The Winter Growers Podcast
A show about making the most of the winter growing season, hosted by Clara Coleman.
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The Complexities of a Year-Round, Truly Full-Diet, CSA with Mark & Kristen Kimball of Essex Farm
08/05/2024
The Complexities of a Year-Round, Truly Full-Diet, CSA with Mark & Kristen Kimball of Essex Farm
Mark and Kristen Kimball of in Essex, New York, have farmed for over 20 years together. Mark and Kristen are known for their year-round, free-choice, whole-diet CSA model on 130 acres, with 22 acres and vegetables and access to 1,100 acres per grazing, haymaking, and sugaring, producing everything from veggies, fruit, grains, meat, dairy, eggs, and more. They balance the complexities of a year-round whole diet CSA model and their approach to winter food in the form of not only storage crops, but through the animals they raise who harvest the sun's abundance in the form of grass, forbs, and legumes, and store it as nutrient-dense, protein, and fat. They believe that this is season extension too, and complementary to fresh vegetable production. A very insightful conversation… Mentioned in the show… Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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A Small-Farm Powerhouse Thriving on One Acre, Sarah Patterson of Red Acre Farm
07/29/2024
A Small-Farm Powerhouse Thriving on One Acre, Sarah Patterson of Red Acre Farm
Farmer Sarah Patterson of in Cedar City, Utah, was just 14 years old when she started her first CSA on her parents' land after they moved to Utah from LA. Now, 15 years later, she has built Red Acre Farm into a thriving one-acre certified organic farm with a year-round, full-diet CSA, farm stand, farm kitchen, AND farm stay, along with hosting farm dinners, workshops, and other community events. She also founded the Utah Farm and Food Conference, now in its eighth year, and with her mom established the , a nonprofit with a focus on farmer education and advocating for farmers at the state level. Since 2015, she and her mom have worked together to pass more than 19 bills directly related to small agriculture and artisan producers in Utah. Sarah is a powerhouse of energy and drive to make small-scale farming and local food accessible to all in her community and to inspire others to do the same. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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A Robust, Nimble, Mission-Driven, Two-Acre Farm with Kate Woods of Beetlebung Farm
07/22/2024
A Robust, Nimble, Mission-Driven, Two-Acre Farm with Kate Woods of Beetlebung Farm
Kate Woods, farm manager of in Chilmark, Massachusetts, along with her partner Nick, are the co-managers of a two-acre regenerative and primarily no-till farm on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Before its current iteration, the land had a rich history in agriculture, something of which that has been important to carry on for the island community, as well as a commitment to year-round production and innovation. With only two acres, the focus is on direct retail through a farm stand, farmer's markets, and a handful of wholesale clients, plus some educational opportunities for local school children and the larger island community. On the horizon is the opening of a farm store and a bakery with a focus on the culinary creations of local island products, which is a passion of Kate's. We speak about her background, how the farm started, and her role in helping to realize a vision of a robust and nimble four-season farm with a deep passion and mission to serve the island community. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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The Art of Kaizen + Holistic Management on a Growing, Year-Round Vegetable Farm with Max & Katie of Winter Kissed Farm
07/15/2024
The Art of Kaizen + Holistic Management on a Growing, Year-Round Vegetable Farm with Max & Katie of Winter Kissed Farm
As their farm name suggests, Montana farmers Max Smith and Katie Madden of focus on growing vegetable crops year-round, especially during the winter seasons. On 15 acres and at 3,500 feet in elevation, they use multiple high-tunnels and caterpillar-tunnels to grow crops and sell them through a CSA, , and to some area restaurants. They've had an interesting journey with marketing and production by focusing on winter- and spring-only sales during some recent years, but they are bringing back their summer CSA this year to meet the increasing demand for local, year-round veggies. With a crew of five full-time employees and following the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen and the holistic goal framework, Max and Katie are very intentional with their farm and business practices. Even in the face of challenges, they are flexible and mindful and offer an inspiring example of how to work together and build a farm as a team. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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An Inspiring Veteran Farmer on Self, Family, & Community Care with Elizabeth Keen of Indian Line Farm
07/08/2024
An Inspiring Veteran Farmer on Self, Family, & Community Care with Elizabeth Keen of Indian Line Farm
