Farm Small Farm Smart
By: The Modern Grower Podcast Network
Language: en
Categories: Science, Natural, Leisure, Home, Garden
Insights for vegetable farmers and market gardeners who earn, or want to earn, a living growing vegetables profitably. In each episode, I talk with a beginning or experienced farmer, diving deep into their story to find out what makes their market farm successful. I focus on in-the-field farming. Soil preparation, weed management, post-harvest processing, appropriate technology, farm tools and equipment, and growing crops. Hosted and produced by Diego Footer's Modern Grower Podcast Network.
Episodes
5 Factors for Choosing Profitable Crops (MBF 25)
Jan 08, 2026Discover the secret to choosing the most profitable crops for your market garden using the Crop Value Rating (CVR) system, ensuring your farming business thrives.
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Carbon Sequestration and Saturation in the Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics 51
Jan 04, 2026In this episode, Dr. Bruno Basso of CIBO Technologies sheds light on how soil sequesters carbon and what happens when soil becomes saturated with carbon.
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5 Reasons Microgreens are Perfect for New Farmers (MFB 24)
Jan 01, 2026We go through 5 reasons why microgreens are an excellent gateway crop for new and aspiring growers.
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Micronutrients in Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics 50
Dec 28, 2025In this episode, Research Associate Professor Dr. Buz Kloot of Soil Health Labs sheds light on the underestimated role of micronutrients in maintaining soil health and biology.
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Pros and Cons of Direct Seeding and Transplanting (MFB 23)
Dec 25, 2025Which is better: direct seeding or transplanting? It might be frustrating an answer, but: it depends! Learning which one works best for you and your context can drastically increase your market garden's productivity and profitability!
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The Resiliency of Fungal Systems - Gardening Beyond Basics 49
Dec 21, 2025In this episode, author and educator Peter McCoy of Mycologos discusses what science knows about fungi so far, and their ability to proliferate even under dire circumstances.
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Where Your Business Lies Between Ideology & Profitability (MFB 22)
Dec 18, 2025What's the secret to building a thriving farm business that aligns with your values and makes a real impact? We explore the delicate balance between ideology and profitability, and why a sustainable business must be a profitable one.
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Evaluating Compost Quality - Gardening Beyond Basics 48
Dec 14, 2025In this episode, compost specialist and owner of Living Roots Compost Tea Troy Hinke gives us tips on how to tell if the compost we have is of good quality.
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Radishes: The Market Gardener's 30-Day Cash Crop (MBF 21)
Dec 11, 2025We break down what makes radish a popular (and profitable!) market garden crop: fast growth, high yields, and good selling price.
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Defining Biochar - Gardening Beyond Basics E47
Dec 07, 2025Biochar expert Kelpie Wilson of Wilson Biochar talks about what inspired the study of biochar, what it is, what comprises good quality biochar, and what one can expect from applying good quality biochar to soils.
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7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying New Tools (MFB 20)
Dec 04, 2025Before jumping the gun on that big tool investment, check out this checklist to see if you'll really make the most out of that tool...or if it's just an expensive impulse buy.
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Different Degrees of Tillage - Gardening Beyond Basics E46
Nov 30, 2025Soil specialist and consultant Dr. Jim Hoorman of Hoorman Soil Health talks about the different types and depths of tillage and how some tillage can be beneficial for certain soils.
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Fungi-Dominated Soils - Gardening Beyond Basics E45
Nov 23, 2025Soil microbiologist and founder of The Soil Food Web Dr. Elaine Ingham describes fungally-dominated soils and how to deal with them based on what you need from your soils.
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Degrading Impact of Agriculture on Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics E44
Nov 16, 2025Microbiologist and co-creator of the Johnson-Su bioreactor, Dr. David Johnson, talks about the various ways traditional agricultural practices degrade our soils.
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DIY Good Quality Biochar - Gardening Beyond Basics E43
Nov 09, 2025Biochar expert Kelpie Wilson of Wilson Biochar talks about how we can get started on our creating our own good quality biochar and the potential benefits we can reap from it.
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Soil Compaction: What & Why - Gardening Beyond Basics E42
Nov 02, 2025Soil specialist and consultant Dr. Jim Hoorman of Hoorman Soil Health defines what soil compaction is and the leading causes of compacted soils.
