Transforming our communities through seeds

In This Podcast: Kane Wilton, an organic farmer, garden designer, and seed enthusiast, co-founded the 1904 Project in Salem, Oregon, to connect and empower individuals toward regenerative and local food. His gardening journey began with growing flowers for his wife, eventually leading to a deep passion for food systems and permaculture. The 1904 Project started as a blog but evolved into a community-driven initiative highlighting regenerative projects and fostering collaboration among local growers. Kane’s work focuses on native integrated foodscaping, blending ornamental and edible landscapes to inspire and educate people.

In 2024, the 1904 Project hosted the first Great Northwest Seed Up, where attendees scooped locally adapted seeds in a communal event. Despite an ice storm affecting attendance, the event successfully brought gardeners together to share knowledge and resources. Kane now prioritizes garden design, consulting, and expanding the Great Northwest Seed Up as key initiatives. His mission is to build resilient communities through seeds, regenerative growing, and meaningful local connections.

Our Guest: Kane Wilton is an organic farmer, garden designer, and seed enthusiast with a passion for building resilient communities through regenerative growing. Kane planted his first garden initially to grow flowers for his wife. And caught the garden bug. Kane and his wife co-founded the 1904 project in Salem, Oregon, to connect and empower individuals toward regenerative and local food. In 2024, the 1904 project hosted the first Great Northwest Seed Up in Salem, Oregon, featuring seeds that are adaptively grown for the Pacific Northwest.

Kane's book recommendation - Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

Contact Kane - 1904project.com

Visit UrbanFarm.org/1904Project 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.

How our food choices impact our health.

In This Podcast: Greg interviews Ocean Robbins, co-founder and CEO of the Food Revolution Network, who discusses his lifelong activism and efforts in promoting healthy, ethical, and sustainable food choices. Robbins shares his journey that began with activism at a young age, including a successful nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability. He explains the global impact of unhealthy diets and stresses the importance of personal and systemic change through dietary choices, particularly advocating for plant-based and minimally processed foods. Robbins highlights the adverse effects of ultra-processed foods and encourages building supportive communities to sustain healthy habits. He also touches on the high environmental and health costs of animal agriculture, advocating for a shift towards plant-based diets.

Our Guest:  Ocean Robbins is a father, a husband, a gardener, a dancer, a million view TEDx speaker, and best selling author. He co founded and is CEO of the million member Food Revolution Network. His books include 31 Day Food Revolution, real superfoods and powered by plants.

Visit UrbanFarm.org/Ocean 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.

A Rosie On The House Radio Show Replay

In This Podcast: Farmer Greg and Romey discuss getting your garden started. They emphasize the importance of thoughtful garden placement to harness microclimates and proper sun exposure. Greg shares strategies for garden planning, utilizing different water sources like gray water and rainwater harvesting, and innovative solutions like raised beds and hydroponics. The episode also covers managing pests, chickens as a resource, and creating and maintaining healthy soil.

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/863-Rosie 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.

Cultivating Soil: The Dirt Craft Story

In This Podcast: We feature Adam Schwartz and Sarah Murphy, founders of Dirt Craft Living Soils, a company that creates high-quality, peat-free soil mixes for organic farmers and gardeners in the Southeast. Adam and Sarah discuss their backgrounds in farming and environmentalism, their move to North Carolina, and the establishment of their soil business in 2018. They emphasize the importance of local, sustainable agriculture and detail their innovative composting facility aimed at producing certified organic compost from pre-consumer food waste. The conversation also covers the environmental impact of peat moss and the benefits of their alternative soil ingredients. Key moments include their efforts to support local farms, their family business dynamics, and the challenges and triumphs of running a small, quality-focused enterprise.

Our Guests:  Adam Schwartz and Sarah Murphy are lifelong environmentalists and perennial entrepreneurs who are passionate about building a resilient and just local food system. They moved to Western North Carolina for the opportunity to live a rural lifestyle and stewardship with the land. Together, they founded Dirt Craft Living Soils, a family owned and operated business that blends high quality, peat free soil mixes for organic farmers and gardeners throughout the Southeast.

