The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

966: Mastering Sourdough, From Starter to Loaf with Amy Coyne

-(subtitle)-.In This Podcast: In this episode, Greg chats with sourdough baker, teacher, and cookbook author Amy Coyne of Amy Bakes Breadto demystify sourdough from starter to slice. Amy shares her personal journey into sourdough, explains the science and simplicity behind naturally fermented bread, and offers practical guidance for beginners and experienced bakers alike. The conversation covers fermentation, hydration, common mistakes, discard recipes, and how to make sourdough fit into busy family life. Throughout, Amy emphasizes patience, experimentation, and joy in the process.Our Guest:  Amy Coyne is a sourdough baker, teacher and creator behind Amy Bakes Bread, where she shares tried and true sourdough recipes that are approachable, reliable, and fun to make. She's been baking for as long as she can remember, and sourdough has been part of her kitchen for over 13 years. Amy is the author of The Beginner's Guide to Sourdough, A cookbook made to help every home baker feel confident creating incredible sourdough bread from scratch. Key Topics & EntitiesAmy CoyneSourdough starterNatural fermentationWild yeast and bacteriaHydration levels in breadDutch oven bakingSourdough discardInclusion loavesFamily-friendly sourdoughThe Beginner’s Guide to SourdoughAmy Bakes BreadHome baking scienceKey Questions AnsweredWhat makes sourdough different from conventional bread?Sourdough relies on natural fermentation rather than commercial yeast, resulting in improved digestibility, lower glycemic response, and better nutrient absorption due to reduced phytic acid.How do you create and maintain a sourdough starter?A starter is made by culturing wild yeast and bacteria from flour and water through regular feedings, watching for predictable rise-and-fall cycles, and adjusting temperature and ratios for consistency.How does temperature affect sourdough fermentation?Warmer temperatures speed fermentation while cooler conditions slow it down, meaning timelines must shift with seasons and kitchen conditions.What is hydration, and why does it matter?Hydration refers to the ratio of water to flour; higher hydration creates a more open, airy crumb, while lower hydration produces a tighter, more structured loaf.What are the most common mistakes new sourdough bakers make?Unrealistic expectations, discomfort with wet doughs, and misunderstanding fermentation timing are common early hurdles.What can you do with sourdough discard instead of throwing it away?Discard can be used in crackers, pancakes, biscuits, cookies, gravies, and more—adding flavor, texture, and reducing waste.How can sourdough be adapted for busy schedules and families?Using refrigeration, adjusting starter ratios, and choosing approachable recipes makes sourdough manageable and sustainable long-term.Episode HighlightsSourdough bread uses just four core ingredients: flour, water, salt, and starterFermentation improves both flavor and nutritional availabilityStarters can be refrigerated to fit modern lifestylesHydration and flour choice dramatically affect loaf structureDutch ovens help home bakers replicate professional steam bakingInclusion loaves (cheese, fruit, nuts, butter) expand sourdough’s versatilityDiscard recipes turn “waste” into some of the most flavorful bakesCalls to Action & ResourcesAmy Bakes Bread — https://amybakesbread.comThe Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough — Available at local bookstores, libraries, and major retailersExplore sourdough discard recipes and free guides on Amy’s websiteVisit UrbanFarm.org/AmyBakesBread for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

965: Compost Innovations: Ed Williams on Creating Living Soil"