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Soil Microarthropods Gardening Beyond Basics E40
Oct 26, 2025Soil microbiologist and founder of The Soil Food Web Dr. Elaine Ingham goes macro as she discusses the different roles of soil macroarthropods in maintaining soil health.
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Seed Storage & Shelf Life - Gardening Beyond Basics E41
Oct 19, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm discusses how to properly store seed for maximum longevity.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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From Poor Soil to Good Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics E39
Oct 12, 2025Microbiologist and co-creator of the Johnson-Su bioreactor, Dr. David Johnson, talks about agricultural management practices that can bring poor soil back to life.
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How Much Work Does It Actually Take to Save Seed? - Gardening Beyond Basics E38
Sep 28, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm breaks down the actual time and labor that goes into seed saving.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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Duration: 00:15:49Healing Plants and Trees with Copper Electroculture Antennae - Gardening Beyond Basics E37
Sep 21, 2025Farmer and Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current discusses how copper electroculture antennae can help invigorate and revitalize plants and trees.
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Healthy Soils Don't Need Supplementing - Gardening Beyond Basics E36
Sep 14, 2025Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. talks about how healthy soils might not need help from their humic and fulvic acid products.
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Spice Up Your Farm Profits with Signature Greens Mixes (MFB 19)
Sep 09, 2025Growing spicy greens mixes can be a highly profitable crop for your farm thanks to their short time to harvest (21-40 days), high yield potential (up to 45 lbs per 30x100 ft bed), and good selling price at most markets (around $10/lb).
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How Much Crops to Set Aside for Seed Saving - Gardening Beyond Basics E35
Sep 07, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm sheds light on just how much crops we really need to save enough seed for on-farm use.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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Duration: 00:14:39Salad Mix Success: Economics of Baby Greens (MFB 18)
Sep 02, 2025In this episode, we dive into the economics of growing and selling salad mix. We talk about how to maximize yields while minimizing costs, as well as which varieties to grow with what spacing, and how to package and price your greens to boost your bottom line.
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Keeping Plants Healthy with the Right Substrates - Gardening Beyond Basics E34
Aug 31, 2025Associate Professor Dr. Ben Hoover of California Polytechnic State University sheds light on how different substrates behave and how their individual properties can affect plants and crops growing in it.
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Maximizing Your Farm's Profits with Spinach (MFB 17)
Aug 26, 2025In this episode, we talk about why spinach is a top crop to grow for many market gardeners, namely: its ease of growth, high scores on the crop value rating system, and adaptability to various markets. We also get into the factors that influence spinach profitability, such as days to maturity, yield per bed, and flexible pricing strategies.
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Duration: 00:16:47Electroculture Experiment: Compost Model - Gardening Beyond Basics E33
Aug 24, 2025Farmer and Medical Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current shares the results of his experiment applying electroculture equipment into a compost pile.
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The Surprising Truth About Carrots: Are They Really Profitable for Farmers? (MFB 16)
Aug 19, 2025Are carrots profitable? In this episode, we dive deep into the economics of growing and selling carrots to help you determine if this popular vegetable is worth adding to your farm's crop lineup.
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Practical On-Farm Uses for Humic and Fulvic Acids - Gardening Beyond Basics E32
Aug 17, 2025Join Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. shares the different applications of their humic and fulvic acids products on a farm production setting.
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Crop Value Rating #5: Popularity (MFB 15)
Aug 12, 2025The last criterion in the Crop Value Rating System: popularity! Even if the crop you want to grow has a short day to maturity, has a high dollar value, can be densely planted, and continuously harvested, it won't mean anything if people don't want to buy it, so make sure the crop you want to grow is a good seller!
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Duration: 00:17:26Disease-Resistant Hybrids vs. Selectively Bred Heirloom Varieties - Gardening Beyond Basics E31
Aug 10, 2025Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop cautions us not to discount the power of selective breeding in preserving heirloom varieties.
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Crop Value Rating #4: Extended Harvest (MFB 14)
Aug 05, 2025Maximize your land use with extended harvest crops: either crops you only plant once and harvest multiple times into the growing season, or crops you can continuously replant and continuously harvest!
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Genetics vs. Environment: Why Plants Perform Well - Gardening Beyond Basics E30
Aug 03, 2025Seed farmer and author Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm breaks down the difference between nature and nurture when it comes to seeds and the plants they produce.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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Duration: 00:07:32Crop Value Rating #3: High Value Crops (MFB 13)
Jul 29, 2025Costs don't necessarily increase proportionally with price. Which produce fetches the best prices at your market, ones that sell for AT LEAST $4 a pound? If you're able to grow and sell those high-value crops, you're sure to cover your input costs, labor included!
