Podcasts by The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers

Lessons Learned: 3 Lessons Gardening Taught Me from 2023-12-13T12:00

We’re going back to Kevin’s conversation with Ashley Thomas, an organic gardener in Asheville, North Carolina to consider what the garden has to teach us. The two have found the garden instructi...

Lessons Learned: 3 Things I Learned From Charles Dowding from 2023-12-12T12:00

Today, Kevin reminisces and reflects on what he learned from Charles Dowding. Charles has given gardeners the gift of no-till gardening. Sit back, and take in Kevin’s no-till impressions and obs...

Lessons Learned: My 2020 Garden Goals from 2023-12-11T12:00

What were Kevin’s goals for the 2020 spring season? Some of the most important ones were de-stressing, and focusing on more unique plant varieties. Take a nostalgic look back on the pre-pandemic...

Homesteading in Cold Climates from 2023-12-08T12:00

Homesteading in Minnesota requires knowledge of living sustainably in a cold climate. From starting plants indoors to choosing the right plants, there’s a lot that goes into gardening....

Raising Pastured Meat Chickens from 2023-12-07T12:00

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Connect With Katie Krejci:

Katie Krejci brings her experience as a dietitian and a homesteader together as "The Homesteading RD" wh...

Key Steps to Homestead From Scratch from 2023-12-06T12:00

Katie details the process of starting her 240-acre homestead from move-in to today. It started with two cabins, lots of land, and plenty of choices to make. While it has been an undert...

You Don't NEED An Acreage from 2023-12-05T12:00

Katie started her first homestead in a city lot, long before she acquired her 5-acre homestead, much less her current 240-acre property. For her, what it boils down to is being resourc...

From Dietician to Full Time Homesteader from 2023-12-04T12:00

Even though Katie Krejci enjoyed her job as a dietician, her homesteading life pulled her closer to working the garden instead. It wasn’t until she began to work from home that she rea...

Kaylan's Chicken Journey from 2023-12-02T12:00

Kaylan is at the beginning of her chicken keeping journey. She’s received her chicken coop, and next up is considering which breeds to work with and how to source them. Then she’ll wor...

Meditating in the Garden from 2023-12-01T12:00

Meditation is important to Kaylan, and doing so in her garden has brought her nervous system much peace. It has also given her a deeper presence and appreciation for the garden just as...

How to Grow as a Gardener from 2023-11-30T12:00

Kaylan’s garden journey started with grow bags, and then moved to almost every kind of gardening you could do! Today she’s mastered the art of gardening, so much that she helps her neighbors wit...

Gardening With a Baby from 2023-11-29T12:00

Even before her baby was born, Kaylan navigated gardening with a baby. At first it was a whirlwind of emotions, both positive and negative. Today, she has managed to fill her garden with stimula...

Digging into the Garden's Healing Powers from 2023-11-28T12:00

Kaylan went from growing tomatoes by the UV rays from the bathroom skylight to owning a property full of both cultivated and wild plants. How it all happened is detailed right in this podcast ep...

Hot Takes: What Would We Do Differently Next Year? from 2023-11-27T12:00

It’s time to clear out the old and bring in the new! Kevin and Jacques know there are a few things they’d change if they could travel back in time. But the future offers a chance to st...

Garden Experiment Successes and Fails from 2023-11-26T12:00

Kevin and Jacques reflect on their most recent experiments in the garden. They examine what went well, and what didn’t work. Interested parties can see all the fun they had on the Epic Gardening...

Evolving Your Garden Skills from 2023-11-25T12:00

Jacques takes a detailed dive into grafting an old fig tree in his garden. Kevin wants to get better at pruning his fruit trees, and designing and beautifying his garden overall. This ...

Tell Me a Little Secret from 2023-11-24T12:00

According to Jacques and Kevin, grafting does work! Jacques grafted his Cherokee Purple tomatoes, and Kevin air-layered his fig tree. In this pod, there is a treasure trove of tips and tricks fo...

Autumn is the Best Season from 2023-11-23T12:00

Jacques and Kevin rank their favorite seasons, and you’d be surprised they both chose fall! Not only do they get to focus more on canning, drying, and preserving, they also get to enjoy deliciou...

