606: Crystal Stevens on Regenerative Urban Farming.
Bringing gardening methods full circle.
In This Podcast:
We learn from Crystal Stevens about the many inexpensive ways to build a regenerative and edible landscape using natural resources. Crystal describes the different possibilities that can be incorporated into any size space that can lead one down the path towards self-sufficiency. One of her specialties is herbs and she shares with us some of the medicinal properties of herbs and their health benefits.
Our Guest:
Crystal lives along the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi River in Godfrey, Illinois with her husband, and 2 children. She is an Author, an Artist/Art Teacher, a Folk Herbalist, a Regenerative Farmer, and a Permaculturist. She has written 3 books published by New Society Publishers: Grow Create Inspire, Worms at Work, and Your Edible Yard. Crystal speaks at conferences and Mother Earth News Fairs across the United States and has been teaching a Resilient Living workshop series for over a decade.
Listen in and learn about:
- Crystal’s herb school
- What is her definition of regenerative
- Sustainable versus regenerative in a ‘closed-loop’ system
- Changing HOA rules and regulations
- What are some inexpensive resources that can be used for gardening
- How do you build food for microbes in the soil
- What does Crystal’s farm look like
- The importance of incorporating medicinal herbs in the garden
- What is ‘rooting’ elderberry cuttings
- How does mullein tea help respiratory tract issues
- How did she move from urban dwelling to starting a farm
- What is the purpose and benefits of dynamic accumulators
As well as:
Her failure – When she tried to grow too many things in too many places and got overtaken by weeds
Her success – Being self-employed with several income streams while still having time for family
Her drive – Empowering others to take charge of their health and seeing their results
Her advice – “Start small, it is ingrained within us that everything has to be fast and instantaneous; take some time to sit in your space and observe, you’ll be less overwhelmed.”
Books written by Crystal:
Crystal’s Book recommendations:
Ishmael: A Novel by Daniel Quinn
How to reach Crystal:
Website: growcreateinspire.com
Access her books: shop.growcreateinspire.com
Facebook: @growcreateinspire
Twitter: @GrowCre8Inspire
Instagram: @growcreateinspire
UrbanFarm.org/GrowcCreateInspire
NEED HELP WITH YOUR GARDEN DESIGN?
The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg, Janis, or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE for more Info
*Disclosure:
Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
Become an Urban Farm Patron and listen to more than 850 episodes of the Urban Farm Podcast without ads. Click here to gain access to the entire library.
The post 606: Crystal Stevens on Regenerative Urban Farming appeared first on The Urban Farm.