Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Loe

LH 143: Everything you want to know about chicken eggs - From color to preservation, safety and more

It doesn’t matter if you raise your own backyard chickens or if you’re a consumer of organic, farm-fresh eggs – there is always more to learn about eggs!

In this episode, host Theresa Loe brings on author Jennifer Sartell to discuss everything we might want to know about chicken eggs. From the colors we can have, to the best practices in egg storage...we get into it all!

You will learn:

  • Which breeds lay the most colorful eggs
  • What we are probably getting if buy an “Araucana” chick
  • Why Easter Eggers are a fun choice
  • Does ear-lobe color really determine egg color
  • How to test an egg for freshness without cracking it open
  • How to preserve eggs when you have too many
  • Should we wash our eggs or not
  • Will we die if we leave our eggs on the counter
  • And so much more…

 As always, links to everything mentioned is included in the show notes for today's episode. Just go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/143 for more info including a full downloadable transcript of the show.

This episode was brought to you by Theresa's Living Homegrown Institute - which is her farm fresh membership. If you'd like to learn more about how to live a farm fresh lifestyle no matter how small your garden space, go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/PATH to get her free PDF download of your farm fresh success path.

Direct download: 143_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm PDT

142: Small Scale Farming on Just 5 Acres or Less

Listen, we all have to eat. Right?

And if you’re into consuming organic, sustainable food, you either have to grow it yourself or find reliable sources from people with the same values that you have.

Chances are…you’ll find those values in your local, small-scale farmer!

In today’s episode, host Theresa Loe interviews Josh Volk who is a small-scale farmer, farming consultant and an author. He wrote a book featuring 15 small-scale farmers from across the country. It showcases how they were making it in the compact farm world and it's fascinating.

So if you’ve ever thought about becoming a farmer, you’ll love this episode.

But...even you DON'T want to be a farmer, you'll love this episode. And that's because it really shows us how important the small organic farm is within our food system and how we need to support their efforts with our purchases.

You will learn:

  • Is it possible to start a farm as a “side gig” (part time)
  • What is bio-intensive food production
  • Are there advantages to farming in a small way
  • What are the 3 pillars of sustainability a farmer needs to follow
  • How is “success” as a farmer defined
  • What trait do most organic farmers share
  • How a “sampler share” CSA fits smaller families and smaller farms

 As always, you can get more links and info on this topic at: www.LivingHomegrown.com/142 and you will also find a full transcript of the show there.

This episode was brought to you by Theresa's membership - The Living Homegrown Institute where you learn how to live farm fresh without the farm through monthly masterclasses and community. To learn more, go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/courses 

Direct download: 142_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:45am PDT

LH 141: How to draw in beneficials and pollinators with flowers

There are huge rewards when you grow your vegetables and flowers in one space of your garden.

In this episode, host Theresa Loe brings on flower farmer Lisa Ziegler to explore exactly how we can use companioning planting to draw in beneficial insects, pollinators and so much more.

You will learn:

  •      Which flowers will help your tomatoes and why
  •      How your planting space determines sunflower height
  •      The difference between cool and warm season annuals
  •      How to prevent overwhelm when growing veggies
  •      Why native bees are so awesome for veggies
  •      A different way to do CSA farm memberships
  •      Lisa’s favorite sunflower for cut flower bouquets

As always, you can get all the links mentioned in the episode at www.LivingHomegrown.com/141 and you will also find a full transcript of the show and more articles and podcasts for Living Farm Fresh Without The Farm.

This podcast episode was brought to you by Theresa Loe's membership program - The Living Homegrown Institute where you learn the skills for a living farm-fresh lifestyle. Go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/PATH to get the free PDF outlining how to have success on your own farm fresh journey.

Direct download: 141_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:27am PDT

LH 140: Maximizing Flavor in Our Veggie Recipes

As seasonal eaters, foodies and even as gardeners, we understand the nuances of locally-sourced cucumbers, fresh picked herbs and heirloom tomatoes.

It doesn’t matter if we grow these foods ourselves or not.

We understand their value and we want to deliver the very best of their flavors to our dinner table.

Well, what better way to learn how to bring out the best flavors in seasonal produce than by talking to someone who is known for their delicious plant-based cooking?

And if that someone is also a gardener?  Well, then we are in for a TREAT!

Such is the case with this week’s podcast episode.

Host Theresa Loe invited on Laura Wright of "The First Mess" Blog to share her chef secrets to delicious vegan and vegetarian meals.

You do NOT need to be vegan or vegetarian to use these chef tricks. 

All that matters is that we learn new and exciting ways to showcase the wonderful flavors of our garden. And you’ll get that from this interview!

You will learn:

  • Where the name The First Mess comes from
  • Why we needn’t worry about protein in good vegan meals
  • What are “Flavor Savers”
  • Do we have to buy weird ingredients to eat plant-based foods
  • Which sweeteners work best
  • Which ingredients make the best egg substitutes
  • What makes whole spelt flour so special
  • A great way to use up chard from the garden

As always, you can go to www.LivingHomegrown.com/140 to get all the links mentioned AND a free, printable PDF of Laura's Chard Soup recipe and links to more podcast episodes on growing cool veggies.

This episode was brought to you by Theresa's membership site: Living Homegrown Institute where you learn to live a farm fresh lifestyle without having a farm.

Direct download: 140_LivingHomegrown_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:24am PDT

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