Growing Perennials, and Canning and Preserving from 2023-11-22T12:00

Kevin and Jacques have both begun to understand the appeal of perennial vegetables and ornamentals. They’ve marveled at Kevin’s asparagus patch, and want more year-round interest in their garden...

Redesigning the Garden from 2023-11-21T12:00

Kevin and Jacques will both undertake a garden redesign as 2024 draws near. While Kevin’s not moving any of the permanent fixtures, his recent interest in landscaping has prompted a co...

Jacques’ Surprise Treat from 2023-11-20T12:00

Welcome to a week of Thanksgiving and gratitude at The Beet! In our first episode, Kevin and Jacques get together to discuss Jacques' surprise treat, his new garden layout, and Kevin’s...

Harvesting Storing Peonies from 2023-11-17T12:00

What are the basic techniques you can use to make peonies last in the vase? Bud harvesting, proper storage, and excellent vase care are a few ways to do this. It all starts with choosi...

Growing Perfect Peonies from 2023-11-16T12:00

The peonies on Karen’s farm are selected for their deer-resistance, and pest resistance, making them much easier to cultivate. In this episode, she outlines everything you need to know...

Best Peony Cultivars from 2023-11-15T12:00

Are all three peony types suited for a cut flower farm? And what are the best cultivars to grow – aka, the guaranteed winners? Karen of Midsommar Farm knows which are more successful, ...

Starting a Peony Farm from 2023-11-14T12:00

Planting peonies in a half acre plot can provide a lifetime return. Here, Karen Gesa of Midsommar Farm discusses how she started her peony operation, from sourcing plants to plotting t...

How to Grow Peonies from 2023-11-13T12:00

Karen and her husband were suburbanites when they decided to buy a 10 acre property. Initially, they wanted to be equestrians, but eventually converted one half acre to a peony farm. W...

Building the Perfect Houseplant Soil from 2023-11-10T12:00

It might be a no-brainer to some that houseplants do best in soil mixes that simulate their native habitat. But not doing this is a mistake so many first-timers make. You can use indoor potting ...

Does (Pot) Size Matter? from 2023-11-09T12:00

When it comes to houseplants, thinking about pot size in terms of root ball size is best. Other topics, like pot type, drainage, and plant habits are important considerations as well! ...

How Often Should You REALLY Water Your Houseplants from 2023-11-08T12:00

Krystal has managed to get all her houseplants on a similar schedule, making their life and hers much easier. How often you should water your houseplants depends on the plant, the soil...

The KISS Method for Houseplant Care from 2023-11-07T12:00

Keep it simple, silly! Start with one houseplant that fits the conditions inside your home. Once you feel ready to branch out, go for it. The KISS method is the best foundation for a healthy hou...

Revisiting the 2020 Houseplant Craze from 2023-11-06T11:00

How did Krystal Duran get into houseplants? It started way before the houseplant craze of 2020, but her collection exploded along with everyone else’s. Today she has more than 150 houseplants, a...

Lazy Veggie Gardening from 2023-11-03T11:00

From carrots to peppers, and even perennials, Kevin and Rachael Tancock discuss the best ways to be a lazy gardener. Listen in to find out which tips are the topic of this Beet!

The Importance of Wildlife Trees from 2023-11-02T11:00

Despite the fact that trees die, they get a second life as they decompose. In this stage, the tree hosts tons of critters, from fungi to birds. Those with a dead tree on their land can...

Are You “Plant Blind?” from 2023-11-01T11:00

Plant blindness is more common than you’d think. It’s a condition that arises when people aren’t exposed to a diversity of plants. Rachael Tancock has a cure: getting curious and out i...

How Technology and Nature Intersect from 2023-10-31T11:00

There are so many new ways to engage with nature through technology these days. From bird apps, to sky viewing apps, you don’t have to disconnect on camping trips anymore. In fact, you...

How to Become a Naturalist? from 2023-10-30T11:00

How does one become a naturalist? It starts with a love of nature, and investment in what nature has to offer to humanity. Rachael Tancock is one such naturalist based in Canada, and h...

