With Host Greg Peterson and Guests Bill McDorman and Rebecca Newburn

Find our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org

In This Podcast: This episode of Seed Chat explores the future of seed sovereignty through two connected lenses: grassroots seed libraries and the global seed banking system. Greg Peterson is joined by Bill McDorman and special guest Rebecca Newburn to examine how communities can steward seeds locally while industrial institutions struggle to preserve crop diversity at scale. Rebecca shares how the seed library movement has grown into a global network and why the next challenge is helping communities “close the loop” by saving and returning seeds. Bill then zooms out to explain the history, promise, and limitations of international seed banks—and why local seed stewardship may be our most resilient path forward.

Key Topics

• Seed Library Network
• Community seed libraries
• Seed saving education
• CGIAR international gene banks
• Global Crop Diversity Trust
• Svalbard Global Seed Vault
• GRIN (Genetic Resources Information Network)
• Regional seed co-ops
• Climate adaptation through seed diversity
• Snake River Seed Cooperative
• Utopian Seed Project

Key Questions Answered

How do seed libraries actually strengthen local food systems?

Seed libraries give communities free access to seeds while rebuilding the habit of growing, saving, and sharing locally adapted crops. Their long-term value is not just seed distribution, it is creating local resilience through community stewardship and regional seed knowledge.

What makes a seed library successful over time?

The strongest seed libraries are sustained by committed people, clear systems, and community participation. Whether run by one passionate organizer or a collective, successful libraries create pathways for education, local seed donations, and long-term stewardship.

What does it mean to “close the loop” in a seed library?

It means moving beyond simply borrowing and planting seeds. A resilient seed library teaches people how to save seeds, clean them, label them, and return them so the system becomes regenerative instead of extractive.

What is CGIAR and why does it matter?

CGIAR is a global agricultural research network that manages 11 major international gene banks holding hundreds of thousands of seed accessions. These collections preserve crop diversity and serve as a global backup for agriculture, but they are increasingly underfunded and difficult to access.

Why are global seed banks under pressure?

Major seed banks face chronic funding shortages, institutional bottlenecks, and climate-related risks. Even the world’s largest backup systems, including Svalbard, are vulnerable to warming temperatures, infrastructure strain, and political instability.

Why is local seed saving becoming more urgent?

As climate disruption, fertilizer shortages, and industrial fragility intensify, communities will need crops adapted to local conditions. Local seed saving builds food security, preserves biodiversity, and gives communities direct control over future growing conditions.

What role do regional seed companies and seed co-ops play?

Regional seed companies and co-ops bridge the gap between grassroots seed libraries and commercial distribution. They grow regionally adapted seed at scale, distribute locally, and help create more durable seed infrastructure.

Why does Bill argue that “nobody’s coming”?

Bill’s central argument is that communities cannot rely solely on governments, institutions, or global systems to protect seed diversity. The responsibility for preserving and adapting seeds increasingly falls to local growers, seed savers, and regional networks.

Episode Highlights

• Rebecca Newburn explains how seed libraries have evolved from a novel idea into a global movement with thousands of community-led seed libraries.
• Seed libraries succeed when they move beyond free seed distribution and teach people how to save and return seeds.
• Rebecca shares new downloadable “zines” designed to help gardeners plant, save, and return seeds with clear instructions.
• Bill outlines how CGIAR’s global gene banks were built to preserve crop diversity but now struggle with access, staffing, and long-term funding.
• The Global Crop Diversity Trust still lacks the endowment needed to sustainably maintain major international seed collections.
• Bill argues that climate resilience depends on getting seed diversity back into the hands of growers, not just preserving it in vaults.
• Regional seed banks and co-ops may offer a more resilient model than centralized institutions alone.
• Collaboration—not competition—is framed as the cultural shift needed to rebuild seed resilience at scale.

Resources

Find out about Seed libraries — Seed Library Network

Monthly Seed chat — Urban Farm Seed Chat

Podcast Archive — Urban Farm Podcast

Newsletter — Seed Library Network Substack

Regional Seed Inspiration — Snake River Seed Cooperative

Regional Seed Inspiration — Utopian Seed Project

Visit UrbanFarm.org/982 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 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.

This Seed Chat explores the growing consolidation of global seed ownership and the implications of patenting life. Farmer Greg and Bill McDorman dive into the history of seed patent law, the rise of corporate control, and the tension between industrial agriculture and traditional seed saving. They highlight global efforts, especially in Europe, to resist seed patents and protect biodiversity. The episode emphasizes seed saving as both a practical skill and a powerful act of resilience and autonomy.

Key Topics

• Corporate consolidation of global seed ownership
• Seed patenting and intellectual property rights
• Supreme Court case Diamond v. Chakrabarty (1980)
• Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA)
• Utility patents vs. plant breeder protections
• European coalition: No Patents on Seeds
• Role of NGOs and international advocacy
• Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI)
• Center for Food Safety legal efforts
• ETC Group and global seed policy research
• Organic Seed Alliance publications
• Seed saving as resistance and resilience
• Genetic diversity and climate adaptation
• Industrial agriculture vs. small-scale seed saving

Key Questions Answered

Who controls the world’s seeds?

A small number of multinational corporations dominate the global seed market, controlling a significant percentage of commercial seed distribution. This concentration is driven by mergers, acquisitions, and patent protections that favor industrial agriculture.

How did seed patenting become legal?