In This Podcast: Edmund Williams returns to discuss the LEHR Garden system and a breakthrough soil product emerging from it: LEHR Soil Amplifier. By combining ecological soil biology with engineered water flow, the LEHR system grows plants in primarily woody materials while composting beneath living roots. The resulting extracted soil behaves as a powerful biostimulant, dramatically improving plant growth, resilience, and heat tolerance. This episode explores living soil, stable carbon, and how feeding soil organisms transforms plant health.Our Guest: Edmund is a civil engineer and innovator in the urban and sustainable agriculture arena. He has been working with various municipalities and nonprofits to transform the ways our society feeds itself. The Lear Garden was designed to be a low maintenance system using biology as a part of the automation. To do this, Edmond created a compost bin as the core technology, and like any compost bin, it needs to be emptied periodically, The finished compost that comes out is unlike anything on the market having some very surprising and beneficial properties.Key TopicsLEHR Garden (Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for Regeneration)LEHR Soil AmplifierBiostimulants in agricultureLiving soil biologyStable soil carbonGlomalin and mycorrhizal fungiBiochar as nutrient bufferUrban waste stream compostingFlood-and-drain raised bed systemsHeat resilience in desert gardeningSoil food webTall pot tree propagation methodWhat makes a LEHR Garden different from hydroponics or permaculture alone?It integrates both ecology and hardware, using a raised flood-and-drain system filled mostly with wood chips and organic waste, allowing plants to grow in living soil biology rather than inert media.Why does the garden soil need to be removed and reset?As woody materials break down, water flow slows, causing anaerobic conditions. Removing and resetting the soil restores oxygen flow and system performance.What is LEHR Soil Amplifier?It is the sifted, biologically rich soil produced inside the system, containing earthworm castings, biochar, microbial life, and multiple known biostimulant compounds.How is this different from regular compost?Unlike compost made separately, this material forms beneath living roots, encouraging creation of stable soil carbon compounds such as glomalin, which are critical to true topsoil structure.How much is needed to see results?Very small amounts are effective — about one gallon can treat roughly 1,000 square feet of garden space.What plant responses have been observed?Reports include greener lawns, higher vegetable productivity, improved pest and disease resistance, thicker rose petals, and rapid recovery of stressed trees.Can it improve heat tolerance?Gardeners observed lush summer growth during record heat, with plants surviving and producing through extreme desert temperatures.What is the underlying mechanism?The product stimulates soil biology, increases mycorrhizal activity, provides mineral buffering through biochar, and enhances nutrient cycling.Episode HighlightsLEHR stands for Linking Ecosystem and Hardware for RegenerationGardens grow food in mostly wood chips enriched by composting beneath rootsSoil removal became the “problem that was the solution”Sifted soil behaves as a high-density biological stimulantStable soil carbon forms directly through plant–fungal interactionsOne gallon treats approximately 1,000 square feetGardeners report dramatic improvements during extreme heatTrees in tall pots showed accelerated growth using the amplifierCalls to Action & ResourcesLEHR Garden System — https://lehrgarden.comContact Edmund Williams — mailto:info@lehrgarden.comFor Episode Show Notes Visit — UrbanFarm.org/SoilAmplifierNeed a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

964: Building a Permaculture Babysitting Coop

With Beatrice Nathan...Curious permaculture storyIn This Podcast: Beatrice Nathan joins the podcast to explore how permaculture principles can be applied to family life, childcare, and community resilience. She shares her journey from home gardening to teaching permaculture, and launching a Village Roots childcare co-op. The conversation weaves together food production, social permaculture, and mutual aid as practical responses to modern parenting and systemic stress. This episode highlights slow, small solutions that build trust, connection, and long-term community health.Our Guest:  Beatrice Nathan is a home gardener, permaculture teacher, turmeric farmer, and mom to two boys. She is passionate about reweaving the web of social support, empowering ordinary people to grow food and teaching practical design principles. She believes that we all have a part to play in creating a better future. Key Topics & EntitiesBeatrice NathanPermaculture ethics (Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share)Social permacultureVillage Roots Childcare Co-opBabysitting co-ops / time-based exchangeFront-yard food gardensCommunity resilienceParenting and childcare affordabilityPermaculture zones applied to time and energyDegrowth philosophyPermaculture Design Course (PDC)Ruby Ranch (Asheville, NC)Key Questions AnsweredWhat is permaculture beyond gardening?Permaculture is a framework for living a good life, offering ethics and principles that can be applied to land stewardship, relationships, parenting, and community design—not just gardens.How does a childcare co-op work without money?Families exchange babysitting hours using a shared spreadsheet. Hours earned caring for one family’s children can be used with any family in the co-op, building trust and flexibility without cash.Why is childcare so challenging for families today?High costs, limited availability, misaligned schedules, and the emotional toll on young children make conventional childcare inaccessible or unsustainable for many families.How does the Village Roots Childcare Co-op embody permaculture?The co-op applies permaculture ethics and principles like slow and small solutions, stacking functions, feedback loops, and people care to meet real childcare and community needs.How can permaculture help parents—especially mothers—avoid burnout?By reframing priorities through concepts like zones of time and energy, permaculture helps parents let go of nonessential commitments and focus on connection during demanding life seasons.What’s the value of front-yard food gardens?Front-yard gardens invite conversation, sharing, and relationship-building with neighbors, turning food production into a social connector.How can someone start a similar co-op in their community?Start small, set a geographic boundary, clearly communicate expectations, onboard families personally, and use existing guides and templates to reduce friction.Why is community-building increasingly important?As larger systems become more fragile, hyper-local, trust-based networks like co-ops, time banks, and tool libraries help meet needs when institutions fall short.Episode HighlightsPermaculture as a life framework, not just a land design toolApplying permaculture ethics to childcare and family systemsDesigning a babysitting co-op using time instead of moneyFront-yard gardens as hubs for neighborhood connectionReframing permaculture zones around time, energy, and life seasonsDegrowth, relocalization, and mutual aid as practical responses to system stressTeaching permaculture through lived, community-based examplesCalls to Action & ResourcesVillage Roots show notes — urbanfarm.org/villagerootsGrow & Harvest Asheville — https://growandharvestasheville.comPermaculture at Ruby Ranch (PDC) — https://growandharvestasheville.comSubstack: Collapsing Into Permaculture — Collapsing Into PermacultureSubstack guide referenced: Cramming for the ApocalypseInstagram: Grow & Harvest AVL — Grow_Harvest_AVLVisit UrbanFarm.org/VillageRoots for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

