Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #11. In this episode, we're shining a light on the vibrant world of microgreens with Raffi Meyer, the visionary owner and cultivator behind Meyer Micros. Situated in the scenic realm of Cardiff by the Sea, Raffi has harnessed the power of LED grow lights to nurture these "nutritional superheroes," bringing a fresh perspective to sustainable farming practices.

With a unique backstory rooted in a log cabin in Idaho and a vegetarian upbringing, Raffi's journey into the world of microgreens is as inspiring as it is green. Through his innovative approach and dedication to sustainability, Meyer Micros has emerged as a leading advocate for environmentally friendly agriculture.

Join us as Raffi delves into the origins of his passion, the intricacies of growing microgreens, and his commitment to making organic food accessible to everyone. 

Highlights from our conversation include:

• A glimpse into Raffi's childhood in Idaho, how it shaped his love for nature, and its influence on his vegetarian values. 
• The nutritional powerhouse of microgreens, what makes them stand out, and Raffi's approach to preserving their nutritional integrity. 
• A breakdown of Raffi's farming techniques, highlighting his custom-blended organic seedling mix and the pivotal role of premium filtered water. 
• An exploration of the sustainability of microgreens, comparing their water and energy footprint to traditional farming methods. 
• Insights into the integration of LED grow light technology at Meyer Micros, its benefits, and the journey towards becoming a zero-waste company. 
• The challenges faced in the early days of Meyer Micros, overcoming them, and the impact of the Cardiff by the Sea community on the business. 
• Balancing affordability with quality and sustainability in providing organic food to the community. 
• Raffi's vision for the future of Meyer Micros amidst growing awareness of sustainable food sources and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of sustainable farming.

Raffi's story is a testament to the potential of innovative agricultural techniques and the importance of community in fostering sustainable food sources. To learn more about Meyer Micros and follow their journey in revolutionizing microgreen farming, check out their initiatives and connect with them online at his website https://meyermicros.com/ and his Instagram @meyermicros

We're dedicated to supporting growers and innovators like you, so we value your feedback to enhance our podcast for the grower community.

Now, let's Get Up & Grow!

Taylor Schaberg

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #10. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of carnivorous plants with Samantha Filoso, a dedicated hobbyist with a profound passion for Nepenthes. These unique plants, known for their predatory nature, have fascinated many, and Samantha is no exception. Her commitment to sustainable and ethical cultivation practices has garnered attention and admiration from fellow plant enthusiasts.

In our conversation, Samantha unravels the mysteries of Nepenthes, from their alluring trap mechanisms to their dietary preferences. She shares insights into her innovative approach, ensuring these carnivorous wonders thrive and flourish indoors.

Our discussion with Samantha covers a myriad of topics, including:

• Samantha's introduction to the world of Nepenthes.
• The intricacies of setting up an indoor environment tailored for Nepenthes growth.
• The fascinating process of how she feeds these carnivorous plants.
• Samantha's daring experiment of tasting the nectar herself and her thoughts on its flavor!
• Overcoming challenges and misconceptions associated with growing Nepenthes.
• Techniques and tips for successful Nepenthes propagation.
• Integrating her love for Nepenthes into broader educational and artistic pursuits.
• Samantha's personal favorite Nepenthes and the stories behind them.
• Future aspirations for her Nepenthes collection and the roadmap to achieve them.

For those keen on diving into the world of Nepenthes or looking to enhance their existing knowledge, Samantha's insights are invaluable. To witness the beauty of her indoor-grown plants and perhaps catch a glimpse of their prey-catching moments, follow her on Instagram @nepenthesodyssey.

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.

Now Get Up & Grow!

Taylor Schaberg

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #9. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Albert Tamashausky, joining us from Oxford, NJ. Albert has ingeniously transformed a 250-year-old brewery cave into a mesmerizing cloud forest environment, thriving with over 800 orchids and 100 bromeliads. Leveraging the cave's natural attributes, Albert's creation showcases his engineering prowess and dedication to his plants.

Albert discusses his journey into orchid cultivation, from his initial interest to the unique concept of using an ancient brewery cave as a growth space. He delves into the design process behind the plastic greenhouse within the cave, which recreates the ideal conditions for orchids to flourish. With a background in engineering, Albert shares how he applies his expertise to enhance his orchid growing methods.