Elizabeth Keen of in Western Massachusetts, has been farming for 27 years and began her farm with her husband on land that was the birthplace of the CSA model popularized by Robyn Van En in 1986. Stewarding this important property, Elizabeth started her CSA with 12 member shares in 1997, which has since grown to 250 members, plus sales at a farmer's market and some restaurants and stores, all from five acres of production. The farm is certified naturally grown, and Elizabeth is an active member of CRAFT, the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training Program, which trains future farmers. The farm has three high-tunnels--she uses no heat in winter--and focuses on producing chard, kale, spinach, lettuce, scallions, radicchio, and cilantro as fresh winter crops. The farm is financially stable and viable, and Elizabeth has been the full-time grower since 2003, deriving all her income from the farm. Not only is Elizabeth a seasoned farmer with a successful CSA model and story, she is also a farmer who prioritizes community, family, self-care, and a healthy work-life balance as an inspiring example for others to follow. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Beginning a New Farm with Intentionality w/ Ellie & Dan of Small Holding Farm
07/01/2024
Beginning a New Farm with Intentionality w/ Ellie & Dan of Small Holding Farm
Ellie Goldstein and Dan Bryant of in Morganton, North Carolina, were recommended by a fan of the show as young, new, year-round farmers. Ellie and Dan started their farm in 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. Ellie has a background in psychology and works part-time in the mental health field and Dan is a certified arborist and carpenter… skills that have undoubtedly helped their recent transition into starting a farm and homestead with a focus on year-round production and building community. Farming on one acre with three high-tunnels, they prioritize building soil using primarily no-till methods, and they experiment with finding the best ways their bodies, the land, and their business can benefit and grow from these choices. I appreciate the full approach Dan and Ellie have taken in building their farm and business, and I hope our conversation can offer other new farmers inspiration as well. Mentioned in the show... Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Year-round Growing on an Island with Aidan Feeney of Fog Town Farm on Nantucket Island
06/24/2024
Year-round Growing on an Island with Aidan Feeney of Fog Town Farm on Nantucket Island
Aidan Feeney of is located on Nantucket Island, 30 miles off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Growing up on Nantucket as an outdoor enthusiast and working in landscaping and doing tree work during high school, Aidan became inspired to learn about agriculture and spent time in New York and in Vermont in college working on farms. In 2019, he returned to the island to start Fogtown Farm on leased conservation land. Now five years later, he has two acres under cultivation and is expanding to an additional three and a half acres on newly leased land. The demand for local produce year-round on the island is great. So, over the years, he's added caterpillar tunnels along with more high tunnels in the coming seasons. The wind and winter storms make year-round growing on the island especially challenging, but Aidan has found creative ways to persevere and grow his farm business. Along with his wife Natasha and their new son Arlo, Aidan is committed to year-round growing and supplying his island community with the freshest vegetables around. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Nearly 20 Years of Four Season Farming Done Well with Nate & Gabrielle of Six River Farm
06/17/2024
Nearly 20 Years of Four Season Farming Done Well with Nate & Gabrielle of Six River Farm
Nate & Gabrielle of Six River Farm are located just north of Portland, ME. As early apprentices of Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm—also former guests on the show—Nate and Gabrielle are now in their 18th! year of farming. Starting Six River Farm in 2007, on 2.5 acres of leased land, AND utilizing a collective farm model with four farms sharing infrastructure, they now have grown to 25 acres of vegetable production, with 20 employees during the main-season, 10 of whom work year-round. Farming on a mix of owned and leased land, they use eleven high-tunnels and 11 caterpillar tunnels for their year-round production supplying a self-serve farm-stand that’s set up in a greenhouse, year-round farmers markets, and direct wholesale to natural food stores. They are a beloved farm in central Maine, and as a family with two kids they prioritize a healthy farm-life balance by taking time away from the farm to travel… and visit other farms, too. Nate and Gabrielle offer a tremendous amount of experience and wisdom. They are an inspiring example of four-season farming done well. Check out the folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Blooms During the Coldest and Darkest Months of the Year with Emily of Von Trapp Flowers & Linda of Little Farmhouse Flowers
06/10/2024
Blooms During the Coldest and Darkest Months of the Year with Emily of Von Trapp Flowers & Linda of Little Farmhouse Flowers
Today, I have TWO guests, Emily Von-Trapp of in VT and Linda D’arco of in NY. Emily and Linda each operate their own cut flower businesses with a focus on wholesale and winter flower bulb forcing AND they collaborate to teach flower farmers how to bring beautiful flowers to bloom during the coldest and darkest months of the year through online course and on-farm classes. Along with a second Lilly workshop, their collaboration has inspired hundreds of flower farmers to grow local blooms during the dark winter months. We talk about their backgrounds, how they met, along with an uncanny list of similarities they share and some of the specifics of their farms in terms of growing infrastructure and systems. Lots of great information shared in this episode by two wonderful women with a passion for local winter blooms and friendship. Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Building a Year-Round, Family-Focused Farm in the South with Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms
06/03/2024
Building a Year-Round, Family-Focused Farm in the South with Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms
Over the last 14 years, Ray Tyler of has been passionate about developing growing systems to successfully grow and sell certified organic produce fifty-two weeks a year in western Tennessee. Along with his wife Ashley and six homeschooled children, he is committed to creating a family-focused farm that allows for a sustainable and healthy work-life balance. Using a meticulous system of eighteen caterpillar tunnels on one acre, Ray is able to supply three farmers markets and a farm stand. His market displays are called "the salad bar" and they are always stacked high with bunches of carrots, radish, celery, lettuce heads, and a varied assortment of greens. The early years, however, were a challenge for Ray, and we speak about how he and his family persevered with a lot of trial and error to become the successful farm and business they have today. Ray is an inspiring example of a passionate farmer who is committed to the health and well-being of his family, his business, the community, and the land. Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for two wheel tractors + implements. ... and, as always, our work is powered by the individual growers who support us every month over at . You can pick up a copy of if you don't have one already, as well as a or , check out our , and you can ask you questions or share your insights into ecological market gardening on our free growers forum at
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Seasoned Winter Growers & Farming for the Long Haul with Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm
08/14/2023
Seasoned Winter Growers & Farming for the Long Haul with Paul and Sandy Arnold of Pleasant Valley Farm
Paul and Sandy Arnold of in upstate NY are seasoned expert winter growers. They have been involved with winter growing since they first purchased their 60-acre property 35 years ago. With three large high-tunnels, numerous caterpillar and field tunnels, dedicated wash/pack, and climate controlled storage facilities, they have honed their year-round systems on three cultivated acres and have achieved financial stability for themselves and their family. Until recently, 90% of their sales were from farmers markets. Due to the initial impacts of COVID, they transitioned to almost all online sales without missing a beat. As they are approaching retirement, their farm business is in transition and they are considering how best to keep the land actively farmed. Their two children, Robert and Kim, Followed in their footsteps and each have their own farm businesses, and , respectively. Both Sandy and Paul offer an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience with winter production and farming for the long haul. It was truly and honor to speak with them for the last episode of this fourth Winter Growers podcast season. Folks who make the show possible... premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil! crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. quality greenhouses and high-tunnels.
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Overwinter Flowers with Joy Longfellow of Johnny’s Selected Seeds
08/07/2023
Overwinter Flowers with Joy Longfellow of Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Joy Longfellow is a flowers trial technician on the flowers team at Johnny’s research farm. I invited Joy to speak about their overwinter flower trials and the info they have gathered over the past few years. The Johnny’s research farm is 200+ acres acres in size with 60+ acres in crop production that includes both field and greenhouse growing for plant breeding, seed production, trialing, and cover crop rotation. The overwintering flower trials focus on cool season annuals, and a few perrenial, biannual, and bulb crops. Everything is grown for research purposes. Using unheated high-tunnels and meticulous record keeping, they're able to determine the best timing of the top five flower crops to grow in an over-winter tunnel for northern climates. . Joy offers a wealth of of information about growing, selecting, and managing overwinter flowers and her expertise is an excellent resource for winter growers. Folks who make the show possible... crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil! vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. quality greenhouses and high-tunnels.
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Adapting Crops to Climatic Conditions through Seed Work with Brian Campbell of Uprising Seeds
07/31/2023
Adapting Crops to Climatic Conditions through Seed Work with Brian Campbell of Uprising Seeds
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Brian and his partner Chrystine first started as a fresh market farm is 2004, producing their first seed catalog in 2007, and then transitioned entirely to seed production in 2011. is WA fist 100% certified organic seed company, producing over 70% of the seeds they sell with the rest being sourced from a network of regional family farms. Brian is passionate about exploring the relationship between grower security and open pollinated seeds and the ability to seasonally adapt varieties to climactic conditions specifically through seed work. Brian is also involved with a collaborative project between Uprising Seeds, , and northern Italian vegetable breeder to further establish radicchio as an anchor crop for the fall and winter seasons in North America. Overall, a great conversation for better understanding how seed production and selection can effect winter crop production. Mentioned in the show… For more on seed production, check out Folks who make the show possible... crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil! vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. quality greenhouses and high-tunnels.
