Seeds & Weeds Podcast

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 supports
• Planting cover crops to protect and improve the soil
• Bringing frost-sensitive plants indoors
• Harvesting the last fruits, vegetables, and herbs before the frost
• Propagating plants through division and stem cuttings
• Saving seeds from the remaining garden crops and flowers
• Planting garlic, shallots, flower bulbs, and winter grains
• Spreading finished compost and mulching garden beds
• Cleaning and storing garden tools and irrigation equipment
• Extending the growing season with low tunnels and other protective structures
• Cleaning gutters to keep water flowing properly
• Recording garden notes, reflecting on the season, and planning for next year

We’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.

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-140187250

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 http://rareseeds.com/.

Create Harmony

This is a podcast about setting an intentional rhythm, savoring life’s blessings and...

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Echinacea - one of our favorite perennial native flowers!

In this episode:

• the different species we grow
• how to propagate echinacea through root division
• the challenges of growing from seed
• when to harvest the flowers, leaves, and roots

We’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-seeds

Buy your copy of Plants that Heal: https://link.amazon/B0hPPogTK

Follow Small House on FB and IG for more seed saving information:

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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 savers
• When seeds are ready to harvest
• The difference between wet and dry seeds
• How to harvest, process, and properly store your garden seeds

We 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-cs

Saving Our Seeds: The Practice and Philosophy by Bevin Cohen
https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/saving-our-seeds/

Tomato Tasting 2026 Video:
https://youtu.be/zFfdVLRsVSg?si=zGjrdj9BypqTOzLS

Follow Small House on FB and IG for more seed saving information:

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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/TJMonticello

Monticello 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/3RfSa9k

Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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-roses

Rose 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!

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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!

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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 overwhelmed
• Homesteading successfully on a small property
• Sorting through conflicting advice from books, social media, and the internet
• Building meaningful community and finding mentors
• Setting realistic goals and growing skills one step at a time

Along 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: https://www.thehomesteadfestival.com/

Watch Bevin's full presentation, How to Press Oils @ Home, from the Homestead Festival here: https://youtu.be/hV-mPQHjm_I?si=kUFA2GcICj-DdJle

Homesteading with the Zimmermans YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ruthannzimm

Kaylee Richardson's, The Honeystead: https://thehoneystead.com/

Patty Ward's Sow Right Seeds: https://sowrightseeds.com/

Susan Wiley's There Was a Garden: https://www.therewasagarden.com/

Whether 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!

https://www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm

https://www.instagram.com/small_house_farm

Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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 Farm

More 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 & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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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/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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We’re digging into one of the most overlooked plants in our landscape, dandelion, specifically Taraxacum officinale. What most people see as a weed, we see as a powerhouse of flavor, nutrition, and medicine...and we’re excited to share why.

We walk you through how to properly identify dandelion (and avoid common lookalikes), when and how to harvest each part of the plant, and why timing makes all the difference. From there, we head into the kitchen, where we share simple, practical ways to use dandelion leaves, flowers, and roots—from fresh spring greens to infused vinegars and even homemade coffee alternatives.

Then we step into the apothecary, where dandelion really shines. We talk about how we use it to support digestion, nourish the body, and create everything from mineral-rich tonics to soothing herbal oils.

Along the way, we also reflect on the bigger picture—how a plant we’ve been taught to "despise" might actually be one of the most valuable allies growing right at our feet. So the next time you see a dandelion, don't reach for the shovel to remove it, reach for it with curiosity instead!

Enjoy dandelion inspired products by Small House:
https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/all-about-dandelions/

Learn more about infusing oils to make herbal salves:
https://youtu.be/Rdq-ccoiBdg?si=8WoggWT5-XB8rme_

Harvest and eat dandelion greens with our recipe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JYJYLGCW04

Learn more about dandelion and other beneficial herbs with Bevin's book Herbs in Every Season: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/herbs-in-every-season/

Explore our Plant of the Month series on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/smallhousefarm

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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We sit down with horticulturist, garden designer, and author Frank Hyman to dig into his new book Ripe Tomato Revolution. With over 40 years of experience, Frank shares practical, no-nonsense techniques to help you grow more tomatoes with less work—whether you’re planting in rows, raised beds, or containers.

