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Private Notes
Sometimes when gardening, you have an opportunity to start completely from scratch. That's Joe's circumstances as he builds a brand new garden of raised beds at his new home. Learn how to design, build, and plant raised beds for the best yield with the least amount of work on this special encore presentation from season 4, episode 6.
An encore presentation of season 4, episode 13. How and when to harvest a garden to get the highest quality fruits and vegetables. Guest Mary Beth Shaddix, who supplies the food photographed by Cooking Light magazine shares her secrets. GGW's canning expert, Theresa Loe, explains why and how to use freezing to preserve an abundant harvest. From seed to pantry, learn how to capture a harvest in a jar for year round flavor. [26 minutes]
Margaret Roach, former senior executive for Martha Stewart, talks about how to grow more sustainably in the garden and in life.
Joe travels us to Sonoma Valley, California where he meets Jack Chambers the owner of the Sonoma Valley Worm Farm Amazed at the difference that worms made to his compost pile, Jack became a worm farmer -- selling worm castings, vermicompost tea and sharing the power of worms with others.
The best way to have a great garden in the spring, is to start in the fall. Joe will explain some fall projects that will have you garden ready to be ready to grow next year.
Urban gardeners have a special connection to urban green markets. Growing a Greener World looks back at some of the best markets we've visited over the last four years including the very historic Roanoke City Market, which was established over 130 years ago.
Independent garden centers often offer excellent personalized advice and a wide selection of plants compared to a general home center. Joe visits two excellent independent garden centers that work with GGW -- The Natural Gardener and The Great Outdoors, both located in Austin, Texas.
Joe visits Polyface Farms run by farmer Joel Salatin. The farm raises grass-fed beef, forage based rabbits, and pastured chickens and turkeys, eggs, and forest floor pigs. While Polyface is known for their high quality products, it is most famous for its innovative techniques that produce lots of high quality produce while improving the soil each year – instead of depleting soil nutrients that later require synthetic fertilizer use.
How do you get fresh produce if you live in the urban jungle of NYC? Brooklyn Grange uses rooftop gardens to grow high-quality, local produce right in the heart of New York City. GGW visits two of the largest commercial rooftop farms in America. The farm produces 20,000 pounds of food from 2 rooftop acres.
Started in 2009, the Veteran’s Farm trains vets in sustainable farming practices, organic methods of production, and how to start a farm of their own.
Joe visits The Manhattan School for Children which teaches students about the natural world with a greenhouse located on the roof of the school.
Ben Holms and a group of like-minded friends founded The Farm School. Today, the school enrolls 12 students a year where they help run the sustainable farm, market and sell the produce, meat, and eggs to the community, and learn what it takes to maintain this lifestyle.
Joe visits the home of the U.S.'s third president during the local Heritage Harvest Festival. The yearly festival is an educational event held on the grounds of Monticello that celebrates gardening, sustainability, local foods, and the preservation of heritage plants.
ECHO (Educational Concern for Hunger Organization) is an organization that uses the power of agriculture on a global scale to reduce hunger and improve lives in underdeveloped countries. ECHO provides students and overseas development workers with agricultural skills and resources to help those who are just one failed crop away from starvation.
In this episode Joe and Patti touch on some of the most common mistakes we all make, most of the time without realizing it. They offer practical, simple tips for gardening in a more earth‐friendly way as they help one homeowner begin a sustainable landscaping project.
Creating an eco-friendly garden at home is catching on all around the country as we strive to create more sustainable outdoor spaces. But for many of us, it’s still an ongoing process as we work with our existing landscape.
Today we visit Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh which has a special place in Joe’s heart because Garden Design Magazine asked him to write an article about the ‘Greenest Garden in America’. Patti gets a tour of the edible landscape and Nathan creates a special dish with one of Patti’s favorite finds in the garden.
Patti and Joe visit the organization’s headquarters in Milwaukee and Nathan cooks up a special dish with some popular greens.
In this episode we find Patti and Joe crossing the country joining Nathan in Seattle, Washington to put you in touch with one of the greatest soil amendments nature has to offer: Compost.
In today’s episode, Joe and Patti discuss the importance of honeybees and their relevance to the foods we eat. According to the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA, about one in three mouthfuls of food we eat is directly or indirectly related in some part to the honey bees’ job.
Join us today as we visit the Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley, California. This nationally recognized organization was conceived in 1994 after a seemingly innocuous comment about the condition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School by restaurateur Alice Waters who passed by the school daily. Principal Neil Smith then contacted Alice and, knowing of her reputation, invited her to plan a garden at the school. The rest, as they say, is history.
In this episode we become acquainted with Fetzer, a vineyard so entrenched in stewardship of the planet it has been coined “The Earth-friendly Vineyard”. Founded in 1968 Fetzer has always been a pioneer in the field…literally! In 1978 they were the first California vintner to introduce a line of white wines at a time when whites were not so popular and in 1984 made the commitment to convert to utilizing only sustainable practices.
This week finds Joe, Patti and Nathan in Richmond, CA for a behind the scenes visit with Annie Hayes of world-renowned Annie’s Annuals and Perennials. From humble beginnings in her own back yard to two and a half acres of prime San Francisco real estate and a tremendous following, Annie now offers some 3,000 varieties of hard to find and rare heirloom annual and perennial plants preserving them for generations to come.
In this episode we meet Farmer D, the new face of farming today. But he is not at all what you might think. There is no stereotypical pair of overalls and straw hat; no image of Mr. Greenjeans comes to mind. For over 14 years Daron Joffe has been out to change how we think of agriculture in a world poisoned by fertilizers and chemicals, where the miles food has to travel leaves it lackluster in flavor and nutrients and where many children don’t even know how the foods they eat are grown.
