Growing Your Grub Podcast

Welcome to 2012! I am working on some changes for this year, and I hope everyone will stay with me as we talk about all the exciting upcoming gardening changes take place. Supplier Resource Page I am currently building a resource page for as many of the Seed and Tool Suppliers I can find. These are not a recommendation necessarily, but a convenience for you to find potential new suppliers for your Garden projects. Until then, here is a list of what I have so far. I am especially interested in recommendations for suppliers outside the United States Please send to steve@growingyourgrub.com to be included. Seed Savers Exchange Johnnys Seeds Territorial Seed Co Baker Creek Seeds The Cooks Garden Burpee Stark Bros Park Seeds Jung Seeds Gurney's Gardens Alive Canada http://cottagegardener.com/ (thanks to John Watton) http://www.westcoastseeds.com/ ( from Erica Struass at NWEdible.com ) 2012 Vegetable Gardening Trends Gardening Gets Easier with new labor savers Growing Own Food Increasing in Popularity
Organic Gardening Grows in importance Heirloom Gardening Becomes more mainstream Limited Space Gardening Pat Koester in Northern California, organized a group garden sort of like a CSA but without the Cash. Each member agrees to grow certain vegetables, and then shares with the group at harvest time. This way, they can get a greater variety of vegetables and everyone gets some even if they didn't grow that one this year. Root Crop Nitrogen Listener Gigi wrote in to ask about a problem with her root crops after applying a high nitrogen ( chicken manure) compost to her vegetable bed. Applying high nitrogen compost to a bed right before planting can make the plants extra leafy, neglecting the roots. This is the same thing that happens when over nitrogen feeding a grass yard - all green no roots. Solution? Let the compost age more before planting, or plant an intermediate crop that will be done before planting your root crops. Some Tools to Consider This week I talk about a few of the tools I couldn't be without and why you might need to consider them in your organic garden. Valley Oak Tool Company Broadforks Wheel Hoes Johnnyseeds Seed Planters ( Walk behind)

One of my favorite tasks in podcasting and blogging, is reviewing other blogs and podcasts looking for ideas for new posts or podcasts.  In the process, I have discovered some of the most amazing people. Today's guest is one of those people. I ran across Erica's amazing blog a few weeks ago when researching some keywords I was following on Google. As you will discover in today's interview, Erica is one amazing Mom, keeping up organic gardens, cooking for the family, raising chickens, and blogging what seems like non-stop. Seattle isn't the easiest area to grow in.  Lot's of rain, and short growing seasons make it a special challenge.  Yet, Erica takes it all in stride, and shares what she has learned with others through her amazing blog, and today, on Growing Your Grub. One of the things that impressed me the most was the way she is able to cover a subject thoroughly, while at the same time doing it in an entertaining way. I hope you visit her outstanding blog after listening to today's podcast.  NW Edible Life Blog You won't regret it.  

This week, we are treated to a special guest, when Author and Straw Bale Gardening Instructor visits with us and tells us all about and how to get started in Straw-Bale Gardening. Straw Bale Gardening is simply a different type of container gardening.  The main difference is that the container is the straw bale itself and is held together with two or three strings.  Once the straw inside the bale begins to decay the straw becomes "conditioned" compost that creates an extraordinary plant rooting environment.  Getting the straw bales conditioned is an essential part of the process, and should be started by the first week in May for most parts of the country.  This gardening technique works anywhere in the country or the world for that matter.  Joel Karsten is a certified Nursery and Landscape Professional through the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association.  He also holds a BS from the University of Minnesota in Horticulture Science; however, his real gardening knowledge has come from 35 years of being in the garden. Joel can be reached at his website at www.strawbalegardening.com  

Why do I call this Christmastime for gardeners?  ( Or Hanuka or Kwanza - your pick). I received two Seed catalogs this past week, the earliest I have ever received them.   Both Johnny Seeds and Seed Savers Exchange have provided me with my favorite reading material of the year. But this also means it's time to start planning.  What do i want to grow, when do I need to start it?  Whats the best selection for next year going to be?  Whoa, boy!  Slow Down. The annual receipt of the Garden catalog is like the old Sears Christmas Catalog of years ago.  As a chile, I would carry that book around with me and dream.  I do the same now with my seed catalogs.  By the time actual gardening begins, they are all dog-eared, marked up, and little yellow stickies hanging from what looks like every page. What about You?  Do you look forward to your seed catalogs?  What is your favorite thing to grow? After we moved into this temporary Rental house while prepping for the move to our homestead, I wondered what the best way to make a temporary garden might be. I decided to go back to a compost bag garden, which is fast, cheap, and leaves behind a good deal of compost when complete.  And you can see the terriffic results on the post "Quick and Easy Garden".  My Broccoli loves it! Finally, even though we are nearing Christmas and the garden is over ( for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) it's time to start not only planning next years garden, but to think about Seed Saving next year.  In the podcast, I'll share a couple of tips to keep in mind as you think about seed saving.  It will be cheaper in the long run, and help save the various open-pollinated specials before they are all bought up by big "M". We have a couple of very interesting guests coming up, so please stay tuned.  ( I always wanted to say that!)  