The 1980 Supreme Court ruling in Diamond v. Chakrabarty opened the door for patenting living organisms. This decision enabled utility patents on seeds, allowing companies to claim ownership over genetically modified—and later even conventionally bred—plants.

What was the original compromise to protect seed breeders?

The Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA) provided a 20-year protection period for breeders while still allowing farmers to save seeds and researchers to use protected varieties. This balance has been eroded by utility patents.

Why are seed patents controversial?

Seed patents restrict farmers from saving seeds and limit other breeders from using patented genetics. This undermines traditional agricultural practices and reduces biodiversity.

What is being done globally to resist seed patents?

Organizations like No Patents on Seeds in Europe mobilize public campaigns, monitor patent filings, and challenge approvals. Coalitions of NGOs are working to influence policy and raise awareness.

What is the Open Source Seed Initiative?

OSSI is a movement that protects seeds from patenting by creating a legal framework that ensures varieties remain freely available for use, breeding, and saving.

Why is seed saving important?

Seed saving preserves genetic diversity, strengthens local food systems, and gives growers autonomy. It’s a foundational practice that has sustained agriculture for over 10,000 years.

Is seed saving difficult?

No—contrary to common belief, seed saving is simple at a small scale. The complexity often associated with it comes from industrial agriculture requirements, not backyard or community gardening.

Episode Highlights

• Global seed ownership is increasingly concentrated among a few corporations.
• The 1980 Supreme Court ruling enabled the patenting of life forms.
• The PVPA once balanced breeder rights with farmer freedoms.
• Utility patents now restrict both seed saving and research.
• European NGOs have mobilized hundreds of thousands against seed patents.
• Seed saving is accessible, resilient, and historically proven.
• Genetic diversity is critical for adapting to climate change.
• Local seed saving builds community and food sovereignty.

Calls to Action & Resources

• Join Live Seed Chats - https://seedchat.org
• Learn about seed freedom advocacy - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.org
• Explore open-source seeds - https://osseeds.org
• Support legal advocacy - https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org
• No Patents On Seeds - https://www.no-patents-on-seeds.org/en
• Organic Seed Alliance - https://seedalliance.org/
• A Guide to Seed Intellectual Property Rights - https://seedalliance.org/publications/a-guide-to-seed-intellectual-property-rights/
• Penn Parmenter - https://www.pennandcordsgarden.com/
• Seed The Untold Story - https://www.seedthemovie.com
• Email Bill at [email protected]

Canada

• National Farmers Union - Save Our Seed - https://www.nfu.ca/learn/save-our-seed/
• Seed Change - https://weseedchange.org/
• etc Group - Research global seed policy — https://www.etcgroup.org

Visit UrbanFarm.org/981 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 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 Rosie On The House Replay

This episode explores practical, low-cost strategies for reusing household gray water to irrigate landscapes. Brad Lancaster shares decades of experience designing regenerative water systems in dryland environments, emphasizing simple gravity-fed solutions over complex infrastructure. The conversation highlights how homeowners can dramatically reduce water use by “stacking functions” and capturing water already on-site. By pairing gray water with rainwater harvesting, households can meet most or all of their irrigation needs.

 Brad Lancaster runs a successful permaculture consulting design and education business in Tucson, Arizona. He's focused on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning and living. Growing up in a dryland environment, water harvesting has long been one of his specialties and a true passion. He's the author of the Permaculture Bible for Water Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volumes One and Two. And he has just released new color versions, revised and expanded of both of them.

Key Topics

• Gray water (definition and household sources)
• Difference between gray water and black water
• Brad Lancaster (water harvesting expert)
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Gravity-fed irrigation design
• Soil as a living filtration system
• Mulch basins and infiltration strategies
• Laundry-to-landscape systems
• Outdoor shower gray water reuse
• Water conservation in dryland climates
• Arizona gray water regulations (13 guidelines)
• Soap and detergent impacts (salt vs liquid)
• Planting water before plants (design philosophy)
• Evapotranspiration and passive cooling

Key Questions Answered

What is gray water and how much of household water does it represent?

Gray water is lightly used water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. It represents a significant portion of household water use—nearly equal to outdoor irrigation demand—making it a major opportunity for reuse.

Is gray water safe to use in the landscape?

Yes, when basic guidelines are followed. Avoid toxins, prevent pooling, and distribute water across multiple areas. Soil biology naturally filters the water, making it safe for fruit trees and many landscape plants.

How can homeowners start using gray water cheaply and easily?

Simple systems like redirecting a washing machine hose or using an outdoor shower can send water directly to plants using gravity. No pumps, tanks, or complex filtration systems are needed.

What soaps and products should be used with gray water systems?

Liquid soaps are preferred over powdered detergents because they contain fewer salt-based fillers. Avoid chlorine bleach and opt for hydrogen peroxide alternatives to protect soil health.

Why shouldn’t gray water be stored in tanks?

Stored gray water quickly turns septic due to organic matter, creating odor and health issues. It’s best used immediately by directing it into soil systems.

How does combining gray water and rainwater maximize impact?

Together, they can meet nearly all irrigation needs for a landscape, especially with low-water-use plants. This reduces reliance on municipal water and increases resilience.

What does “plant the water first” mean?

Design the landscape to capture and infiltrate water using basins and contours before planting. This ensures plants receive consistent moisture naturally.

Where should plants be placed in a water-harvesting landscape?

