The quality of produce you grow is dependent on the quality of your soil. We are big advocates of doing everything possible to make garden soil the best it can be right from the start, and then working year after year to maintain and improve its quality. In this episode we're joined by award winning author Jeff Lowenfels to discuss the soil food web and garden soil ecosystems. Jeff Lowenfels is the author of an award-winning trilogy of books on soil, Teaming With Microbes: The Organic Gardener’s Guide To The Soil Food Web, Teaming With Nutrients: The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition and Teaming With Fungi: The Organic Grower’s Guide to Mycorrhizae.

In this episode Hilary and Colin answer a listener's questions about wood-framed raised bed construction best practices. Their business, Seattle Urban Farm Company has designed and built hundreds of custom raised bed gardens in the Seattle area, so check out this episode for an inside scoop on all of the pro tips! Pre-order their newest book Grow More Food here!

This week we'll be discussing management techniques for growing in high tunnels, hoophouses and greenhouses! We're thrilled to be joined this week by our good friend and Seattle Urban Farm Co co-founder Brad Halm. Brad is also the co-author of our gardening books, including our most recent "Grow More Food", which is available for preorder now and will ship in early February 2022. Send us your question and episode topic suggestions: [email protected]

This week on the podcast we're tackling powdery mildew! Colin and Hilary are joined by Jenny Rebecca Glass, Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. Jenny will help us answer your questions about the lifecycle of this common garden disease as well as management tips and techniques. Send us your question and episode topic suggestions: [email protected]  

In this podcast we chat with special guest Niki Jabbour about techniques for using structures of all sizes in your garden year-round to extend your season, reduce pest pressure, and improve yields. Show notes: Episode 110: Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour The Grow More Food Pre-Order Giveaway!

Everything you wanted to know about cucumbers but were afraid to ask. We dig into the history of the cucumber, it's botanical curiosities and why you should start succession planting them. The survey…! In order to keep making this podcast, we need your support by taking this quick, 30 second survey for our podcast hosting platform. Once we have enough replies to the survey we will creating episodes again! In this season we’ll be addressing topics selected by you! So, starting now please email your garden questions or topics you’d like us to cover to our new dedicated email address: [email protected]

After an extended hiatus, we’re back and ready to bring you some amazing new episodes of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast! The survey…! In order to keep making this podcast, we need your support by taking this quick, 30 second survey for our podcast hosting platform. Once we have enough replies to the survey we will creating episodes again! In this season we’ll be addressing topics selected by you! So, starting now please email your garden questions or topics you’d like us to cover to our new dedicated email address: [email protected]

Kellie's back as a special co-host for this last episode of the 2019 season and it's all about growing, harvesting and cooking with beets! Find photos, links to Kellie's business, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Learning proper harvest timing and technique can help increase yields and ensure you get the best tasting produce from your garden. In this episode, Hilary and Colin talk harvesting methodology. They break down the techniques into five categories to help you make the most of your bounty. Find photos, links to Colin's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Hilary and Kelly Smith Trimble discuss Kelly's new book, Vegetable Gardening Wisdom; and share simple words of advice and practical inspiration for getting most out of your vegetable garden!  Find photos, links to Kelly's book, and more in the show notes for this episode: www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Turns out gardening in straw bales might be the least expensive and most effective way to create a season-long container garden! Hilary and Craig LeHoullier discuss what a straw bale garden is and how to set one up! Find photos, links to Craig's projects, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Tomatoes are probably the most popular garden vegetable, and for good reason; they're versatile, highly productive, and produce fruits that are far superior to any you can buy at the grocery store. In this episode we'll discuss tips for choosing and the best tomato for your space and needs and how to plant tomatoes. Find photos, links to Kellie's business, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Emma Biggs talks with Hilary about the techniques she uses to grow 133 varieties of tomatoes, from seed to harvest, on her family’s urban lot in Toronto, Canada. Find photos, links to Emma's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ 

Stefani Bittner, owner of Homestead Design Collective, talks with Hilary about how to create a beautiful and productive outdoor living space. Find photos, links to Stefani's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/   