Today we meet Jack Chambers of Sonoma Valley Worm Farm fame. A pilot by trade and a gardener at heart, Jack’s life was changed forever by a bucket full of lowly creatures…worms. It was in 1992 that Jack first encountered the ‘Worm Farm’ after being directed there by a friend who suggested he purchase some worms for his compost bins. Depositing half of the 5 gallon bucket into an almost finished bin and the other half into a newer one, he flew out on a 5 day trip not thinking much about it.
In this episode we learn about how MOBOT, as it is called, brings plastic pot recycling full circle from the waste that is created as we work to beautify the landscape. This brain-child of Dr. Steven Cline began about 12 years ago as he pondered what to do about the mountain of empty pots piling up in his garage.
Joe visits with Tracy DiSabato-Aust, author of “The Well-Tended Perennial Garden” considered by many to be the bible of perennial maintenance. Pruning is such a variable topic with many attributes to be taken into consideration such as climate, species, and goals of the gardener.
In this episode we visit with Joe’s then Associate Producer of Growing a Greener World, and homesteading expert, Theresa Loe. (Theresa is now the Co-Executive Producer of the show.) Joe, Nathan and Patti descend on Theresa’s small but productive urban garden in LA to see first-hand how this popular blogger and trained Master Canner incorporates enough produce aesthetically to feed her family of four. Annuals and perennials are intermingled with vegetables, herbs, fruit and chickens for a visually pleasing yet highly productive garden and outdoor learning environment for her two young boys.
This week’s episode focuses on native plants and their role in helping to sustain our environment. Joe and Patti first visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, TX.
Joe and Patti travel to Decorah, Iowa where the Heritage Farm houses one of the world’s 1,400 seed banks and helps celebrate their 35th anniversary. Founded in 1975 by Kent Whealy and Diane Ott Whealy, the idea behind Seed Savers Exchange lay in two varieties of plants handed down by Diane’s grandfather, who’s parents brought the seeds with them from Bavaria.
Joe and Patti journey to Philadelphia, home of Greensgrow Farms, fulfillment of the dream of visionary in urban farming, Mary Seton Corboy. More than ten years ago a city block in the Kensington area was the site of an abandoned galvanized steel plant and an EPA brownfields project (see below) that the neighborhood had given up on. But not Mary. Beginning the experimental transformation she was growing lettuce hydroponically (growing plants in a water and nutrient solution without soil) for her clients; high-end local restaurants in need of fresh, organic produce. But the one attribute she prides herself on is her ability to change.
Joe, Patti and Nathan reveal dramatic facts and offer suggestions for how we can reduce the amount of water wasted without a significant impact on our lifestyle. However, these seemingly small changes will make a significant impact on the planet.
Nestled in the Hopewell Valley area of central New Jersey, Honey Brook Organic Farm is one of the nation’s largest CSA farms. Jim Kinsel and Sherry Dudas, owners and husband and wife, run the Pennington farm. These two have combined their love of community and organic farming to grow over 60 types of crops and 350 varieties, including many unusual and heirloom vegetables.
Joe travels to Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio to speak with Bobby Wilson, President of the American Community Gardening Association. ACGA was founded just over 30 years ago to provide technical assistance to individuals and groups that have a desire and the means to grow fresh vegetables. Their website is chock full of information for anyone seeking to find a community garden in their area or to begin the process of creating one.
Today Joe and Patti visit Chicago’s famous City Hall rooftop garden. Although a welcome respite among concrete and steel, rooftop gardens offer so much more and it is one of the best ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
Joe and Patti travel to rural Pennsylvania to the Rodale Institute, the cradle of organic gardening in America. Founded in 1941, by visionary J. I. Rodale, and nurtured by four generations of the Rodale family, today the Institute resides on a 333-acre farm. Rodale Press has evolved into the largest multi-media company dedicated to restoring a healthy planet and continues to pioneer the organic movement through research and it’s books and magazines. Rodale’s flagship publication “Organic Gardening” (1942) still enjoys a robust following today.
Suzanne Wainwright-Evans blends her degrees in environmental horticulture and entomology, into a unique skill as an “ornamental entomologist” specializing in Integrated Pest Management establishing that there is a safer way to treat pest problems. Her company, Bug Lady Consulting, specializes in controlling pests within the green industry; specifically greenhouses and nurseries.
Joe and Patti visit Jefferson’s Charlottesville home, Monticello, to speak with the undisputed authority on Thomas Jefferson’s gardening practices, Peter Hatch. He is the Director of Gardens and Grounds for the Monticello estate.
Although widely popularized in WWII Victory Gardens had their roots in WWI. Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith, a historian and nationally recognized expert on Victory Gardens and wartime food policies discusses the subtle differences.
Season 2 opener: spotlighting memorable people featured in Season 1.
Recalling memorable places featured in Season 1.
Greenhouse gardening is examined via visits to greenhouses in Harrisonburg, Va., and Atlanta.
Urban gardeners who grow their own food and raise their own livestock.
How the display gardens at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle are created.
Hydroponic gardens is Atlanta and Brooklyn are visited.
Gardening myths
How gardeners can reduce water usage.
Keeping garden pests at bay.
Small-space and vertical gardening are discussed.
How to attract birds and wildlife to a backyard.
Organically grown flowers.
The important role that worms play in the ecosystem is discussed. Included: harnessing their power; composting kitchen scraps.
A look at partnerships between people with land and others who know how to grow food in a sustainable way.
Gardeners who donate part of their bounty to food shelters are profiled.
The trend of living walls is discussed. Included: indoor and outdoor wall gardens.
The crew attends a New England farm school for a week.
Organic pest control is explained. Included: using natural predators; employing natural bacteria and plant derivatives.
How to save and preserve organic seed stock.
Composting.
In this episode, we learn the tricks and advantages of winter gardening from some world-renowned pioneers in the field, Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosh of Four Season Farm. On their property in Maine they are able to produce food commercially all year round, simply and naturally, and without heaters. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge for gardening and producing fresh, healthy food year-round, and we will be sharing many of their tips with you today. Finally, Chef Nathan Lyon really turns up the heat on a favorite cold-weather crop with his Pan-Roasted Broccolette with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes. Yum!
