How I Grow This

Seedtime

Stories and tips from gardeners and farmers, for gardeners and farmers.

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56 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes56

Newest first

Tuesday · 58 min
Replace Your Lawn With This— (and help heal the planet) || Season 2, Ep 4
What if turning your yard into a garden could help heal our planet, build community, and even bolster local economies? In this eye-opening episode, environmental scientist and mindful farmer Sean Pessarra reveals how small changes in your backyard can make a massive difference.
July 21 · 57 min
Sweet Superfood - Saving the Planet One Beehive at a Time
They might be the comeback kids of the generation. Tiny but mighty, they start their ripple effect (on plant health, strength, and yield) even when they are competitively few in number. In this episode, Adam Martin of Be Kept reveals how a single hive can transform local ecosystems, boost garden yields, and even grow into a sustainable honey operation that challenges industrial practices. Discover the surprising ways honeybees naturally support biodiversity and how you can tap into that power with minimal effort and zero chemicals. Here’s to the sweetest superfood!
July 14 · 56 min
Pesticides and Politics: Why the war over your food is more about power than science || Season 2, Episode 2
It’s EVERYWHERE. And it might be slowly killing you. And the institutions meant to be protecting you are busy playing a bigger game. . . Kelly Ryerson, aka the “Glyphosate Girl,” reveals how this chemical is quietly infiltrating our water, air, and bodies, contributing to a rise in cancer, hormonal disruption, and gut health issues. If you're concerned about what's really in your food and how it impacts your health, this eye-opening conversation is a must-listen.
July 8 · 1 hr 1 min
Top Moments From Season 1 - The Recap You Didn’t Know You Needed || Season 2, Episode 1
One year’s worth of greatest hits, in one hour. These are the farms (and farmers) that kept us coming back for more. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and EXCITED for Season 2!
June 2 · 56 min
Intentional Community takes Hard Pass on The Onions - Ep 52
Pam Dowling, a seasoned farmer and author of Sustainable Market Farming, reveals how prioritizing simplicity and smart planning can revolutionize your growing methods. After decades managing a community that feeds 80-100 people year-round on just 3.5 acres, she breaks down her proven strategies for reducing labor, avoiding burnout, and building soil health—without falling into the trap of excess tools or unnecessary complexity.
May 26 · 57 min
How Covid Craziness and a Simple Succulent Triggered a Total Life Transformation - Ep 51 - Greenhorn Grove
Matthew Gauer, from Greenhorn Grove, shares how a simple succulent garden sparked a passion that turned into a thriving one-acre farm—and a social media movement with over 2 million followers.
May 19 · 52 min
How a Small Farm Ditched the Year-Round Struggle and Became an 8-Week U-Pick Powerhouse - Ep 50 - Megan Neubauer
Imagine a farm where the season is 8 weeks long, generates over $112,000 in profit, and visitors flock to pick from fields of berries and vegetables — all while minimizing post-harvest handling and maximizing joy. Megan shares how she and her dad built this system from scratch, navigating challenging soils, unpredictable weather, and market demands, to create a farm that is the crown jewel of their neighborhood. https://purelandorganic.com/
May 12 · 50 min
Legacy of Land Stewardship - Ep 49 - Farmer Millz
Unlock the true potential of small-scale farming with Malik Miller, aka Farmer Millz — a young, Black agricultural innovator breaking stereotypes and championing land stewardship for the next generation. In a world obsessed with traditional farming norms, Malik's story of building on his grandmother’s dream offers a fresh perspective on legacy, regenerative practices, and modern entrepreneurship in agriculture.
May 5 · 1 hr 5 min
Farmer Boy Solves the Farm’s Biggest Problem - Ep 48 - Farmer’s Friend
Meet Jonathan Dysinger, Founder and Owner of Farmer’s Friend, and learn how his pursuit of the perfect greens harvester evolved from a hacked hedge trimmer to a thriving company serving thousands of farmers across the world. If you’re into roller coasters, this story is for you. From the many prototype failures, to first sales, and the leap from farm hobbyist to major supplier—this is a story of the power and impact of innovation.
April 28 · 58 min
Sunflower Surprise: The Secret Shading Strategy that Might Just Save Your Harvest Ep 47 - Ann Accetta-Scott
When Ann and her family left the mountains of the Pacific Northwest to start a homestead on the border of Tennessee and Alabama, they had no idea what was about to hit them—poor soil, humid heat, pests, and adapting to new growing seasons. Yet, their story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving against the odds using simple, traditional techniques, innovative microclimate strategies, and a community-focused mindset. If you've ever wondered how to maximize tiny spaces, protect crops naturally, or grow food in a humid, hot climate, this episode will change how you see your land—and yourself. Follow Ann on the web at Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFarmGirlintheMaking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afarmgirlinthemaking/
April 21 · 59 min
Organic Isn’t Good Enough! Exploring the Regenerative Revolution with Great Buffalo Pecan Farm - Ep 46. JP and Ann Bennett
