How I Grow This

Luke Hammond sits down with Lee Martineau, a passionate advocate for soil health and innovative gardening techniques. Broadcasting from the chilly reaches of Canada, Lee shares his journey from home scale gardener to founding multiple companies dedicated to soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. Discover how Lee's unique approach to using pellets for soil health is transforming barren p...

Steve lays it all out there. And probably some of what he has to say will surprise you. In this fun and fascinating episode, Steve takes us through his accidental journey from airline pilot with some worms on the side to the Urban Worm Company producing 1 million pounds of worm castings annually. This is one you can’t miss. 

Ever wondered if those eggshell and banana peel houseplant trends hold any water? This conversation delves into the common myths and misconceptions surrounding gardening, particularly focusing on the ineffectiveness of DIY solutions. Understand plant needs, proper pest control strategies, and the necessity of thorough research to avoid common mistakes in gardening.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jenny Leigh, a passionate gardener and professional musician, as she shares her journey from childhood gardening memories to creating a vibrant backyard flower farm in Nashville. Discover how Jenny balances her love for gardening with her music career, and learn about her innovative flower cart business and how community porch concerts bring the neighborh...

In this engaging conversation, “Joe Gardner” shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a renowned gardening expert. He emphasizes the importance of understanding local gardening conditions, the benefits of native plants, and sustainable practices. Joe discusses the advantages of raised bed gardening, the significance of composting, and nutrient management. He encourages listeners to e...

In this episode of "How I Grow This," host Luke Hammond sits down with Keith Burns, co-founder of Green Cover, to explore the transformative impact of regenerative agriculture. Discover how diverse cover cropping can enhance soil health, improve water retention, and boost crop resilience. Keith shares insights from his journey in sustainable farming, offering practical advice for both la...

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with David from The Weedy Garden, exploring his journey from adventure photography to gardening during the COVID lockdown. David shares insights on gardening in Australia, the importance of composting, and the philosophy behind his gardening practices. He emphasizes the need for hands-on experience over theoretical knowledge...

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Casey Ostwick, founder of Honey Tree Farm in North Carolina. They discuss Casey's journey from tree service to farming, the challenges of soil fertility, and the unique growing conditions in North Carolina. Casey shares insights on plant growth, nutrition, and disease management, as well as practical techniques for b...

Briana Bosch shares her journey from a background in business to a productive flower farm and beyond, focusing on regenerative gardening and sustainable practices (and no plastics!) She discusses the challenges and rewards of farming in Colorado's unique climate, her passion for native plants, growing without plastics, and the importance of community involvement in her farming endeavors.

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond speaks with Curtis Stone, an influential figure in the world of market gardening and homesteading. Curtis shares his journey from aspiring off-grid homesteader to successful market gardener, detailing the evolution of his farming practices and the unexpected paths that led to his success. The conversation also touches on personal ch...

Luke Hammond interviews Nicole Burke, a passionate gardener and author, who shares her unique journey from a food addiction to becoming a gardening expert. Nicole discusses her early experiences with gardening, the evolution of her practices, and how she built a successful gardening business. She emphasizes the importance of soil health, innovative planting techniques, and adapting to climate chal...

Meet Ray Tyler, a successful market gardener grossing $800k on 1.25 acres in Selmer, Tennessee. Ray shares his journey into farming, the challenges he faces with weather, soil management, and family health crises, and his innovative techniques for crop production. He discusses the importance of resilience, labor management, and financial strategies in running a successful farm. Ray emphasizes the...

In this episode, Luke Hammond compares notes with Stephen Cornette of Nature's Always Right about the various contexts of gardening, transitioning from California to Tennessee, and the philosophy behind sustainable farming. They discuss the importance of mimicking nature, the challenges of ease in gardening, and the benefits of raised bed gardening. Stephen shares insights on Korean natural farmin...

Meet Josh and Carolyn Thomas, a dynamic couple known for their contributions to the homesteading movement. They share their journey from urban living to establishing a homestead, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped their lifestyle choices, including a significant health scare related to vaccinations. The couple emphasizes the importance of intentional living, building systems for success,...

Matt Powers, the Citizen Scientist, takes you on a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of soil science and sustainable growing practices. From a professional ski racer to a leading figure in permaculture, discover how a knee injury redirected his path, leading him to embrace music and eventually growing, where he now thrives as an educator and advocate for sustainable living. Tune in to explore Matt...

Luke interviews Christy Wilhelmi, a gardening expert and author, who shares her journey from apartment gardening to managing a community garden in Los Angeles. They discuss the dynamics of community gardening, including interpersonal relationships, pest control, watering systems, and the impact of climate change on gardening practices. Christy emphasizes the importance of soil health and compostin...

Katie shares her journey from being a hospital dietitian to embracing homesteading and functional nutrition, emphasizing the significance of listening to one's body and focusing on real, whole foods. The discussion also touches on cravings, the role of supplements, and the nutritional quality of homegrown versus store-bought produce. Finally, they delve into food preservation techniques and th...

Meet Jill McSheehy, a passionate gardener and host of the 'Beginner's Garden Podcast.' Luke and Jill discuss various aspects of gardening, including climate conditions, the impact of heat index, plant spacing, organic practices, and the balance between gardening as a passion and a profession. Jill shares her experiences with gardening failures, planting dates, soil health, irrigation s...

Luke Hammond interviews Cameron and Becky Porter, the dynamic duo behind the Seasonal Homestead YouTube channel. They share their inspiring journey into organic gardening, which began as a response to Becky's health challenges. The conversation delves into their experiences with gardening, the impact of COVID-19 on their homesteading journey, and the techniques they use to grow a variety of cr...

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond interviews James Fry, founder of Grow Everywhere, discussing innovative gardening techniques, particularly focusing on soil health, aquaponics, and the unique Revolution Garden system. They explore the importance of soil microbes, the use of urine as a fertilizer, and the challenges and benefits of different gardening methods. James shares hi...

In this episode, Luke Hammond speaks with Nina Shirley (founder of the Dirt Academy) about her journey into gardening, the challenges of growing in South Florida's climate, and the importance of community in gardening. They discuss organic practices, the design of beautiful and functional gardens, and the concept of food forests. Nina shares her experiences with various crops, particularly swe...

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond interviews lighting expert Victor Zadarej, who shares his extensive experience in gardening and the development of grow lights. They discuss the critical factors in choosing the right grow light, the evolution of lighting technology, and common misconceptions about grow lights. Victor emphasizes the importance of light spectrum, energ...

In this episode of 'How I Grow This', host Luke Hammond speaks with Kaylee Richardson from the Honeystead about her experiences in gardening, beekeeping, and the integration of herbs into her garden. They discuss the challenges of growing in Virginia's unpredictable climate, innovative garden designs, and the importance of pollinators. Kaylee shares her favorite herbs, their medicinal...

In this episode of the How I Grow This Podcast, host Luke Hammond interviews Audrey Crawford, a passionate gardener and owner of Audrey's Little Farm. Audrey shares her journey from growing up on a family ranch in Central California to establishing her own gardening business. She discusses her experiences with home gardening, the influence of her family, and the challenges she faces in her climate...

In this episode, host Luke Hammond speaks with Noah Sanders about his extensive gardening experience in East Central Alabama. They discuss the challenges of gardening in a humid climate with red clay soil, innovative techniques for creating sustainable garden beds, and the importance of compost and mulch in maintaining soil health. Noah shares insights on managing weeds, scaling gardening practice...