Although the words “dirt” and “soil” are often used interchangeably, to a gardener, there’s a big difference! “Soil” (cue angelic music) is what gives life to a garden – full of organic matter, minerals and nutrients. But not all soil is created equal, which is why it’s a great idea to get to know your soil first, so that you can make additions and amendments if anything is lacking.
As heirloom seeds continue to lose ground to modern hybrids, habitat destruction and careless stewardship, many of these diverse and treasured varieties of the past are lost forever. Prior to the 1940′s, vegetables were grown closer to home and breeding focused on things like flavor, texture, and disease resistance. Seed and sharing seed was common, and favorite varieties were protected and passed down through generations. This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.
In this fun episode, the whole crew enrolls for a week in a New England farm school to learn all they can while there. The cameras are rolling to show the reality side of organic farm living with our mostly city-slicker crew doing their best to keep up! This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.
In the home- and business owner’s quest for the perfect green lawn, we can do some pretty terrible things to the soil, water, and the environment. Today we’re going to visit the owners of 16 acres of perfect lawn managed organically. This is a private estate with an all-organic lawn converted just a few years ago.
From farm fields to dinner tables across America, more people want pesticide-free vegetables, humanely-raised meat and eggs all produced in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment. Unfortunately, that is not the way most of our food is produced. So how can we as consumers make the choices that are healthier for us and the earth at the same time? To help answer those questions, we visit a farm that is considered one of the most sustainable farms in America. We’ll look at their all-natural system that builds soil and heals the land while raising food and we’ll also explore the meanings behind some of the food labeling we see in the supermarket.
Compost: yes, it occurs naturally – but with a little knowledge we can speed up or enhance the process! This rich, beautiful, life-giving substance teeming with microbes and nutrients is amazingly borne from dead plants, discarded kitchen scraps and yard trimmings through the natural magic of decomposition. By managing and aiding the decomposition process we can have rich compost even faster, but truly – you don’t have to do a thing if you don’t have the time or inclination. Nature knows what she’s doing, all by herself. This Season Two episode (225) was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three. Note: credits marked as episode 308 in error.
Thousands of US military veterans return home to find it difficult re-integrating into civilian life and find meaningful work. In fact, veteran unemployment is higher than our national average – but there is a growing movement in agriculture to change that. On today’s episode, we meet veterans who are building successful careers as farmers and helping others do the same. Chef Nathan puts together a fresh, summer cantaloupe salad – the perfect lunch for cooling off and nourishing the body on these summer days!
As urban development is encroaching more and more on native landscapes, animal habitats shrink and birds and other animals in those areas are displaced. But we can help the situation by creating gardens that restore just a little piece of their habitat – even if we only have a small backyard or apartment balcony. In this episode, we visit an innovative school that uses natural habitat gardens as outdoor classrooms to reconnect children to nature and teach environmental science.
This episode is about the renewal of Detroit, whose bleak landscape is slowing changing due to the efforts of urban farmers and community gardeners determined to grow their city’s revival. Once America’s most productive manufacturing city, Detroit was home to a thriving automotive and music industry, with almost 2 million residents and a robust economy. A dramatic decline began in the mid-1960s as factories began closing their doors for overseas opportunities. The City eventually suffered near-collapse as residents left in droves to find work elsewhere.
These days, people are really getting closer to their food source – whether for fun, community, food safety, or environmental impact – and that means lots of homegrown veggies, herbs in the kitchen windowsill, CSA’s and farmer’s markets. The next step for many people right now is… raising chickens! Back yard chickens are a great fit for many gardens That’s right, chickens – from rural side lots to urban back yards, chickens take up little space and provide fresh eggs – that’s food so “local” that it doesn’t travel further than your back yard to your sauté pan. Droppings in wood shavings can be added to your compost bin, or if your chickens are free-range, can be left right in the yard where they fall! This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.
With the average age of farmers in our country around 55 to 60, there is a serious question of who will be growing our food in the future as our aging farmers retire or pass on. It seems large-scale, commercial farming holds little interest for upcoming generations, so even in “farming families” the children are not returning to the farm after education as they had in the past. Behold the new generation of young farmers. True enough, they are not interested in large-scale commercial “factory” farming. They are highly educated, interested in health and environment, and see not only the need – and the opportunity – for small-scale farming, but feel the pull to get personally involved and heed that call. Some are returning to farming or gardening roots, others come to it through health, science, or just feel the pull. By working on smaller, more local farms, they are able to focus on organics and natural methods while learning and growing themselves. This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.
Joe takes some of the mystery out of the selection and care of fruit trees, from picking your trees at the nursery, buying potted versus bareroot, to a little info on planting site, and how fruit trees are propagated through grafting. He also helps vegetable gardener Jamie select the right site and plant her very first fruit tree. Whether you have an acre or a balcony, you too can have your very own backyard orchard.
Even when trying to “go organic,” are we? “Natural” products may come to us after being harvested in habitat-destroying or non-sustainable methods. And natural doesn’t automatically mean safe. Natural pesticides, insecticides and poisons are still poisonous – at the very least they may kill indiscriminately, doing just as much damage as their synthetic counterparts in the home garden. At worst, we may become complacent about our poisons and accidentally expose our children and pets, thinking that it’s ok because it’s natural.
There are a lot of reasons to sow your own seeds! Everyone has their own reasons, perhaps to save money, or just for fun, or for the variety available. While it may seem intimidating at first, in this episode Joe will share some of the joys and specific how-tos of growing your own plants from seed. For starters, seed packets cost far less than purchasing individual plants. Extra seed can be saved from year to year. Even with the additional expense of lighting, growing containers, and heating, these are largely one-time expenses and may already be things you have around or can find inexpensively.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 20 percent of the world’s breeds of cattle, goats, pigs, horses and poultry are currently at risk of extinction. The industrialized food movement forever changed the way livestock was used in agriculture. As certain breeds were favored for their rapid growth and production, other breeds (animals that we just took for granted) did not fit into that mold and for the last 50 years, their numbers have been dwindling at a rapid rate. Many of the old-fashioned breeds began to face extinction.