This week, Scott joins me again to discuss KISS Gardening and why more Americans don't garden. Both topics were inspired by things I read this week. 5 Ways You Can Be a Better Vegetable Gardener Without Lifting a Shovel or Spending a Dime. I also ran across a terrific blog post by erica at nwedible.com where she told us 5 ways we can be a better Vegetable Gardener without lifting a Shovel or Spending a cent. I discuss these points in the podcast, and here they are , but you really need to read her blog post to get the full value. Order Seed Catalogs Plan Your Garden with Google Maps Ask Your Family what they like to Eat Toss Your Pesticides! Know Where the Answers Are Gardening Guru/Author Passes Away. Author of one of my favorite garden Books "The Self Sufficient Suburban Garden", Jeff Ball recently passed away. Jeff was quoted once when asked what the future held for garden writers, and replied: "I'm convinced that meeting clueless homeowners where they are and leading them forward into 21st-century 'yard' practices is the way to have the most impact." Book Review - KISS Gardening Grow the Good Life: Why a Vegetable Garden Will Make You Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise [Hardcover] I recently began reading this book, when the points the author was making hit me right between the eyes - we as gardeners, make this whole process too complicated and scare away other would be gardeners. Her points and methods are similar to those of both Ruth Stout, and Lee Reich, other others I love to read and follow. In the book, she starts out by posing the question "Why Aren't More Americans Gardening". Michell then goes on to explain in what I feel are difficult to argue facts. I found this book very easy reading and full of excellent points. Well worth it. Why Aren't More Americans Gardening? No Older Neighborhood Sages or Experts around to act as role models. People have expansive lawns, but no neighborhood gardens. The terrible way gardening is marketed in the Garden Centers and Big Box Stores. ( They over complicate it) Learning through books is tough. Gardening is a set of "Principles" not laws. Now that the garden is winding down for the season, it's a perfect time to start planning your garden for next year. Read some good Gardening Books, Study your seed catalogs, and most of all, start planning your next years garden. Note: We will be taking next week off to spend time with family as I hope you will also be doing. As a result, we will NOT have a podcast next week. When I return, I'll hopefully be able to share some information on what I am planning for my garden next year, and talk about some upcoming episodes on the road next year as I begin the move to California from Texas.

Fresh Food Gains French Restaurants feel pressure to use fresh. locl produce in their menus. WSJ Article on the Changes in French Cuisine One question I receive regularly asks about ways to make money with your extra produce. Profit from Produce Listener Athenaise Guertin of British Columbia, Canada wrote toi tell us about the CSA ( Community Supported Agriculture ) project she and her neighbors are working on. Her Blog is at BCUrban Community Garden CSA Other potential ideas for marketing your produce are: Start at work - Lunch Hour Farmers Market Yard Stands Road Stands Join existing Farmer Markets CSA’s Working with Local Restaurants ( More difficult)   Guerilla Gardening Recently Guerrilla Gardener Todd Bieber has 2 videos on YouTube, showing his experiences with Guerrilla Gardening in New York City. It's a must see video ( 2 parts) http://www.youtube.com/user/toddbieber#p/u/1/5ph-xibSdw8 Michigan Woman threatened with jail time for growing vegetables in the front yard. UPDATE: City recently dropped all charges, but hasn't changed their laws yet. Jailed for Veggies