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Practical Concerns on Biochar: Quality, Cost, Usage, and Alternatives - Gardening Beyond Basics E29
Jul 27, 2025Associate Professor Dr. Ben Hoover of California Polytechnic State University shares some of his concerns on the production, cost, and usage of biochar.
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Crop Value Rating #2: High Growing Density (MFB 12)
Jul 22, 2025Number 2 on the Crop Value Rating System: High Density! Particularly helpful when farming on limited land, being able to plant in high densities through vertical growing, intercropping, and solid succession planting means getting higher yields, which means better profits.
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Material Limitations of Electroculture Equipment - Gardening Beyond Basics E28
Jul 20, 2025Farmer and Medical Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current talks about the material limitations of electroculture equipment then and how far the technology has come today.
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Crop Value Rating #1: Short Days to Maturity (MFB 11)
Jul 15, 2025In this episode, we break down Curtis Stone's Crop Value Rating (CVR) System, which will hopefully help you decide which crops to grow to maximize your farm's profits. First on the CVR is short days to maturity (DTM): quicker growing crops mean having more cycles in a year!
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Baby Kale: The Economics of Premium Pricing (MFB 10)
Jul 08, 2025How profitable is baby kale? Very, if you play your cards right. In this video, we talk about the high profit potential of this quick-growing, high-yielding crop and why it rates a 5 out of 5 on the Crop Value Rating System.
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The Dark Side of Growing Microgreens as a Business: Why This Crop Might Be Your Worst Nightmare (MFB 09)
Jul 01, 2025Thinking about starting a microgreens business? Take a minute to think it through! In this episode, we take a look at the hidden challenges of microgreens farming and learn why it might not be the right fit for you.
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Choosing Quality Humic Acid Products for Your Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics E27
Jun 29, 2025Join Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. to find out what to look out for when you're shopping for good quality humic acid products for your soil.
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Arugula: From Cost Planning to Premium Pricing for Max Profits (MFB 08)
Jun 24, 2025In this episode, we unveil professional techniques for successful commercial arugula production. From bed preparation to post-harvest handling and selling, we're taking a look at seeding configurations, pest management strategies, and cultivation techniques that maximize yield and quality.
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A Highly Sought-After Cucumber: Cucummaru de San Donato - Gardening Beyond Basics E26
Jun 22, 2025Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop shares the story behind a highly sought-after cucumber: the Cucummaru de San Donato from San Donato di Leccese in Puglia, Italy. He talks about the history of the fruit, why it's so popular, and how he came by seeds of this rare find.
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Farm Success Blueprint: 15 Steps to Launch Your Market Garden Business (MBF 07)
Jun 17, 2025Start early and set yourself up for success! In this episode, we lay the foundation of a successful market garden: how to plan out your farm, conduct market research, create a profitable crop plan, and build a sustainable farm business.
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Breeding Seeds That Best Fit Your Growing Conditions - Gardening Beyond Basics E25
Jun 15, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm answers the question: if you save seeds from your best plants every year, will you eventually create a variety that best fits your growing conditions?
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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Duration: 00:11:1014 Profitable Crops for Market Gardening on Small Land (MFB 06)
Jun 10, 2025Want to maximize your profits, but you're growing on limited land? In this episode, we dive short cycle, high-calue crops, niche and specialty crops that command strong demand in specific markets, and staple crops that provide steady sales throughout the season.
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The Impact of Container Sizes on a Plant's Root Systems - Gardening Beyond Basics E24
Jun 08, 2025Associate Professor Dr. Ben Hoover of California Polytechnic State University sheds light on how a container's shape and size can affect plant health through its root systems.
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How to Choose the Most Profitable Crops to Grow (MBF 05)
Jun 03, 2025How do you decide which crops to grow to make the most profit? In this episode, we take a look at Curtis Stone's Crop Value Rating system to make informed decisions about what to plant.
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The Buildout of a Comprehensive Electroculture Device - Gardening Beyond Basics E23
Jun 01, 2025Farmer and Medical Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current shares the early days of building his own comprehensive electroculture setup after facing the challenges of its inaccessibility.
