Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Loe

No, we are not talking about fairy gardens this week. We are discussing garden design on a teeny-tiny scale. It still involves design principals, plant choices and yes...maintenance...but with a fork instead of a rake. It can be a fun way to create the garden of your dreams without having to move the tree in your backyard. Sure you can turn a tiny garden into a fairy garden if you want to - but that something different. On today's episode, host Theresa Loe brings on Janit Calvo - a small gardening expert. They discuss Why miniature gardens are so popular, The therapeutic reasons you might want one, What makes them "real", How to create them yourself and get the scale just right, Why pathways are so important, The trick to laying teeny brick or stone, How these landscapes are perfect for people who can't get outside and Tips for creating them. As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/112 for a full transcript of the show and all the links mentioned. 

Direct download: 112_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:02pm PDT

In this episode, host Theresa Loe interviews community gardening expert LaManda Joy about the incredible work she does in Chicago with Community Gardens. You will not only be inspired by her story and her work, but you will also learn: How an old Victory Garden photo sparked an entire garden movement in Chicago, How LaManda grows new gardeners and generates community, What is the "Grow To Give" project, What you should look for in a community garden in your area, Why community gardens are the best places to learn, How to find a community garden and the importance of NOT being a perfect gardener. As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/111 to learn more, get all the links mentioned in the episode and download a PDF of the full transcript of the episode.

Direct download: LH_111_LivingHomegrown_Podcast_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:00am PDT

Have you ever stepped away from your garden in the summer time, only to discover an edible (like carrots, celery, cilantro or basil) bolted and went to flower before you used it?  Ugh!  Once it goes to flower, it's on it's way OUT.  But fear not…You can still enjoy something extra from that plant – the flowers.  In this week’s podcast, host Theresa Loe shares her favorite tips and tricks for homegrown flower arranging. And you can use these tips for some of those edibles in your garden that have bolted and gone to seed. We're talking about carrots, celery, fennel, cilantro...anything with a bloom. You’ll be amazed at the stunning arrangements you can create with very little effort.  And you can use these tips to create daily arrangements throughout the entire growing season.

 You'll Learn: 

  • The pro secret to fixing wilted flowers (It’s not what you think)
  • Why woody stems sometimes need a hammer
  • The recipe for making your own floral preservative
  • Tips for best color and shape of your arrangements
  • The secret for getting your stems to stand tall
  • The step-by-step instructions to the perfect bouquet

As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/110 for more tips, resources, a free PDF Flower Arranging Tip Sheet and the transcript.

Direct download: 110_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am PDT

In this week's episode, host Theresa Loe interviews Kirsten Shockey about her new book: Fiery Ferments. But don't let the name fool you!  Not all the recipes are super hot! This book teaches you how to make fermented foods that just have a little kick OR that will knock your socks off. YOU can get to choose and control the amount of heat as you make the recipes. It's a fascinating discussion about flavor and how to take your ferments to a whole new level. It doesn't matter if you are a complete beginner or an advanced fermenter - there is lots to discover on this one! You learn: How fermented condiments can really expand your pantry, Why fermentation is such a safe thing to do, What you can use that adds spice WITHOUT the heat, Which pepper really opens you up to other flavors, Why fermented foods are more nutritious than raw, How to ferment using standard kitchen equipment (nothing to buy), Which salts are the best to use, What is pepper mash and how can we make it and use it, Why pepper mash is an excellent way to use up the extra peppers in your garden, And so much more!  As always, you can get more links and resources at: www.LivingHomegrown.com/109 including a PDF download of the complete fermented pepper mash recipe and the full transcript of the episode. And if you want more behind-the-scenes, bonus content or even extra bloopers - check out www.LivingHomegrown.com/sponsor to learn more about becoming a listener-sponsor of the podcast. It's a great way to get a deeper connection with the content.

Direct download: 109_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:53pm PDT

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