Our discussion covers a range of topics, including:

·      How Albert's interest in orchids began.
·      The inspiration behind utilizing an old brewery cave for orchid cultivation.
·      Designing and constructing the plastic greenhouse in the cave.
·      The engineering principles applied to orchid care.
·      Essential factors for successful orchid growth and maintenance.
·      Balancing humidity, temperature, and airflow in the underground environment.
·      Challenges faced and solutions developed for maintaining the orchid garden.
·      The positive impact of transitioning to LED lighting.
·      Albert's commitment to sustainability in orchid cultivation.
·      Future plans for expanding and improving the underground orchid garden.
·      Albert's approach to selecting orchids and his personal favorites.
·      Advice for beginners venturing into orchid cultivation.

Interested in joining Albert's miniature orchid club and exploring his unique underground orchid garden? Find more information on his Facebook group. Join the community and discover the captivating world of orchid cultivation! 

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.
 
 Now Get Up & Grow!
 
 Taylor S.

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #8. In today's episode, we have a special guest, David Stormzand, a highly experienced cannabis consultant with over 15 years in the industry. David has worked in and out of grow facilities across four different states, including California, Colorado, Oregon, and Michigan. He specializes in crop planning, automation, labor management, brand development and helping businesses optimize their grow facilities and achieve their goals.

David shares his background and how he developed his expertise in cultivation and operations management within the cannabis industry. As an industry expert, David stays up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the cannabis industry. He discusses how he develops and implements tailored cultivation strategies for different farms considering multiple aspects of how they do business and pinpointing their key factors for success. 

David explores the opportunities and challenges facing cannabis operations today and how he helps his clients navigate them. He shares insights from challenging and rewarding consulting projects, highlighting key takeaways from those experiences. Additionally, he dives into the specifics of working with cannabis tissue culture and implementing sustainable growing methods and practices.

We discuss some of the following:

·      His experience in the cannabis industry.
·      His approach as a cannabis consultant.
·      Staying up to date with the latest trends in the cannabis industry.
·      Different cultivation strategies in commercial facilities.
·      Opportunities and challenges in the current cannabis market.
·      Some challenging and rewarding projects and key takeaways.
·      Working with cannabis tissue culture.
·      Sustainable growing methods for commercial farms.
·      Balancing professional insights and relationships with clients.
·      How to foster trust and effective collaboration.

If you're interested in contacting David Stormzand with questions or for consulting services, you can reach out to him directly. Visit his website at https://www.collectiveherb.com/ to learn more.

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community.

Now Get Up & Grow!

Taylor S.

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #7. Today, we have a special guest, Darryl Cheng, the well-known plant care expert and creator of House Plant Journal. Darryl's mission is to help people enjoy healthy and thriving plants for years to come, and he has become a trusted source of practical advice for plant enthusiasts of all levels. In this episode, Darryl shares his background, his approach to plant care and how important lighting is to proper house plant development.

Darryl begins by discussing his background and how he became interested in plant care. He shares how his engineering background has influenced his approach to growing and highlights the importance of observation and understanding the needs of plants.

Darryl then goes into discussing the release of his book, “The New Plant Parent,” Where he shares the inspiration behind writing the book and how it differs from traditional house plant care books. The book highlights his data driven approach to plant care and practical tips people can take to improve the lives’ of their beloved house plants.

Darryl's expertise in plant growth focuses heavily on understanding natural indoor lighting, and he introduces his system of using a standard lumen reader to guide growers in utilizing light appropriately for indoor plant growth. He explains the concept of "indirect light" levels for house plants, sharing useful information on this often misunderstood aspect of plant care.

Finally, Darryl offers advice to those who are just starting to explore the world of plant care. He encourages beginners to observe their plants closely, be patient, and learn from their experiences. Darryl also shares where listeners can find him, purchase his book, and sign up for his courses or one-on-one consultations.

We discuss some of the following:

·      Darryl's background and his passion for plant care.
·      The influence of his engineering background on his approach to growing.
·      Responsible plant parenthood and developing a mindset in harmony with nature.
·      'The New Plant Parent' book and its unique approach to house plant care.
·      Common mistakes in plant care and tips for avoiding them.
·      Darryl's system for utilizing light appropriately for indoor plant growth.
·      What DLI is and why it matters for house plant care
·      Understanding the different levels of "indirect light" for house plants.
·      Implementing sustainable practices in growing plants at home.
·      Advice for beginners exploring the world of plant care.

If you are interested in contacting Darryl with questions about anything we discuss in the podcast please reach out to him directly at his website: https://www.houseplantjournal.com/  

And find his book “The New Plant Parent” for sale here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419732390/

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 

Now Get Up & Grow! 