Getting Creative in the Garden from 2023-10-27T11:00

There are so many ways to get into gardening. Josh put his hands in soil when he wanted to cultivate local food sustainably. Through the local community garden, he gets a sense of what...

How to Learn to Garden FAST from 2023-10-26T11:00

Josh started growing his own food as a busy chef with two small kids in 2010. Through cycles of trial and error, he managed to find the best ways and plants to grow in his garden. Thro...

Which Watering Technique is Best from 2023-10-25T11:00

The answer to which watering technique is best really depends on the context in which a garden grows. The types of plants and the stage of their life cycle matters too. Regardless of w...

The Biggest Problems With Our Food System from 2023-10-24T11:00

What makes local food better? Josh McWilliams asked this question as he pondered the food system in light of his job as a chef. Turns out the benefits are substantial. Local food is no...

The Olla Story from 2023-10-23T11:00

Josh is a chef by trade, but got into gardening while growing food for his business. He saw water conservation as a problem for the longevity of the local food system. Everything chang...

Essential Compost Equipment from 2023-10-19T11:00

The two crucial elements, water and oxygen are present in every balanced compost pile. Adding water is easy, but how do composters add oxygen? Kate and Kevin have a conversation about ...

The 4 Universal Compost Ingredients from 2023-10-18T11:00

Balancing nitrogen-rich elements with carbon, oxygen, and water produces the most lush, nutritious food for soil. But there are some important things to consider in the process of buil...

It’s Not “Waste” Until It’s Wasted from 2023-10-17T11:00

What are the differences between hot and cold compost, and indoor and outdoor compost? Are there set rules for what food waste you can compost, and what should be left out? Here, Kate ...

What Does Compost DO? from 2023-10-16T11:00

Kate, the Compost Queen, has been obsessed with compost since she was a kid. She loves learning and teaching this process that results in one of the best soil conditioners a gardener can have. F...

Hosting Garden Parties for Friends from 2023-10-13T23:00

Coming from a family of good hosts, Becky has been hosting parties long before she started gardening. The onus for her is to enjoy the company of her friends and family. Here, she shar...

How Becky Gardens For Her Family from 2023-10-12T23:00

100% of the produce Becky grows in her garden is eaten by her family. After trying several methods, today she focuses on food production in her raised beds. With goals to plant an orch...

Freezer Meals from Scratch from 2023-10-11T11:00

Delicious scratch made meals without the pressure of prepping and cleaning up is just what makes freezer meals simply amazing! Becky has mastered the art of preparing freezer meals, an...

Canning With Becky from 2023-10-10T11:00

Canning can be an intimidating task for those new to it. However, Becky says that once you get a handle on it, there’s nothing to worry about. Her love of canning was born from necessi...

Living off of Locally-Sourced Food from 2023-10-09T11:00

Inspired by other homesteaders on YouTube, Becky went from a career in Dental Hygiene to homesteading roughly 3 years ago. She loves to teach people how to grow food and what to do wit...

Beginner Foraging Tips from 2023-10-06T11:00

Alessandro grew up foraging plants in Italy. More recently, he took a foraging class and learned there are so many edible things in the natural spaces that surrounded him. There is fre...

Repurposing Household Items to Garden from 2023-10-05T11:00

There are so many ways to repurpose old materials for use in the garden. In this paradigm, anything can have a second life in the growing space. Plastic bottles, boxes, and more have a...

Creative Ways to Compost from 2023-10-04T11:00

The wide world of composting is the topic of today’s podcast with Alessandro Vitale. At his home in London, he doesn’t stick to just one method. Instead, he vermicomposts, bokashi comp...

How to Use Every Part of a Squash from 2023-10-03T11:00

Growing up in Italy, Alessandro was accustomed to using most of the plant in cooking. When he got to the UK, he found this was not typical. Here he discusses the ways gardeners can get...

The Italian God of Gardening from 2023-10-02T11:00

Alessandro Vitale didn’t set out to become the Italian God of Gardening. He practically fell into it when he made his first video about growing beetroot. Today, when he’s not focused o...

