The Northern Grower (Erin)

In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite annual varieties that she grows in her zone 3 garden. These varieties are well suited to cooler climates and can give you some ideas and inspiration to try in your own backyard or homestead!

Listeners can use code: northerngrower  at https://greenwitchseed.ca/ for 15% off your order of seeds. 
Contact Erin at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

If you are a gardener then you've probably heard about zones and if you are new, then you probably know that zones are sort of important. However how many of us know what the zones actually measure? In this episode I take a brief dive into Gardening Zones and what they mean. 

Links:
A Map of USDA hardiness zones: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Canadian Hardiness Zones and a map of Canada with the USDA Zones:http://planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1

Formula for calculating Canadian Hardiness Zones: http://planthardiness.gc.ca/?m=1

Shop Green Witch Seeds https://greenwitchseed.ca/ use code northerngrower for 15% off your order!

In the next few episodes  in The Northern Grower I'll be analyzing the world of modern homesteading! What does it mean to homestead in modern society? What does the act of homesteading look like in today's world? In this episode and the next few I will also be looking at recommended reads for homesteaders, why is growing your own food so important, what are some ways you can take steps to become more self sufficient? 

Visit the seed store at The Green Witch Seed Company – thegreenwitchseedco and use code northerngrower for 15% off your order.
For podcast feedback email thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com 
Follow me on instagram at Green Witch Seed Co (@the_northern_grower) • Instagram photos and videos 

In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite essential books for anyone wanting to begin their gardening or homesteading journey. She shares books that are not only "how to" guides but also some of her favourite reads that remind her why she began this journey of self sufficiency in the first place. 

You can visit the seed store, shop and Erin's social media here at The Northern Grower | Linktree. 

Thank you for supporting the podcast. 

In this episode I discuss my experiences, thoughts and tips for  gardening with a young family. We really started increasing garden production at the same time as when our newborn arrived and it was...chaotic to say the least. We survived and you will too, so if you are gardening or wanting to start gardening but have young children and are worried about having to do it all, I share my tips right here on the podcast. (Hey, if the episode this time around is not your cup of tea, the next episode will be all about growing haskaps so please stay tuned)!

All my links, info and small shop can be found here: The Northern Grower | Linktree 

**Note due to technical issues we have no intro here, I launch straight into the podcast. 

Thank you for bearing with me whilst I continue to figure out my intro situation! 

In this episode I tell you all about the wonderful Haskap berry, some history, some useful stuff to know for growing and why any gardener within zones 2-4 should have some Haskaps in their life!

Contact: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: the_northern_grower
Visit The Green Witch Seed Company – thegreenwitchseedco

For wannabe or modern homesteader, homesteading can seem out of reach or intimidating. It looks like one will have to invest lots of money to build their dream homestead. However in this episode Erin discusses how adopting a homesteading mindset and habits can actually help save money within the household even if you are not "on the farm" yet, there are ways to save money while homesteading. 

Next episode: Erin will discuss the history and wonder of the Goji Berry and why it is a fantastic addition to the garden. 

For links please visit: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrowerpodcast to listen to past episodes online, visit my Instagram and the seed store!

In this episode I discuss the story and history of the Goji Berry and tips for gardening if you want to try growing this yourself! 

Next episode will be Sunflowers.
 

Links for purchasing goji berry seeds: 
goji berry – thegreenwitchseedco 
Edmonton Heritage Goji Berry - Forest City Plants 
Shanghai Express Goji Seeds – West Coast Seeds 

Erin's Links-
The Northern Grower | Linktree

In this episode Erin discusses the story and growing tips for Sunflowers.

Next week will be all about blueberries, how to grow and preserve them!

Important Links:
Purchasing Sunflowers-
Giant Varieities=-Giganteus Sunflower - Flowers And Bulbs | Veseys
Monet's Pallet Sunflowers-Sunflower – thegreenwitchseedco 
Teddy Bear Sunflowers-Teddy Bear Sunflower Seeds – West Coast Seeds

The Northern Grower Links (instagram, etsy shop, store, blog)
The Northern Grower | Linktree

In this episode I discuss growing blueberries and ways to save them. 

Next week's episode will be all about garlic-an indepth take on growing garlic in zone 3

If you would like to reach out/comment email thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

You can connect with me here at: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrowerpodcast 

Intro Music is: 
 Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

**Apologies, please note the sound quality is not great with this episode, turns out my microphone was acting up, sound quality should resume as normal with all other episodes*

With garlic planting season underway, this episode covers the basics of growing, harvesting and storing garlic with a focus on cold climates.