Whether you are a novice or experienced gardener – at some point you will find yourself in need of a little gardening advice. You might need direction on how to prune an overgrown tree or design guidance for an area of your yard or maybe complete lessons on growing your own food. Who wouldn’t like to have a personal consultant for their garden? A garden coach is an expert who comes to your home to provide customized garden information, and can even work right along side you with hands-on lessons.
We talk a lot about food miles, organics, and sustainable practices with food choices, our homes, and our gardens… what about the flowers we put on the table next to the meal? And the ones we send to loved ones in times of celebration, congratulations, or condolences? How were they grown, what were they sprayed with, and how far have they traveled? Generally speaking, the floral industry is notoriously UN-eco-friendly, often grown with chemical insecticides, bloom-boosting chemical fertilizers, then shipped from other continents to arrive in your local floral case for your bouquet. Nowhere do you find long-stemmed roses budding in Ohio in January, yet there they are in the florist’s case. While this is an amazing example of worldwide trade, it’s not a great way to live greener or reduce our commerce miles. This Season Two episode was chosen for a special Encore Broadcast in Season Three.
What if we told you that there is a plant that requires only a small amount of water, yet stays green all year long? It can be grown as a lawn, but requires no fertilizers, pesticides, clipping, mowing or mulching. This dream plant is also eco-friendly, low maintenance, and incredibly beautiful. Despite common misconceptions, moss is ALL of these things and more. Mosses are the oldest terrestrial plants on earth and even predate the dinosaurs. They have survived all this time without pollen, seeds, flowers or even roots… in fact that may be the key.
How display gardens at flower shows are created.
An explanation of permaculture, which incorporates organic farm practices, agroforestry, integrated farming and ecology.
A one-acre rooftop farm in New York City is highlighted.
A look at small-space gardening, including vertical gardening.
Independent garden centers are discussed.
Gardeners who teach about sustainable edible gardening while traveling the country in a biodiesel bus.
The Season 3 finale shows how "Growing a Greener World" is put together, including how topics and locations are chosen.
Season 4 opens in New York City, where a public school's use of a rooftop greenhouse to teach students about sustainability and environmental stewardship is examined.
Starting plants from seeds is discussed.
Organic solutions to common pest problems.
Aquaponics, which consists of growing food with only water and live fish, is spotlighted.
Arborist Arthur Morris explains how to care for trees, including how to identify disease and damage. Joe explains why you should avoid tree topping, and why some people feel they need to prune trees so aggressively.
Joe Lamp'l creates a raised-bed garden from scratch.
Organic lawn care is discussed.
How to maximize a garden's beauty while minimizing water usage.
A rooftop farm in New York City is spotlighted. How do you get fresh produce if you live in the urban jungle of NYC? Brooklyn Grange uses rooftop gardens to grow high-quality, local produce right in the heart of New York City. GGW visits two of the largest commercial rooftop farms in America. The farm produces 20,000 pounds of food from 2 rooftop acres.
How to achieve a weedless garden.
How to create and maintain a moss garden.
The importance of independently owned nurseries.
How and when to harvest a garden to get the highest quality fruits and vegetables. Guest Mary Beth Shaddix, who supplies the food photographed by Cooking Light magazine shares her secrets. GGW's canning expert, Theresa Loe, explains why and how to use freezing to preserve an abundant harvest.
Why bees are important. Also: backyard beekeepers.
A look at greenhouses for all budgets.
How to create a sustainable environment inside one's home.
The importance of healthy soil to a garden is examined. Included: a soil-testing lab; the U.S. Composting Council.
Gardening blogger Margaret Roach on sustainable gardening.
Garden myths are dispelled.
A Chicago victory garden is visited.
The Growing Power urban farm in Milwaukee is visited.
Mobile farmers markets are spotlighted.
Urban farmers set off on a cross-country tour in a converted school bus to teach urban school children about organic gardening.
A New England fair that celebrates organic farming and rural living is visited.
Growing vegetables in a cold climate is discussed with Maine gardening expert Eliot Coleman.
Host Joe Lamp'l puts his garden to bed in the Season 4 finale.
On Growing a Greener World, we often celebrate the fact that vegetable gardening has become more popular over the years. Many people just like us garden to get the best and freshest flavors, to keep it local, and to have more control over how our food is grown. For those very same reasons, we should grow more fruit.
Ever wondered how we find the people, places and stories we feature on Growing a Greener World? We go behind-the-scenes and share how we film, produce and create the gardening series you love. (We even give away a few of our secrets.)
For several years now, we've heard and talked about the significant and ongoing loss of the honeybee population. It is still a Mason Bee mystery as to why these bees are disappearing, but we are starting to tap into the use of other types of pollinators. One of these types of pollinators is the solitary bee, or Mason Bee.
We're very excited to be able to have a garden set that we can use for filming as well as growing delicious fruits and vegetables. Growing food at home has Raised Bedsincreased in popularity over the recent years.
Over the years we have talked a lot about edible gardening and people all over the country growing food in many unusual places. We have seen many random places, but one thing we know for sure is you do NOT need a whole lot of space to grow delicious, organic produce. In fact, all you need is some sort of container.
Margaret Roach traded in her high heels for garden boots when she left her high-powered executive job, for a job of writing books and her award-winning garden blog, Away to Garden. She is now the virtual mentor to thousands of fans who glean her garden wisdom, tips, interviews of garden experts and an occasional vegetarian recipes.
If you've ever had an interest in growing a garden, chances are we've covered the topic in a relatable way on this show. From how to get started to managing a large food crop, we have featured a variety of food growing subjects. One topic that we have not covered in the past is hobby farming. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to take your gardening passion to the next level, this show is for you.