Higher water-use plants should be placed near water sources like roofs or gray water outlets. Trees should be positioned for shade and cooling benefits, especially on east and west sides of buildings.

Episode Highlights

• Gray water is “perennial water”—it flows daily as long as you live in your home
• You’ve already paid for this water—reuse it instead of sending it to the sewer
• A simple laundry system can irrigate multiple trees by rotating a drain hose
• Soil acts as a living sponge and filter, outperforming mechanical systems
• Outdoor showers can double as irrigation systems and cooling zones for animals
• Avoid overcomplication—gravity systems are cheaper, more reliable, and effective
• Capturing both rainwater and gray water can eliminate most irrigation needs
• Water harvesting landscapes create cooler microclimates and support biodiversity

Calls to Action & Resources

Brad Lancaster Resources — https://www.harvestingrainwater.com

YouTube Channel — Search “Brad Lancaster water harvesting”

Books — Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond (Volumes 1 & 2)

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/980 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.

In this Episode Christopher Parker shares his lifelong journey into mycology, rooted in growing up in the forests of Western North Carolina and decades of hands-on experience. He explains how fungi underpins life on Earth, drives soil fertility, and plays a critical role in regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores low-tech mushroom cultivation, indigenous ecological knowledge, and how working with fungi can create resilient, localized food systems. Christopher also highlights practical ways to grow mushrooms, restore ecosystems, and build livelihoods rooted in land stewardship.

Our Guest: Christopher Parker is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, he is a farmer, educator, and myco-culture keeper with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous regenerative agriculture and mushroom cultivation. He co-founded The Forest Farmacy, an Indigenous-led mushroom school rooted in the Cherokee homeland of Western North Carolina. Chris teaches applied eco-mycology—weaving traditional forest-tending knowledge with modern cultivation science to heal ecosystems and strengthen food sovereignty. His work centers on low-tech, scalable cultivation that transforms farm and forest byproducts into gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helps farmers and land stewards create ecologically sound, culturally rooted, and economically resilient livelihoods.

Key Topics & Entities

• Christopher Parker
• Indigenous regenerative agriculture
• Mushroom cultivation (low-tech and scalable)
• Mycology and soil microbiology
• Mycorrhizal fungi (ecto & endo)
• Food sovereignty and local food systems
• Forest farming and ecosystem restoration
• Trichoderma and soil regeneration
• Korean Natural Farming (KNF)
• Biochar and microbial inoculation
• Mushroom cultivation on logs and sawdust
• The Forest Farmacy
• The Mycelial Healer (book)
• Radical Mycology (book by Peter McCoy)

Key Questions Answered

Why does fungi matter in soil and regenerative agriculture?

Fungi act as the “underground economy,” moving nutrients, water, and minerals between soil and plants. They unlock nutrients already present in the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for external fertilizers.

Can healthy soil eliminate the need for fertilizers?

Yes. When fungal and microbial life is balanced, natural processes provide nutrients to plants, dramatically reducing inputs and allowing nature to do the heavy lifting.

How do mushrooms actually grow and function?

The visible mushroom is only the fruiting body. Most of the organism exists as mycelium within logs or soil, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.

What is a simple way to start growing mushrooms?

Low-tech methods like inoculating logs, pasteurizing straw, or using simple heat sources can produce mushrooms without expensive equipment.

How can mushroom cultivation support regenerative farming?

Spent mushroom substrates and even contaminated batches can be repurposed to build soil biology, suppress pathogens, and enhance fertility.

What role does observation play in successful growing?

Careful observation of natural systems—like how fungi interact with insects, trees, and decay—reveals cultivation insights that can outperform conventional methods.

What are common failures in mushroom cultivation?

Certain species like maitake and chicken of the woods are difficult to grow on logs using standard methods. Understanding their natural ecology can unlock success.

How can farmers integrate fungi into their systems?

By using local fungi, building soil biology, and incorporating techniques like KNF and biochar inoculation, farmers can regenerate land while producing food.

Episode Highlights

• Fungi and bacteria underpin all life on Earth
• Mushrooms are just the “fruit”—most life is hidden as mycelium
• Healthy soil biology can eliminate fertilizer needs
• Low-tech mushroom growing is accessible to anyone
• Contaminated mushroom bags can regenerate soil via biochar
• Observation of nature led to breakthroughs in cultivation methods
• Indigenous knowledge and modern science can work together
• Start small, learn deeply, and scale gradually

Calls to Action & Resources

The Forest Farmacy — https://theforestfarmacy.com

Christopher's Book: The Mycelial Healer — Available via Chelsea Green Publishing

Course — Year-long mushroom cultivation program HERE

Christophers Book Recommendation -  Paul Stamets, Growing Gourmet Medicinal Mushrooms and  Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy

Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/forestfarmacy

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/ForestFarmacy 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!

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

In this Episode Zach Brooks shares how he transformed a barren cotton field into the thriving Arizona Worm Farm which is now one of the largest worm composting operations in the U.S. What began as a personal experiment in sustainability evolved into a regenerative, off-grid-inspired ecosystem that converts waste into soil, food, and community education. Zach explains how worms, compost, and black soldier flies work together to rebuild soil and produce nutrient-dense food. The conversation highlights practical, scalable solutions for local food systems using simple, accessible technologies.