Links Mentioned:
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen (goodreads.com)
Interesting Garlic/Allium Book: Garlic and Other Alliums: The Lore and The Science by Eric Block (goodreads.com)
Canadian Prairie Garlic eScape - Saskatchewan Garlic Online Store (saskgarlic.ca)

Erin is a gardener, homesteader and educator growing in a zone 3 climate in Canada.
She enjoys sharing her passion of growing food, the challenges and opportunities of growing in a cold climate, homesteading and slow living topics, the magic of simple homestead living as well as sprinkling in some folklore along the way.

If you would like to email the show: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com
To visit the heirloom seed saving project and instagram visit: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree and follow the links. 





With the garlic planting season coming up, I thought it would be perfect timing

Whether you are trying to practice homesteading, slow living, find more sustainability in your life or simply feeling overwhelmed with all the gardening and preserving of food. This episode can hopefully serve as a motivator and reminder that what you are doing is important.
I discuss why it is valuable and important to continue or begin to learn homestead skills.
I share my story and some listeners also contributed with their reasons why they are homesteading or choosing to learn traditional skills and connect to the land.

Next episode: Fall Traditions on the Homestead


Important Links:
The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree
email: thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

Listener Contributions Instagram:
Byanka (@wild_yarrow_homestead) • Instagram photos and videos
Lisa (@lisamchuk) • Instagram photos and videos

Intro Music:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | Download and Stream on Chosic
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 

In this episode I briefly move away from gardening to discuss practices and traditions that we observe here on the homestead to recognize the harvest season. From a Mabon altar to harvest feasts and activities this lifestyle episode can hopefully give you some ideas to start some fall traditions in your household. The next episode will focus on pumpkin uses and saving pumpkin seeds!

email the show at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree (blog, seeds, instagram)

Intro Track:
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

As a cold climate grower, growing in zones 3-4 I have to start some of my seeds early. One method is to start sowing seeds indoors, ready for transplant later. In this episode I share what seeds to start in January and February if you are a cold climate grower. 

Links: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree 

Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode Erin shares about one of her favorite subjects-apothecary gardening. Apothecary gardening and growing home and herbal remedies is going through a revival, in part thanks to a combination of the modern homesteading and self sufficiency movements, the back to the land revival and resurgence of traditional skills and modern witch movement. Erin takes a look at the history of the apothecary garden and shares a few favorites to grow for those planning a kitchen or herb garden of their own!




Links: The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree
Email: thenotherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com
Intro Credit:  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 


History and Information Sources for the Episode:
Women’s Business: 17th-Century Female Pharmacists | Science History Institute 
Home - The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries

With the rise and resurgence of gardening, growing and folk traditions I explore the ancient practice of moon gardening. In this episode I provide an introduction to lunar phase gardening as well as some old folklore practices on bringing the power of the moon into your gardening habits and practices.




The Northern Grower | Instagram | Linktree
Intro Credits:  Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

email the show at thenortherngrowerpodcast@gmail.com

If you are trying to save money when it comes to gardening or starting your garden with a limited budget I share some money saving ideas and tips in this episode. These are some of the little ways we have managed to save money when it comes to growing our garden over the years.  So if you are interested in how to start a garden on a budget then you can find some ideas and inspiration here! I also share that many of the money saving tips involve community work and the importance of communities coming together can make positive change! 

Links: https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrower


**APOLOGIES for the squeaky chair in the background, I'm working on a new podcasting space this month and that should hopefully mean no squeaky chair and better sound room!

 Intro Music: Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | www.scottbuckley.com.au
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

There seems to be so much division and fear out there and one day after a day spent in too much sun, I processed my thoughts about why I choose to homestead and garden. I choose to find joy in homesteading and purpose in a positive mindset. In this episode I share my rambling thoughts about why we need the good and the joyful in our homesteading lives. 

*No intro with this ep as I'm playing around with finding a new one-again!

https://linktr.ee/thenortherngrower

Welcome to the Northern Grower, a gardening podcast hosted by Erin Colborn. Erin is an avid gardener and educator in northern Canada. In this episode we focus on planning for the up coming spring while touching on topics like season extension, Micro Climates and cold hardy plants.  Thanks again for joining so for your first gardening adventure together!