In this episode, Sara and Hilary talk about container gardening. Much of Sara’s work is focused on utilizing unused balcony, patio and rooftop space in very urban environments, so this episode focuses on the unique set of needs and challenges that comes along with growing in more unconventional garden space. Find photos, links to Sara's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Hilary talks with legendary garden writer, Rosalind Creasy about the joys and perils of eating flowers.  Find photos, links to Ros's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Hilary and Colin share everything you need to know to grow your best crop of carrots and parsnips yet!  Find photos, links to Colin's books, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Guest Kelly Sullivan of Botanique Flowers, a Seattle-based floral design studio, talks with Hilary about how she turned her 6,000 square foot city lot into a productive flower farm.    Find photos, links to Kelly's work, and more in the show notes for this episode: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

In this first episode of the 2019 season, Hilary and Tara Austen Weaver discuss planning for, planting and growing fruit trees!  Find photos, links to Tara's work, and more in this episode's show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

I've been getting a lot of requests for more crop-specific episodes next season. I love these episodes and would be happy create more if we reach our campaign goal. Remember that everyone who contributes any amount to the 2019 kickstarter campaign will have the opportunity to vote on the topics we cover in 4 of the episodes. But in the meantime, I thought I’d share this episode on Cauliflower from the 2018 season! Enjoy. We're 50% Funded!! Our campaign ends on 2/1/2019, so if you're planning to contribute, now's the time :) Check out our Kickstarter campaign to help bring the 2019 season of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast to life! http://kck.st/2D1iWcp #EBPodcast

Hey There! We have an amazing season of the Encyclopedia Botanica Podcast in store for you! Just like last season, Hilary will be joined by a different guest expert each week. We're hosting a Kickstarter campaign to fund this upcoming season of the podcast and we need your support to bring this project to life. Check out this episode for a teaser mini seed-starting Q&A episode and details on the what we have planned for 2019! We make this podcast for you and count on listener support to continue creating new content. This season will only happen if we reach our Kickstarter goal! Please check out our campaign here: Encyclopedia Botanica 2019 Kickstarter To stay in touch be sure to check our website, www.seattleurbanfarmco.com, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter! 

Hilary and Colin cover a wide range of listener questions in this late-summer Q+A episode.  This is going to be the last regularly scheduled episode of the 2018 season. We're going to take the fall to write, record and produce our best episodes yet! Stay tuned for updates on how you can support the podcast and when to expect the launch of the 2019 season.  To stay in touch be sure to check our website, www.seattleurbanfarmco.com, follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletter!  Thank you for another great season!

In this episode Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine and Hilary  discuss intuitive cooking tips and techniques for the popular garden brassicas Kale and broccoli. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: We're on a short break from show notes while navigating the first few weeks of parenthood- check out http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ and Colin's books for more on these subjects! #EBpodcast 

Natalie Carver of DC-based edible landscaping company, Love and Carrots, joins Hilary to share her experience with tomato hornworms. In this episode they discuss how to spot hornworms and their damage in the garden, and the best ways to manage them. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: We're on a short break from show notes while navigating the first few weeks of parenthood- check out http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ and Colin's books for more on these subjects! #EBpodcast 

Hilary and Colin chat blueberry care, Brassica pests and the herb chervil in this Q+A episode.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: We're on a short break from show notes while navigating the first few weeks of parenthood- check out http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ and Colin's books for more on these subjects! #EBpodcast 

This week on the podcast Hilary and Stephen Mirsky, of Seed Savers Exchange, discuss how to increase your winter squash yields through hand pollination.   Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Basil is one of those crops that almost everyone wants to grow. It's relatively versatile and it is one of the most productive crops per plant that you can grow in your garden. In this episode Hilary is joined by former Seattle Urban Farm Co. colleague and farmer, Skip Mackintosh to discuss their time-tested techniques for making the most of the space you've dedicated to basil. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Shannon Douglas of Honest Magazine defines "cooking intuitively" is a style of cooking based on understanding the fundamentals of cooking and paying close attention to your ingredients. In this episode she joins Hilary to discuss some general garden-inspired cooking tips that you can apply to a variety of crops. They'll focus on 2 spring crops, peas and radishes, to help illustrate these points. As always, Hilary will sprinkle in her harvesting and gardening tips as they relate to cooking intuitively.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

We're talking cauliflower! This crop is notoriously difficult to grow compared to other plants in the Brassica oleracea family. In this episode we discuss why and steps you can take to maximize your cauliflower growing success!  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/