Taylor S.

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast! In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Hilary Dahl, co-owner of the Seattle Urban Farm Company. She shares her journey as a grower, entrepreneur, and educator. She discusses the unique aspects of designing gardens in the Pacific Northwest, the significance of sustainability in garden projects, and the increased interest in gardening since the pandemic.
 
Hilary spoke with us about the two books she co-authored which are, Food Grown Right, In Your Backyard and Grow More Food.  She also touches on how her yoga practice complements her life as a gardener. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, Hilary provides valuable tips for starting and improving your own vegetable garden. 
 
We discuss some of the following:

• Seattle Urban Farm Company: Hilary provided insights into the Seattle Urban Farm Company, its mission, and its impact on the community.
• Creating Edible Landscapes: Hilary elaborated on the concept of "edible landscapes" and highlighted some of the work she has done in this area.
• Unique Aspects of Pacific Northwest Gardening: We explored how working and designing urban gardens differ in the Pacific Northwest region.
• Rewarding or Challenging Projects: Hilary shared a specific project that was particularly rewarding or challenging, offering insights into her experiences.
• Importance of Local Food Production: We delved into the significance of local food production through gardening and its impact on sustainability and community resilience.
• Integration of Sustainability in Garden Design: Hilary emphasized the importance of sustainability in their projects and described various methods they integrate into garden design.
• Marketing and Photography for Business: We explored the significance of marketing and taking good photos to promote the Seattle Urban Farm Company.
• Yoga Practice and Gardening: Hilary discussed how her yoga practice complements her life as a gardener and enhances her connection to nature.
• Advice for Aspiring Gardeners: Hilary provided valuable tips for individuals who are considering growing their own food.

Hilary shared resources during this episode where people can learn more about the Seattle Urban Farm Company and its initiatives which are all available on her website here: https://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/
 
This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 
 
Now Get Up & Grow! 
 
Taylor S.
 
To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #5. Today, we're joined by Robin Hones, owner of Cascadia Greens, a hydroponic indoor farm in Seattle, WA. In this episode, Robin shares his journey into gardening, his experience with hydroponic growing and how he setup his business to sell at local farmers' markets in the Pacific Northwest.

Robin tells us about the various options of growing produce in greenhouses vs. the indoors and the challenges of commercial farming in the winter in the Seattle area. He also explains the difference between gardening and farming and his process of setting up a growing container system.

We dive deeper into hydroponic growing methods, including the Kratky method and other effective techniques for growing leafy greens. Robin also shares his process of growing microgreens and how he keeps his growing methods as effective as possible in order to scale up operations.

We learn about Robin's experience selling produce at the Capitol Hill Farmers' market, his customer's favorite products, and what this type of customer usually looks for. We also touch on other ways to bring indoor farmed produce to market like through restaurants or distributorships and how you can do it too.

Finally, as a worldly person, Robin shares his future hopes to bringing efficient farming systems to Africa.

Thank you for joining us on the Get Up & Grow Podcast, Episode #5 with Robin Hones of Cascadia Greens. Tune in every two weeks to learn more from our engaging group of growers kind enough to share their knowledge with us!

We discuss some of the following:

• His journey into gardening and his experience with hydroponic growing.
• The challenges of commercial farming in the winter in the Seattle area.
• Growing in greenhouses vs. indoors. 
• The difference between gardening and farming.
• The Kratky hydroponic growing method.
• His technique for growing microgreens at scale.
• The options for getting your produce to market.
• His experience selling at the Capitol Hill Farmers' market.
• What customers like to see at farmers' markets.
• Other tips for success in commercial farming as a small business.

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 

Now Get Up & Grow! 

Taylor S.

To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

Welcome to the Get Up & Grow Podcast! In this episode, we have a very special guest, Joe Lamp'l, also known as Joe Gardener. He is the host and executive producer of the PBS show Growing a Greener World, and has appeared on various television programs such as NBC's Today Show and ABC's Good Morning America. Joe believes that the world needs more gardens and gardeners, and he shares his knowledge with everyone through his website, joegardener.com.

In this conversation, we dive into Joe's journey in gardening and TV production. He shares the moments that brought him closer to the path he wanted to take, and the challenges he faced as an entrepreneur. Joe talks about what motivates him to keep educating people with generosity and understanding, and he walks us through his day and what's next for his garden and business.