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70% Profit Margin?! Unlocking the Hidden Profits in Market Gardening (MFB 04)
May 27, 2025In this episode, we break down the numbers behind successful small-scale farming, from crop selection to cost management. We'll cover the keys to profitability, challenges to overcome, and strategies for managing your market garden as a successful business.
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Why Use Humic Substances on Your Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics E22
May 25, 2025Join Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. to shed light on humic substances and what they can do to your soil and farm's production.
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Market Gardening Profits Exposed: The Truth About Profits in Small-Scale Farming (MFB 03)
May 20, 2025Can you turn a small plot into a thriving business? The answer is: yes, you can! With our comprehensive guide to market gardening, learn everything from crop selection and intensive cultivation methods to direct marketing strategies and how to turn a profit.
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Breeding and Maintaining Your Own Hybrid Crop Variety - Gardening Beyond Basics E21
May 18, 2025Host Diego poses a question for seed farmer and author Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm: how realistic is it to create and maintain your own hybrid variety of a crop? Farmer Dan breaks down the process, and it might not be as difficult as it seems.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
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Duration: 00:09:30How Much Land Do You Need to Market Farm? (MFB 02)
May 13, 2025In episode two of Market Farming Basics, we peel back the truth about land requirements for successful market farming in this comprehensive guide. Whether you're interested in urban market gardening, microgreen farming, or larger-scale vegetable production, we break down the land needs for various market farming approaches. Learn how to maximize productivity and profitability on small plots using intensive farming techniques.
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Duration: 00:22:57Fertilizing Soil with Vermicompost - Gardening Beyond Basics E20
May 11, 2025Join soil scientist Bruce Davison of Soilsmith Ag as he sheds light on applying vermicompost to your soils. What vermicompost is good vermicompost? How much should you use? What will it do to your soil and your crops?
Click here to learn more about Bruce Davison and Soilsmith!
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What is Market Gardening? An Introduction to Small-Scale, Sustainable Farming (MFB 01)
May 06, 2025Welcome to Market Farming Basics!
In this first episode, we answer the question: what is market gardening? Discover the ins and outs of market gardening, a sustainable, small-scale farming practice that brings fresh, high-quality produce directly to your community! We'll explore how market gardeners grow a diverse range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers on a small plot of land, maximizing productivity through intensive cultivation techniques such as succession planting, intercropping, and raised beds.
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Duration: 00:32:16A Closer Look at the Story Behind the Facussa Melon - Gardening Beyond Basics E19
May 04, 2025Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop shares the story behind the Facussa: a melon grown as a cucumber in Sardinia, Italy. He talks about the fruit itself and how to grow it.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
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Carrot Cashflow
The Basics of Electroculture - Gardening Beyond Basics E18
Apr 27, 2025Farmer and Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current discusses the basics of electroculture and the myriad of benefits it can bring to your farm and your production.
Click here to learn more about Chris and The Fertile Current here.
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Humic Acid vs. Fulvic Acid: Composition and Application - Gardening Beyond Basics E16
Apr 20, 2025Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. dives into the difference between humic acid and fulvic acid: what they're made of and the different applications they're used for across many different industries.
Learn more about Live Earth Products, Inc. here.
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To Isolate or Not to Isolate Plants When Saving Seeds - Gardening Beyond Basics E17
Apr 20, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm talks about the practicality of isolating plants when you're planning on saving seeds. Should you do it? Or can you get away with cramming as many plants as possible onto one bed to maximize production?
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
Click here to learn more about Dan Brisebois and his work.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
Subscribe for more content on sustainable farmi...
Duration: 00:10:18Crafting the Optimum Potting Mix for Your Needs - Gardening Beyond Basics E15
Apr 06, 2025Associate Professor Dr. Ben Hoover of California Polytechnic State University shares some of the biggest advancements in agriculture and the nuances behind creating the optimum substrate for your plants' needs.
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Getting Good Quality Soil Samples - Gardening Beyond Basics E14
Mar 30, 2025Soil scientist Bruce Davison of Soilsmith Ag talks about how to get the best representative soil samples from your farm to get the most accurate readings and formulate the best amendments for your soil's needs.
Click here to learn more about Bruce Davison and Soilsmith!
