Seeds & Weeds Podcast

Are you dreaming of adding a greenhouse to your garden? Professional horticulturist and author Leslie Halleck joins us on the podcast to talk all things greenhouse growing and her new book, Home Greenhouse Revival.We explore the benefits of greenhouse gardening, choosing the right greenhouse for your space and growing goals, and the challenges of managing temperature, lighting, ventilation, and irrigation. We also discuss pollination, pest management, and some of the best crops for greenhouse beginners, from leafy greens and herbs to peppers and tomatoes.Whether you’re planning your first greenhouse or looking to get more out of the one you already have, this conversation is packed with practical advice and science-based growing knowledge to help you make the most of your growing space.Join us for this greenhouse-growing deep dive, and let’s get growing!Get a copy of the book here: https://link.amazon/B0fJzrR5GLearn more about Leslie here: https://lesliehalleck.com/Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

As the gardening season winds down here at Small House Farm, we’re reflecting on the successes, surprises, and lessons from this year’s garden and looking ahead to next spring. In this episode, we share our end-of-season garden chores and the practical steps we’re taking to prepare our gardens for winter.In this episode, we discuss these late-fall garden chores:Cleaning up garden beds and removing old plants, trellises, and supportsPlanting cover crops to protect and improve the soilBringing frost-sensitive plants indoorsHarvesting the last fruits, vegetables, and herbs before the frostPropagating plants through division and stem cuttingsSaving seeds from the remaining garden crops and flowersPlanting garlic, shallots, flower bulbs, and winter grainsSpreading finished compost and mulching garden bedsCleaning and storing garden tools and irrigation equipmentExtending the growing season with low tunnels and other protective structuresCleaning gutters to keep water flowing properlyRecording garden notes, reflecting on the season, and planning for next yearWe’ll also share some of our own garden highlights, including an incredible tomato harvest, a bounty of holy basil, a clever new way to support our borage plants, and a few lessons learned about planting schedules and giving seed crops enough time to mature.Try our tasty Enchant Tea: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/enchant/Join us for a conversation about wrapping up the growing season, setting ourselves up for success next year, and making time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate all that the garden has given us.~~> Watch a behind the scenes tour of our seed and herb processing rack on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ni_EPc0H7OE?si=USGlOER96x_E_9gb~~> Read about plant propagation in our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm/posts/simple-plant-140187250Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

Echinacea - one of our favorite perennial native flowers!In this episode:the different species we growhow to propagate echinacea through root divisionthe challenges of growing from seedwhen to harvest the flowers, leaves, and rootsWe’ll take echinacea from the garden into the apothecary and talk about teas, tinctures, decoctions, topical preparations, and even a few creative ways to bring this beautiful plant into the kitchen.We also explore the fascinating differences between harvesting the aerial parts of the plant and its roots, including why late fall and early spring are the ideal times to dig roots. Along the way, we share some traditional uses for echinacea, ideas for combining it with other herbs, and why this beautiful native plant deserves a place in the garden - not only for its herbal potential, but for the pollinators and birds it supports.Then, we are joined by author and artist Susan Ottaviano to talk about her beautiful new book, Plants That Heal: Plant-Based Wisdom for Body, Mind, and Soul. We talk about the many ways plants can support our well-being, the role mindfulness plays in our relationship with plants, and how creating art, cooking, gardening, and even simple everyday rituals can help us slow down and reconnect.It’s an episode about echinacea, herbal wisdom, creativity, mindfulness, and the many ways plants can become part of our everyday lives.Shop Echinacea seeds at Baker Creek: https://www.rareseeds.com/store/plants-seeds/herbs/echinacea-seedsBuy your copy of Plants that Heal: https://link.amazon/B0hPPogTKFollow Small House on FB and IG for more seed saving information:www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

We are digging into one of our favorite gardening skills: saving your own seeds!We’re talking about why seed saving matters—from saving money and preserving favorite varieties to growing plants that become increasingly adapted to your own garden and local environment.Easy crops for beginner seed saversWhen seeds are ready to harvestThe difference between wet and dry seedsHow to harvest, process, and properly store your garden seedsWe also get into some of the trickier aspects of seed saving, including cross-pollination, biennial crops, and why a little planning in the spring can make a big difference come harvest time.Whether you’ve never saved a seed before or you’ve been doing it for years, I hope this episode inspires you to start small, save a few seeds, and discover just how simple—and rewarding—this practice can be.Your best place to store seeds? In the soil. Keep planting, keep saving, and keep growing! 🌻Our Seed Saving Videos on YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVVVf8KSrdNY&si=HEIqbd8E9Ea05-csSaving Our Seeds: The Practice and Philosophy by Bevin Cohenhttps://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/saving-our-seeds/Tomato Tasting 2026 Video:https://youtu.be/zFfdVLRsVSg?si=zGjrdj9BypqTOzLSFollow Small House on FB and IG for more seed saving information:www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

In this episode, we're joined by Peggy Cornett, curator of plants at historic Monticello, to discuss her new book, Thomas Jefferson's Flowers. This richly illustrated book examines Jefferson’s gardening friendships in the United States and abroad, his many botanical and horticultural influences, and includes a comprehensive annotated list of the flowers documented by Jefferson throughout his lifetime.Throughout our conversation, Peggy and I explore the history of Monticello’s flower gardens, the research required to maintain historically accurate gardens, her work as the Senior Curator of Plants, the beautiful photography and paintings included in the book and so much more.Peggy Cornett has worked at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello since 1983, beginning as the associate director of gardens and grounds. She earned degrees in English and Botany from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master's from the University of Delaware's Longwood Graduate Program.Visit Monticello website https://www.monticello.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TJMonticelloMonticello Farm and Garden FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356131388234344/Get your own copy of Thomas Jefferson's Flowers: Historic Gardens at Monticello by Peggy Cornett https://amzn.to/3RfSa9kFollow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