Backyard beekeeping of honeybees is a great way to increase the number of pollinators in your garden, learn about how pollination works and, of course, the hives provide you with your own source of local honey. One thing that is not commonly discussed is that honeybees are not native to North America. While honeybees are very beneficial, there are also many species of native bees that could use help too. Today we are going to talk a bit about native bees and why its important to create habitat for native pollinators, especially if you're a backyard honeybee keeper.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/  

In this episode, Phoenix area based gardener, Angela Judd and Hilary discuss how to grow citrus. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

In this episode Mark Macdonald of West Coast Seeds joins Hilary to discuss growing the grain quinoa. While many grains are impractical to grow in a home garden or smaller farm, the dense seed heads on quinoa plants provide high yields in compact spaces and provide a great option to those who might be interested in growing grains at home.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

This Q+A Episode is all about seed starting! We answer questions about starting sweet potato slips, grow lights, and when to move your transplants outside.  {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast   

In this episode Hilary and Michela Colley continue their conversation on Seed Saving for the Home Gardener. This week they'll talk more about the practice of seed saving and share tips on how to best to utilize your space, timing your crops for seed saving, and the types of plants you might want to start with. {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

In this episode Hilary and guest expert Micaela Colley of the Organic Seed Alliance discuss terminology related to seed-saving, including: "open-pollinated", "heirloom" and "hybrid" seeds. {We're busy lining up late-spring and early summer episodes of the #EBPodcast and we need your support!} Consider making a one-time contribution here or supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

This week Hilary and guest expert Justin Wheeler of the Xerces Society will be talking about how to create an effective pollinator habitat in your garden by choosing cultivars that support beneficial insects. We're trying to keep this podcast listener supported, so any contribution helps! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica OR: Make a one-time contribution here Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ #EBpodcast 

This week Hilary is joined by Alley Swiss, the owner of Filaree Garlic Farm. Filaree Farm, which is know for their premium quality garlic seed, has been expanding their offerings to include several new seed products such as shallot sets, seed potatoes, sweet potato plants, and the newest addition, asparagus crowns. This episode is all about asparagus (well..maybe they discuss garlic a LITTLE), so tune in to learn about how to plant, grow and care for this low-maintenance perennial. We're trying to keep this podcast listener supported, so any contribution helps! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group. For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we're bring back the Slack Q+A episodes! In this episode we'll address questions about crop planning, growing fruit trees in containers, dahlias and much more. The questions that make up the content for these episodes are pulled from our online Slack group, which is an online community where you can share questions and gardening tips with me and an awesome group of edible gardeners. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode Hilary and special guest Simon Crawford of Owls Acre Seed share tips on growing gorgeous sweet peas!  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode Hilary and guest expert Niki Jabbour discuss some of the unusual vegetable crops featured in Niki's new book, Veggie Garden Remix! If you're looking to add some variety to your garden this year or you've found yourself frustrated with some of the more traditional vegetable crops, this episode is packed with inspiration.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

If you're thinking about adding edible perennials to your garden, sourcing bare-root plants is not only an economical way to go, but it is also likely to provide you with the most options when it comes to choosing plant variety. Many plant nurseries will also ship bare root plants, making them a great way to go if you don't live nearby a nursery with an extensive selection. Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week on the podcast I'm joined by guest expert, Rod Lamborn. Rod is the son of the well known plant breeder, Dr. Calvin Lamborn, who's also known as the Father of the Sugar Snap Pea. I'm sorry to say that Calvin passed away in 2017, but it's an honor to have Rod here to share with us a little bit about his father's legacy and the future of the Sugar Snap Pea. Check out the show notes for pea growing tips and Hilary's favorite varieties! Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode Nick Gitts, owner of Swan Island Dahilas, answers all of my burning dahlia care questions. Swan Island Dahlias is a 40 acre dahlia farm located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon and they grow over 360 varieties of dahlias and Nick has been running the farm since 1975.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Starting your own onion transplants from seed is inexpensive and allows you the most control when it comes to picking varieties that are well suited for your garden and culinary needs. In this episode guest expert Colin McCrate and I discuss how and when to start your onions from seed, our favorite onion varieties, and factors to consider when planting your baby onions out in the garden.  Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Today we’re recapping our favorite crop varieties of 2017, along with our lessons learned and best garden tips. This is our last episode before we take a short winter break. During the break, we'll be working on getting our late-winter and early spring episodes lined up and ready for you, so don't worry, there will be lots of great content coming your way in the new year! Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we continue our conversation about laying hens with guest Anne Briggs. We discuss introducing new hens into your flock, building a chicken coop, and chickens in the vegetable garden.  Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week on the podcast we have special guest Anne Briggs (a.k.a. Anne of All Trades) to talk with us about raising laying hens at home. We had so much to talk about on the subject that we ended up breaking this topic into two episodes. This week, in Part 1, we discuss Anne's favorite breeds of chickens, how to source your own laying hens, and the egg laying cycle.  Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

