How I Grow This

One year’s worth of greatest hits, in one hour. These are the farms (and farmers) that kept us coming back for more. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and EXCITED for Season 2! 

Pam Dowling, a seasoned farmer and author of Sustainable Market Farming , reveals how prioritizing simplicity and smart planning can revolutionize your growing methods. After decades managing a community that feeds 80-100 people year-round on just 3.5 acres, she breaks down her proven strategies for reducing labor, avoiding burnout, and building soil health—without falling into the trap of excess...

Matthew Gauer, from Greenhorn Grove, shares how a simple succulent garden sparked a passion that turned into a thriving one-acre farm—and a social media movement with over 2 million followers.

Imagine a farm where the season is 8 weeks long, generates over $112,000 in profit, and visitors flock to pick from fields of berries and vegetables — all while minimizing post-harvest handling and maximizing joy. Megan shares how she and her dad built this system from scratch, navigating challenging soils, unpredictable weather, and market demands, to create a farm that is the crown jewel of thei...

Unlock the true potential of small-scale farming with Malik Miller, aka Farmer Millz — a young, Black agricultural innovator breaking stereotypes and championing land stewardship for the next generation. In a world obsessed with traditional farming norms, Malik's story of building on his grandmother’s dream offers a fresh perspective on legacy, regenerative practices, and modern entrepreneursh...

Meet Jonathan Dysinger, Founder and Owner of Farmer’s Friend, and learn how his pursuit of the perfect greens harvester evolved from a hacked hedge trimmer to a thriving company serving thousands of farmers across the world. If you’re into roller coasters, this story is for you. From the many prototype failures, to first sales, and the leap from farm hobbyist to major supplier—this is a story of t...

When Ann and her family left the mountains of the Pacific Northwest to start a homestead on the border of Tennessee and Alabama, they had no idea what was about to hit them—poor soil, humid heat, pests, and adapting to new growing seasons. Yet, their story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving against the odds using simple, traditional techniques, innovative microclimate strategie...

Meaningful change starts with tiny, intentional steps in soil, family, and food. In this episode, JP and Ann discuss regenerative principles like minimal soil disturbance, soil cover, diversity, and livestock integration, and how they are reshaping the future of perennial farming. They dispel common misconceptions around organic and regenerative labels, revealing the unregulated truths and what to...

Success in small-scale farming isn't just about growing great crops—it's about building a thriving, intentional business from day one. Diego Footer, a veteran in the farm small, farm smart movement, reveals the secret sauce for turning passion into profit. If you're overwhelmed by the physical grind or unsure how to market your produce effectively, this episode is your roadmap to clari...

The “AZ plant Lady” Noelle Johnson paves the way to desert growing success in this fascinating episode. Whether you live in the desert yourself, or face other climate extremes, you are sure to glean from Noelle’s advice on using contours, textures, mulches, and the natural canopies of other plants to create beneficial microclimates for your plants. Noelle is the author of two successful books, an...

If one sustainable family homestead operation can net a million dollars per year in the wilds of Alberta where temperatures range from 40 below in the winter to 120 in the summer, rainfall averages 12 inches per year and frost can come any month except July, then probably you can too. . . Learn from the best how to be your best, no matter where you are. coenfarm.ca https://buildingyourhomestead.co...

In this episode, Shawnee Grows navigates the challenges of northern growing with shifting climate zones, pests, the cropdusting neighbor, and gardening in multiple places at once. This is a story of skill and adaptation, but also of learning and legacy. You’ll be inspired not just to grow beautiful things, but to save seeds and species for later generations. . .  Check out Shawnee Grows on YouTube...

A young family growing up outside the mile-high city is finding the stuff of dreams. Inspiration, information, and joy await in this episode of the How I Grow This podcast with guest, Amy Johnson. Learn the single best decisions she made as a new gardener that has transformed her garden while reducing her workload.  Check out Amy’s youtube channel at youtube.com/@atreasurefound

Keith Arkenberg made a snap decisions (mistake?) one day that changed his life forever. You’re sure to enjoy his journey from scientist in a laboratory to farmer in the field. Now a successful grower, educator and communicator, Keith is making an impact well beyond his vegetable customers. You’ll be sure to enjoy his down-to-earth style and vast practical experience in this episode.  Check out Far...

From urban living in Chicago to a rural lifestyle in Tennessee, Sara Chodl describes carving (literally) a new homestead out of a rocky mountain. Tune in for her favorite seed starting techniques (she surprised even herself), insights into sustainable gardening, and a preview of her new book.  Check out Sara's youtube account at https://www.youtube.com/  ⁨@Saraonthefarm⁩    and visit her websi...

In this conversation, Sean Pessarra discusses effective investment strategies for backyard gardening, maximizing space and revenue through high-value crops and high tunnels. He highlights the need for economic sustainability in farming, the benefits of high tunnels in crop production, and the significance of nutrient management for high-yield crops. Sean also encourages aspiring farmers to learn f...

In this episode of the How I Grow This podcast, host Luke Hammond welcomes Bevin Cohen from Small House Farm, who shares his extensive knowledge on gardening, seed saving, and herbalism. Bevan recounts his journey into the world of plants, sparked by a simple gift of beans that transformed his perspective on gardening and led him to establish his farm.

Luke Hammond and Brian Maisenbacher discuss various soil testing methods, the advantages and disadvantages of raised beds, and the impact of water quality on plant growth. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding soil biology and the role it plays in producing nutrient-dense food.

Jason, from Sow The Land on YouTube, shares his transformative journey from a city life in Los Angeles to embracing a homesteading lifestyle in North Carolina. After a cancer diagnosis, Jason and his family decided to take control of their health and lifestyle, leading them to grow their own food and live minimally. This episode explores Jason's challenges, triumphs, and the lessons learned along...

Ep 34 - In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Seth Finegold from Do Good Things on Instagram, a filmmaker turned farmer, about his journey into sustainable agriculture and community building. Seth shares his experiences transitioning from city life to rural living in Devon, England, and the importance of community in achieving true self-sufficiency. Seth is...

Luke Hammond interviews Michael Kilpatrick, a seasoned farmer and entrepreneur   with over two decades of experience. Michael started his journey in a garden in Massachusetts and now owns and operates The Farm on Central, a thriving farm and cooperative in Ohio. Michael also touches on the subject of his upcoming class for the Seed To Harvest Summit— Integrative Pest Management. Tune in to be amaz...

Luke Hammond and Justin Lane, a professional nursery owner from Shelby, North Carolina discuss all things plant selection, succession planting, soil health, and the benefits of raised beds over traditional gardening methods. The conversation also covers pollination, companion planting, and the importance of attracting pollinators to the garden. Justin provides practical tips for pruning and select...

In this episode of "How I Grow This," Luke sits down with Amanda Pike, PhD, to explore her transformative journey of creating a sustainable food forest in South Florida. Amanda shares her insights on transitioning from a corporate lifestyle to embracing a holistic approach to health and family life. Discover how Amanda's two-acre food forest not only provides her family with daily su...

In this dynamic and fascinating conversation, Luke and David Stelzer, founder of Azure Standard, discuss the latest (concerning!) public health statistics in the United States, and how Azure Standard is fighting back. The conversation ranges from David’s childhood struggles with health problems, to the rigorous regenerative agricultural standards they use when vetting farmers and suppliers, to how...

In this conversation Luke and Stefano quickly move from fruit growing in the high desert (grow your own year round fresh apples anyone?) to how to start farming / homesteading in the first place when you can’t afford land. Stefano has done it the wrong way and the right way... And now he shares his wisdom with us!