How I Grow This

Briana Bosch shares her journey from a background in business to a productive flower farm and beyond, focusing on regenerative gardening and sustainable practices (and no plastics!) She discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in Colorado's unique climate, her passion for native plants, growing without plastics, and the importance of community involvement in her farming endeavors.

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Curtis Stone, an influential figure in the world of market gardening and homesteading. Curtis shares his journey from aspiring off-grid homesteader to successful market gardener, detailing the evolution of his farming practices and the unexpected paths that led to his success. The conversation also touches on personal challenges, grief, and the importance of resilience in both farming and life.

Luke Hammond interviews Nicole Burke, a passionate gardener and author, who shares her unique journey from a food addiction to becoming a gardening expert. Nicole discusses her early experiences with gardening, the evolution of her practices, and how she built a successful gardening business. She emphasizes the importance of soil health, innovative planting techniques, and adapting to climate challenges. Throughout the conversation, Nicole provides valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring gardeners, making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Meet Ray Tyler, a successful market gardener grossing $800k on 1.25 acres in Selmer, Tennessee. Ray shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with weather, soil management, and family health crises, and his innovative techniques for crop production. He discusses the importance of resilience, labor management, and financial strategies in running a successful farm. Ray emphasizes the need for aspiring farmers to embrace challenges and focus on continuous improvement in their practices.

In this episode, Luke Hammond compares notes with Stephen Cornette of Nature's Always Right about the various contexts of gardening, transitioning from California to Tennessee, and the philosophy behind sustainable farming. They discuss the importance of mimicking nature, the challenges of ease in gardening, and the benefits of raised bed gardening. Stephen shares insights on Korean natural farming as well as the cultural nuances in farming practices. The conversation emphasizes the significance of growing your own food, strategies for improving challenging soil conditions, and the importance of inspiring future generations of gardeners.

Meet Josh and Carolyn Thomas, a dynamic couple known for their contributions to the homesteading movement. They share their journey from urban living to establishing a homestead, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped their lifestyle choices, including a significant health scare related to vaccinations. The couple emphasizes the importance of intentional living, building systems for success, and the challenges they faced, including unexpected glyphosate contamination in their bodies. They offer encouragement to aspiring homesteaders, stressing the value of starting small and doing what one can with available resources. The conversation also touches on practical gardening tips and the lessons learned from failures along the way.

Check out what Josh and Carolyn are up to at www.homesteadingfamily.com

Matt Powers, the Citizen Scientist, takes you on a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of soil science and sustainable growing practices. From a professional ski racer to a leading figure in permaculture, discover how a knee injury redirected his path, leading him to embrace music and eventually growing, where he now thrives as an educator and advocate for sustainable living. Tune in to explore Matt's unique story and his passion for blending science with nature.

Matt's Course: https://matt-powers.mykajabi.com/regenerative-soil-microscopy-the-online-course

Luke interviews Christy Wilhelmi, a gardening expert and author, who shares her journey from apartment gardening to managing a community garden in Los Angeles. They discuss the dynamics of community gardening, including interpersonal relationships, pest control, watering systems, and the impact of climate change on gardening practices. Christy emphasizes the importance of soil health and composting, and shares insights from her books on gardening in small spaces. The conversation highlights the role of community engagement and volunteerism in gardening, and offers encouragement for those feeling isolated in urban environments.

Katie shares her journey from being a hospital dietitian to embracing homesteading and functional nutrition, emphasizing the significance of listening to one's body and focusing on real, whole foods. The discussion also touches on cravings, the role of supplements, and the nutritional quality of homegrown versus store-bought produce. Finally, they delve into food preservation techniques and the impact of seasonal eating on health.

Meet Jill McSheehy, a passionate gardener and host of the 'Beginner's Garden Podcast.' Luke and Jill discuss various aspects of gardening, including climate conditions, the impact of heat index, plant spacing, organic practices, and the balance between gardening as a passion and a profession. Jill shares her experiences with gardening failures, planting dates, soil health, irrigation strategies, and the challenges of animal pressure. The conversation emphasizes the importance of learning from failures and enjoying the gardening journey.