While preparing this weeks podcast, I wondered what there was to talk about since most of us have now experienced our first frost Then while reviewing the blog over at Jason Akers the Self Sufficient Gardener, he reminded me how broken our food system is at this time.  Controlled by primarily 3 main food conglomerates, little thought seems to be given to flavor, REAL cost, or our health. Then I stumbled across "Ingredients" a film about sustainability, local food, and local agriculture.   While watching I was reminded about why I got into first of all growing my own food, and secondly, why I started the podcast as an attempt to evangelize local organic food, and supporting local agriculture by either growing our own food or buying from yoour local farmers market. Then my Son Scott, told me of one he hatched called "Forks Over Knives"  that detailes the scientific research that has gone on about the Western Diet and it's effect on obessity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Cancer...  What an Eye Opener. Yes - I admit it affected me too, and I see some diet changes on the horizon for me to, partially as a result of watching this documentary. One of the points made in the film was that compared to other countries, the US spends the smallest portion of its income on Food,    and  largest part of its income on healthcare! As a result of all the movie watching, we decided to spend some time discussing what we saw. After, we talk a little about moving gardens,   post-frost garden clean up, and things to do if you're not planning a winter garden.  Many of us just want a break, especially after this past wild growing season.  

How Much Garden is Enough? This week listener Rick from Oregon calls in and asks just how to tell how much garden is too much? "How Much Garden is Enough?" First you need to answer a couple of questions for yourself, such as: What are your goals? What are you growing? Some plants take up more space.... Growing Intensively - with Raised beds or Conventionally Mulch, Mulch, Mulch Two great books to help with low or No Work gardens are: Favorite! Ruth Stout “ No Work Garden Book” Lee Reich Ruth Stout “ No Work Garden Book” Lee Reich Weedless Gardening, Fine Gardening Magazine, Horticulture Fall "Final Harvest Celebrations" Gigi wrote inform North Carolina and described a celebration her family does for the last harvest of the season as the Frost first hits. Everything from a full out party to simply a thankful family moment is possible. What if anything does your family do for that last gasp of the season from your garden? Year in Review Episode 13 Author Renea Winchester- "In The Garden with Billy" Episode 15 Rhonda Ross - Speaker and Farming Expert Rhonda Ross Episode 17 Anna Looper - The Flower Garden Girl Episode 20 Frank Hyman - Writer, Speaker, expert on Deer and Pest Control Episode 22 Sydney - Backyard Urban Beekeeper discussing Beekeeping Episode 24 Chis McLaughlin - Author of Heirloom Vegetables Episode 27 Gary Ibsen - The The "TomatoMan" Episode 34 Linna "the Locavore" Fergusen Speaker, trainer on Locaal Food and it's benefits Episode 35 Derek Fell - Author "Veritcal Gardenig"

One Year - It's hard to believe the Growing Your Grub Podcast is a year old! The week, Jason Akers of www.theselfsufficientgardener.com talks with us about his recent experience as a speaker at the Mother Earth News Fair. [yellowbox]In addition, Jason now has a new podcast out you need to check out if you enjoy listening or talking about moving to the country.  www.CountryPodcast.com is much like my own Pursuing A Country Life, but Jason has moved ahead of me in actually doing it.  I'm still "pursuing" it![/yellowbox] Then we'll as Jason things like: What's the Best or easiest way for a Beginner to start composting? What are the biggest mistakes made by beginning gardeners? What are your ( Jason's) Winter Garden Activities? What plans do you have for next year? What's our favorite food to Grow? What pest gives you the most trouble? What book on Gardening do you recommend the most highly? As usual, Jason provides a lot of experienced insight into gardening, food production, and permaculture gardening.  

Nearly one year publishing!   Who would have believed it. The oldest Seed Company in the country is in trouble.  George Washington Bought seeds here.  Buy a $5 catalog from them to help them out. Campaign to Save D. Landreth Seed Company Purchase a catalog for $5 and help save the oldest seed company in the U.S. Landreth Seed Company, seller of heirloom seeds, is the fifth oldest continuously run company in this country.  It was founded in 1784 in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.  George Washington bought his seeds there! Barbara and Peter Melera bought the company in 2003 in an effort to reclaim it as a viable business and to support a worthy cause.  She borrowed capital and unfortunately, her creditor recently called in her loan for $250,000.  This is not a good time for small businesses. In order to keep this historic business from bankruptcy, the company is asking folks to pay $5 for their next catalog, which they are having printed in the US (instead of China which would cost 1/4 of the price).  They will be printing only the amount of catalogs ordered in this campaign. To order a catalog and help this company through a rough spot - Buy a Catalog to help out Winter Storage Crops Many vegetables will store well into the winter as long as yo choose the right varieties.  Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Onions, pumpkins, Rutabaga, Turnips, and Winter Squash are a few of the varieties that will store well into the winter.  We discuss the better varieties of each for winter storage. Successful Winter Growing Inspired by Eliott Coleman, I discovered a way to take my Raised bed cover and simply extend it and turn it int a mini low tunnel, allowing me to grow well into or through the winter.    This technique can be used on raised beds, or conventional row gardens. Not only that, it can be used in the Spring to protect from Early insects too.    After you listen, let me know what you think and if you will be putting one up.  