Our Guest:  Zach semi-retired from healthcare management at the age of 42 when his consulting company went public, and when his first of three grandchildren were born, he went back to Arizona State University to get a second master's degree in sustainability. Frustrated that most causes of climate change were not only fixable, but fixable with off the shelf practices and technology, Zach set out to prove that an off-grid lifestyle could be every bit as comfortable as a wasteful lifestyle and have a positive impact on the environment. And the most exciting thing...Zach has now built Arizona Worm Farm into one of the largest most successful worm farms in the United States.

What is the Arizona Worm Farm?

A regenerative, working farm designed to turn food waste into compost, soil fertility, and food production while educating the community on sustainable gardening practices.

How did Zach Brooks get started in worm farming?

After a career in healthcare, Zach pursued a sustainability degree and became motivated to address climate challenges using practical, existing solutions. He started by rebuilding dead soil using worms.

How large has the operation become?

The farm produces over 4.5 million worms annually, supports thousands of customers, and manages millions more worms dedicated to compost production.

What role do worms play in soil regeneration?

Worms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings filled with beneficial microbes that improve soil health, fertility, and plant growth.

What do the worms eat at scale?

Primarily pre-composted organic waste, including horse manure, landscape waste, and pre-consumer food scraps from caterers and food processors.

Why is local composting important?

Fresh, local compost contains active microbial life and reduces landfill waste, creating a closed-loop system that supports local food production.

What are black soldier flies and why are they important?

They are composting insects whose larvae consume waste rapidly and convert it into high-quality protein for animals, offering a sustainable alternative feed source.

What makes Arizona Worm Farm a “one-stop shop” for gardeners?

It combines education, compost, worms, plant starts, and regenerative techniques to help people successfully grow food at home.

How does the farm generate revenue beyond worms?

Through classes, compost products, plant starts, and value-added inputs like worm tea and insect-based fertilizers.

What is the long-term vision behind the farm?

To demonstrate that regenerative, self-sustaining systems can support communities using simple inputs like sunlight, water, and organic waste.

Episode Highlights

• Built from a dead cotton field into a regenerative ecosystem
• Scaled from 400,000 to 4.5 million worms annually
• Produces 80,000 worms per week through controlled breeding
• Diverts large volumes of food waste from landfills
• Integrates composting, aquaponics, and food forests
• Hosts highly sought-after, sold-out educational classes
• Produces 400–800 lbs of insect protein weekly via black soldier flies
• Demonstrates year-round food production in a desert climate

Key Topics

• Arizona Worm Farm
• Zach Brooks
• Worm composting (vermiculture)
• Black soldier fly larvae systems
• Regenerative agriculture
• Soil microbiology & soil food web
• Composting systems (hot compost + worm compost)
• Food waste diversion
• Off-grid living systems
• Aquaponics integration
• Seasonal planting strategies
• Urban farming education programs
• Local food systems & backyard gardening
• Sustainable protein production (insects)

Resources

• Arizona Worm Farm — https://arizonawormfarm.com
• Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/azWormFarm
• Classes & Workshops — Available via website mailing list
• Self-Guided Farm Tours — Visit in South Phoenix

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/AZWormFarm 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!

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

In this Episode Greg and Scott explore the concept of resiliency through both human behavior and regenerative farming systems. Scott Murray shares practical strategies for adapting to stress, uncertainty, and environmental challenges while building stronger personal and agricultural systems. The conversation connects biological resilience, seen in ecosystems and farms, to everyday preparedness, food security, and mindset. Listeners walk away with six actionable ways to improve resilience in their homes, gardens, and lives.

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.

Key Topics

• Resiliency (human and ecological definitions)
• Carrying capacity in biological systems
• Regenerative farming principles
• Polyculture vs monoculture systems
• Water management and irrigation strategies
• Soil health and biological farming
• Organic vs chemical agriculture debate
• Food security and home food production
• Cut-and-come-again gardening method
• Emergency preparedness (food, water, go-bags)
• Decentralized food systems and local resilience
• Mindset and mental preparedness

What is resiliency and how does it apply to daily life?

Resiliency is the ability to adapt and recover from stress, adversity, or disruption. Like a rubber band returning to its original shape, humans can build emotional, mental, and behavioral flexibility to regain balance after challenges.

How does resiliency show up in farming systems?

In agriculture, resiliency comes from designing balanced ecosystems with diversity, proper water management, and healthy soil biology. Farms that mimic natural systems are better able to withstand environmental and economic shocks.

Why is polyculture more resilient than monoculture?

Polyculture systems grow multiple crops together, creating layered ecosystems that reduce risk, improve soil health, and increase productivity. If one crop fails, others can still thrive, ensuring more stable yields.

Can organic systems produce enough food?

Yes. The belief that organic farming cannot feed the world is a misconception. With proper design and soil management, organic systems can be highly productive and sustainable.

What is “cut and come again” gardening?

It’s a harvesting method where you remove outer leaves from plants like lettuce, kale, or chard, allowing them to regrow and produce continuously over months instead of a single harvest.

How can families increase food resilience at home?

By growing even a small portion of their food, storing shelf-stable items, and building relationships with neighbors or local growers, families can buffer against disruptions in the food system.

Why is water management critical for resilient farming?

Efficient irrigation—such as shorter, more frequent watering—prevents waste, improves plant health, and reduces stress on crops, especially in drought-prone regions.

What role does mindset play in resilience?

Mental preparedness is foundational. When individuals are prepared and confident, they respond to crises with clarity rather than panic, enabling better decision-making.