From smart seed-starting strategies to choosing the right supports (and why rebar might be your new best friend), this conversation is packed with actionable tips for gardeners of all levels. We also explore the rise of dwarf and micro-dwarf tomatoes—perfect for small spaces—and uncover a “revolutionary” approach to preventing blight by rethinking how we protect our plants from rain.

Along the way, we swap stories, challenge common gardening practices, and even talk peanut butter sandwiches (yes, really).

If you’ve ever struggled with tomato diseases, limited space, or just want a better harvest with less hassle, this episode is for you.

Tune in and start growing smarter this season 🌱

Connect with Frank https://www.instagram.com/mushroomswithoutdying/

Purchase Ripe Tomato Revolution via Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?keywords=Frank+Hyman

or on Amazon https://amzn.to/4m7lbyF

Buy a copy of Craig LeHoullier's book Epic Tomatoes https://amzn.to/4m9l2eg

Shop for Dwarf Tomato Seeds at https://forgottenheirlooms.com/

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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In this episode of the Seeds and Weeds podcast, we're sharing our list of the ten plants we think every gardener should grow!

With so many amazing crops to choose from, narrowing it down wasn’t easy — but we selected plants that are reliable, beautiful, productive, and useful in more than one way. Many of these crops offer dual or even triple purposes, giving you food, medicine, pollinator support, and garden beauty all in one plant.

We begin with powerful herbs and flowers like calendula, a cold-tolerant annual that thrives in the garden, self-seeds readily, supports pollinators, and offers both culinary and apothecary uses. We also talk about comfrey, a perennial powerhouse known for its deep taproot, dynamic accumulation of nutrients, and incredible value as a natural fertilizer — along with its traditional medicinal applications. Another standout is echinacea, a native perennial that supports local ecosystems while providing beautiful blooms and versatile medicinal parts from root to flower.

From the vegetable world, we highlight staples like tomatoes and peppers, two of the most popular garden crops for good reason. Tomatoes bring unmatched flavor and diversity, while peppers offer ease of growing, container-friendliness, and a wide spectrum of sweetness and heat levels. We also discuss beans, one of our foundational crops here at the farm — whether pole or bush varieties, beans provide fresh harvests, dry storage staples, pollinator support, and educational opportunities for gardeners of all ages.

To bring in additional perspective, we're joined by Enoch Graham from The Urban Gardener, who specializes in small-space gardening. Enoch shares his favorite compact varieties, including leafy greens perfect for containers, multi-use crops like peas and beets, and quick-growing favorites such as radishes. His approach emphasizes maximizing space, stacking functions, and choosing plants that deliver multiple benefits — a philosophy that aligns beautifully with our own.

Shop Herb, Flower, and Veggies Seeds
https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/

Our Totally Tomatoes Episode:
https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/totally-tomatoes/

Our recent Episode All About Peppers:
https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/all-about-peppers-in-the-garden-kitchen-and-apothecary/

Enoch's last visit to Seeds & Weeds:
https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/jon-jackson-enoch-graham/

Check out Enoch's Youtube channel and Let's Get Growing Show
https://www.youtube.com/@theUrbanGardener

Join our Patreon community!
https://www.patreon.com/c/smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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In this flavor-packed conversation, we dive deep into the vibrant world of peppers—from seed to harvest, kitchen to apothecary. Timed perfectly for late-winter seed starting, this episode walks you through everything you need to know to successfully grow thriving pepper plants, including seed-starting tips, heat and light requirements, transplanting, and maximizing yields in the garden.