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From Winter-only to Year-round Production with Erin & Sam of Long Season Farm
07/24/2023
From Winter-only to Year-round Production with Erin & Sam of Long Season Farm
Erin and Sam started in Ulster County, NY, in 2014 as a winter-only operation, but have since expanded to year-round production and market the majority of their produce at two year-round farmers markets. With seven acres in production, they have four 30' x 96' unheated high-tunnels, plus a prop house, multiple cat/ tunnels, a moveable tunnel, and a large heated greenhouse that includes their wash station. Unheated winter tunnel crops have been very successful, especially when coupled with a diverse array of storage crops. Erin is also very active in her local community and was elected to the town board in 2019. While they both appreciate the year-round cash-flow and access to new markets that winter production allows, the farm revenue only covers expenses, and they've found it challenging to save meaningfully while also avoiding the burnout that can come from year-round farming. I enjoyed hearing about their experiences and insights and what motivates them to continue farming year-round. Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil!
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Growing through Extreme Lows in the South with Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farm
07/17/2023
Growing through Extreme Lows in the South with Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farm
Jamila Norman of in Atlanta, GA, is a first generation daughter to Caribbean parents whose history is rooted in agriculture. After a career in environmental engineering, she founded Patchwork City Farms in 2010, an acre+ urban farm with one 30'x96' high-tunnel and four caterpillar tunnels that supplies two farmers markets, a couple of local restaurants, and a farmstand. I reached out to Jamila in January after an arctic blast with lows in the teens hit Atlanta and decimated 90% of her winter crops and severely impacted local winter crop availability. I wanted to see if I could offer any help or suggestions in preparing for future extreme cold weather events not normally experienced so far south, but what I learned from Jamila was just how difficult it is to prepare for extreme unpredictable cold unless adequate infrastructure, like high-tunnels, are already in use, which are not typically needed for winter hardy crops in the south. We also talk about her television series, Homegrown, on Magnolia Network, which just launched it's third season. The series focuses on helping families in the Atlanta area transform their outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional backyard farms and gardens. It can be streamed on HBO Max. Jamila is a warm-hearted leader and resource for the urban farming community and I truly enjoyed this conversation. Mentioned in the show… Folks who make the show possible... premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil! crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources.
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Rapid Growth from Small to Mid-scale Diversified Production with Amy & Jacob of Boldly Grown Farm
07/10/2023
Rapid Growth from Small to Mid-scale Diversified Production with Amy & Jacob of Boldly Grown Farm
In 2015, Amy Frye and Jacob Slosberg of in Bow, WA, started a one-acre farm at an incubator farm shortly after meeting and working on their university farm. Now, in their ninth season, they’ve purchased their own farm property and currently cultivate 30 acres of vegetables, a couple acres of grains, dry beans, seed crops, and flowers. Winter crops have always been the focus from the beginning. Eighty percent of sales are through wholesale channels including distributors and food hubs, plus they operate a 250+ member winter CSA and recently opened an on-site farmstand. Amy and Jacob’s story is a great example of rapid growth of their farming goals combined with mechanized and scaled winter production, while simultaneously raising a family and anchoring their farm business and home on permanent land. Mentioned in the show… farm incubator, Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil!
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Winter-Only Crop Sales & Collaborative CSA Relationships with Jillian & Ross of Open Door Farm
07/03/2023
Winter-Only Crop Sales & Collaborative CSA Relationships with Jillian & Ross of Open Door Farm
Jillian and Ross Mickens of in Cedar Grove, NC, work collaboratively with Vera and Gordon of Ten Mother Farm to fill CSA boxes with many of the land intensive crops like potatoes and winter squash. With 5 acres under cultivation, and eleven seasons under their belt, they recently made the transition to winter-only sales from mid-August to the end of March, while using the main-season to tend to storage and root crop production, as well as rest during the hottest months of the year. Both the focus on winter-only sales and the collaborative relationship with neighboring farms creates an interesting farm business model that we get to better understand the opportunities and challenges of as a potential approach to growing in a warmer winter climates of the South. Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. crop planning tool for home gardeners and market farmers. Get your free account and $5 seed coupon ->> premium living soils, composts, and potting mixes. Invest in your soil!