Our goal as gardeners is to have an abundant harvest, but what are some of the best ways to get the produce we desire? Joe shares tips for achieving that desired harvest. He also answers some of those tough questions every gardener faces over the years about when to harvest or plant disease.
For decades, the typical model of the suburban home included crowded housing, water and chemical hungry lawns, and maybe even a sprawling golf course. Today there is a new vision that is sweeping the country. Today's communities are trading in those golf greens for something more sustainable, salad greens. We'll tour one of the countries first and most successful conservation communities built around a working farm.
Joe takes us to the Sonoma Valley Worm Farm to meet Jack Chambers. Trained as an airline pilot, Jack found his true passion in gardening. Jack was directed to the "Worm Farm" by a friend who suggested he buy worms for his compost pile. At the time, Jack didn't realize how important of a place the Worm Farm would become to him and his family. After putting the worms into his compost bin, Jack left on a 5 day trip not thinking about the effects the worms would have on his compost. After his trip, Jack found the worms had fully transformed the bin into rich, black compost.
Sooner or later most of us discover the therapeutic powers of connecting with the outdoors. Nature has an almost magical way of calming and sometimes even healing our mind and body-from a simple walk in the park, to facilities dedicated to using nature to manage the healthcare of children and young adults; with some of 300Around The Center May 07, 2013-14the most medically complex challenges. In spite of all the resources science has to offer, there's no substitute for the many benefits that nature has to offer.
Having a great looking landscape and garden requires time and attention all year long. If you want to know some of the surest ways to get your spring garden off to the right start, begin in the fall season. Today, Joe shares with you some of his favorite fall ideas that will help put your garden to bed and ensure that it wakes up ready to go in the spring.
Over all of the years of our travels, we've met many amazing urban gardeners. They have been able to make their gardens because of the desire they had for fresh, local produce in a place that mainly has concrete. Today we take you back over the past 4 seasons to look at all of the wonderful urban gardeners and the people who are behind them. We'll also take a look into the future at one very historic but progressive city, which has made a critical link between the local farm ThePetersonGardenProjectand market.
Independent Garden Centers, or IGC's, are some of our all time favorite stores. Today, we get to visit two of the countries best IGC's, The Natural Gardener and The Great Outdoors, both located in Austin, Texas.
Many of the most popular plants we have today, from the top arboretums to the backyard gardens, originated from plants from far away places. A simple little twig holds all of the genetic information needed to make an exact copy of the parent. Propagating plants is a simple process; however, the mystique behind the practice prevents many gardeners from trying to do it themselves.
Joel Salatin is one of the most celebrated pioneers in sustainable agriculture and his family business, Polyface Farms in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, is the model by which many farmers aspire. Joel and his family use careful farming practices, leaving the soil better each year - not depleted of its nutrients - which is the way it should be.
Many people are in the market for locally grown produce, but in urban areas the majority of organic produce is brought in from outside the city, making it questionable at best. A small group of farmers ahead of their time, found a way to grow local, high-quality produce within the city limits of New York City. With a little over 8 million mouths to feed within New York's city limits, the need to have a place where people could buy fresh quality food was in high demand.
We are deeply grateful to our veterans, men and women who offer their lives to defend our liberty. Now a growing number of vets are planting important seeds in our agricultural landscape - transitioning from their role in the military to that of the community - trading rifles for shovels as they embrace one of the oldest professions in the world - farming, with sustainability at its roots.
The words "eat local" have been the battle cry of the sustainability movement for quite some time now - not only for the environmental impact, but for the incredible FLAVOR.
There are many great schools across the country doing great things for their students. One in particular, located in the heart of the most densely populated city, is one such school.
As organic gardeners, we understand the importance of good seed. We care about where it comes from and how it was grown. And we want to know how to save that seed for later. But unfortunately, there has been a consolidation in the seed industry and today a handful of large, multi-national corporations own the majority of our seed. This means, they control the supply of that seed to our farmers and that in turn affects our food choices and the choices of what we can grow in our own backyards.
Farmers play an important roll in our every day lives. With the average age of a farmer close to 60, it got us thinking about the younger generation and how someone would become a farmer.
Of all of the topics we have covered on Growing A Greener World, homesteading is among the most popular. This doesn't surprise us because our audience and our GGW team understand that modern homesteading is about a whole lot more than just growing food. And we love connecting with people who live as we do and share their stories with you.
Although organic gardening may be considered a shift in thinking to modern agriculture, it wasn't too long ago that ALL gardening was done without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. However, the connection between soil and plants has not always been easily understood. One forward thinking gardener of the past also happens to have been one of the forefathers of our country - President Thomas Jefferson. He was a great plantsman and used his garden to test agricultural theories that we still apply today.
Our honeybees have a lot going against them right now. From their habitats being reduced due to urban sprawl, to the mysterious die-offs known as Colony Collapse Disorder, they need our help. So it is encouraging to see that backyard urban bee keeping is now more popular than ever. Home beekeepers are doing their part to help bees survive and we can do things in our own backyards to help as well.
Backyard birds offer so much enjoyment to our gardening experience. They are part of the reason we garden in the first place - to participate in and support the nature around us.
The Season 6 premiere chronicles a year in the life of a new beekeeper: host Joe Lamp'l. Included: selecting the best equipment; taking possession of live bees and installing them in a proper hive; and harvesting honey.
How to make compost; and use recycled pallets to build a compost bin.
How to raise chickens in a backyard. Included: a simple structure for a chicken coop.
How to create a Certified Wildlife Habitat in one's backyard.
How to start a vegetable garden from scratch.
The show's most popular segments are revisited.
A low-cost and simple deer barrier that anyone can make; and natural, safe and humane ways to repel other common garden and landscape pests.
Turning an urban backyard garden into a business is discussed.
Two rooftop organic farms in New York City are visited.
Efforts to save the endangered honeybee are detailed.
A small retail nursery that specializes in plants overlooked by large commercial operations is visited; and heirloom tomatoes are turned into a spicy gazpacho. Also: biodegradable plant labels; recycling programs; and eco-friendly growing techniques.