Visit UrbanFarm.org/DirtCraft 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.

Giving Grove uses fruit trees as community engagement tools

In This Podcast: Ashley Williamson of The Giving Grove discusses her journey and efforts to foster community through the planting of fruit trees. With a background in social work and international experience from the Peace Corps, Ashley co-leads the nonprofit organization that supports the establishment of community orchards in various urban settings across the United States. The Giving Grove collaborates with local nonprofits to initiate orchard programs, providing necessary resources, education, and funding. Ashley highlights their national network of over 630 orchards, emphasizing the transformative impact on local communities and food security. She also shares personal anecdotes and the philosophy driving her commitment to community-centered, sustainable practices.

Our Guest:  Ashley brings local and international experience in program development, community engagement, and research. She has a master in social work advocacy Policy and administration from the University of Kansas and is passionate about connecting people, ideas, and policies. Ashley is the co executive director of the Giving Grove non profit organization. They are a capacity building and technical assistance organization that works with existing 501c3s to start orchard programs in their cities.

Through working with partner organizations across the country, they help community members start orchards at schools, nonprofits, food pantries, places of faith, neighborhood associations, and wherever else someone can dream about placing an orchard. Ashley is always looking forward to a good podcast book or the next time she can work in her ever expanding vegetable garden.

Website - GivingGrove.org

Email - [email protected]

Ashley's Recommended Book - What if we Get it Right by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Visit UrbanFarm.org/GivingGrove 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.

Exploring how seed saving can bring more nutrition to your plate.

In This Podcast: Julia Dakin talks about Eating on the Wild Side. Greg and Julie discuss the nutritional and health benefits of wild and heirloom foods compared to their modern counterparts. They dive into uncovering how our food choices have evolved and the impact on our health and also discuss practical ways to incorporate these nutrient-rich foods into everyday diets. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and selecting foods that offer superior health benefits. Julia provides actionable advice and insights for listeners interested in improving their diet through more natural and historical food sources..

Our Guest: Julia Dakin is the co-founder of Going to Seed, an organization dedicated to promoting seed sovereignty and teaching growers how to adapt crops to local conditions and community preferences. For several years she has been working in community-driven projects that focus on adapting gardens for climate and community resilience using ancestral techniques. Julia leads initiatives that empower local growers to build resilient, locally adapted food systems, enhancing community resilience and food diversity.

Julia's Book Recommendations

• Landrace Gardening by Joseph Lofthouse
• The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger
•  Eating on the Wild Side by Joe Robinson

Visit UrbanFarm.org/GoingToSeed 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.

Learning Holistic Gardening through Permaculture Principle

In This Podcast: of Rosie on the House, Janis Norton the manager of all things Urban Farm, Romey Romero and Farmer Greg discuss holistic gardening and permaculture. They define holistic gardening as considering the entire ecosystem, including your yard and neighborhood. The conversation covers permaculture ethics—care for the earth, care for people, and care for the future—and practical tips like zoning and regenerative systems. They also introduce the Permaculture Design Course, emphasizing it as a deep dive into sustainable and interconnected gardening practices.

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/859-Rosie 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.

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman

In this episode, Greg Peterson from Urban Farm U and Bill McDorman discuss seed-saving and the importance of embracing creativity and chaos in gardening, particularly during winter. They delve into personal anecdotes about sustainable practices and running businesses, highlighting the intersections of fear, excitement, and change in various aspects of life. Additionally, they touch on the evolving practices in permaculture and grain cultivation, particularly Kernza, and its potential for sustainable agriculture.

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/858-seed for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!

What is the Seed Chat?

At least ten times a year we have a live Seed Saving Class with Bill McDorman, the former Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Ketchum, Idaho. He got his start in the bio-regional seed movement while in college in 1979 when he helped start Garden City Seeds. In 1984, Bill started Seeds Trust/High Altitude Gardens, a mail order seed company he ran successfully until it sold in 2013. 