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Geothermal Greenhouse Heating & Winter Flower Production with Rebecca Kutzer Rice of Moonshot Farm
06/26/2023
Geothermal Greenhouse Heating & Winter Flower Production with Rebecca Kutzer Rice of Moonshot Farm
Rebecca and her husband, Mark, started in East Windsor, NJ, in 2019 after relocating from New York City to begin their dream of growing year-round cut flowers in a northern climate. In just four short years, they have built their 3.5 acre flower farm to include four high-tunnels, two of which are heated by a geothermal heating system, and they sell at two year round farmers markets, manage a 130 member CSA bouquet-of-the-month club, and an on-site farmstead. Just this year, they were able to quit their off-farm jobs to work full-time on the farm. Also, in the last four years, they had two children, Rose and Violet! We talk extensively about their geothermal heating system which allows them to offer customers blooms 12 months of the year. I learned a ton about flower production from our conversation, she offers such great info for anyone looking to add winter flowers to their farm. Mentioned in the show… Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for caterpillar tunnels, harvest equipment, tarps, & more! Get free shipping through ->> for two wheel tractors + implements.
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Efficient Heating/Lighting for Winter Growing & Mindfully Leveraging Loans with John Dindia of Lakeview Hill Farm
06/19/2023
Efficient Heating/Lighting for Winter Growing & Mindfully Leveraging Loans with John Dindia of Lakeview Hill Farm
Today my guest is John Dindia of in Traverse City, MI. John and his partner Bailey designed and built their farm from the ground up beginning in 2017 on a 58-acre property with 10 acres of available farmland and a 35-acre woodlot. Now, with 2.5 acres in production, they have five 30’ x 148’ heated greenhouses, a dedicated propagation house connected to a production barn, and seven 20’ x 148’ caterpillar tunnels. Plus, their farm is 75% powered by solar and they are committed to utilizing renewable energy in all aspects of their farm. Seventy percent of gross sales are dedicated to wholesale, including grocery stores, restaurants, and a growers cooperative CSA, all within 15 miles of the farm. The rest comes from an on-site farm stand that they are expanding into a full service farm store later this summer (’23). John and Bailey have been full-time on their farm since the beginning, plus they have five year-round employees with four staff on salary. John and I dig into the details of the heating and lighting systems he uses to maintain productivity during the cold grey winters of Michigan, as well as the support he and Bailey access to finance the startup and growth of their farm business, including loans through the FSA. John offers a ton of expertise and experience for farmers looking to improve their winter growing systems and mindfully grow their farm business for the long haul. Mentioned in the show... John uses & Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for caterpillar tunnels, harvest equipment, tarps, & more! Get free shipping through ->> for two wheel tractors + implements.
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Year-round Gardening in a Northern Climate with Niki Jabbour of Savvy Gardening
06/12/2023
Year-round Gardening in a Northern Climate with Niki Jabbour of Savvy Gardening
Welcome back to the Winter Growers Podcast! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Niki Jabbour, who is an award-winning author, radio show host, educator, and gardening expert on year-round growing in a northern climate. Niki is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, zone 5b at the 44th parallel. She enthusiastically maintains half an acre of raised beds in her back yard using a combination of a high tunnel, low tunnels, cold frames, she grows over 30 veggie crops for winter harvest, including: lettuce, scallions, parsley, kale, carrots, leeks, and arugula. In addition to her books on year-round gardening, Niki also offers online courses on her website and free educational videos on her and . I loved speaking with Niki, she is an excellent resource for home gardeners and small-scale growers looking for tips and techniques for successful year-round vegetable production. Mentioned in the show… The , , and BOOK// Folks who make the show possible... quality greenhouses and high-tunnels. vegetable, flower, and cover crop seeds. Visit the Growers Library for a wealth of growing resources. for caterpillar tunnels, harvest equipment, tarps, & more! Get free shipping through ->> for two wheel tractors + implements.