But the journey doesn’t stop at the harvest. You’ll explore how peppers transform in the kitchen—fresh, dried, fermented, or smoked—and how heat levels (thanks to capsaicin) influence both flavor and culinary creativity. We share our personal experiences crafting unique hot sauces and spice blends straight from the garden.

Finally, discover the powerful medicinal side of peppers, including their role in circulation, digestion, and topical pain relief, along with simple ways to incorporate them into your home apothecary.

Whether you love sweet bells or fiery super-hots, this episode is your complete guide to growing, using, and benefiting from one of the most versatile plants in the garden. 🌶️

Dive further with more information:

Planning your garden in 3 Simple Steps (featuring info about seed starting equipment): previous podcast episode: https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/planning-your-garden-in-three-simple-steps/

Seed Starting Tips & Trickson Youtube: https://youtu.be/pEvbvYLrPa0?si=ZQByYqYKPjktINx4

Tabasco Seed Storyon YouTube: https://youtu.be/EJQM_U2v5Zs?si=Wtg8Fh2WZZ-sQSdR

Shop Pepper Seeds in the Small House Seed Collection: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product-category/seeds/peppers/

Shop Small House Salves made with Capsicum: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product-category/herbal-body-care/salves/

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!
IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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Unlock the secrets to a low-maintenance, high-yield garden. Gardening expert and author Charlie Nardozzi shares how his book The Continuous Vegetable Garden helps growers maximize harvests while reducing time and effort.

From perennial vegetables and self-seeding crops to succession planting, overwintering, and season extension, this episode delivers practical, approachable techniques to help gardeners enjoy fresh food from early spring through late fall—no matter their garden size or experience level.

Learn more about Charlie and order his book:

https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/

Sign up for Charlie's gardening webinar:

https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/webinars/the-continuous-vegetable-garden-webinar/

Order The Continuous Vegetable Garden from Amazon:

https://amzn.to/4qj15SG

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

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In this first episode of Season 4, we dive into the art and science of herbal extracts—simple, powerful ways to turn the plants you grow, forage, or purchase into food, medicine, and everyday remedies. Explore how the dormant season is the perfect time to slow down, take stock, and work with herbs in the kitchen and apothecary.

This episode breaks down four essential extraction methods—water, fat, alcohol, and vinegar—explaining what each one extracts best and how to use them in real life. From teas, syrups, jellies, and broths to infused oils, salves, tinctures, fire cider, and oxymels, you’ll learn how to pull flavor, color, minerals, and medicinal benefits from plants using accessible, at-home techniques.

Along the way, the conversation is filled with practical tips, seasonal inspiration, and creative ideas for reducing waste, using garden leftovers, and crafting herbal remedies that support stress, sleep, digestion, skin health, and more. Whether you’re brand new to herbalism or deepening your practice, this episode offers approachable guidance and plenty of encouragement to experiment.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get more from the plants in your life—or how to start building your own home apothecary—this episode is a cozy, empowering place to begin. 🌿

✨ Links mentioned in this episode:

Make the Perfect Cup of Herbal Tea https://youtu.be/2q452gOBY3k?si=9XwommsPz5Cgjzpq

Making a Herbal Salve https://youtu.be/Rdq-ccoiBdg?si=-LS-ECsz4o3isv9O

Make Fire Cider https://youtu.be/yUYsSSHdygU?si=4Fwl-aZZDUuOJok8

Shop for Herbal Tinctures: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/herbal-tinctures/

Harvest Spruce Tips with us! https://youtu.be/qT0GRRM7zXY?si=xboRaEFR7JkXEK56

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!
IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show

✨ Celebrate the Season of Rest and Reflection ✨

In this Winter Solstice special of Seeds & Weeds, we slow down, look back, and dream forward. As the longest night of the year arrives, we reflect on a season of growth—both in the garden and beyond—celebrating milestones, lessons learned, and the rhythms that guide a life rooted in the land.