Garden Journals MyVeg.com Terrific Garden Planning Site - Great Tool MyFolia.com - More of a Garden Social Site From Organic Gardening - Printed Offline Journal Fall Garden Prep Clean Up Clean up old plants, left over refuse like ties, stakes,etc Clean out garden beds completely Merry Maids of your Garden Clear Out Now is time to remove dead plants from season, non-seeding weeds to the compost Dispose of any diseased plants or weeds. Compost unlikely to get hot enough. Municipal Compost sites will have the needed heat Add Compost Leaf Mold - Compost in a Bag Add Mulch - 2-3 inches or more of straw for the winter Clean Up Clear Out Add Compost Add Mulch Leaves to a compost Bag for winter Howard Garrett, the Dirt Doctor Natural Remedies and their Recipes from Howard Garrett, The Dirt Doctor.  Be sure and visit his website and find even more natural solutions to gardening problems. Garrett Juice (Foliar Spray ) Mix the following in a gallon of water. Garrett Juice (ready to spray): 1 cup compost tea or liquid humate 1 ounce liquid molasses 1 ounce apple cider vinegar 1 ounce liquid seaweed Herbicide Formula: ( Get Rid of Weeds Naturally ) 1 gallon of 10% vinegar Add 1 ounce orange oil or d-limonene Add 1 tablespoon molasses 1 teaspoon liquid soap or other surfactant (I use Bio Wash) Do not add water http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Organic-Recipes-Homemade_vq204.htm Texas Bug Book Have problem pest?  have trouble identifying what it is?   This book will not only answer those questions, but will provide you with natural ways to take care of them. Texas Bug Book: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

This weeks episode discusses a couple of different topics. Last week, I talked about several documentaries worth watching.   Recently, I found a much more comprehensive llist along with release dates on Mother Earth News Website. Mother Earth News Documentary Listing I also discovered that Mother Earth News now has a digital edition for subscription, or Free for the print subscribers.  I really like what I saw, and I don't normally care for electronic versions. Baker Creek Seeds, one of the leading suppliers of Heirloom Seeds is now taking names for their 2012 Catalog.   Their catalog is a collectors item all by itself.  be sure to sign up for yours at Baker Creek Seeds. GreenHorns.Net http://www.thegreenhorns.net/    Mission:  To Recruit, promote, and support young farmers Growing Clean Natural Food Movie clip, resources, and a podcast on Heritage Radio.net National Heirloom exposition http://rareseeds.com/blog/test/it%e2%80%99s-finally-here-the-national-heirloom-exposition-in-northern-california-is-underway/ http://rareseeds.com/blog/bakersville/the-national-heirloom-expostion-sets-new-precedent-in-the-pure-food-movement/ The National Heirloom Show has completed and I wanted to talk about the importance of attending these Fall Shows like this near you and the benefits you can get from going. This Show had Alice Waters, Jeffrey Smith and Dr. Vandana Shiva where the keynotes, one speaker for each of the three evenings. In the hours leading up to the keynote addresses, many other prominent speakers gave talks–garden writers and publishers, activists and seedsmen.  Worthwhile right there.  I hope to make it next year. Benefits I get from these Fall Expositions or Fairs: Ask growers questions Find new Heirlooms Plants to try Answers to problems without chemicals Network with others who believe as you do Imprellis from Dupont Imprellis from DuPont has been in the news, and I want to discuss why this is important to you even if youo avoid chemicals as I do. aminocyclopyrachlor, was marketed to control weeds in cool-season lawn grasses especially bluegrass. After only a single season of use it has been implicated in the injury or death of thousands of trees. Grass treated with it must not be used for compost or mulch ( hidden in their own documentation).  So for example, someone mows a loawn treated with Imprellis, then turns it into a Municipal Compposting Site, that compost becomes tainted and kills anything it comes in contact with. Another example I read was livestock grazing on grass treated with this stuff.  The manure was then used for compost, and it killed the very crop the manure was expected to help. Know your sources!   This just reinforces my adversion to using any municipal collection point for urban compost.   The same goes for mulch from these ground up infected trees.  What is in that bag you just bought? Do you see the Danger?  It has now been pulled under threat of a court order, but as usueal, the damage has been done, and this was APRROVED  only a year ago! Fall Garden Prep for Spring Garden Rob called in with a question about Fall preparation of your land for a Spring Garden.  An excellent question! Preparing Soil for spring Testing Amend -   Manure, compost, Cover Crops - Green Manure Start a Compost Pile Cover Crops and Green Manures for Organic Soil Improvement Generally are Legumes and grasses high in Nitrogen, which are turned into the soil in the Spring. http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/cover-crop-basics http://www.hort.cornell.edu/bjorkman/lab/covercrops/index.php Selection http://www.johnnyseeds.com/c-280-green-manures.aspx  