Meaningful change starts with tiny, intentional steps in soil, family, and food. In this episode, JP and Ann discuss regenerative principles like minimal soil disturbance, soil cover, diversity, and livestock integration, and how they are reshaping the future of perennial farming. They dispel common misconceptions around organic and regenerative labels, revealing the unregulated truths and what to watch for. And, they dive into the science of soil microbes, fungicide resistance, and why harvesting nutrient-dense pecans depends on healing the soil first—an insight applicable to any growing system. Connect with JP and Great Buffalo Pecan Farm on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GreatBuffaloPecanFarm and with Ann on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simply.unconventional/
April 14 · 1 hr 7 min
The Shocking Reasons Most Farmers Fail to Build Profitable Businesses. Ep 46
Success in small-scale farming isn't just about growing great crops—it's about building a thriving, intentional business from day one. Diego Footer, a veteran in the farm small, farm smart movement, reveals the secret sauce for turning passion into profit. If you're overwhelmed by the physical grind or unsure how to market your produce effectively, this episode is your roadmap to clarity and growth. Find Diego on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/diegofooter
April 7 · 1 hr
Blooms in the Desert: Beating the Heat to Cultivate Life and Beauty with Noelle Johnson - Ep. 44
The “AZ plant Lady” Noelle Johnson paves the way to desert growing success in this fascinating episode. Whether you live in the desert yourself, or face other climate extremes, you are sure to glean from Noelle’s advice on using contours, textures, mulches, and the natural canopies of other plants to create beneficial microclimates for your plants. Noelle is the author of two successful books, an online educator and gardening consultant. Visit her online at www.azplantlady.com
March 31 · 1 hr 9 min
One Homestead at a Time: Building a Society that Works with Takota Coen Ep 43
If one sustainable family homestead operation can net a million dollars per year in the wilds of Alberta where temperatures range from 40 below in the winter to 120 in the summer, rainfall averages 12 inches per year and frost can come any month except July, then probably you can too. . . Learn from the best how to be your best, no matter where you are. coenfarm.ca https://buildingyourhomestead.com/
March 24 · 1 hr
Squash Seeds and Fruit Trees: The adventures of northern growing with Shawnee Grows Ep. 42
In this episode, Shawnee Grows navigates the challenges of northern growing with shifting climate zones, pests, the cropdusting neighbor, and gardening in multiple places at once. This is a story of skill and adaptation, but also of learning and legacy. You’ll be inspired not just to grow beautiful things, but to save seeds and species for later generations. . . Check out Shawnee Grows on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawneegrows
March 17 · 55 min
A Treasure Found: Young Family with an Old Dream - Amy Johnson Ep. 41
A young family growing up outside the mile-high city is finding the stuff of dreams. Inspiration, information, and joy await in this episode of the How I Grow This podcast with guest, Amy Johnson. Learn the single best decisions she made as a new gardener that has transformed her garden while reducing her workload. Check out Amy’s youtube channel at youtube.com/@atreasurefound
March 10 · 1 hr 4 min
Common Sense Gardening with Keith Arkenberg Ep. 40
Keith Arkenberg made a snap decisions (mistake?) one day that changed his life forever. You’re sure to enjoy his journey from scientist in a laboratory to farmer in the field. Now a successful grower, educator and communicator, Keith is making an impact well beyond his vegetable customers. You’ll be sure to enjoy his down-to-earth style and vast practical experience in this episode. Check out Farmer Keith on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@farmerkeith, and visit his website at https://arkenbergfarms.com/
March 4 · 54 min
Gardening on a Rocky Rampart - Sara Chodl Ep 39
From urban living in Chicago to a rural lifestyle in Tennessee, Sara Chodl describes carving (literally) a new homestead out of a rocky mountain. Tune in for her favorite seed starting techniques (she surprised even herself), insights into sustainable gardening, and a preview of her new book. Check out Sara's youtube account at https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Saraonthefarm⁩ and visit her website at fameflowerfarm.com
February 24 · 1 hr 3 min
Maximizing Your Backyard Garden Investment with Sean Pessara - Episode 38
In this conversation, Sean Pessarra discusses effective investment strategies for backyard gardening, maximizing space and revenue through high-value crops and high tunnels. He highlights the need for economic sustainability in farming, the benefits of high tunnels in crop production, and the significance of nutrient management for high-yield crops. Sean also encourages aspiring farmers to learn from experienced growers to enhance their skills and knowledge in sustainable agriculture.
February 17 · 1 hr 6 min
The Seed That Started Everything - Great Growing with Bevin Cohen Ep. 37
In this episode of the How I Grow This podcast, host Luke Hammond welcomes Bevin Cohen from Small House Farm, who shares his extensive knowledge on gardening, seed saving, and herbalism. Bevan recounts his journey into the world of plants, sparked by a simple gift of beans that transformed his perspective on gardening and led him to establish his farm.