Episode Highlights

• Resiliency is like a rubber band—stretch, recover, return to balance
• Farms of the future rely on biodiversity and natural systems
• Overwatering and poor design can silently destroy farm productivity
• Cutting water use in half can actually improve plant health
• One ounce of wheat seed can yield a five-gallon bucket of grain
• “Cut and come again” gardening extends harvests for months
• Food is more valuable than gold in times of crisis
• Preparedness reduces stress and increases adaptability

Resources

Urban Farm Podcast - https://www.urbanfarm.org

Edge of Urban Farm - http://edgeofurbanfarm.com

John Jeavons Urban Farm Podcast Episodes

1. https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/16/423-john-jeavons/
2. https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/19/424-john-jeavons/

Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/futurefarms 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!

*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 new way of looking at climate solutions with Anthony Myint

In this Episode Anthony Myint shares his journey from pioneering pop-up restaurants to leading a climate-focused nonprofit transforming agriculture. He explains why consumer choice alone doesn’t change farming systems and introduces a new model: funding regenerative agriculture directly through small, scalable contributions. Through Zero Foodprint, businesses and individuals can help finance on-the-ground practices like compost application and cover cropping. The conversation reframes “farm-to-table” into “table-to-farm,” emphasizing collective action to restore soil and climate.

Our Guest: Anthony Myint is the executive director of Zero FoodPrint, a nonprofit named one of the most innovative companies in the world by Fast Company. Zero FoodPrint leads, collaborations with state agencies, local governments, and hundreds of businesses to implement impactful and validated regenerative agriculture projects. The organization has awarded over $8 million to 600 plus farm projects

Key Topics & Entities

• Zero Foodprint nonprofit model
• Regenerative agriculture practices
• Table-to-farm vs. farm-to-table
• Restaurant industry innovation (pop-ups, Mission Chinese Food)
• Climate-beneficial agriculture
• Compost application and soil carbon sequestration
• Cover crops and reduced soil disturbance
• Grant funding for farmers (up to $25,000)
• Carbon measurement and cost-effectiveness modeling
• Public-private partnerships (state, local, conservation groups)
• Consumer participation through 1% contributions
• Collective regeneration concept
• Limitations of organic market growth (1% of U.S. farmland)
• Economic barriers for farmers transitioning practices

Key Questions Answered

What is regenerative agriculture?

A system focused on improving land management through practices like compost use, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock, working with nature to restore soil health and sequester carbon.

Why don’t better consumer choices alone change farming?

Because farmers operate within tight financial systems driven by loans and input costs. Paying slightly more for products doesn’t provide enough capital or reduce risk for farmers to transition practices.

What is Zero Foodprint’s solution?

A funding model where businesses and consumers contribute small amounts (often 1% of sales), which are pooled and distributed as grants to farmers implementing regenerative practices.

How does the funding reach farmers?

Farmers submit simple grant requests for specific practices. Funds are allocated based on cost-effectiveness (e.g., cost per ton of carbon sequestered) and verified by local experts.

What does “table-to-farm” mean?

Instead of just sourcing from good farms, it means sending money back to farms to actively support the transition to regenerative practices across the entire system.

How can individuals participate?

By dining at participating businesses, contributing monthly donations, or supporting campaigns that direct funds to regenerative agriculture projects.

What impact has the model achieved so far?

Over $8 million has been awarded to 600+ farm projects, funding real changes like compost application and cover cropping at scale.

What is the biggest barrier to adoption?

Even small contributions (like a penny or 1%) are still a new concept, and businesses and consumers are not yet accustomed to paying directly for climate solutions.

Episode Highlights

• Anthony’s early career helped pioneer the pop-up restaurant movement, leading to Mission Chinese Food.
• A turning point came after realizing organic farming still represents only ~1% of U.S. farmland after decades.
• The failure of “vote with your dollar” thinking led to a new model focused on direct funding.
• Zero Foodprint enables consumers to participate passively—just by eating at certain restaurants.
• One restaurant group generated $650,000 for farm projects through a 1% contribution model.
• A single music tour commitment created $300,000 for regenerative agriculture.
• Grants are simple and accessible, taking farmers just 15–20 minutes to apply.
• The long-term vision mirrors recycling and renewable energy programs—small fees funding systemic change.

Resources

Resource — Zero Foodprint Website

Donate — Support Regenerative Agriculture

Apply (Farmers) — https://www.zerofoodprint.org/apply

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A Rosie On The House Replay

In this episode explores the foundation of successful gardening: healthy soil. Farmer Greg is joined by Shota Austin from Tank’s Green Stuff to discuss composting, soil biology, and how gardeners in dry climates can transform lifeless dirt into thriving soil ecosystems. They explain how compost introduces life into depleted soils, why organic practices support soil microbiology, and how mulch, compost, and planting mixes work together to build resilient garden beds. The conversation also highlights practical strategies for gardeners, including dechlorinating water, choosing soil inputs wisely, and avoiding common soil-building mistakes.

Shota Austin is with Tanks Green Stuff in Tucson AZ. Shota has been in the agriculture industry for the last two decades. Working with livestock, goats, sheep, cattle, chickens, cotton, alfalfa, nursery crops, orchards and vegetable production. As a former U of A Compost Cat, Shota has been working with compost since 2013 and now works as sales and marketing director for Tanks Green Stuff, where he oversees all aspects of the business, including production quality control. Product development, sales, marketing, social media, and customer service. Shota is also a founding member of the newly formed Arizona Compost Council.