963: Childhood Curiosity to Herbal Mastery: With Kimberly Kling

A Journey in Holistic WellnessIn This Podcast: Clinical herbalist Kimberly Kling returns to discuss regenerative health in a highly toxic modern world. Drawing from personal experience, clinical practice, and ecological awareness, she explains how petrochemicals, industrial agriculture, and environmental toxins disrupt human health—especially the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and detox pathways. The conversation moves from root causes to practical, accessible steps people can take, including food choices, herbs, lifestyle shifts, and community action. Throughout, the focus remains on empowerment, resilience, and reconnecting with plant wisdom rather than fear.Our Guest: Kimberly is a clinical herbalist and the guiding force behind joyful roots in Southern Arizona where she helps her community locally and beyond cultivate inner wellness through earth centered herbal care, rooted in a deep reverence for the healing power of plants. Kimberly's journey began in childhood, crafting magical plant stews and foraging connections with Michigan's native flora. Her background in landscape architecture and engineering provided a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the land. However, it was motherhood and a personal health crisis that led to her clinical herbalism deepening her passion for holistic wellness. Now, Kimberly integrates traditional wisdom with modern herbal practices, empowering others to reconnect with plant wisdom for vibrant health and wellbeing.Medical Disclaimer: In today's episode we are talking about our health. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not medical doctors and no medical doctor/patient relationship is formed. Always seek advice from your qualified medical doctor regarding questions you may have about your medical condition.Key Topics & EntitiesKimberly KlingJoyful RootsClinical herbalismEnvironmental toxinsPetrochemicalsHaber-Bosch ProcessGlyphosate, Diquat, ParaquatGut microbiomeMitochondrial healthAutoimmune illness (lupus)AntioxidantsLiver detoxificationRegenerative agricultureFood forestsKey Questions AnsweredWhy are modern humans experiencing chronic illness earlier than previous generations?Because exposure to synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics, and food additives has rapidly increased over the last ~150 years, overwhelming biological systems that evolved alongside natural substances.How do pesticides and herbicides affect the body if they’re “safe for humans”?They often harm microbial cells rather than human cells directly, disrupting the gut microbiome, increasing oxidative stress, damaging mitochondria, and contributing to inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic disease.What role does the microbiome play in detoxification and health?Humans host more microbial cells than human cells, with vastly more genetic material; toxins that disrupt these microbes can cascade into immune dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neurological issues.What personal steps can people take without becoming overwhelmed?Start small: filter water, improve indoor air quality, reduce chemical cleaners, prioritize rest and sleep, and make gradual food upgrades rather than trying to change everything at once.How can food and herbs support detox and mitochondrial health?Antioxidant-rich foods and herbs reduce oxidative stress, while fiber, minerals, and liver-supportive plants help the body process and eliminate toxins more effectively.Which foods are most important to buy organic?Grains like wheat and oats, which are commonly sprayed with glyphosate as a desiccant, along with legumes such as garbanzo beans.Why are bitter and “weedy” plants like dandelion so valuable?They support liver function, digestion, detoxification, pollinators, and biodiversity—demonstrating how cultural perceptions often obscure ecological and medicinal value.What does working with a clinical herbalist look like?A deep intake, personalized care plan, herbal and lifestyle guidance, and follow-up sessions that address the whole person across multiple roots of wellness.Episode HighlightsEnvironmental toxicity has accelerated dramatically since the mid-1800s with synthetic chemicals and industrial agriculture.Most toxin exposure is cumulative and synergistic, not acute, quietly stressing the body over decades.Mitochondrial damage links toxins to fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, and chronic illness.Antioxidants from colorful plants and herbs are a frontline defense against oxidative stress.Soluble fiber and mucilaginous plants may help bind and eliminate toxins and microplastics.Liver-supportive foods like beets, dandelion, milk thistle, and burdock are foundational to detox.Small, consistent lifestyle changes matter more than perfection or fear-based responses.Calls to Action & ResourcesJoyful Roots — https://www.joyfulroots.comWork with Kimberly — https://www.joyfulroots.comRemedy & Rhyme Podcast — Available on all podcast platformsYUKA App — Food and product ingredient scannerVisit UrbanFarm.org/JoyfulRoots for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with us to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

