Tag Archives: orchard

Episode-1415- Stefan Sobkowiak on the Permaculture Orchard

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Twenty years ago, Stefan Sobkowiak bought a commercial apple orchard with the intention of converting it to an organic orchard. He did just that, but eventually understood the limitations of the organic model originating from monoculture. He then decided to tear out most of the trees and replant in a way that would maximize biodiversity and yield while minimizing the amount of maintenance required. Inspired by permaculture principles, the orchard now counts over 100 cultivars of apples, plums, pears, cherries, and countless other fruits and vegetables. Today’s interview was like meeting a kindred spirit.  Stefan and I spoke for almost … Continue reading →

Episode-1339- 21 Things I Planted this Year and Why

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The last few weeks have been a wirlwind of activity at the Spirko homestead.  We had a workshop where over 30 students planted about 200 or more trees and bushes.  But it didn’t stop there.  Since that time I have been busy as hell so I can take the next ten days off and soak my butt on the beach in Florida. Before I jet out in the AM, I figured a quick little recap of some of the more unique things I planted this year and why I planted them might make for a fun and more lighthearted show … Continue reading →

Episode-971- Dr. Lee Reich on Growing Fruit Naturally

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Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a garden, less than a farm), gardening consultant, and writer who has worked in plant and soil research with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Cornell University. Dr. Reich is a well known author, most recently he published, of The Pruning Book and Grow Fruit Naturally.  He is also the author of 4 additional books. Lee writes regularly for Associated Press and publications such as Fine Gardening and Horticulture and Mother Earth News. His garden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, … Continue reading →

Episode-833- David Consolvo on Establishing and Growing a Survival Orchard

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Note – At times there is a lot of distortion on David’s end in this interview.  I never head it during the recording.  It isn’t constant please excuse the few occurrences as the content of the show is exceptional. David Consolvo has been growing his orchard in Virgina for over 23 years now.  He originally began planting his orchard in a quest for better health and nutrition.   Over the years he has found it to help his health both physical and mental in other ways simply by the joy of working in it, watching his trees grow and having the … Continue reading →