Key Topics & Entities

1. Tank’s Green Stuff
2. Arizona Compost Council
3. Compost and soil microbiology
4. Desert soil and low organic matter
5. Organic fertilizers vs chemical fertilizers
6. NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
7. Mulch and soil moisture retention
8. Raised bed soil mixes
9. Coco coir as a peat moss alternative
10. Dechlorinating municipal water
11. Soil biology and plant health
12. Organic compost production from landscape waste
13. Manure risks in garden beds
14. Local soil products for arid climates

Key Questions Answered

Why is compost so critical to soil health?

Compost introduces organic matter, beneficial microbes, and nutrients into soil. In many desert environments, soil contains little organic material—often less than 1%. Compost transforms inert dirt into living soil by supporting microbial life that cycles nutrients and improves structure, water retention, and plant resilience.

What is the difference between dirt and soil?

Dirt is largely inert mineral material like sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments. Soil is a living ecosystem made up of minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, water, and air. When organic matter and biology are added to dirt, it becomes functional soil capable of supporting plant life.

What role does soil microbiology play in plant health?

Soil microbes act as the delivery system for plant nutrition. They break down organic matter, release nutrients, defend plants from pathogens, and create the soil structure plants rely on. When gardeners feed the soil microbiology rather than the plant directly, plants thrive naturally.

What do the three fertilizer numbers (NPK) mean?

The three numbers on fertilizer labels represent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth and green foliage. Phosphorus supports flower and fruit development. Potassium strengthens root systems and overall plant resilience. These nutrients work best when supported by micronutrients, trace minerals, and active soil biology.

Why can chemical fertilizers harm soil biology?

Many synthetic fertilizers and pesticides reduce beneficial microbial populations. While they may provide short-term plant growth, they disrupt the biological systems that naturally feed and protect plants. Organic fertilizers support soil organisms instead of suppressing them.

How can gardeners remove chlorine from municipal water before watering plants?

Chlorine can harm beneficial microbes in soil. One simple method is letting water sit in an open container so the chlorine dissipates. Another option is installing a whole-house charcoal filtration system that removes chlorine before the water reaches garden soil.

What is the difference between compost, planting mix, and mulch?

Compost is decomposed organic matter used as a soil amendment. Planting mix blends compost with materials like coco coir and perlite to improve aeration, drainage, and moisture retention. Mulch is any material placed on top of soil to protect it, retain moisture, and gradually build organic matter as it decomposes.

What ingredients create a high-quality planting mix?

A strong planting mix typically includes compost for nutrients and microbial life, coco coir for moisture retention, aeration materials like perlite or pumice, a small amount of native soil for mineral content, and organic fertilizers for additional nutrients.

Why is mulch essential for building soil in dry climates?

Mulch protects soil from heat, reduces evaporation, and feeds soil organisms as it breaks down. In hot climates, thick mulch layers can reduce surface temperatures and improve soil moisture retention while gradually building organic matter.

What materials should gardeners avoid putting in their soil?

Gardeners should avoid chemical fertilizers, peat moss harvested unsustainably, screened fill dirt, and unverified manure sources. Non-organic straw or hay may also introduce herbicides or weed seeds that damage gardens.

Episode Highlights

1. Compost adds life to soils that may contain less than 1% organic matter.
2. Healthy soil is built from three main components: mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms.
3. Soil microbes function like delivery systems, transporting nutrients from soil to plant roots.
4. Thick mulch layers can reduce landscape temperatures by as much as 15–20°F.
5. Coco coir from coconut husks provides a sustainable alternative to peat moss and lasts longer in soil.
6. Organic fertilizers supply nutrients along with micronutrients and trace minerals that synthetic fertilizers often lack.
7. Letting water sit in a bucket allows chlorine to dissipate before watering plants.
8. Locally produced soil products are often better suited for regional climate and sustainability.

Resources

Tank’s Green Stuff — https://tanksgreenstuff.com

Urban Farm Tree Planting Mix — Available through Urban Farm pop-up events - Store.urbanfarm.org

Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/973 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.

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman

Join our live monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org

In This Podcast: Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore why building a local seed economy is essential for resilient food systems. They share the origin story of the Great American Seed Up, how communities can distribute seeds affordably, and why seed diversity matters in the face of climate change and fragile global supply chains. The discussion highlights grassroots strategies—from seed libraries to neighborhood seed events—that empower communities to grow their own food. They also dive into the science of epigenetics and local adaptation, explaining why saving seeds from your own garden improves future crops.

Key Topics & Entities

1. Local seed economies
2. The Great American Seed Up
3. Seed Up in a Box
4. Community seed distribution models
5. Seed libraries and the Seed Library Network
6. LocalSeeds.org
7. Regional seed companies and seed exchanges
8. Climate change and food system resilience
9. Seed saving and landrace gardening
10. Epigenetics and plant adaptation
11. Joseph Lofthouse’s Landrace Gardening
12. Barbara McClintock and epigenetics research
13. Community gardening and food security
14. Cowpeas and volunteer plants

Key Questions Answered

What is a local seed economy and why does it matter?

A local seed economy means seeds are produced, saved, and shared within a region. This strengthens food resilience because local varieties adapt to local conditions and communities are not dependent on global supply chains.

Why isn’t storing seeds in one “seed bank” enough?

A centralized seed bank doesn’t build resilience. The real solution is thousands of people growing and saving seeds. When many gardeners are involved, knowledge spreads and communities collectively maintain crop diversity.