We're taking this week off to spend time with our family and friends, but we wanted to share a quick update with you on what's going on in our gardens, what we're cooking from our gardens this holiday season, and some of our favorite fall and winter archives that will help you plan for spring. We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our listeners, and in particular our Patreon supporters who make this podcast run! THANK YOU!  If you've considered supporting this podcast, now is a great time to contribute! Any contribution helps. Supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group! For more info, check out our Patreon page:  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Rhubarb is perennial garden crop and a low-maintenance gardener’s best friend. Once a rhubarb plant is established, it will require little or no care moving forward. However, additional care will improve your harvest, and on this episode, we’re sharing tips on managing your rhubarb, including dividing plants as they mature. Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Fall is here, and the days are shorter and colder. Many of us are winding down in our gardens, but not in our garden questions! This episode has a veritable potpourri of topics, including garden pests, keeping pathways weed-free, how to dry cayenne peppers, drip irrigation, and planting garlic. Huge thanks to Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab for sponsoring this episode. For more info and for your complimentary garden rehab PDF visit: www.elevatechiropracticrehab.com Your support is what keeps this podcast going! Any contribution helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Whether you garden as a hobby or as professional, chances are that you garden because you love it. We all want to be able to do the things we love for a long time, so it’s important to be conscientious about how we’re using our bodies in the garden. We also don’t want our gardening to get in the way of other activities we love such as running, skiing, or playing with our kids. On this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lee and Dr. Jason of Seattle-based Elevate Chiropractic and Rehab to talk with us about smart garden body mechanics.   We need your help to keep this podcast going! Any amount helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Whether you’re expanding your garden to accommodate more crops or starting from scratch and building a brand new garden, there a few key factors to keep in mind when choosing a site that will help you make the most of the space you dedicate to your garden. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Any amount helps. Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Raspberries are relatively easy to grow, and with the right care and maintenance, can be an extremely productive crop in your garden. Lisa Devetter, Assistant Professor of Berry Crops at Washington State University (WSU), joins us on today’s podcast to talk about raspberry growing considerations, including the differences between June-bearing and Everbearing varieties.  We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

The days are getting shorter and cooler, and that Fall crispness is definitely in the air. In this week’s episode, we answer questions that follow up on previous podcast episodes. Tune in for more information on harvesting sunflower seeds, planting garlic, using drip irrigation, and amending soil. Many thanks to our Club Encyclopedia Botanica podcast funders for asking such smart follow-up questions and helping us all get into more detail on these timely topics! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Last week we discussed the various benefits of drip irrigation, along with how to operate and maintain a system. Today we’re discussing the details and providing everything you need to know to install your own drip irrigation system. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

When it comes to watering your vegetable garden, we've found that a drip irrigation system with an automatic timer is the best way to achieve the consistent watering that crops require. Join us for a chat about how and why we use drip irrigation, and some tips on setting up a new system and winterizing your existing system. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Join Hilary and Kellie for a quick chat about what's happening in their gardens this week!  Become an evergreen sponsor of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast via Patreon and get access to our Slack group by signing up at $5/month level! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica we love hearing from you!  Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions. Use the same hashtag to show us your garden photos on Instagram!

Happy Fall! We're taking a break this week because Hilary is under the weather but we'll be back to our regular scheduled programing next Friday with an episode on drip irrigation, so stay tuned! We also have some more bonus episodes in the works in which we we'll be chatting about our real-time fall garden care tips, so we still have lots more to share with you this season. Hilary was able to hop on for a quick update and for suggestions on archived episodes you might revisit during this week off, so tune in! 