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Clara & Eliot Coleman of Four Season Farm
08/22/2022
Clara & Eliot Coleman of Four Season Farm
My guest today is... my dad, Eliot Coleman of . We had such a lovely conversation during season two, so I wanted to invite him back for a listener Q&A to end season three of The Winter Growers Podcast. Mentioned in the show... Winter Growers is made possible by... , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Wolfgang Palme of Zinsenhof Farm
08/15/2022
Wolfgang Palme of Zinsenhof Farm
Wolfgang Palme is the horticultural director of Zinsenhof Research Farm west of Vienna, Austria, at the 48th parallel. He's a botanist, author, hortaculturist, and farmer. The research farm has 3.7 acres under cultivation. Wolfgang's discoveries in Winter growing began as an accident 15 years ago with a trial of Asian greens. The research farm went on to test hundreds of different crops for cold hardiness and they developed detailed timetables for Winter growing in Europe. He has since written two books on Winter cropping and runs a project in Vienna called , where children and adults learn how to grow fresh food year-round. Wolfgang is a passionate researcher and advocate for Winter growing and I appreciate the enthusiasm and expertise he brings to it. Winter Growers is made possible by... , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Finegan & Jason of Steelbow Farm
08/08/2022
Finegan & Jason of Steelbow Farm
Finegan and Jason of , in Austin TX, may seem like unusual guests for the Winter Growers Podcast. But, with climate change and more frequent extreme weather patterns, I was curious to hear from a farm down at the 30th parallel where farming from November through March is more common. However, it is still full of challenges, such as extreme daily temperature swings. Finegan and Jason first farmed together in Austin before deciding to start their first farm in Maine, where they leased land for three seasons and sold mostly into the Portland area. After coming up short in their search for permanent farmland, they reached out to a farmer farm mentor in Austin who offered to lease them farmland and infrastructure. It was too good of an offer to refuse, so they took the leap and moved their farm BACK down to Texas. In late 2019, they packed their bags, along with their first child, and moved to Austin to begin their new farm adventure. In the last two years, and during a pandemic no less, they have rebuilt Steelbow Farm, now cultivating 2.5 acres, and sell to over 20 restaurantes with a 130+ member CSA. They also have 7 employees, prioritize paying them well, with quality, community, and communication as as central focus in all that they do. Year round growing is primary to their farming model, but it's not without it's challenges, even in Texas. I hope this conversation offers a wider perspective on what it means to farm year-round, no matter where the farm is located. Mentioned in the show... Winter Growers is made possible by... , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Vivian Glover of Gemusegarten Hoxhohl
08/01/2022
Vivian Glover of Gemusegarten Hoxhohl
Vivian Glover of , Germany, always knew she wanted to become a farmer. After studying organic farming and marketing in school and working on other farms for many years, she started her own market gerden in southern Germany in 2016. With. just under 1 acre in production, her no-dig market garden supplies a 180 member CSA, 90 of those members being year-round. Currently, she has two unheated high-tunnels and focuses on efficient production using intercropping techniques and low-tech vegetable storage solutions. Vivian also farms as a single mom and I really appreciate her openness, knowledge, committment, and heart in speaking about her experience as a year-round grower. Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Patty Gentry of Early Girl Farm
07/25/2022
Patty Gentry of Early Girl Farm
Patty Gentry of grows in Brookhaven on Long Island, NY. She has been described as "the Picasso of vegetables" and is featured in a documentary film, , that follows her farming journey and takes a raw and honest look at the challenges facing small-scale farmers today. As a former chef, Patty loves and understands vegetables, and she is passionate about quality and taste and supplying her customers with beautiful produce year-round. Growing on 2 acres, she sells to seven restaurantes, and a 150 member CSA. She dreams of one day opening a little market garden cafe and book store and gathering space dedicated to all things growing. I loved speaking with Patty, she is a passionate a curious learner who offers so much warmth, humor, and thoughtfullness to our conversation. Also mentioned in the show... by Eliot Coleman by Jesse Frost by Ben Hartman Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Charles Dowding of No-Dig Gardening
07/18/2022
Charles Dowding of No-Dig Gardening
is a pioneer of no-dig gardening in Somerset, England. He is a creator, developer, and teacher of no-dig methods for the last 40+ years. He currently has 1/3 acre under production at which he primarily uses as a teaching site and runs a with instructional videos on his no-dig techniques. He's the author of 11! books, inculding How to Grow Winter Vegetables, has created several online courses, gives talks, and writes for gardening publications regularly. Growing at the 51st* in zone 8 in south west England, he appreciates the easy Winter growing from just one Fall/Summer planting, but he also recognizes the challenges of transplant timing and keeping the beds planted during damp Winter conditions. Charles has an endless curiosity for learning and teaching and has contributed a wealth of knowledge to farmers and gardeners all over the world. Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Tim & Caroline of Kitchen Garden Farm