How I Grow This

Replace Your Lawn With This— (and help heal the planet) || Season 2, Ep 4

Sweet Superfood - Saving the Planet One Beehive at a Time

Pesticides and Politics: Why the war over your food is more about power than science || Season 2, Episode 2

Top Moments From Season 1 - The Recap You Didn’t Know You Needed || Season 2, Episode 1

Intentional Community takes Hard Pass on The Onions - Ep 52

How Covid Craziness and a Simple Succulent Triggered a Total Life Transformation - Ep 51 - Greenhorn Grove

How a Small Farm Ditched the Year-Round Struggle and Became an 8-Week U-Pick Powerhouse - Ep 50 - Megan Neubauer

Legacy of Land Stewardship - Ep 49 - Farmer Millz

Farmer Boy Solves the Farm’s Biggest Problem - Ep 48 - Farmer’s Friend

Sunflower Surprise: The Secret Shading Strategy that Might Just Save Your Harvest Ep 47 - Ann Accetta-Scott

Organic Isn’t Good Enough! Exploring the Regenerative Revolution with Great Buffalo Pecan Farm - Ep 46. JP and Ann Bennett

The Shocking Reasons Most Farmers Fail to Build Profitable Businesses. Ep 46

Blooms in the Desert: Beating the Heat to Cultivate Life and Beauty with Noelle Johnson - Ep. 44

One Homestead at a Time: Building a Society that Works with Takota Coen Ep 43

Squash Seeds and Fruit Trees: The adventures of northern growing with Shawnee Grows Ep. 42

A Treasure Found: Young Family with an Old Dream - Amy Johnson Ep. 41

Common Sense Gardening with Keith Arkenberg Ep. 40

Gardening on a Rocky Rampart - Sara Chodl Ep 39

Maximizing Your Backyard Garden Investment with Sean Pessara - Episode 38

The Seed That Started Everything - Great Growing with Bevin Cohen Ep. 37