Come join us for the next live class, or catch up on our previous classes through our podcast episodes.  Either way you will expand your seed knowledge and gain new perspectives on your food system.

Register anytime for the next event.

Register Here for the Monthly Seed Saving Class with Live Q&A

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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.

Seed exchange resources, tips and tools.

In This Podcast: Rebecca Newburn, discusses the importance and logistics of organizing seed swaps. She explains the benefits of seed swaps, including local adaptation of seeds and community connections. Then highlights various resources she's created, such as organizing guides, seed swap participants guides, and seed labeling templates to improve the experience for both donors and borrowers. Rebecca also emphasizes the importance of proper labeling and education on seed diversity and viability. Additionally, she introduces innovative tools and resources available on SeedLibraryNetwork.org to aid seed swap organizers and participants.

Our Guest:  Rebecca is the co founder of Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library, a free seed exchange located in the Richmond public library in Richmond, California, where she lives to create a library template.

She designed has helped thousands of seed libraries launch around the world. She is the founder of seed library network dot org and created. The Cool Beans Seed Libraries Newsletter, an international publication supporting local seed projects. Rebecca appeared on our podcast in episode 700 in October of 2022. So for an in depth look at what seed libraries can do for you, you can listen there.

Visit UrbanFarm.org/SeedSwap 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.

https://www.urbanfarm.org/2025/

Balancing Technology and Nature in Homesteading

In This Podcast: Mike Clow, a homesteader, engineer, and co-founder of Desert Life Ranch, discusses his journey from suburban life to sustainable living in the Arizona desert. He emphasizes the importance of integrating technology like solar power and aquaponics to enhance self-reliance and sustainability. Mike introduces his innovative project 'Homestead Electronics,' which uses affordable, custom-built sensors to monitor various homestead parameters, aiming to simplify and improve homestead management. Mike also touches on the challenges and continuous learning involved in homesteading and the importance of perseverance. He offers practical advice for those interested in merging technology with homesteading for more efficient and resilient living.

Our Guest: Mike Clow is a homesteader, engineer and entrepreneur. He and his wife Peggy Sue are founders of the Desert Life Ranch, which they are developing into a center for sustainable and self reliant living in central Arizona. Mike enjoys homesteading, foraging, living in nature, and working with various forms of technology including solar power and aquaponics while spreading the word about sustainable living.

Mike's Recommended Book - Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin

Visit UrbanFarm.org/HomesteadElectronics 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.

Changing the way we stock our pantries.

In This Podcast: David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard, discusses the evolution of his company from selling organic grain out of his pickup truck to building a nationwide organic food distribution network.

David shares his personal journey into organic farming, inspired by his parents' commitment to a healthy diet after his own health issues as a child. He describes the creation of Community Drops, a unique delivery system that spans 50 states, enabling Azure Standard to serve over 3 million families. David also talks about the importance of healthy diets, sustainable farming practices, and Azure Standard's mission to provide high-quality, affordable organic food. The podcast delves into the company's development, the challenges faced, and the impact on local food systems.

Our Guest: David Stelzer is a pioneer in organic food and healthy soil practices. He is the founder and CEO of Azure Farm and Azure Standard, a leading producer and distributor of natural, organic, and non-GMO foods across the nation.

David began his journey into organic farming as a teenager in the 1970s, driven by a passion for providing nourishing, healthful foods cultivated in chemical-free, healthy soil. At just 21, he started selling grain from the family farm out of his pickup truck, which laid the foundation for Azure Standard in 1987.

Under his leadership, Azure Standard developed a unique delivery system known as Community Drops, creating a robust organic food distribution network that spans 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, with over 4,000 local drop points. To date, Azure has delivered organic produce and foods to more than 3 million families across the U.S. 

His vision is to meet the world’s growing demand for truly healthful food, all while staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

David's Book Recommendation - Science in Agriculture: Advanced Methods for Sustainable Farming by Arden Anderson

Visit UrbanFarm.org/AZURE 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.