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Telling Apart Melons and Melons Grown as Cucumbers - Gardening Beyond Basics E13
Mar 23, 2025Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop sheds light on the difference between cucumbers and melons grown as cucumbers: traits unique to each of them and which one to grow that best suits you.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
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Beginner Seed Saving Mistakes to Avoid - Gardening Beyond Basics E12
Mar 16, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm talks about the common mistakes beginner seed savers are most likely to make, how to avoid them, and the opportunities they're missing out on.
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
Click here to learn more about Dan Brisebois and his work.
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Duration: 00:09:50Electroculture Principles: Harnessing the Energy Around Us - Gardening Beyond Basics E11
Mar 09, 2025Farmer and Medical Qigong practitioner Chris Winters of The Fertile Current discusses the nature of the free energy around us and lays down the principles of electroculture of harnessing this energy.
Click here to learn more about Chris and The Fertile Current here.
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Microgreens: The Secret Weapon for Market Garden Profitability - The Profitable Mini-Farm E31
Mar 03, 2025In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about microgreens. While growing and selling microgreens can be a viable standalone business, Jodi and Diego talk about the merits of tacking on microgreens to a traditional market garden farm. They talk about the flexibility it allows the farm and the economics behind microgreens as a standalone product versus a component in a salad mix. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and Insec...
Duration: 00:58:57From Pit to Soil: How Humic Substances are Mined - Gardening Beyond Basics E10
Mar 02, 2025When people hear "humic substances," most people would immediately think "soil." But apart from finding humic substances in the soil, did you know that it can also be mined? Join Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products, Inc. to shed light on what humic substances are and how they're mined from deposits and used in various industries.
Learn more about Live Earth Products, Inc. here.
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Productivity Differences Between Balanced and Unbalanced Soil - Gardening Beyond Basics E09
Feb 23, 2025Join soil scientist Bruce Davison of Soilsmith Ag as he discusses what it means to have balanced soils. He talks about how soils lose their balance and the consequences that come with unbalanced soils, as well as the fairly simple ways of bringing the soil back into balance to keep it performing in tip-top shape.
Click here to learn more about Bruce Davison and Soilsmith!
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Duration: 00:15:12The Sumi Soaker: A Game-Changer for Small-Scale Vegetable Growers - The Profitable Mini-Farm E30
Feb 17, 2025In this episode, farmer Jodi and Diego talk about choosing the right irrigation system for your farm. They talk about the pros and cons as well as the nuances of each type, and they take a closer look at a specific irrigation system, the Sumi Soaker, and why farmer Jodi has used this system for the better part of the decade.
Sumi Soaker Max Irrigation System: https://shop.moderngrower.co/products/sumi-soaker-max-irrigation-system
Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarmKwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your v...
Duration: 00:43:01Avoid Overwhelm as a First-Time Seed Saver - Gardening Beyond Basics E08
Feb 16, 2025Seed farmer Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm shares some advice for beginners looking to save their first seeds: keep things simple to avoid overwhelm and burning out early!🌱
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
Click here to learn more about Dan Brisebois and his work.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Duration: 00:12:52Breaking Down Bitterness: Why Some Cucumbers are Bitter - Gardening Beyond Basics E07
Feb 09, 2025Cucumbers we get from grocery stores sometimes turn out to be bitter, and the bitterness can make it hard to eat. Why is that? Did it turn bitter because of how it was stored? Did it turn bitter because of how it was pollinated? Or was the variety already bitter to begin with?
Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop breaks down bitterness in cucumbers and dispels myths about why cucumbers turn out bitter. Farmer Jay also shares some tips on how to grow bitter-free cucumbers.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
... Duration: 00:12:45The Urban Farmer 10th Year Anniversary Preview Special
Feb 05, 2025In honor of its 10th anniversary, we are releasing The Urban Farmer, as it originally aired in 2015.
Subscribe to The Urban Farmer Podcast to follow Curtis Stone's journey as he transforms urban plots into profitable market gardens, grossing $85,000 on just a third of an acre. This documentary series takes you behind the scenes of a successful urban farming operation in Kelowna, BC, revealing the essential systems and strategies that make small-scale farming viable.
Learn how Curtis manages multiple plots, maintains restaurant relationships, and maximizes productivity in limited space. Whether you're planning your first market garden...
Duration: 00:19:43The #1 Mistake New Market Gardeners Make (And How to Avoid It) - The Profitable Mini-Farm E29
Feb 03, 2025In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about the most common mistakes that new farmers make and how to avoid them to increase your chances of success in running a profitable and sustainable farm business.
Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarmKwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
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Duration: 00:56:21The Dire Consequences of Over-Applying Compost - Gardening Beyond Basics E06
Feb 02, 2025Many farmers' go-to solution to underperforming crops is to add more compost, but unfortunately, piling on inches upon inches of compost might actually do more harm than good. Soil Consultant Bruce Davison of Soilsmith talks about the dire consequences of applying copious amounts of compost into production beds.
Click here to learn more about Bruce Davison and Soilsmith!
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Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Pod... Duration: 00:10:303 Easy Crops to Start Seed-Saving - Gardening Beyond Basics E05
Jan 26, 2025Seed farmer and author Dan Brisebois of Tourne-Sol Co-Operative Farm shares his expertise on seed-saving by ranking the top 3 easiest market garden crops to start saving seed from, how to process the seeds to use the next year, and how to tell when the seeds are ready to be harvested and processed. 🌱
Check out Dan's new book: The Seed Farmer: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using, and Selling Your Own Seeds
Click here to learn more about Dan Brisebois and his work.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Chan...
Duration: 00:10:41Rookie to Pro: Secrets of Small-Scale Farming Success - NEW SHOW: THE ROOKIE FARMER PODCAST
Jan 24, 2025Welcome to The Rookie Farmer Podcast, a brand new series on the Modern Grower Podcast Network hosted by Rookie Farmer Alec Smith! Farmer Alec kicks off the show with guest farmer Zach Richards of Levity Farms in Blairsville, Georgia. They pack a lot in this episode, from biodynamic farming for new farmers, getting started with selling produce to chefs and restaurants, unique ways to go about veggie boxes, as well lessons farmer Zach learned from moving Levity Farms thrice in eight years.
Check out farmer Zach and Levity Farms: https://www.instagram.com/levityfarmsga/
Check ou...
Duration: 00:12:166 Essential Strategies for a Financially Viable Market Garden - The Profitable Mini-Farm E28
Jan 20, 2025In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego discuss strategies for building a sustainable farm business. They talk about the different and occasionally difficult decisions involved in making sure a farm is financially viable such as controlling costs, scaling mindfully, and differentiating your farm's products, among other things. Hopefully, these strategies can help every farm's game plan this coming 2025 season.
Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarmKwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get...
Duration: 01:18:30Contract Growing Cucumbers for Seeds - Gardening Beyond Basics E04
Jan 19, 2025We're smack in the middle of winter, and most farmers are drafting their game plan come spring, thinking about what to grow and maybe considering new additions to their farming operation. Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop talks about one potential add-on project for market gardeners: contract growing crops for seed companies.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Da... Duration: 00:21:57Adding Farm Profits with You-Pick Blackberries (CC50)
Jan 08, 2025Dustin LaBat of Specklebelly Farms in Weimar, Texas shares their you-pick farming model that includes not only vegetables but also cut flowers and blackberries, which is the biggest draw. He talks about the labor, economics, and marketing strategies that go into running their farm, as well as how blackberries can be an incredibly profitable crop for market farmers. Lastly, he touches on plant sales, farm stand sales, and restaurant sales as complementary income that allows their farm to run all year round.
Check out Specklebelly Farms here!
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.mo...
Duration: 01:07:19Adapting Your Farm Business to Market Changes - The Profitable Mini-Farm E27
Jan 07, 2025In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck talks about navigating running a farm business during an economic downturn while making strategic investments on the farm. He also drills down the importance of having a financial buffer to cushion expenses during tough times. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower...
Duration: 00:56:51How to Grow the Best Cucumbers - Gardening Beyond Basics E03
Jan 06, 2025So you want to grow your own cucumbers...but where do you even start?
Farmer Jay Tracy of The Cucumber Shop walks us through the whole process of growing the best cucumbers, from choosing which cucumbers to grow, to how to start them, to the kind of soil to grow them in, to how to maintain your cucumber plants to keep them pumping out fruit for weeks and weeks!
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
Listen to...
Duration: 00:33:19Common Cucumbers & Specialty Cucumbers - Gardening Beyond Basics E02
Dec 30, 2024Jay Tracy of CucumberShop.com talks about common—and not-so-common—varieties of cucumbers based on their uses.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of Soil Duration: 00:06:56Cucumber Terminologies & Common Misconceptions - Gardening Beyond Basics E01
Dec 23, 2024In this new series, we invite experts in the field of agriculture—plant breeders, soil specialists, seed specialists, flower experts, you name it!—and take a deep dive into specific topics related to their area of expertise.