Organic fertilizer is a key component of any vegetable garden, and today we are going to explore a specialized recipe for an organic fertilizer that is totally vegan. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

The Fall season is almost upon us, and the discussion happening in our Slack group definitely reflects that. Summer crops are wrapping up, and our Fall gardens are full of short and half season plantings to round out the year. In addition to questions about powdery mildew and growing the best beets, we're also thinking ahead to fig tree pruning and soil amendments.  We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Join us for a lively chat with special guest and expert vegetable gardener, Niki Jabbour, about simple ways to extend your harvest into the winter and early spring.  We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Join Hilary and Kellie for a quick chat about what's happening in their garden right now! This week they have Natalie Carver from DC-based urban farming biz, Love and Carrots, on the show to share a fun garden trivia fact with you all! This is the last week of our Fall Fund Drive - consider making a contribution today! (You must click on "show full description" for live links!) Or, you can always become an evergreen sponsor by supporting us via Patreon and get access to our Slack group by signing up at $5/month level! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This episode includes a round-up of crops that mature in 40 days or less. We picked 40 days because there are very few crops that can mature in fewer than this many days, but it is still a short enough period (just over a month) that it is easy to plan for and execute even in the waning days of the summer. Consider this your last call for planting and get out there and sow some seeds! Consider making a contribution during 2-week Fall Fund Drive - the drive runs August 18-31st! (You must click on "show full description" for live links!)  Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Or, you can always become an evergreen sponsor by supporting us via Patreon and get access to our Slack group by signing up at $5/month level! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Join Hilary and Kellie for a quick chat about what's happening in their garden right now!  Consider making a contribution during 2-week Fall Fund Drive - the drive runs August 18-31st! (You must click on "show full description" for live links!)  Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Or, you can always become an evergreen sponsor by supporting us via Patreon and get access to our Slack group by signing up at $5/month level! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Spinach is an annual that grows to maturity in about 25-40 days. It is a hardy cool-season crop that does best at temperatures of 60 to 65ºF, but can withstand temperatures as low as 20ºF. Spinach is intolerant of temperatures above 77ºF, these warm temperatures combined with long days initiate the plants reproductive stage, causing it to bolt or flower prematurely. That means that spinach thrives when planted early in the spring for a late spring harvest, and late in the summer for a fall harvest. Consider making a contribution during 2-week Fall Fund Drive - the drive runs August 18-31st! (You must click on "show full description" for live links!)  Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Or, you can always become an evergreen sponsor by supporting us via Patreon and get access to our Slack group by signing up at $5/month level! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

It feels like summer has arrived pretty much everywhere in the US, and our Slack group questions definitely reflect that. Your gardens are probably full of summer crops, and hopefully you're also underway with planning and planting for Fall. Many of the topics we cover in this episode actually start to turn our attention toward Fall. This includes our own Fall garden line-ups, including our favorite carrots and kale, the best way to store seeds, a debate about self-seeding crops, and last, a tricky question about onions. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Late Blight is a disease that primarily effects potatoes and tomatoes and is responsible for the Irish potato famine in the mid-nineteenth century. In this episode we discuss what causes late blight, how you might control it and what to do if you find yourself with late blight in your garden.   We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Garlic and onions are some of the most satisfying crops you can grow in your home garden. These crops are both ready to harvest at the onset of peak harvest season, a harbinger of the forthcoming abundance. Luckily the crops are happy to be stored away for us to enjoy during less bounteous times of year. In this episode, we’re sharing some tips that will help you know when your crops are ready to harvest and how to store them. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