How to Grow Flowering Sweet Peas from 2023-09-29T11:00

The soft, supple petals of sweet peas are perfect in flower arrangements, and Rachel knows just how to grow them. Here she outlines tips and tricks related to cultivating these lovely ...

How to Grow Great Dahlias from 2023-09-28T11:00

Dahlias have historically been a difficult plant for many to grow, but Rachel grows them because she loves them. It helps that her customers love them too. In this episode, she discuss...

How to Beautifully Arrange Flowers from Your Garden from 2023-09-27T11:00

Growing and picking flowers is an art. Ultimately, arranging flowers in a beautiful manner is the goal of cut flower gardening. Here, Rachel Nafis discusses the different ways you can ...

Tips for the Longest Lasting Cut-flowers from Your Garden from 2023-09-26T11:00

If you’re new to flower gardening, this is the podcast episode for you! Rachel Nafis has garnered lots of tips and tricks in her time gardening 8 different cut flower plots in her neig...

General Advice for Adding Cut-Flowers to your Vegetable Garden from 2023-09-25T11:00

Due to limited space, Rachel Nafis initially felt discouraged in her practice of flower gardening. Today, however, she’s gardening 8 plots of cut flowers in San Diego, most in her neig...

Vertically Integrated Farming from 2023-09-22T11:00

There are serious benefits to raising and processing your own cattle on your own ranch. Not only does it simplify the process of slaughter, but it also consolidates roles of ranching. ...

Animal Welfare from 2023-09-21T15:16

In regenerative animal husbandry, like Will Harris’s White Oak Pastures, animals live according to their nature. This model is an expansion of the industrial one, where meeting basic needs is th...

Soil Health from 2023-09-20T11:00

Soil health is just as important as animal health. That’s because good soil provides the best possible sustenance for cattle. Additionally, animal impact has a positive effect, as manure attract...

Revival of Rural America from 2023-09-19T11:00

Regeneration of degraded land. Welfare to the animals. Re-enrichment of the local community. These are the three things Will Harris’ cattle company boasts, and those he is most proud of at White...

Regenerative Agriculture from 2023-09-18T11:00

Will Harris is a 4th generation rancher who has adapted his land to a regenerative agriculture system. The switch occurred after Will had an epiphany about the inherent problems of the industria...

Encouraging the Next Generation to Farm from 2023-09-15T11:00

Ty knows that young people have plenty of energy and know how when it comes to getting into farming. Here he encourages them to do that, and discusses the programs his family potato farm enacts ...

Growing Potatoes Farmer Edition from 2023-09-14T11:00

The difference between farming potatoes and gardening potatoes is vastly different! Ty finds he learns something new every day on the farm. The most important part of farming potatoes ...

Reducing Food Waste at the Farm Level from 2023-09-13T11:00

What happens to potatoes that aren’t perfectly fit for the grocery store? They end up in cow feed. In response, Ty and the team at his farm started Ugly Potato Day, where they raise mo...

Protecting Farmland From Development from 2023-09-12T11:00

Ty’s farm is under risk of being developed, and with such valuable land, it’s easy to see why. That’s why he took to social media to spread awareness about the importance of farmland, ...

Returning to the Family Potato Farm from 2023-09-11T11:00

Neither Ty nor his brothers wanted to be potato farmers like their dad, but after 10 years and a successful sales career, he decided to return home and carry on the family legacy. Toda...

A garden inspired life from 2023-09-08T11:00

The garden nourishes Annette in many ways – not just through the healthy food she produces. She has discovered ways to interweave the garden into her daily life and tries to involve he...

Slow Down Start Small from 2023-09-07T11:00

When she started Azure Farm, Annette had to learn from her mistakes just like any other gardener does. Now she knows how to grow the right things at the right time, and she chooses var...

Dream Big&Write it Down from 2023-09-06T11:00

The dawn of Azure Farm began with fruit trees and has graduated to 26 to 30 raised beds. But Annette doesn’t recommend this many raised beds for beginners. In fact, starting small and ...

Know Your Why from 2023-09-05T11:00

Since Annette Thurmon began farming, she’s reaped plenty of benefits. Her excitement about gardening is based on her ability to support herself with healthy and delicious food she can’...