Starting off the first episode, we have Jay Tracy of CucumberShop.com to shed light on cucumber terminologies and de-mystify common misconceptions about growing cucumbers.
Learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop here.
Interested in watching the series? Hop on over to our YouTube Channel!
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Duration: 00:15:03Growing Pains and Gains: An Honest Look at the Realities of Running a Farm Business - The Profitable Mini-Farm E26
Dec 23, 2024In this episode, farmer Jodi Roebuck takes us through his very circuitous journey into farming. He shares how farming has been like for him as he navigated through economic downturns, the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges, and the importance of hard work, persistence, and focusing on the positives in the face of adversity. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools...
Duration: 01:00:43From Dream to Reality: Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Profitable Farm Business - Farm Startup - Episode 36
Dec 20, 2024In this raw and honest episode, rookie farmer Alec Smith shares the invaluable lessons he learned during his first year running Crop Culture Farm.
Aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs will gain insights into the challenges, triumphs, and surprising realities of starting a profitable farm business from scratch.
Alec dives deep into the financial realities of farming, discussing the importance of setting realistic revenue goals, navigating cash flow challenges, and adapting to market conditions. He emphasizes the crucial role that family support and personal resilience play in overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
From crop planning missteps...
Duration: 01:11:07From Breaking Ground to Breaking Even: A Candid Look at Year One on the Farm - Farm Startup - Episode 35
Dec 13, 2024In this episode, host Diego talks to farmer Alec as he reflects on his first year running Crop Culture Farm, with emphasis on dedicating ample time for farm buildout and infrastructure before diving into full-scale production. They also talk about the value of experimentation, staying true to oneself, and not taking things too seriously when entrepreneurial challenges arise—running a business is hard enough, so give yourself some room to laugh and be flexible so you can get back up again.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and lab...
Duration: 01:24:19Cucumbers and Cashflow: Optimizing High Tunnel Production for Profit - The Profitable Mini-Farm E25
Dec 09, 2024In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about greenhouse efficiency. Farmer Jodi shares his transition from growing in the field to growing in a greenhouse, the benefits of growing in a greenhouse, how he maximizes space, the thought process behind choosing which crops to grow, and irrigation and trellising, to name a few. Hopefully, these tips and tricks help as many farmers gear up for spring! Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects usi...
Duration: 00:37:54The Dark Side of Hustle Culture: Burnout, Depression and Overwhelm as an Entrepreneur - Farm Startup - Episode 34
Dec 06, 2024In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec talk about the mental struggles, challenges, and hardships of running a business. While making a living from a business can be both fulfilling and exhilarating, it can also get all-consuming and mentally exhausting, especially when financial uncertainty comes into play. Diego and Alec also talk about some practical strategies for handling anxiety and maintaining well-being, as well as the importance of having a support system in keeping mental calm.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at sh...
Duration: 01:24:45The Frugal Farmer's Journey: Cultivating Profits Through Prudent Spending (CC49)
Dec 04, 2024Tony Barlow of Barlow Roots Market returns to the show to look back on their 10-year market gardening journey. He shares the practical financial mindset with which he ran Barlow Roots, as well as how they manage their finances both inside and outside the business.
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Click here to learn more about Barlow Roots Market!
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
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Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily Th... Duration: 01:35:18The First Year Running a Farm Business: A Farmer's Perspective - Farm Startup - Episode 33
Nov 22, 2024In this episode, host Diego talks to farmer Alec about his reflections on the first year of his journey in entrepreneurship as a new farmer. He shares the challenges and successes he faced while balancing production, sales, and his personal life. He also talks about the key things he's discovered that makes a farm business sustainable: collaboration, adaptability, and steady progress.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network: Duration: 00:53:31
Adapting to Change: Farming in an Economic Downturn - The Profitable Mini-Farm E24
Nov 18, 2024In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about running a farm business during a national economic downturn while navigating the impact and aftereffects of a cyclone on his farm. Jodi shares the strategies he employed to adapt to the changing market including choosing to grow high-value crops, cutting back on production, and exploring new opportunities. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm to...
