updates on corporate control of seeds and genetic resources: https://etcgroup.org“First the Seed” by Jack Kloppenburg — A foundational book on the political economy of plant breeding and seed ownership. https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/F/First-the-SeedMichael Shuman’s Work on Local Investing — Learn how redirecting capital into local food and farm systems can strengthen community resilience. https://michaelhshuman.com/Shattering by Pat Mooney and Carrie FowlerDiamond Vs Chakbarty - https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/447/303/There’s an ongoing international survey hosted by Let’s Liberate Diversity https://seeds.ifoam.bio/seed-network-surveySeeds & Genetic Diversity - https://www.etcgroup.org/issues/seeds-genetic-diversityETC Group- https://www.etcgroup.org/issues/corporate-monopoliesAdaptation Gardening - https://goingtoseed.org/products/1406309Visit UrbanFarm.org/916 for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.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.

with Charles Malki of IV OrganicsIn This Episode: Greg interviews Charles Malki, a multifaceted biologist, attorney, author, and inventor, about the innovative benefits of whitewashing trees. Charles details his journey from a passion for plant sciences during his childhood to a career in medicine and law, ultimately leading to the creation of Ivy Organic. He explains the importance of whitewashing for tree protection against weather extremes and pests, emphasizing the environmental benefits of using organic products. The discussion also covers the genesis of Ivy Organics, the science behind their product formulations, and their impact on both small-scale gardeners and commercial orchards. Charles shares valuable personal and professional anecdotes, highlighting the significance of setting clear goals, fostering beneficial relationships, and continually educating oneself and others about sustainable gardening practices.Our Guest:  Charles Malki is a biologist, attorney, all American swimmer, philanthropist, inventor, entrepreneur, and author. He has been published in journals, including the Journal of Surgical Research and American Federation of Medical Research. At the heart of all of his successes is his love of life and his passion to educate others on the limitless topics that rotate to plant sciences, and it all benefits you, your family and friends, community, and our planet.Connect with IV Organics - IVOrganics.comBook recommendations -  Saving the World with the Home Garden by Charles MalkiThe Secret by Rhonda ByrneVisit UrbanFarm.org/IVOrganics for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

Exploring lack soldier fly culture.In This Podcast: Greg chats with Dr. Jeff Tomberlin about the remarkable benefits of black soldier flies in recycling organic waste. Jeff explains the global distribution and industrialization of black soldier flies, their life cycle, and their ability to convert waste into valuable resources like protein for animal feed and fertilizer. The conversation highlights community and individual efforts in utilizing black soldier flies for sustainability and reducing food waste, emphasizing the potential for large-scale impact through local actions. Jeff also offers practical advice for beginners interested in starting their own black soldier fly bins and stresses the importance of patience and community involvement.Our Guest: Dr. Tomberlin is a Professor, AgriLife Research Fellow, & Presidential Impact Fellow in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University and Fellow of the Entomological Society of America. He is the principal investigator of the Forensic Laboratory for Investigative Entomological Sciences (F.L.I.E.S.) Facility at Texas A&M University..Visit UrbanFarm.org/BSF for the show notes and links on this episode! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

Garden Chat with Don TitmusIn this garden chat, Greg and Don Titmus dive into the Permaculture Principle Everything Gardens, focusing on the beneficial relationships within an ecosystem, particularly soil, food webs, and the role of different plants and animals. They explore how weeds, chickens as soil tillers, water as a sculptor, and the role of fungi, earthworms, and birds all lead back to gardening. They also tackle specific topics like the impact of wind, creating microclimates, and practical considerations for raising chickens and growing mushrooms. The session wraps up with audience questions on gardening tips, urban farming, and permaculture design courses. If you would like to attend live visit GardenChat.org to sign up for our monthly live chat.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/913 for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!For more info about the Phoenix Permaculture Design course visit UrbanFarm.org/PDCNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 900 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.

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode join Romey Romero & Farmer Greg on Rosie on the House's Outdoor Living Hour with special guests Sowan Thai and Bryant Cruz from Spaces of Opportunity, a 19-acre community farming project in South Phoenix. We dive into the origins and development of the farm, the unique model of community and urban farming it employs, and the various educational and market components it offers. Sowan and Bryant explain their roles in teaching sustainable farming practices, running an apprentice program, and the challenges and benefits of farming organically in an urban setting. They highlight efforts like agroforestry and integrated pest management while sharing inspiring stories of community growth and engagement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of local food production and the potential of urban farming in addressing food security and sustainability.Find out more - https://www.spacesofopportunity.org/Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/912 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering cohttps:///nsults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.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.