The Brassica family includes crops like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi, among others. These crops are cold-hardy, which makes them ideal for Fall gardens and in many cases, overwintering. The term ‘Fall Brassicas’ refers to crops that are planted anywhere between mid/late summer and early fall and are then harvested throughout the Fall. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes for your chance to win 7 warm season salad greens packets from Seattle Seed Co! Just search for Encyclopedia Botanica in iTunes, click on our podcast icon and you can leave us a review right on your phone! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Salad greens generally prefer to grow in cooler weather conditions, thriving in temperatures around 60 degrees F. This makes them a great spring and early summer crop, but growing great greens can start to get tricky in the hottest months of the year and in areas that receive full, direct sun. This week we have Natalie Carver, from Love and Carrots, a DC-based edible landscaping company, to discuss warm weather salad greens with us. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes for your chance to win 7 warm season salad greens packets from Seattle Seed Co! Just search for Encyclopedia Botanica in iTunes, click on our podcast icon and you can leave us a review right on your phone! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This past month we rounded the corner into summer so many of the questions we've been getting in our Slack group the past few weeks have been about pest and disease issues, harvesting, and pruning. This week we're going to discuss a question about leaf miners, a cauliflower harvesting dilemma, stunted greens beans and irregular sugar snap peas. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Show notes: http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/blog/ Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode we discuss techniques that will help you grow bigger and better tasting Brussels sprouts. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!  

This week Kellie is out, but I have a very special guest, Brad Halm, here to chat with me about tomato pruning. Brad is a dear friend of mine, one of the co-founders of the Seattle Urban Farm Co., and the co-author of the books I'm always referencing on this podcast, Food Grown Right, In Your Backyard, and High Yield Vegetable Gardening. Brad was actually the person who taught me how to prune tomatoes so I can't think of a better person to have on the show today. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Blossom end rot can be an incredibly frustrating challenge for any vegetable gardener. There is something particularly upsetting about watching a perfectly healthy-looking plant produce damaged and rotten fruits! In this episode we're chatting about how blossom end rot can be avoided and, once in process can often be overcome! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

New potatoes are potatoes that are harvested young, or before the potato plant dies back and the potatoes fully mature. They have a thin, tender skin, are generally sweeter than mature potatoes, and are particularly delicious when pulled fresh from the garden. In this episode we'll discuss how and when harvest new potatoes! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode we tackle another round of questions from our Slack group. We cover late spring topics such as drip irrigation run times, tomato pruning tips, cauliflower care, and more!  If you want to know more about our Slack group or to join, check out our Patreon page:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode!  Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!    

There are so many types and varieties of beans to choose from, that picking the right types to grow in your garden can be confusing. In this episode we’re going to discuss the 3 main culinary categories that beans are broken into, and how each of these types are grown in your garden. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!  

We’re excited to have Jeanne Nolan on the podcast today to talk with us about growing cucumbers. Jeanne is based in Chicago and has been growing food organically for over twenty-five years. In this episode we'll discuss when and how to plant cucumbers, trellising techniques, succession planting cuc's and Jeanne's favorite varieties.  We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Spring has really kicked in across the country, and as a result, we're covering a lot of specific growing questions today. Stay tuned for more on slug control, a carrot seeding experiment, supplemental feeding, beet thinning, and other questions around spring planting. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us at the $5/month level for access to our Slack group- maybe we'll even answer one of your questions in an episode! For more info, check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!  

Succession planting is the practice of planting small quantities of a crop on a regular basis so that they can be harvested at regular intervals throughout the growing season. This practice is key to maintaining a high-yield vegetable garden. Tune in for our tips on succession planting short season crops. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Tomatoes are probably the most popular garden vegetable, and for good reason; they're versatile, highly productive, and produce fruits that are far superior to any you can buy at the grocery store. In this episode we'll discuss tips for choosing and the best tomato for your space and needs and how to plant tomatoes.  We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Growing food with kids of all ages can be fun and rewarding. On today’s episode, Nicole Burke from the Rooted Garden joins us to share her mission of getting everyone growing their own edible garden. As a mom to 4 kids, Nicole is an expert on the best ways to engage kids in this process, from planning to planting to harvesting and maintenance. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Containers are a great way to grow food in a small or otherwise unusable space. They can turn a sunny patio, deck or even a driveway into a custom-sized, productive garden. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Today we're covering some of the top Q&A from the Slack group from the last month. Stay tuned for more on seed starting, drip irrigation, and raspberry pruning. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Green sprouted garlic is somewhat of a delicacy and is usually only found at farmers markets, but is also very easy to grow! It grows fast and adds an incredible, fresh flavor to any traditionally garlic-laced meal. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we are going to talk about one of the most popular crops for the home garden: Strawberries. Strawberries are easy to grow at home and can be highly productive even in relatively small spaces. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode we are talk about growing flowers specifically to attract beneficial insects to your garden.Today's topic ties a lot of things together. Growing flowers, organic pest management, and pollination for your veggies. We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