How did the Great American Seed Up begin?

The idea emerged from a conversation about getting seeds into as many homes as possible. Inspired by a community seed distribution organized by a church group in Idaho, Greg Peterson created a large event where gardeners scoop bulk seeds into their own packets—dramatically lowering costs and increasing access.

How can communities distribute seeds affordably?

Buying seeds in bulk eliminates most packaging costs. At seed events, participants scoop seeds from bowls into small bags, often receiving 3–10× the amount found in retail packets for less money.

What is Seed Up in a Box?

Seed Up in a Box is a packaged kit that enables small groups to run their own mini seed distribution events, making it easy for neighborhoods, libraries, and community groups to share seeds locally.

Why are seed libraries important?

Seed libraries allow gardeners to borrow seeds, grow them, save new seeds, and return them to the community. This builds regional adaptation and spreads genetic diversity.

What role does epigenetics play in seed saving?

Plants can adapt to environmental stresses like heat or drought within a single generation. Through epigenetics, those adaptive traits can be passed to the next generation, meaning seeds saved from resilient plants become better suited to local conditions.

Why do volunteer plants often grow better?

Volunteer plants come from seeds already adapted to the local environment. Over several seasons, natural selection and epigenetic responses help them become more resilient.

Episode Highlights

1. A single church community in Idaho organized a bulk seed distribution so hundreds of families could access seeds cheaply.
2. The Great American Seed Up events allow hundreds of gardeners to scoop bulk seeds into their own packets.
3. Eliminating packaging reveals that many seed packets contain only about 13 cents worth of seeds.
4. During COVID, the Seed Up concept evolved into Seed Up in a Box so small groups could run their own seed distribution events.
5. Seed libraries and local seed exchanges are growing worldwide as grassroots solutions for food resilience.
6. Volunteer plants and locally saved seeds often outperform commercial varieties because they adapt to specific climates.
7. Epigenetics shows plants can quickly adjust to stress and pass those adaptations to future generations.
8. Even a few plants can produce abundant food—three volunteer cowpea plants produced three pounds of beans.

Resources

Attend Seed Chat Live

Seed Chat — https://seedchat.org

Urban Farm Podcast

Podcast episodes and archives — https://urbanfarmpodcast.com

Seed Up in a Box

Community seed distribution kits — https://seedupinabox.com

Seed Library Movement

Seed Library Network — https://seedlibrarynetwork.org

Regional Seed Sources

Local Seeds directory — https://localseeds.org

Seed Community Resources

Going to Seed — https://goingtoseed.org

Visit UrbanFarm.org/974 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 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.

Subtitle

In this Episode Christy Wilhelmy, founder of Garden Nerd and author of multiple gardening books, returns to discuss her upcoming novel Bolting to Seed. The book is the sequel to her debut garden novel Garden Variety and blends gardening education with a cozy mystery storyline set in a community garden. Christy shares how real-life community garden experiences inspired her fiction, how she structures a mystery novel, and why she chose to independently publish the sequel through Kickstarter. Along the way, she highlights how storytelling can inspire people to start gardening, even if they’ve never grown food before.

Our Guest: Christy is the founder of Garden Nerd, the ultimate resource for garden nerds, where she publishes newsletters, her popular blog. Top ranked podcast and YouTube videos. She also specializes in small space, organic vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes. Between 50 and 70% of her family's produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet. She is the author of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening, 400 plus Tips for Organic Gardening Success, Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden and her debut novel Garden variety.

Key Topics

1. Christy Wilhelmy
2. Garden Nerd
3. Bolting to Seed novel
4. Garden Variety novel
5. Community gardens as storytelling inspiration
6. Independent publishing and Kickstarter campaigns
7. Cozy mystery genre
8. Gardening education embedded in fiction
9. Small space organic vegetable gardening
10. Scrivener writing software
11. Thrips damage on citrus and nectarines
12. Beneficial insects and insectary plants
13. Lacewings and minute pirate bugs
14. Biological pest control in gardens

Key Questions Answered

How did Christy Wilhelmy move from gardening books into writing fiction?

Christy spent more than 27 years gardening in a community garden and realized the setting was full of unique personalities and stories. She began collecting ideas over time and eventually turned those experiences into her debut novel Garden Variety, a rom-com set in a Los Angeles community garden.

What is the new novel Bolting to Seed about?

The sequel takes place a year after Garden Variety and focuses on late spring and summer in the same community garden. The story blends gardening lessons with a cozy mystery: a murder occurs, and the characters must solve the case while navigating community garden life.

Why did Christy decide to self-publish the new book?

After her agent shopped the manuscript to traditional publishers for nearly a year, she learned that publishers were hesitant to buy sequels unless the first book was a major bestseller. Rather than wait indefinitely, she chose independent publishing to maintain creative control and move the project forward.

How does Christy structure a mystery novel?

She approaches writing as a “planner.” She outlines the story in advance, maps out character arcs, and lists key scenes that must happen to move the plot forward. Using Scrivener, she writes scenes separately and rearranges them until the structure works, filling in gaps and transitions as the story develops.

How are gardening lessons included in the novel?

Christy intentionally makes a list of gardening topics she wants to teach—usually around ten lessons—and integrates them naturally into the storyline. At the end of the book, readers will also find a growing guide summarizing the key gardening takeaways.

