How I Grow This

What started as a seven-year search for the right property became a full homestead in Georgia, complete with fruit trees, a garden, and hard-won lessons about what works, what does not, and why less land can often mean more life. Jared and Annette also share the surprising origin story behind their move to the country, the entrepreneurial instincts that shaped their path, and how a deeper understanding of soil, structure, and seasonality changed the way they think about health.

Most gardeners waste time fighting their climate instead of designing for it. Jolene Wainwright turns that idea on its head with a “Sanctuary Garden” built on purpose, ancient Biblical symbols, and smart Pacific Northwest strategy - and she reveals the practical systems that make it work. This conversation blends faith, family, and highly intentional growing. From a garden layout modeled after the Old Testament tabernacle to raised beds, trellises, the secret “Triangle Trick,” companion planting, and seasonal challenges in the PNW, Jolene shows how a garden can be both beautiful and deeply functional.

After building a life on a huge North Dakota ranch, starting over on 45 acres in Tennessee, and now preparing to move again to a 14-acre Wisconsin homestead, Janelle shares what it really takes to keep a family fed, a farm productive, and a marriage strong through constant change.

Most people envision the perfect homestead—a picturesque farm with healthy cows in immaculate pastures, a sprawling garden free of pests, and a barn that looks like an idyllic painting. But Melissa's grounded reality shatters those illusions, revealing that true homesteading is about embracing imperfection, hard work, and strategic growth. She shows us that resilience and incremental progress are what make you, and your homestead flourish.

What if turning your yard into a garden could help heal our planet, build community, and even bolster local economies? In this eye-opening episode, environmental scientist and mindful farmer Sean Pessarra reveals how small changes in your backyard can make a massive difference.

They might be the comeback kids of the generation. Tiny but mighty, they start their ripple effect (on plant health, strength, and yield) even when they are competitively few in number. In this episode, Adam Martin of Be Kept reveals how a single hive can transform local ecosystems, boost garden yields, and even grow into a sustainable honey operation that challenges industrial practices. Discover the surprising ways honeybees naturally support biodiversity and how you can tap into that power with minimal effort and zero chemicals. Here’s to the sweetest superfood!

It’s EVERYWHERE. And it might be slowly killing you. And the institutions meant to be protecting you are busy playing a bigger game. . . Kelly Ryerson, aka the “Glyphosate Girl,” reveals how this chemical is quietly infiltrating our water, air, and bodies, contributing to a rise in cancer, hormonal disruption, and gut health issues. If you're concerned about what's really in your food and how it impacts your health, this eye-opening conversation is a must-listen.

One year’s worth of greatest hits, in one hour. These are the farms (and farmers) that kept us coming back for more. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and EXCITED for Season 2!

Pam Dowling, a seasoned farmer and author of Sustainable Market Farming , reveals how prioritizing simplicity and smart planning can revolutionize your growing methods. After decades managing a community that feeds 80-100 people year-round on just 3.5 acres, she breaks down her proven strategies for reducing labor, avoiding burnout, and building soil health—without falling into the trap of excess tools or unnecessary complexity.

Matthew Gauer, from Greenhorn Grove, shares how a simple succulent garden sparked a passion that turned into a thriving one-acre farm—and a social media movement with over 2 million followers.

Imagine a farm where the season is 8 weeks long, generates over $112,000 in profit, and visitors flock to pick from fields of berries and vegetables — all while minimizing post-harvest handling and maximizing joy. Megan shares how she and her dad built this system from scratch, navigating challenging soils, unpredictable weather, and market demands, to create a farm that is the crown jewel of their neighborhood. https://purelandorganic.com/

Unlock the true potential of small-scale farming with Malik Miller, aka Farmer Millz — a young, Black agricultural innovator breaking stereotypes and championing land stewardship for the next generation. In a world obsessed with traditional farming norms, Malik's story of building on his grandmother’s dream offers a fresh perspective on legacy, regenerative practices, and modern entrepreneurship in agriculture.

Meet Jonathan Dysinger, Founder and Owner of Farmer’s Friend, and learn how his pursuit of the perfect greens harvester evolved from a hacked hedge trimmer to a thriving company serving thousands of farmers across the world. If you’re into roller coasters, this story is for you. From the many prototype failures, to first sales, and the leap from farm hobbyist to major supplier—this is a story of the power and impact of innovation.

When Ann and her family left the mountains of the Pacific Northwest to start a homestead on the border of Tennessee and Alabama, they had no idea what was about to hit them—poor soil, humid heat, pests, and adapting to new growing seasons. Yet, their story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving against the odds using simple, traditional techniques, innovative microclimate strategies, and a community-focused mindset. If you've ever wondered how to maximize tiny spaces, protect crops naturally, or grow food in a humid, hot climate, this episode will change how you see your land—and yourself. Follow Ann on the web at Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AFarmGirlintheMaking Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afarmgirlinthemaking/

Meaningful change starts with tiny, intentional steps in soil, family, and food. In this episode, JP and Ann discuss regenerative principles like minimal soil disturbance, soil cover, diversity, and livestock integration, and how they are reshaping the future of perennial farming. They dispel common misconceptions around organic and regenerative labels, revealing the unregulated truths and what to watch for. And, they dive into the science of soil microbes, fungicide resistance, and why harvesting nutrient-dense pecans depends on healing the soil first—an insight applicable to any growing system. Connect with JP and Great Buffalo Pecan Farm on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GreatBuffaloPecanFarm and with Ann on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/simply.unconventional/

Success in small-scale farming isn't just about growing great crops—it's about building a thriving, intentional business from day one. Diego Footer, a veteran in the farm small, farm smart movement, reveals the secret sauce for turning passion into profit. If you're overwhelmed by the physical grind or unsure how to market your produce effectively, this episode is your roadmap to clarity and growth. Find Diego on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/diegofooter

The “AZ plant Lady” Noelle Johnson paves the way to desert growing success in this fascinating episode. Whether you live in the desert yourself, or face other climate extremes, you are sure to glean from Noelle’s advice on using contours, textures, mulches, and the natural canopies of other plants to create beneficial microclimates for your plants. Noelle is the author of two successful books, an online educator and gardening consultant. Visit her online at www.azplantlady.com

If one sustainable family homestead operation can net a million dollars per year in the wilds of Alberta where temperatures range from 40 below in the winter to 120 in the summer, rainfall averages 12 inches per year and frost can come any month except July, then probably you can too. . . Learn from the best how to be your best, no matter where you are. coenfarm.ca https://buildingyourhomestead.com/

In this episode, Shawnee Grows navigates the challenges of northern growing with shifting climate zones, pests, the cropdusting neighbor, and gardening in multiple places at once. This is a story of skill and adaptation, but also of learning and legacy. You’ll be inspired not just to grow beautiful things, but to save seeds and species for later generations. . . Check out Shawnee Grows on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawneegrows

A young family growing up outside the mile-high city is finding the stuff of dreams. Inspiration, information, and joy await in this episode of the How I Grow This podcast with guest, Amy Johnson. Learn the single best decisions she made as a new gardener that has transformed her garden while reducing her workload. Check out Amy’s youtube channel at youtube.com/@atreasurefound