In this episode we're covering Q+A from some of the listeners in the Slack group. We address questions on what to plant when, starting seeds at home, drip irrigation, and becoming a beet ninja! We need your help to keep this podcast going! Consider supporting us through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Welcome to part 2 of our 2-part series on organic fertilizer! This week we're talking about Phosphorus and Potassium. These two nutrients are responsible for many vital plant functions, including root growth, flower production and fruit development. Please consider supporting this podcast through our Patreon page. All of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Over the next two episodes we will break down NPK, the acronym used to classify plant fertilizers. NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This week we will focus on Nitrogen, and next week we'll talk in depth about Phosphorus and Potassium. So, welcome to our 2-part series on organic fertilizer! Consider supporting this podcast through our Patreon page. This is the last week that all of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners. After March 1, 2017, the price of admission to the our online community forum will go up to $5/month. Thank you all so much for your support!  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Potatoes are a surprisingly satisfying crop to grow. If you’re not a huge fan of these tubers, tasting freshly harvested homegrown potatoes will definitely change your feelings about the crop.  Along with peas and onions, they are one of the first crops we plant in the spring. You really feel like you are doing something useful when burying the big chunks of 'seed potatoes.’ Consider supporting this podcast through our Patreon page. All of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

We think fresh homegrown peas are reason enough to have your own garden. They’re also one of the earliest and easiest crops to grow. In this episode we'll discuss how to plan for and grow peas in your garden.  Consider supporting this podcast through our Patreon page. All of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Welcome back to part two of our series on cut flowers. If you haven't listened to part 1 of the series - episode 29 - go back and check that out before listening to this one. It will make more sense that way, and then you'll have Hilary's whole top 10 list. Last week we talked about annual flowers that can be direct seeded in your garden, and this week we're focusing on annual flowers that do better as transplants. Consider supporting this podcast through our Patreon page. All of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

There are many similarities between growing annual vegetables and annual flowers. Just like a vegetable garden, a great annual cut flower garden takes a little planning. This week we discuss general planting considerations and take a look at some of our favorite and most reliable direct seeded annual flowers for cutting. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution! All of our Patreon supporters have access to our online community forum where you can chat with Hilary and Kellie, as well as your fellow listeners:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we continue our seed ordering discussion by talking about quantities of seed and how much of each type you'll want to order. We'll also touch on why it might actually make more sense for you to buy some crops as seeds, but others as transplants from your local nursery. Lastly, we'll share tips and clues that you can use to select the right variety for your intended application. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Hello and welcome back to the EB podcast! We’re so excited to be back and we’re looking forward to a full year of podcasts in 2017. It’ll be fun to start right at the beginning of the year and talk about the season as it progresses! Growing from seed can have the potential to dramatically increase your opportunities for better yields by allowing you much more control over the varieties of each crop that you can plant in the garden. Keeping a well-stocked seed library also allows you to take advantage of production opportunities on your own schedule throughout the season. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!  

This week we will wrap up our garden planning conversation by discussing crop rotation. Crop rotation is the practice of planting annual crops in different spaces each year to avoid pest and disease problems, and to use soil nutrients efficiently. We really need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content! We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we will be continuing the garden planning conversation by discussing another factor that can help guide your garden planning, and that’s plant growth form. We really need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content! We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Knowing more about the life span and growth cycle of your crops will help you make decisions about what to plant, when to plant it, and how much of it to plant. This is the first of many episodes we will share over the next few months on the topic of garden planning. No matter how simple or comprehensive your garden plan will be, these episodes will be here for you to revisit as many times as you'd like over the coming months and seasons to help you devise an intricate plan or simply serve as an inspiration for future projects.  We really need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!  