This episode weaves together solstice traditions from around the world, personal highlights from a banner year for the podcast, and an exploration of juniper, the evergreen herb of winter. Discover juniper’s medicinal magic, cozy culinary uses, and how it can support respiratory health, sore muscles, and seasonal rituals—plus a festive juniper mocktail (or cocktail) recipe to toast the returning light.

Thoughtful, grounding, and inspiring, this episode is an invitation to pause, honor the quiet of winter, and plant seeds for the year ahead. 🌲❄️

Seeds & Weeds recap:
Most downloaded episode of season 3 (2025) : All About Lemon Balm + Mulch in the Garden: https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/summer-solstice-2025-special/

We also mention this great episode: Let’s Chat w/ Jere Gettle: https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/jere-gettle-baker-creek/

GoodPods Podcast of the Month in November 2025!

Bevin received the Seed Stewardship Award in January 2025 from the Central Indiana Seed Swap. Make a plan to attend this awesome event in 2026 if you're in the area. More information at https://hcmga.org/central-indiana-seed-swap

2025 was the year for Herbs in Every Season, which was released in March. We celebrated all year with our Patreon community by crafting seasonal boxes built around the book and inspired by its recipes and content. Get your copy here: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/herbs-in-every-season/

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!
IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show

From soothing teas to immune-boosting brews, this episode is a winter wellness treasure chest.

Listeners get an exclusive behind-the-scenes moment as we celebrate submitting a ginormous new manuscript— a major project set to hit bookshelves in July 2027.

From there, it’s all about the herbs:

Peppermint & Spearmint for digestion, mocktails, and holiday calm
Ginger for warming tea blends and digestive support
Fennel & Thyme for soothing sore throats
Sage & Rosemary for memory, flavor, and festive recipes
Cinnamon for aromatic comfort and anti-inflammatory power
Echinacea for winter immune strength
Garlic — the bold, wellness-boosting staple we swear by
Shiitake Mushrooms for wintertime vitamin D and mood support

Every herb comes with real-life recipes, practical how-tos, and creative ways to incorporate plant medicine into holiday cooking, daily rituals, and family wellness.

And of course, the episode ends with a fan favorite — Heather’s iconic Fire Cider, a customizable, immune-boosting vinegar infusion beloved by the herbal community. Whether you’re new to fire cider or ready to level up your recipe, this segment gives you everything you need to brew your own powerful winter tonic.

Shop Herbal Teas (including Choco-Latte): http://smallhousefarm.com/product-category/herbal-wellness

Find more herbal recipes in Bevin's book, Herbs in Every Season: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/herbs-in-every-season/

Learn how to grow your own Shiitake mushrooms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh6PeZDriNU

Watch Heather's famous Fire Cider video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUYsSSHdygU

Try Small House's Fire Cider: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/fire-cider/

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!
IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show

From growing and harvesting to seed saving and cooking, we’re exploring everything you need to know about squash!​ Learn the difference between summer and winter squash, how to cure them for long-term storage, and discover creative ways to use squash in the kitchen—from roasted seeds to pumpkin puree and even edible leaves and flowers! 🍂

Plus, we’re sharing the incredible benefits of nutrient-rich pumpkin seed oil, including its uses in cooking and natural body care products. ​Did you know pumpkin seeds were once used as medicine for parasites? ​ 🐖

🛒 Shop:

Small House Pumpkin Oil,

Lipbalmmade with Pumpkin Seed Oil,

Bevin's book; The Complete Guide to Seed & Nut Oils

📺 Learn how to save your squash seeds on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33L-dYWiG34

Don’t miss this fun and informative episode packed with gardening tips, delicious recipes, and even a few squash-inspired jokes! 🎃

✨ Join our Patreon community for exclusive content, seasonal herb boxes, and more! ​https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

🎧 Listen now and squash your curiosity!