What is the Kickstarter campaign supporting?

The Kickstarter helps cover the expenses of independent publishing, including editing, cover design, layout, printing, and marketing. Supporters can pledge at different levels to receive rewards like signed books, custom seed packets, tote bags, virtual launch party tickets, and even cameo appearances in future novels.

How can beneficial insects help manage thrips damage?

Thrips can scar citrus and other fruit during the flowering stage. Encouraging beneficial insects like lacewings and minute pirate bugs through insectary plantings can help control thrips populations naturally.

Episode Highlights

1. Christy shares how decades in a community garden inspired her first novel.
2. Bolting to Seed shifts genres from romantic comedy to a cozy mystery.
3. The sequel introduces new characters and a detective investigating a garden-related murder.
4. Readers can learn gardening techniques while following the story.
5. Christy explains the difference between “planner” and “pantser” writing styles.
6. Independent publishing allows her to design the book exactly how she wants.
7. The Kickstarter campaign includes creative rewards such as appearing in a future novel.
8. Beneficial insect habitats can naturally manage pests like thrips.

Resources

1. Garden Nerd — https://gardennerd.com
2. Kickstarter campaign for Bolting to Seed — https://gardennerd.com
3. Podcast show notes — https://urbanfarm.org/BoltingTwoSeed

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!

*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.

Subtitle

In this Episode Enoch Graham shares practical strategies for growing abundant food in small urban spaces. Drawing on 15 years of gardening in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, Enoch explains how to maximize production in patios, rooftops, and compact yards. He outlines his Nine Keys to Small Space Gardening, covering water systems, sunlight management, container growing, vertical gardening, soil health, and creative use of limited space. The conversation also explores soil biology, organic practices, and why patience, especially during the first year, is essential for long-term garden success.

Our Guest: Enoch Graham is the host of the weekend Gardening Talk YouTube show 'Let's Get Growing'. He has interviewed hundreds of the world's top gardening communicators and shares his small space gardening practices on his YouTube channel, the Urban Gardener. He has been growing his urban food garden for 15 years in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, utilizing many different spaces from a cemented back patio and to a carport rooftop to grow peppers. He has learned a lot over the years and truly loves sharing his experience with other passionate growers in the gardening community.

Key Topics

1. Enoch Graham
2. Small space urban gardening
3. Container gardening
4. Drip irrigation and drip tape
5. Rainwater capture and alternative water sources
6. Sunlight management in urban environments
7. Vertical gardening and trellising
8. Layered planting systems
9. Soil health and organic soil building
10. Compost and organic matter
11. Biochar in soil mixes
12. OMRI-certified organic soil products
13. No-till container gardening
14. Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon

Questions Answered

What are the most important factors for growing food in small urban spaces?

Enoch outlines nine key principles that guide successful small-space gardening: reliable water access, adequate sunlight, containers, vertical growing, layered planting, soil management, and creative use of available spaces.

How can urban gardeners secure a reliable water supply?

Gardeners should start by identifying nearby water sources such as hose spigots, rain barrels, gray water systems, condensation capture, or stormwater runoff. Consistent watering is essential, especially in container gardens where soil dries quickly.

What irrigation methods work best for small gardens?

Hand watering allows gardeners to observe plant health closely. However, automated drip irrigation systems or drip tape with timers are helpful when gardeners are away or during hot summer months.

How do buildings and urban structures affect sunlight?

Walls, fences, and tall buildings can create heavy shade. Gardeners should observe how sunlight moves through the space during the day and select shade-tolerant crops when necessary.

Why are containers essential in urban gardens?

Containers allow gardening on patios, rooftops, and paved surfaces. Larger containers—typically five gallons or more—help maintain moisture and support stronger plant growth compared to smaller pots.

How can vertical growing increase productivity?

Trellising vining crops like tomatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, and even melons allows gardeners to grow upward instead of outward, maximizing limited square footage.

What does layering mean in a garden system?

Layering involves growing plants at different heights—similar to a food forest—so taller plants capture sunlight above while shade-tolerant plants grow beneath them.

Why is soil management especially important in container gardening?

Container soil must provide structure, drainage, nutrients, and living biology. Good mixes often include compost, coco coir, vermiculite or perlite, and organic amendments.

Why might a container garden struggle in its first year?

New soil takes time to develop microbial life and balance. Gardeners should expect improvement in subsequent seasons as soil biology develops.

How can gardeners maintain healthy container soil long-term?

Instead of replacing soil each year, gardeners can treat containers like no-till systems by simply adding compost annually to replenish organic matter and nutrients.

Episode Highlights

1. Successful small-space gardening starts with reliable water access and consistent irrigation.
2. Urban shade patterns require careful observation before choosing crops.
3. Five-gallon containers or larger help stabilize moisture and support plant growth.
4. Vertical trellising dramatically increases yield per square foot.
5. Layering plants mimics natural ecosystems and maximizes sunlight use.
6. Healthy soil contains dirt, air space, water, organic matter, and living organisms.
7. OMRI-certified products help maintain organic growing practices.
8. Container soil improves over time as microbial life develops and compost is added annually.

Calls to Action & Resources

Drip Tape Class — Learn irrigation techniques taught each March by Urban Farm

Urban Gardener YouTube Channel — Enoch Graham shares small-space gardening practices - https://www.youtube.com/@theUrbanGardener

OMRI Organic Certification — https://www.omri.org

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/TreasureYourGarden 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!

*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.