Roses are far more than a symbol of love—they’re one of the most versatile plants you can grow. In this episode of the Seeds & Weeds Podcast, we explore the fascinating history of roses, how to successfully grow them, and the many ways every part of the plant can be used throughout the year. From fragrant petals and vitamin-rich rose hips to edible leaves, you’ll discover practical tips for harvesting, preserving, and using roses in the kitchen, apothecary, and around the home.Special guest Janice Cox, author of Beautiful Roses, joins the conversation to share expert growing advice, the symbolism behind different rose colors, and dozens of creative recipes and botanical crafts—from rose water and herbal skincare to syrups, bath salts, natural dyes, wreaths, and more. Whether you’re a gardener, herbalist, or simply captivated by the beauty of roses, this episode is filled with inspiration to help you appreciate one of the world’s most beloved flowers in an entirely new way.Purchase Beautiful Roses by Janice Cox: https://store.motherearthnews.com/products/beautiful-rosesRose Identification Database: https://www.helpmefind.com/Liz Fulcher’s interview about Herbal Hydrosols https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/herbal-hydrosols-liz-fulcher-mint-kitchen-apothecary/Get a Summer Herb Box with a Rose Trading Card: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/seasonal-herb-gift-box/Shop Small House, Rose Face Mask: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/terre-de-rose-claymask/Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

We recently caught up with Sidnye and Savannah, publishers of Truly Crunchy Magazine and two sisters that are passionate about health, wellness, and everything in between.    Truly Crunchy Magazine is one of the fastest growing wellness magazines focused on healthy holistic living. Learn more about the magazine and subscribe at https://trulycrunchy.com/Tune in to hear more about  Sidnye and Savannah's work, their magazine, and what it means to be Truly Crunchy.Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

In this special on-the-road episode of the Seeds & Weeds Podcast, we share conversations recorded live at the Homestead Festival in Tennessee. We explored the real-world challenges faced by beginning and aspiring homesteaders and then sat down with experienced experts to help answer those questions.You'll hear practical advice from homesteading personalities including Ruth Ann Zimmerman, Kaylee Richardson, Patty Ward, and Susan Wiley as they tackle common concerns such as:Where to start without becoming overwhelmedHomesteading successfully on a small propertySorting through conflicting advice from books, social media, and the internetBuilding meaningful community and finding mentorsSetting realistic goals and growing skills one step at a timeAlong the way, we also share updates from Small House Farm, including an incredible strawberry harvest, early-season tomatoes, summer foraging adventures, and a behind-the-scenes look at our rose-themed Summer Herb Box. Learn more about The Homestead Festival on their website: www.thehomesteadfestival.comWatch Bevin's full presentation, How to Press Oils @ Home, from the Homestead Festival here: youtu.be/hV-mPQHjm_I?si=kUFA2GcICj-DdJleHomesteading with the Zimmermans YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@RuthannzimmKaylee Richardson's, The Honeystead: thehoneystead.comPatty Ward's Sow Right Seeds: sowrightseeds.comSusan Wiley's There Was a Garden: www.therewasagarden.comWhether you're just beginning your homesteading journey or looking for encouragement to keep growing, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration from people who have been there before.Follow Small House on FB and IG for more fun!www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarmwww.instagram.com/small_house_farmJoin our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

We dig into the world of direct sow gardening and share our favorite tips for growing a thriving garden straight from seed. We talk about the benefits and challenges of direct sowing, our favorite cool and warm season crops, and practical techniques for timing, spacing, watering, and improving germination success. In this episode you will learn: What direct sowing is and why it’s great for beginner gardeners  The benefits and challenges of planting seeds directly in the garden  Which cool season crops are best for direct sowing  Which warm weather crops thrive when direct seeded  Why some plants dislike transplanting and grow better from seed outdoors  How soil temperature affects seed germination and plant success  Why frost dates are only a guideline — and what to pay attention to instead  Tips for timing your planting based on your own garden conditions  Proper seed planting depth and spacing techniques  Why thinning seedlings is important and how to use the sprouts  How to keep seed beds moist for better germination rates  Using mulch to conserve moisture and protect young seedlings  Easy beginner-friendly crops to start direct sowing with  Simple tricks for improving germination and garden success  Real-life gardening experiences from our spring season at Small House FarmMore gardening advice can be found in Bevin's books, Herbs in Every Season, Grow Great Vegetables, and Saving Our Seeds. Shop all books at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product-category/books/Shop Small House Heirloom and Organic Seed Collection at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/Support for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show

It’s easy to “eat the rainbow” when you’re growing one right in your own backyard!Author and gardener Sandra Mao is joining us to talk about her new book Vibrant Harvest.Sandra started to grow fruit trees and other edibles when she moved to California. Because of the blessings of the weather and lack of freezing temperatures, she is able to grow most vegetables and fruits year-round - though her content is aimed at gardeners from all growing zones. She loves helping new gardeners start growing their own food by sharing her passion for growing colorful and productive varieties, offering unique tips and tricks, and teaching others how to use the harvest wisely.Follow Sandra on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sandra.urbangarden/Buy your copy of Vibrant Harvest at https://amzn.to/4cCz5WD✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​www.patreon.com/smallhousefarmSupport for the Seeds and Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. Baker Creek offers America’s largest selection of heirloom and open-pollinated seed varieties from around the world – and right here at home. For more than 25 years, saving, sharing, and celebrating heirloom seeds has been their mission and their passion. Find out more at rareseeds.com.Support the show