07/11/2022
Tim & Caroline of Kitchen Garden Farm
Tim Wilcox & Caroline Pam of in Sunderland, MA, began their farm as a 1-acre market garden in 2006. Sixteen years later, they've expanded to 70 acres, employ 20 employees year-round, and sell 50% wholsale veg and 50% value-added products after building an on-site commercial kitchen. They also own/operate , an online platform offering custom-order home-delivery of local food from 50+ producers from the surrounding community. Growing in four 30'x200' high tunnels, their primary winter crops are roots, greens, and forced raddichio. They've become well-known for their high-quality value adds like sriracha, salsa, and more. With rapid growth and diversity of product, they've provided year-round stability and employment, coupled with the added challenge of infrastructure and managment, stress, and burnout. They're both incredibly talented and motivated farmers with an interesting perspective on what it takes to expand a year-round farm business and the unexpected personal costs in that constant search to find work life balance. Winter Growers is made possible by... , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. , check out their seriously amazing . , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for your Winter infrastructure needs. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Evan Chender The Culinary Gardener
07/04/2022
Evan Chender The Culinary Gardener
Evan Chender, , farms in Weaverville, NC. He started his farm in 2013 and has 2 acres under cultivation, using multiple caterpillar and high tunnels. Coming from a background as a chef, Even is passionate about variety selection, soil health, crop quality, and meticulous harvest/processing techniques. 95% of his sales are to restaurants. A big portion of his Winter production is radicchio, so we spend a lot of time discussing the planning, growing, harvesting, and processing techniques, tastes, and success with this incredibly delicious and beautiful Winter crop. I just couldn't get enough! Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , check out their seriously amazing . , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Myrtha Zierock of Agricola Foradori
06/27/2022
Myrtha Zierock of Agricola Foradori
Myrtha Zierock of Agricola Foradori farms in the Italian Dolomites of northeast Italy. She is the co-owner of her families bio-dynamic wine estate where, after spending many years learning and farming abroad in the US and Canada, she moved back to her family farm and joined her two brothers and mother to apply what she had learned. She manages two different farm locations. One is at the wine estate where crops are grown under the canopy of the high-trellised vineyards and a new site further south with more sun exposure where most of the Winter vegetables are grown. Even with the mild Italian winters, the biggest challenge is transplant timing due to the sunlight dropping behind the mountains in the afternoon, interfering with crop growth and development. She grows a ton of raddichio and leafy brassicas and root vegetables. Half of her sales are through restaurants and the other half direct to consumer. Mytha's goal is to bring year-round vegetables to the same level of appreciation as the wine her family produces. Also mentioned in the show... Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , check out their seriously amazing . , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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Andrew Adams of Hope Farm Organics
06/20/2022
Andrew Adams of Hope Farm Organics
Today, talks with Andrew Adams of in Newlands BC, Canada. Hope Farm Organics is at the 54th parallel, the farthest north on the series so far, experiencing less than 7.5 hours of daylight on December 21st, the shortest day of the year. It's also located in the coldest and wettest geoclimatic zone in the Prince George Forest District, with winter lows as cold as -40 where C* and F* meet. Outdoor planting doesnt begin until late /may, frosts can still occur in July, and the end of the outdoor growing season is in September. Andrew likes to joke his Summer growing conditions are the same as NC in Winter. Despite these challenges, he and his family cultivate 2 acres using greenhouses and caterpillar tunnels and sell produce year-round. A passionate forest ecologist and conservationist, he is committed to sustainable living and local food production, while increasing his effeciencies and profit in an extremely challenging climate. It's a humbling reminder of how much easier it is to grow in the winter here in Maine. Winter Growers is made possible by... , for your Winter infrastructure needs. , check out their seriously amazing . , enter code "winter" at checkout to get 25% off a new subscription. , for high-tunnels and greenhouses. And you, our Patreons and supporters. You can support our creators for as little as $2/month on or . Y'all are the best!
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