Please Email comments or suggestions to feedback@GrowingYourGrub.com Thanks to everyone for sticking around. I really hated to miss an episode, but moving brought with it a new set of priorities - and problems. On the Plus side, now I have a blank slate for building new gardens!  Are you adding anything new to your garden? Peach and Apple Fruit Trees(/H2) Rob Calls in from Central Missouri to talk about planting Peach and Apple trees. Seems he is getting conflicting advice between local growers and the nursery. What do you do? We'll talk about what I found at the University of Missouri Web Site Peaches http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6030 Early spring — March in southern areas; April in northern areas as soon as the soil can be worked. Spring -the best Apples http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G6021 Apples should be planted in late March or before April 15 when the soil is thawed and air temperatures are cool. Apple trees purchased in containers can be planted in mid- to late October. While fall is a good time to plant fruit trees, bare root trees are not available from nurseries at this time. Raised Bed Planter Closeouts at Home Depot Planters 4x6 Cedar and More for Around $30 Growing Your Own Food - A very interesting blog about a family who left the Grocery market for a year. The GardenShow Blog   Food Videos to Watch All can be found on Netflix or other Media Sites Food Matters Food Inc Colony (2009) Deconstructing Supper Ingredients King Korn Big River ( Followup to  King Korn) Forks Over Knives(2011) Whats on Your Plate?

This week, we're talking with long time canner and listener Mark Nofsinger of Madison Wisconsin.  Mark runs a very interesting Food and garden blog at http://shady-character.blogspot.com As Mark points out in this interview, many people think about canning to preserve their harvest, and that's good, but many foods taste just as good or even better when pickled, and it can be easier to do. And if you're garden or lot is too small to a large enough harvest, you can take advantage of good deals at your local Farmer's markets for preserving so you can experience the same goodness all winter long. One resource Mark mentions that everyone should visit is National Center for Home Food Preservation Be sure and visit Mark's Blog and leave a comment for him. Thanks for sharing, Mark!

There has been a lot of discussion lately, and some suing that gardening with Raised beds or prepared soil is too easy and we need to think twice about doing it this way. While I respect their opinion, I think it's more a factor of what the main goal you are after in your gardening. For me - its growing as much food as I can for my family so I will not be relying on the stores or commercial food system. With retirement in sight, I need to cut as many costs as possible, and this is just one way. Decide what your main purpose in growing food is, and that should tell you what type of gardener you are. Nothing wrong with Hobby or existence gardening. It's just good to know which you are. Canning Resources - Some Must Have Books How To Grow & Preserve Your Own Food from Mother Earth News This i an excellent resource, not only for canning, but also for gardening g, homesteading and all around great tips for growing and preserving home grown food. This is best purchased locally as the website still is showing the 2010 version. A real keeper for me. One of the main reasons to be sure and pick up the 2011 copy is the introduction to Harvey Ussery who grows most of his own food on 2 1/2 acres in Northern Virginia. You can Find his Web Site at The ModernHomestead.us Canning Magazine from Better Homes and Gardens From www.underwoodgardens.com we learn of how Tums and Molasses can help your tomatoes this year. Underwood Gardens puts out a free newsletter loaded with tips and information. Go over there and sign up so you won't miss any new tips they send out. Watermelon Change up Recipe Spicy Watermelon Berry Salad created by Chef Season Stepp Juice and zest of 1 lime 1-2 jalapenos, ribs and seeds removed; minced 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chiffonade 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, minced 1/3 cup olive oil 5 cups watermelon cubes 3 cups strawberries, hulls removed and sliced* 1 cup blueberries 1/4 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup queso fresco or cotija cheese, crumbled Kosher salt to taste In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice and zest, jalapeno, chili powder, cayenne, mint, and cilantro. While still whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, and queso fresco or cotija cheese. Gently toss together and season to taste with kosher salt. * If when making this salad strawberries are not in season, try substituting ripe cherry tomatoes.