It’s Never too Late to Learn Something New from 2023-09-04T11:00

Annette Thurmon went from ICU nurse, to wedding gown designer. Once she found the right land, she pivoted to growing her own food and raising animals on Azure Farm. Here she grows her ...

Growing and Cooking from the Garden from 2023-09-01T11:00

Meg’s gardening journey led her to try new and exciting things in the kitchen. Here she talks about how she learned to make new things, and some of the interesting plants she’s trying ...

Meg’s Favorite Tomato Varieties from 2023-08-31T11:00

Meg is growing 15 different varieties of tomatoes! She covers the different types in her garden and highlights a couple of interesting and exotic varieties.

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Beginner Chicken Keeping from 2023-08-30T11:00

Meg is starting her very first chicken coop! Here she discusses her choices regarding life stages, breeds, and coops

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Toxic Squash Syndrome from 2023-08-29T11:00

What is toxic squash syndrome? Listen to Meg talk about how to determine whether or not a squash is toxic, and what to do with it. She also talks about squash vine borer, and how to do...

She Started a Thriving Garden in 3 Years from 2023-08-28T11:00

Starting your own garden isn’t hard at all! Here’s how Meg Lloyd, creator of @meggrowsplants,  went from 3 raised beds to a vast lush oasis in the backyard of her first home. Learn eve...

How Tomato Color Impacts Flavor from 2023-08-25T11:00

Humans eat with their eyes and with their memories of impactful flavors. Craig likes tomatoes with intensity, but he knows that everyone’s tasting preferences are different. That’s why...

Do THIS to Grow EPIC Tomatoes from 2023-08-24T11:00

Believe it or not, Epic Tomatoes is a book written by Craig LeHoullier! Here he outlines all the basic tenets of great tomato-growing. Having a bountiful harvest of these fruits involv...

Growing in Straw Bales Containers from 2023-08-23T11:00

When Craig started gardening tomatoes, he learned to maximize his space by growing them in containers, and straw bales. In this episode, he reveals his secrets for successful bale and ...

The Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project from 2023-08-22T11:00

Craig’s Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project has been going strong for the last 18 years. Fervor about this project spread largely through word of mouth. He and other gardeners involved in th...

The Godfather of Tomato Growing from 2023-08-21T11:00

Craig LeHoullier has spent over 40 years gardening tomatoes. He loves the variety of available to gardeners, and he loves to teach people about their flavors and nuances. Kevin and Cra...

Looking forward to fall: What do you both have planned for the garden this fall from 2023-08-18T11:00

Kevin plans to improve one of his favorite investments on the Epic Homestead – his greenhouse. Jacques is in the planning stages of improving his greenhouse too. Fall plans are the top...

Additional Thiccies Unlocked! from 2023-08-17T11:00

Peeping toms on the Epic Homestead? No way! That peeping comes from 3 new additions to the Epic Thiccies. This episode is all about chickens, and roosters too. Jacques has even added a...

Harvest to Table: Cooking in the Garden from 2023-08-16T11:00

Cooking in the garden is one of Kevin and Jacques favorite parts of growing. Kevin details his adventures with the green egg. Jacques waxes poetic about his outdoor pizza oven. They re...

Letting Go of Pest “Control” from 2023-08-15T11:00

Jacques and Kevin consider their encounters with powdery mildew, how it might crop up regardless of prevention measures, and why their gardens aren’t subject to pest pressure this year...

Summer Garden: What We Learned from Our Garden this Summer from 2023-08-14T11:00

Jacques and Kevin reflect on their weird spring season, and how that affected the timing of their summer crops. They discuss varieties they’re growing, and those they’d leave behind. T...

Benefits of Water Harvesting from 2023-08-11T11:10

Why harvest rainwater? In Martha’s garden, the harvesting process has afforded her a thriving, lush garden, and her book, City Nature.

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Greywater Systems from 2023-08-10T11:00

There are many different kinds of greywater systems and ways to employ them in a garden. Martha uses greywater from her washing machine to water her fruit trees. She...

I Have An EPIC Podcast Announcement... from 2023-08-10T11:00

For over six years, the Epic Gardening podcast has delivered daily gardening tips and tricks - and now we have a new name! Introducing....The Beet: A Podcast for Plant Lovers.