How to achieve a weedless garden without relying on chemicals.
A Chicago factory-turned-farm; and two California entrepreneurs who offer aquaponic systems and desktop mushroom gardens.
Moss, which is often seen as a nuisance, is discussed.
Modern organic gardening is explored at the Rodale Institute.
Pruning is discussed. Included: five keys to pruning like a pro; common pruning mistakes; and promoting healthy plants through selective pruning.
Gardeners who teach about sustainable edible gardening while traveling the country in a biodiesel bus are featured.
Organic gardening is discussed.
Small-space gardening is explored. Included: small gardens in the San Francisco area.
How gardens impact the diversity of life in one's yard and town; and on the planet.
Sustainable practices employed by small-scale farmers are featured. Included: applying the techniques to one's own backyard.
A commercial facility that makes compost from yard waste and kitchen scraps; and a Seattle training facility that teaches how to compost.
A Maine farm that grows vegetables year-round is visited.
Hydroponic gardening is examined.
Common gardening myths are debunked.
The Season 6 finale shows how a new landscape is designed and installed.
If you’ve ever grown a vegetable garden, you’ve probably had more of something than you could use at the end of the season. That was the basis for how AmpleHarvest.org was formed. Gary Oppenheimer saw that his community garden was producing far more than the gardeners could consume, or even give away to family and friends. So he decided to find a way to get that fresh produce in the hands of neighbors in need, and that simple idea grew into a national non-profit network. The premise was to make it possible for anyone to have access to- or donate- fresh produce, wherever they lived—all from garden surplus. Today, AmpleHarvest.org has been recognized by the White House as well as major companies and organizations for their important work. In this episode, we’ll meet founder Gary Oppenheimer and see how we can all share some of our “ample harvest” with our own neighbors in need.
At the height of our nation’s industrial revolution over 100 years ago, wealthy businessman Henry Phipps built the Phipps Conservatory as a gift to the city of Pittsburg. Today Phipps has become a model for public gardens and conservatories around the world for its sustainable building practices, energy conservation and eco‐friendly methods. In the process they’ve earned the distinction of being “America’s Greenest Garden” and the greenest conservatory in the world. Taking his cue from the chocolate tree featured at the conservatory, Chef Nathan creates a molten chocolate cake that melts in the mouth.
With severe water shortages and drought grabbing an ever growing piece of our daily news, it only stands to reason, conserving this precious resource is more important than ever. Gardeners and weekend warriors typically waste over 50% of what water they use for outdoor irrigation. In this episode we meet author and waterwise expert, Nan Sterman in her own backyard to learn how to use less and still have a beautiful garden and landscape, no matter where you live. Then it’s back to the GGW Garden Farm to see the installation of an ultra-efficient irrigation system for the lawn and garden.
Beyond the popular beneficial lady beetle, lies a host of not-so‐well known insects and organic products that are surprisingly efficient at keeping pest populations and plant diseases in check. This episode looks at using natural predators and insects to keeps pests in check. We’ll also explore natural remedies for dealing with some common plant diseases in the home garden.
This season premiere episode documents the first of a two-part series covering an entire year in the working garden set for the television series. Host Joe Lamp'l and gardener-in-residence takes you behind the scenes for the reality of the spring and summer seasons like you've never seen before.
Here in the north Atlanta, GA area, gardening is easily a year-round event, if you allow it. The problem is, most people we know around here who have a summer garden, quite by mid-July. That is such a shame. Some of the best parts about gardening happen after summer ends.
Epic Tomatoes was inspired by Craig LeHoullier's book Epic Tomatoes: How to Select and Grow the Best Varieties of All Time. For anyone who loves growing heirloom tomatoes, and the stories behind them, this is a must-read book for sure and a great addition to your own, or anyone's library for that matter.
Gardening for butterflies and other pollinators was one of the most common responses In a survey Growing a Greener World sent out to our email subscribers, as one of their most important gardening goals in the upcoming year. Many responded that they planned on creating a butterfly or pollinator garden soon and would like more information on how to attract and protect them.
Redeeming your ground. It's an interesting concept. And one we've all likely consciously or subconsciously thought about at least once. Taking back an untamed space and making it your own.
Gardening in the desert southwest isn't difficult. It's just different. You almost have to unlearn what you know about gardening as it relates to timing and understand that here in the desert, Mother Nature is on a different schedule.
Spend any amount of time talking to farmers, and you're sure to hear some inspiring stories: people working with their hands - people working with nature - people working for better communities. And while growing food is often something that's passed down from generation to generation, some of the best stories come from men and women for whom farming is a second career.
It only takes a moment after meeting Stephen to know that this is a man devoted to changing the lives of his students. Through passion, patience, and the power of a plant that produces real food (as in fresh fruits and vegetables), Stephen Ritz and his Green Bronx Machine are building healthy minds and bodies and empowering thousands of children to discover and exploit the potential they never knew they had.
Spokane, WA resident, Susan Mulvihill is a good friend of the show. As a Master Gardener, long-time garden writer and columnist for the Spokesman-Review, blogger, nature lover, and passionate birder, she keeps busy doing all the things we love to cover.
Who hasn't wanted a behind-the-scenes looking into the private garden of a public gardener? Bringing your work home with you can actually be a very good thing - when both your vocation and your avocation relates to gardening. Such is the case for Dan Benarcik and his wife Peggy Anne Montgomery. Both work in professional horticulture: Dan, at Chanticleer - one of the country's most admired public gardens, while Peggy is a champion of native plants and the important role they play in the landscape.
The Compost Pedallers, an eco-minded startup in Austin, TX is on a mission to lighten the city's environmental footprint while reducing waste going into landfills. Many urban and suburban homeowners know that composting is a great way to do both. Yet not everyone is ready to take the dive into managing a backyard heap of food scraps and yard debris.