We also discuss the importance of sustainability in gardening and how Joe implements it into his growing operation. Joe shares the mindset you need to be a successful gardener, and how gardening can benefit society as a whole. He also tells us about his least favorite gardening activity and something new he's learned about gardening recently.

Joe emphasizes the importance of being a good steward to the planet and taking control of your own food production. He shares some basic things you need to start your own garden and talks about his seed starting course and how you can sign up for it.

Join us as we explore Joe's story and why gardening is so important for our minds and the planet. Listen now on the Get Up and Grow Podcast!

We discuss some of the following:
• Joe’s story in gardening and tv production.
• How he has adapted to new forms of media to reach new growers.
• How he continues to stay motivated and teach new gardeners.
• Why people learning to garden is so important.
• Something he has learned about gardening recently and his least favorite gardening activity.
• What kind of a mindset you need to be a successful gardener and what kind of mindset can you develop through gardening.
• Why sustainability in gardening is so important.
• How you can take control of your own food production.
• How you can get started growing your own garden in any space.

Please check out the following links to what we discussed on the podcast today:

Joe's website where you can sign up for gardening courses, checkout his podcast, download free growing guides and more is available here: http://www.joegardener.com/

Joe's latest book The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Vegetable-Gardening-Book-complete-growing/dp/0760375712/ref=sr_1_2?crid=282W0MM40FH4E&keywords=joe+gardener&qid=1681817439&sprefix=joe+gardene%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-2

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 

Now Get Up & Grow! 

Taylor S.

To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

“We need students who have a passion for plants and technology to look at horticulture as a career.” -Dr. Kim Williams, Kansas State University

On the third episode of the Get Up & Grow Podcast we are excited to be joined by Dr. Kim Williams of Kansas State University. Kim is a professor of Greenhouse Management who grew up as a self-declared "hybrid-farm kid," on her grandparents farm in Great Bend, Kansas. She has extensive knowledge on greenhouse and controlled environment horticulture with hydroponics and other growth mediums. She joined us today to discuss a program that her university has begun implementing in local high schools called "Plant Science with a Purpose: Storylines." This program helps teach high school students about some interesting phenomena that can occur during plant growth under various conditions. Some of the phenomena include red lettuce anthocyanin production under different LED light spectrums. The hopes of this program are to get children interested in growing and pursue horticulture as a career after graduation. With the increasing lack of interest in horticulture as a career these students need all the encouragement they can get.

We discuss some of the following:
• How she first became interested in horticulture and then became a teacher.
• The current types of horticulture careers that are available.
• Strategies for teaching young people about horticulture.
• How light can play a role in anthocyanin production.
• How important sustainability is and how it can be integrated into farms of the future.
• How creating a perfectly controlled environment can have unintended consequences.
• How kids not in the program can get started growing on their own at home.
• The book she helped co-author "Water, Root Media, and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops."

Please check out the following links to what we discussed on the podcast today:

Storylines that use LED lights are available at: https://hnr.k-state.edu/horticulture-storylines/ 

K-State Horticulture resources to get started with gardening: https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/

Water, Root Media, and Nutrient Management for Greenhouse Crops book: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=3551

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 

Now Get Up & Grow! 

Taylor S.

To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/

"Food should be grown in the city. It should be close to us where we get it fresh and where it doesn't take up as much energy." -Lee Kindell - Owner & Craftsman of MOTO Pizza

On the second episode of the podcast we interview my good friend Lee Kindell, Owner and Craftsmen of MOTO Pizza in Seattle, WA. Lee is a super passionate entrepreneur, grower & mushroom connoisseur who integrated his knowledge of hydroponics into his pizza that has a 3 month wait time. He and his wife Nancy are some of the kindest people I know and what they share with their customers is an experience they don't forget.  

We discuss some of the following:

• His hydroponic growing during his time running a hostel.
• How he shifted his focus to making pizzas during the pandemic.
• How he integrated growing plants into his pizza making.
• How important sustainability is and how he has integrated it into his business.
• How mycology plays a role in his life and his business.
• His exciting plans for MOTO Farms.
• Tips for anyone thinking of starting their own garden.

Make sure to follow Lee and his business @xoxomotopizza on instagram
and get your preorder in early at his website: https://motoseattle.com/
My favorite pizza that they make is the "PLANT."

This Podcast is dedicated to growers like you so we appreciate your feedback so we can provide the best experience possible for the grower community. 

Now Get Up & Grow! 

Taylor S.

To learn more about our Podcast, our Grower Community Blog or our Grow Light Academy checkout our website here: https://activegrowled.com/