We're taking a little break and spending time with our families this week, we thought this would be a great time to recap a few of our favorite episodes that are still really timely for the season.  Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This episode is for those of you out there who may not have a vegetable garden yet, or who are planning to expand an existing growing space. Or maybe you're thinking about adding some new beds for the next growing season. We are talking about how sheet mulching might be a good technique for you. Mulching your future garden space over the winter can give you a jumpstart on the garden building process for next season. Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Microgreens are a great way to produce food all year long with minimum space and time. In this episode we'll discuss how to grow microgreens and crops that are best suited for this type of production.  Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Spending a little time in the fall taking notes on what happened in your garden over that past season is a great way to get a jump start on your garden planning for the following spring. In this episode we are going to briefly introduce garden mapping and then Kellie and I will share our favorite crop varieties of the 2016 garden season. Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This episode we are going to delve into the wonderful world of soil pH. Managing the pH of a garden may sound super complicated or perhaps a bit over-the-top for the beginning gardener. However, checking and adjusting the pH of your garden soil is actually very easy and very important. Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

This week we will be discussing how to use compost as a fall garden amendment. In particular, we're going to talk about it how you can use compost to improve and protect your soil over the wet winter months. Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Cover cropping is the practice of growing a crop specifically to generate organic matter, protect the soil, and increase soil nutrient levels.  In this episode, we discuss how cover crops work and why they are an incredibly important and effective way to maintain soil health and capture soil on site, but also why the practice of cover cropping can be tricky to employ in a home garden. Also, we need your support in order to continue providing you with fresh, quality weekly content. We've started a Patreon page so if you're enjoying this podcast, consider making a contribution:  https://www.patreon.com/encyclopediabotanica Don't forget to Tweet us @seattleurbnfarm using hashtag #EBpodcast with your garden questions!

Last week Kellie and I went to a community field day and variety tasting event put on by the Organic Seed Alliance. The event celebrates the second annual harvest at OSA’s Washington research farm, which serves as the hub of OSA’s Pacific Northwest organic plant breeding, seed education, and variety trial program. In this episode, we’ll discuss OSA’s mission and some of the work they do and we’ll also share their technique for saving tomato seeds. HOW TO LISTEN: Listen right now in your browser by clicking above. Subscribe in iTunes (or your favorite podcast player) to have our podcasts sent directly to your device. Stream from SoundCloud SHOW NOTES: In this episode, we discuss: What the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) is and their mission. Why organic farmers and gardeners are reliant on organizations like the OSA to help develop seed adapted to their specific farm conditions and climates that don’t require the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers How to save tomato seeds. Important Take-aways: Seeds are a living, natural resource that need careful management to meet food needs now and into the future. The Organic Seed Alliance’s work is crucial to the future of organic farming. Research demonstrates that varieties developed under non-organic growing conditions are not always successful in organic and other low-input systems. Organic growers need crop varieties developed specifically for low-input systems – crops that mitigate pest and disease pressures, and that are adapted to their local conditions and climates.” The OSA is partnering with farmers all over the country to identify seed needs and to trial varieties and collect data. Label any seeds you save with the variety and date! Heard on the Episode: “It’s not everyday that you get the opportunity to try seven different types of kale...sided by side. It’s just a good reminder of all of the different vegetable varieties and flavor qualities that are out there.” - Hilary Dahl “I have to say, this was just such a cool experience...I’ve never really done anything like this before. I learned way more than I expected about the importance of seeds in our culture...honestly, I know it’s fall but it got me super jazzed up for planning my spring garden…!” - Kellie Phelan

These easy-to-grow plants tend to get neglected, but they’re actually really easy to keep nice and tidy. With a few simple steps, you can care for your herbs while also harvesting your crop! Join us as we chat about pruning herbs, using lavender, sage, and rosemary as examples.

It may be a surprise to some listeners that, not only are hops relatively easy to find a place for in the home garden, but they are also beautiful and really rewarding to grow. I love the way hops look and smell! In this episode we will talk a little bit about how to grow them, how to harvest them and how to use them.

The ‘winter’ in winter squash refers to the time of year the crop is eaten, rather than planted. The winter squash category includes to storage squashes (butternut, spaghetti, and acorn), as well as pumpkins. In today’s episode, we cover everything you need to grow perfect winter squashes, including the lifecycle of the plant, when to harvest, and how the fruits should be cured for storage.

Today’s episode is all about garlic! Garlic is a member of the Allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, scallions, and chives. In most climates, garlic is planted in the late fall and harvested mid-summer the following year. Join us as we chat about selecting garlic seed, explore the differences between softneck and hardneck garlic, and, of course, discuss planting techniques and tips.