About an hour and a half southeast of Atlanta, you'll find the tiny town of Sparta. It's located in Hancock County, which was the most populous county in Georgia in 1800 - a time when cotton was king. A century later, the boll weevil decimated the industry.
We're told that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And then there's Brie Arthur, our correspondent for design and foodscaping. She looks at lemonade as just the starting point when mother nature throws lemons at her. In fact, Brie knocks them out of the park.
Stone Barns Center revolutionizes the model for growing healthy and sustainable food on 80 acres of farmland while renowned chef Dan Barber creates masterpiece meals at one of the finest destination restaurants in the world.
Two brothers scour the globe for unique specimens of the Japanese maple for their incredible North Carolina nursery, which features over 1,000 cultivars of this immensely popular landscape and garden tree.
Downtown Atlanta's historic Oakland Cemetery leads the modern renaissance of the cemetery garden, once a common showcase for rare plant specimens and elaborately-designed landscapes.
Get ready for spring as Joe preps his own planting beds for a new growing season, breaking down the best early techniques and organic practices to jumpstart the garden and ensure a successful harvest later.
After the passing of its visionary founder, GreensGrow Farms celebrates 20 years of its mission to revitalize downtown Philadelphia with a garden center, farm stand, produce market, neighborhood kitchen, and more.
Over 1,000 species of native plants, some on the verge of extinction at one time, tell the larger story of the Delaware Valley and this extensive garden that once belonged to members of the du Pont family.
An abandoned rail line becomes a stunning greenway that snakes through- and 30 feet above- the streets of Manhattan, serving as a horticultural wonder and a tourist draw in the most densely populated city in America.
The inspiring story of Jason Brown, who walked away from a lucrative NFL career at just 29 to grow food for a living - despite zero farming experience whatsoever-and give much of it away for free at every harvest.
One couple transforms their home garden outside Seattle into a paradise for people, plants and animals using environmental and sustainable practices. The garden is now open to the public by appointment.
One designer's epic four-year project to create a stunning sustainable landscape that enhances the natural beauty of its island surroundings in Seattle's Puget Sound, all while leaving the lightest environmental footprint possible.
A quest to reimagine our world through the power of plant seeds led Tom Stearns to start a successful company in his own backyard; he now offers more than 600 varieties to home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Twenty million bats put on a nightly show that's unlike anything in nature and provide an illuminating look at this misunderstood creature that could be the farmer's most powerful ally and the home gardener's best friend.
Park rangers work toward a zero-waste goal at Denali National Park & Preserve, six million acres of Alaskan frontier where rugged terrain and exotic wildlife are met by scores of tourists and the trash they leave behind.
Denali National Park & Preserve – each year millions of visitors have made the trek to enjoy this centerpiece of the Alaskan frontier. Along with their wonder at the raw majesty of this place, park visitors also brought an abundance of waste and left most of it behind.
In the vast world of bees, the honeybee – and its mysterious population decline – tends to take center stage. All the while, another species is diligently and quietly at work to fulfill the critical role of plant pollinator. The Mason bee is a solitary bee. Unlike species categorized as social bees, solitary bees spend their lives in the company of – but independent from – other bees. Every female is a queen. Her daily life is spent seeking pollen and caring for the eggs which will emerge to become the next generation. Dave Hunter of Seattle, WA has been teaching gardeners how to promote and play host to these docile creatures, native to North America. The simple steps to invite these beneficial insects into our gardens and commercial agricultural operations will add a new dimension of wonder to the experience and create a game-changing increase in crop production. Spend some time with us in exploring the life and power of the humble Mason bee. You may soon be finding yourself looking beyond the hive to observe the activity of these tube-dwelling pollinators and their beneficial neighbors.
One topic nearly guaranteed to stir up controversy among gardeners is deer management and controlling other mammalian garden pests. After all, striking the right balance between garden and wildlife is complicated and unique to every gardener. With increased urbanization, wildlife encroachment continues to impact gardeners everywhere, from the farm to the cut-de-sac. Is it possible to enjoy the presence of foragers, like deer, without suffering the effect of their damage? It’s an age old and common question which has been the subject of anecdotal tips and quirky tricks for generations. This episode focuses on animal pest identification and options for keeping the offenders at bay. Habitat modification, scare tactics, repellents, and physical barriers – Professor Michael T. Mengak of the University of Georgia takes us on a tour of what his research has turned up to demystify what works and what doesn’t. We also catch up with Joe Lamp’l at the GardenFarm. Seven years ago, Joe took a chance on his edible garden design. Has it stood the test of time against a continual parade of hungry deer? Joe explains his reasoning and results.
There’s no way around it, gardening has once again become an industry. The popularity of growing our own food along with beautifying our landscapes has triggered a new flush in recent years of must-have garden products. That leaves some gardeners feeling like there’s no way to save money while developing our home landscapes. But we’re here to tell you, gardening on the cheap for saving money and time is alive and well. The love of gardening shouldn’t – and doesn’t – require a heavy blow to our bottom line. It’s time to remind ourselves what gardeners learned long before the era of the big box store. Creative solutions are sometimes best. Soil improvement options, plant support, and even the plants themselves are waiting for us in unexpected places at little cost and, oftentimes, for free. The answer to your garden challenge could be hiding in plain sight – right in your own backyard. Joe Lamp’l shares some of his favorite creative tips for saving money at the GardenFarm™. These ideas just might get your creative juices flowing in a new – and thrifty – direction.
Homesteading is a word from a bygone era, but there are modern homesteaders committed to a belief that this lifestyle is about much more than just establishing a place and growing food. Jessi Bloom is committed to working her land sustainably, while teaching her young sons the importance of living with intention. As a speaker and author of Free-Range Chicken Gardens and Practical Permaculture, Jessi knows more than a thing or two about successfully raising livestock and organic crops – all in the heart of ultra-urban Seattle, WA. Her homesteading “neighbor” Erica Strauss is a trained chef and author who has embraced the belief that the garden should guide what takes place in the kitchen. Her book, The Hands-On Home; A Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping speaks to exactly that. Along the way, she and her husband find ways to engage their children in a love of the life the land supports. There is no right or wrong way to homestead in our modern world, but the differing styles that these two women embody in their day-to-day lives will inspire you to view your own landscape from a fresh perspective.