Connect with us!
IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show

🍂 Celebrate the Season of Transition with Seeds and Weeds! ​ 🌱

In this special Autumn Equinox episode, the Seeds and Weeds podcast dives into the magic of fall! ​ From the crisp air to the golden hues, we embrace the beauty of the season while sharing practical tips and inspiration for gardeners, foragers, and herbalists alike. 🌻

✨ Highlights include:

• A deep dive into the versatile herb sage—its culinary, medicinal, and gardening wonders. ​ Learn how to make sage-infused compound butter, fried sage leaves, and even a cozy apple juice mocktail! ​ 🧄🍎
• Expert garlic-growing tips from special guest Kristin Graves, author of The Garlic Companion. ​ 🧄 Listen to her full episode: https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/all-about-garlic-kristin-graves/
• Fall gardening activities like seed saving, planting autumn crops, and propagating herbs to prepare for next season. ​ 🌱
• The importance of slowing down, reflecting, and connecting with nature during this season of balance. ​ 🌎

Whether you're harvesting, planting, or simply enjoying a cup of tea on the porch, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you make the most of autumn. ​ 🍁

🎧 Tune in now and let’s grow together! Happy Equinox! ​ 🌟

Support the podcast by joining our Patreon for as little as $3/month at https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!

IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show

We’re diving into the juicy world of tomatoes—the ultimate summer garden staple. ​ 🍅 From growing tips to recipes, seed-saving techniques, and expert advice, this episode is your one-stop shop for everything tomato.

🎙️ What’s Inside This Episode?

Tomato Varieties Galore: From cherry tomatoes to beefsteaks, indeterminate to determinate, and even wild varieties, we explore the incredible diversity of tomatoes. ​ There’s truly a tomato for everyone! ​

Expert Growing Tips: Erica Kempter from Nature and Nurture Seeds shares her secrets for tackling common challenges like blossom end rot, trellising techniques (hello, Florida weave!), and the best time to harvest for maximum flavor.

Delicious Recipes: Whether it’s a fresh salsa, a hearty marinara, or the North African-inspired Shakshuka, we’ve got mouthwatering ideas to make the most of your harvest. ​

Seed-Saving Made Simple: Learn how to save seeds like a pro, ensuring your favorite varieties thrive year after year. ​

Tomato Stories: From the fascinating history of heirloom varieties like Old Carolina to the joy of discovering accidental hybrids, we celebrate the stories behind the seeds.

🌟 Special Highlights:

A recap of the inspiring Seed Savers Exchange conference. ​
A shoutout to our amazing Patreon community—thank you for making this podcast possible! ​

Sneak peeks into exclusive content, including recipes and resources available to our Patreon members. ​

💡 Why Listen? This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a whole lot of tomato love. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, you’ll walk away with tips, tricks, and ideas to elevate your gardening game. ​

🍅 Celebrate Summer, One Tomato at a Time! ​ 🍅

Learn more about Nature & Nurture Seeds and order your favorite tomatoes: https://natureandnurtureseeds.com/

Enjoy our Tomato Tasting videos: https://youtu.be/WyQIFditsqA?si=Tpv3faKsGH4ueOK-

Check out a Tomato Tour: https://youtu.be/xxMnTkvySD0?si=5rV8_RweN0CD2C9N

Trellis Tomatoes: https://youtu.be/U2sJY6vKYm8?si=z51ulWlUOxecJifl

Tomato Pruning: https://youtu.be/tVVW2i-Y9HY?si=AI2kUe8SANCjbOkk

Tomato Seed Saving: https://youtu.be/kg4sQJo06y4?si=5fLAZpJPUWnV-WGH

Shop Tomato Seeds: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/

Preserve the Harvest with The Heritage Pantry: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/the-heritage-pantry/

Support the podcast by joining our Patreon for as little as $3/month at https://www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm

Connect with us!

IG: @small_house_farm
FB: @smallhousefarm
YT: @smallhousefarm
http://www.seedsandweedspodcast.com/

Support the show

Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com

Support the show