We're updat...

How to Use Rainwater Cisterns from 2023-08-09T11:00

Rainwater cisterns are a great way to actively harvest and conserve water. Here, Kevin and Martha discuss the ins and outs of using cisterns, and the benefits that come with installing...

Passive Water Harvesting from 2023-08-08T11:00

What is passive water harvesting? Martha outlines two methods of passively harvesting water in her garden. By slowing the water, allowing it to spread out, and sink down, she harnesses...

The Rationale for Water Harvesting from 2023-08-07T11:00

When Martha moved to Tucson, she wanted to plant a garden full of trees. But irrigating them posed a huge problem in her desert climate. Instead of spending tons of money on a full sys...

Soil Microbes and Gut Health, Gut Links to Immune System and Brain from 2023-08-04T11:00

We have talked quite a bit about soil microbes and gut health on the podcast this season. In this episode we talk about what benefits the no dig method specifically gives your gut.

Companion Planting What Does It Mean from 2023-08-03T11:00

Companion planting, multi-sowing, inter-planting, Charles and I get into all of it in this episode. Spoiler alert: we are breaking all the rules, and you can too.

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Is Bare Soil Okay from 2023-08-02T11:00

With the no dig method, you always have the ground covered, even if it’s just a thin layer of compost.

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Where Did No Dig Gardening Come From from 2023-08-01T11:00

Charles Dowding has been using the no-dig method since the '80s. We discuss what he’s learned during his decades of do dig and what current experiments he’s running on his newly expand...

What is No Dig Gardening from 2023-07-31T11:00

This week we welcome Charles Dowding, the godfather of the no dig method! There is no one better to give us the scoop on no dig. In this method, you don’t disturb the soil as much as p...

The Power of Red and Black Berries from 2023-07-28T11:00

Deep red and purple produce like berries, can be a powerful part of our nutrition that can help protect our cells from cancer.

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Restoring Your Attention in the Garden from 2023-07-27T11:00

Our daily lives can be stressful. With work and other stressors, our brains work very hard day in and day out. While we are in the garden, we are able to have a “soft fascination” whic...

How You Breathe In The Garden Impacts Your Health from 2023-07-26T11:00

You are what you eat and you are what you breathe in. Humans are mostly microbial beings, it is very important that we are mindful about what beneficial organisms we surround ourselves...

What Attracts Us to Flower Colors from 2023-07-25T11:00

Colors are powerful! Dr. Ross Cameron discusses including plants in your garden that have a positive effect on your mood. What is fascinating about this is, there is a rule of thumbs f...

Birds by the Backdoor from 2023-07-24T11:00

Dr. Ross Cameron and I talk about why it’s important to attract birds to your garden. Not only is it important for your garden ecosystem, it is also important for your overall health. ...

Are Crows Good Or Bad for the Garden from 2023-07-21T11:00

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Crows may pull up some plants in your garden - but they may also protect your chickens and other animals from predators. 

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How to Get Gifts From Crows from 2023-07-20T11:00

The crows might not ACTUALLY be giving me gifts as we know it. 

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How to Ethically Befriend Crows from 2023-07-19T11:00

Dr. Kaeli Swift discusses why we have to be careful, educated, and thoughtful if we want to feed wildlife.

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How Smart Are Corvids from 2023-07-18T11:00

Being a “bird brain” isn’t such a bad thing after all! Dr. Kaeli Swift talks about the misunderstandings of the brains and intelligence of Corvids.

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Crows vs. Ravens from 2023-07-17T11:00

Both Crows and Ravens are from the Corvid family of birds, which are actually songbirds. But how do you tell the difference between them? The answer will 100% surprise you. 

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Weird Veggies in the USA That Are Popular Worldwide from 2023-07-14T11:00

There are many parts of common plants that aren’t as common to see in American stores and markets that you can use in your cuisine such as pepper leaves, Squash leaves, and tomato leav...

Unusual Seeds You Can Eat from 2023-07-13T11:00

Linda shares her unconventional use of seeds in the kitchen. Pickled radish seed pod bloody marys anyone? 

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