There is no one in the world quite like Paul James. The first HGTV garden show host, Paul was destined to become a garden legend in his own right. With an irreverent sense of humor and a passion for gardening organically, he is still venerated as a beloved garden mentor by the many fans of his HGTV series, Gardening by the Yard. When his series was cancelled, Paul presented fresh options to the broadcasting community, but the world of media had shifted in favor of the under-30 crowd and a craze for home makeovers. So, what has this fun-loving garden master been doing since his HGTV days? Joe Lamp’l gets a firsthand update when Paul shows up for a tour and a chat at the GardenFarm™. The two share some garden tips and more than a few laughs and insights into the life and times of garden legend Paul James.
As we embarked on our 11th season, life changed overnight. Not being able to safely travel the country meant we had the opportunity to do more filming at the Growing a Greener World GardenFarm™ and other nearby locations. With a lot more time at home this year, our host and creator, Joe Lamp’l, takes you behind-the-scenes to experience a real day in the life at his personal and TV garden while he gets caught up on some planting and gardening projects.
In this episode we visit Brie Arthur in her garden where we explore foodscaping – or edible landscaping. Brie is the author of the book, Foodscape Revolution, so we couldn’t think of a better way to demonstrate this concept than visiting her own foodscape garden.
Have you ever stopped to think about those littles seeds that become the plants you grow and love? A seed is how everything in a garden begins. This year, the pandemic caused gardeners to buy seeds at a record pace. Because of this, seed companies across the nation and even the world sold out of seeds as gardeners everywhere sought to expand their gardens or start vegetable gardens for the first time.
When Jason Brown walked away from a multi-million dollar NFL contract to be a farmer, he didn’t even know how to farm. Yet, two things were certain. He would learn to farm, and as he did, he’d give away the first fruits of every harvest to those in need.
This week on Growing a Greener World, we explore the critical mission of growing the next generation of gardeners by instilling a love of gardening in children. My passion for gardening began when I was a child as it does for many gardeners. The turning point for me came after accidentally breaking off a branch from my parents’ favorite shrub. I panicked and jammed the broken branch into the ground. A few weeks later, I went back to check on it. To my surprise and relief, that branch had taken root. From that moment on, I was hooked on horticulture. That defining moment was literally life-changing! Whether children discover the magic of plants on their own like I did, or they are taught by an adult, exposing children to gardening at a young age can instill a newfound passion to last a lifetime.
As the resurgence of victory gardens are springing up across the country, we explore urban communities looking for new ways to grow their own food and give back to those in need. One organization – The Peterson Garden Project in Chicago – not only sets up community gardens in big-city neighborhoods but also teaches people how to grow their own food. This historical Chicago victory garden is not just about growing food but also growing communities. The Peterson Garden Project is building gardeners rather than gardens, and their success is amazing and inspiring.
When we, as gardeners, devote our efforts to promoting plant health and vigor, pruning seems counterintuitive. Yet cutting the growth off of a plant to encourage more growth is exactly the right approach. Pruning plants and trees can often be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow along in this episode as we spend a day with a professional pruning guru and learn some key tips to take the fear out of pruning. Along the way, you’ll also gain a better understanding of the what, when, where, and why behind making the right cut.
There’s an enormous swell in the number of people learning to garden and grow their own food. Yet, many lack the space for a garden – or so it might seem. This is where unique urban gardens and community gardens can play a big role. In this episode, we revisit some of the great urban and community gardening heroes that we’ve met in past seasons. These are people who are making gardening more accessible to all – no matter the boundaries or limitations. We also look at how some urban gardeners have found creative ways to grow fresh food for themselves and others without a garden or soil.
The first step for most new food gardeners is the addition of a few vegetable and herb plants. Yet once they’re hooked, the desire to grow more and different plants and varieties grows as well. From the classic food garden, this episode takes home gardeners to the next step – growing fruit.
This week, we present an encore episode that’s all about container gardening. We can all appreciate the beauty of colorful containers of plants and flowers to dress up any space. As simple as potting up a few plants can be, the best arrangements are achieved through techniques professional designers use to create stunning combinations.
Gardening is a passion many of us share. But when gardeners share that passion with their life partner, it’s gardening paradise. In this episode, you’ll meet one Atlanta couple who has been creating paradise in their own home garden for over 30 years.
Making more plants through simple propagation techniques is one of the most fun, productive and inexpensive ways to grow your garden and expand your knowledge. Propagating plants is a simple process; however, the mystique behind the practice prevents many gardeners from trying to do it themselves. Join GGW gardening correspondent and plant propagation expert, Brie Arthur, as she and host, Joe Lamp’l, show you some of their tips for successfully making more plants from your very own garden. Brie’s extensive experience as a horticulturist and professional plant propagator has given her a wealth of experience and knowledge that she shares with us in this episode.
This week, we feature stories that teach us that even in the most challenging times, we can turn to gardening to feed our souls and nourish those around us who are in need. When the COVID-19 crisis began and the country went on lockdown, “connection” is what many of us missed the most. Visiting family, meeting up with friends, traveling, or even just going to the farmers market – all of that had to be put on hold for the safety of everyone. We all had more time at home than ever before this year. A lot of people looked to their garden as a refuge and a way to heal their bodies, comfort their hearts, and feed their families. Many even started gardening for the first time. It’s true that we’re all in this together, but it’s also true that most of us never felt more alone than we did at certain times in 2020. A beautiful garden
Come along with bestselling author and master tomato grower Craig LeHoullier for innovative techniques that you can also use to grow tomatoes that are truly epic. We’re talking the biggest, prettiest, tastiest heirloom tomatoes in varieties that you simply won’t find at the big box store.