962: Fruit Trees in the Low Desert or really anywhere for that matter!

A Rosie On The House ReplayIn this episode we explore the concept of wicking bed gardens, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg, our guest is .Farmer Greg joins Romey Romero on Rosie on the House to break down how to successfully grow fruit trees in the low desert, even during unusually warm winters. He explains why fruit trees are worth planting, how climate confusion affects citrus and deciduous trees, and the most common mistakes that kill young trees. The conversation covers proven planting methods, soil preparation, watering strategies, and long-term thinking for orchards that can produce for decades. This episode is a practical, experience-based guide for homeowners who want reliable fruit harvests in desert climates.Key Topics & EntitiesLow desert fruit tree growingCitrus varieties (navel, Cara Cara, Trovita, Minneola, Gold Nugget)Deciduous fruit trees (apple, peach, apricot, plum, jujube, mulberry)Low-chill requirementsRootstock selectionBare root treesUrban Farm Fruit Tree ProgramSix-Six Basin RuleDesert soil organic matterMycorrhizae and soil biologyIrrigation and deep wateringMulch and microclimatesKey Questions AnsweredWhy plant fruit trees instead of relying on store-bought fruit?Homegrown fruit has superior flavor, freshness, and nutritional value, and a single tree can produce for decades with proper care.What makes fruit trees struggle during warm winters in the desert?Low-chill trees may not receive enough cold hours to set fruit consistently, causing irregular growth, dormancy confusion, or skipped production years. Therefore, we need to make sure we plant low chill fruit trees.What are the three non-negotiables when buying fruit trees for the low desert?Choose low-chill varieties, ensure the correct rootstock for desert conditions, and select soft-flesh fruit that ripens before July 1.What are the most common ways people accidentally kill fruit trees?Planting in hot microclimates, allowing grass to compete with roots, and relying on shallow daily drip irrigation.How should fruit trees actually be watered in the desert?Deep, infrequent watering—about once a month in winter and every 10–14 days in summer—allowing soil to dry between waterings.Why are bare root trees preferred for deciduous fruit?They’re planted while dormant, establish faster, and adapt better long-term than potted trees when planted correctly.How long does it take for a fruit tree to really produce?Year one focuses on roots, year two on shoots, year three begins fruiting, and years four to five bring full production.Episode HighlightsFruit trees thrive when planted for climate, not convenienceCitrus can be harvested across six months with smart variety selectionThe Six-Six Basin Rule dramatically improves survival and growthDesert soil must be rebuilt with organic matter and biologyOverwatering and under watering look the same—but both can kill treesBare root planting in January sets trees up for lifelong successA single well-planted tree can produce for 50–100 yearsCalls to Action & ResourcesUrban Farm Fruit Tree Program — https://www.fruittrees.orgFree Desert Fruit Tree Master Course — https://www.fruittrees.orgQuestions or tree photos — greg@urbanfarm.orgVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/962 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.