Duration: 00:41:41Growing Pain - Pricing, Crops, and Sales: Lessons from a First Year Farmer - Farm Startup - Episode 32
Nov 15, 2024In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec welcome guest farmer Jim Marsh of Mile View Acres in Oklahoma to talk about how his first full year of farming is going. Alec and Jim, two first-year farmers talk shop and share insights and challenges as they face the reality of running a market farm in their first year.
Learn more about Mile View Acres here.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
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Duration: 01:14:13Adapting to Thrive: A Farmer's Recession Playbook - The Profitable Mini-Farm E23
Nov 04, 2024In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego talk about going through a difficult year as a farmer as an economic recession hits New Zealand. Farmer Jodi shares how he adapted through financial prudence and innovation, and how their greenhouse helped getting through tough times. It's easy to run a farm business when the wind is in your sails, but how do you manage when conditions are less-than-perfect? Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects usi...
Duration: 00:56:24The 7 Biggest Challenges Facing Market Farmers - Farm Startup - Episode 31
Nov 01, 2024In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec list out the 7 biggest challenges that all farmers face: they hit hard at the start of any farm business and pop up throughout the rest of any farmer's career. Find out what they are in this episode of Farm Startup with Farmer Alec Smith!
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
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Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Da... Duration: 00:44:31Carrot Cashflow: Cucumbers, From Hobby to Business: The Journey of a Niche Seed Seller (CC48)
Oct 30, 2024Jay Tracy of CucumberShop.com shares his interesting journey of starting a hobby, which later turned into a business of breeding and selecting the best of over 70 different varieties of cucumbers and selling cucumber seeds online.
Click here to learn more about Jay Tracy and Cucumber Shop!
Get time and labor-saving farm tools at shop.modern grower.co
Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:
Farm Small, Farm Smart Farm Small, Farm Smart Daily The Growing Microgreens Podcast Carrot Cashflow Podcast In Search of SoilCheck out Diego's bo...
Duration: 01:10:04Weathering the Storm: A Farmer's Tale of Resilience - The Profitable Mini-Farm E22
Oct 21, 2024In this episode, farmer Jodi and host Diego dive into the realities of farming—particularly, the resilience required to run a farm in the face of extreme weather conditions. Farmer Jodi shares their experience with cyclone Gabrielle and how mindset, support from the community, and innovative farming techniques allowed them to bounce back from severe natural disasters. Learn more about farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and insects using Kwik Hoops and InsectaNet.
Get time and labor-saving farm tool...
Duration: 00:42:40The Long Road to Success: A Farmer to Farmer Conversation - Farm Startup - Alec Smith - Episode 30
Oct 18, 2024In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec welcome a special guest from across the sea, Rob Moores of Passion4Plants in West Yorkshire, England. An experienced farmer and entrepreneur, Rob shares a farmer-to-farmer conversation with Alec about the work that it takes to build a sustainable business for long-term success in agriculture. He shares what life looks like in the beginning and what life can look like after putting in the work.
Click here to learn more about farmer Rob and Passion4Plants.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture Farm.
... Duration: 01:36:48The Challenges of Farmer's Markets and Expanding Farm Business - Farm Startup - Episode 29
Oct 11, 2024In this episode, host Diego and farmer Alec take a close look at farmer Alec's current farmer's market: is it a good market worth staying at? Is it a good enough market to stay in but the farm will need additional revenue streams to tack onto? Or is it a bad market that needs to be moved on from? Farmer Alec also thinks about whether or not staying part-time is a prudent choice, as well as delving into potential expansion with production and possibly including restaurant sales.
Click here to check out farmer Alec and Crop Culture F...
Duration: 00:49:37Cover Crop Mastery- Secrets of a Successful Farm - The Profitable Mini-Farm E21
Oct 07, 2024This new season of The Profitable Mini-Farm kicks off with farmer and educator Jodi Roebuck joining host Diego to talk about the challenges and techniques of managing excess water on the farm. They also dive deep into cover cropping: what do you do to your production beds when the farm slows down? Farmer Jodi shares his cover cropping strategies: which crops he uses, seeding rates, termination techniques, and Jang tips to accomplish everything. Learn more about Jodi: https://www.roebuckfarm.com/ @roebuckfarm
Kwik Hoops are eligible for NRCS low-tunnel grants. Protect your valuable crop from rain, wind, cold, and ins...
Duration: 00:57:28