Welcome to the Northern Grower, a gardening podcast hosted by Erin Colborn. Erin is an avid gardener and educator in northern Canada. In this episode we focus on planning for the up coming spring while touching on topics like season extension, Micro Climates and cold hardy plants.  Thanks again for joining so for your first gardening adventure together!

In this episode Erin examines the pro's and con's of hoop houses and cold frames. Reviewing them on criteria such as frost protection, affordability and sustainbility. She goes over care and construction as well as what crops to plant in them and when. These powerful and cheap tools will seriously extend your gorwing season and improve your harvest.  When used in tandem with the right fruits, vegetables, herbs and growing techniques they can turn any green thumb brown. Come join us over at northern grower for a chat on gardening in cold climates, the topic we are most passionate about!

In this episode our host Erin Colborn discusses composting in its various forms. Ways to improve texture and quality, different inputs and the effects that climate can have on the microbial process  Join her in the journey to stronger healthier soil in a sustainable manner. Wether your a novice composter or a seasoned expert in soil ecology this episode should have something you can learn or enjoy.

This episode is the first in a two part series on growing fruits in colder parts of the world. With shorter days comes a shorter list of possible fruits but short an be sweet. In part one the focus is mainly on obtaining plants appropriate for colder climates. Plants like goji berrys, garden huckle berrys, apples, strawberrys, rhubarb and much more. 

Thanks again for tuning in, we really appreciate the support!

This episode is the second in a two part series on growing fruits in colder parts of the world as always hosted by our educator Erin. With shorter days comes a shorter list of possible fruits but short an be sweet. In part two the focus is on things like the challenges that gardeners and growers face in cold weather as well as the tools and techniques that they can use to manage those problems.

Thanks again for tuning in, we really appreciate the support!

In this episode our host Erin takes us through growing garlic in places with shorter growing seasons and harsh winters. The gardeners Erin grows garlic with use techniques not very common in the wider world but extremely effective for cold climate. Come listen with us as we explore these novel ways of growing garlic and as always thanks for listening!

This episode runs through the basics for starting seeds indoors, although with a focus on zone 3, the methods discussed could be applied anywhere.  

In this episode I run through some of my favourite edible perennials to have in the Northern garden. These are generally easy to maintain and have become a staple!

Come join us today on the northern grower with our host Erin, in this episode she explores the potential pitfalls you will encounter due to the upcoming polar vortex or any extreme cold weather really. Examples used in this episode include things like apple trees, goji berry plants and raspberrys. Hopefully this episode finds you in a timely manner and save's you some grief and frost damage in the garden!

In this episode of the northern grower Erin explores growing corn, squash and beans using the traditional 3 sister growing method. A popular style in north american gardens since before europeans arrived, this companion planting is useful for its organic fertilzer aswell as the free support and shade systems. Thanks for joining us today!

In this episode we join our host Erin while she plants a small kitchen garden in the early spring.

In this episode of the northern grower podcast our host Erin explores the practice known as Korean Natural Farming. A novel and unique approach to organic gardening and food production, thanks for listening! 

In this episode of the northern grower podcast our host Erin joins us to talk about growing tomatoes in colder climates. Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode Erin gives us advice about growing corn.

In this episode we join our host Erin as she outlines some basic tips, tricks and insights about growing pea's. Thanks again for listening! 

In this episode of our garden basic's series our host Erin joins to discuss growing potatoes and all the joys that come along with that. Thanks again for joining us!

In this episode of the northern grower our host Erin joins us to discuss growing brassicas and all the joys that come along with that process. Thanks again for joining us!

In this episode or host Erin explores the history and folklore of lavender. The History and Folklore episodes delve into the orgins of our favourite plants.

Welcome to the Northern Grower, in this episode our host Erin takes us on a tour of the history and folklore of an incredible plant Yarrow. 

I this episode of The Northern Grower our host Erin shares her knowledge about the dandelion. Thanks again for listening with us!

In this episode our host Erin takes on a different kind of journey, exploring the early stages of the history of agriculture. Thanks again for tuning in and good luck this season!

In this episoder of the Northern Grower our host Erin joins us to discuss the history of agriculture in Mexico. Thanks as always for tuning in and good luck this season!

Today on the northern grower our host Erin explores the method of direct sowing. Thanks for joining us for another episode!

In this episode our host Erin explores the history, folklore and uses of one of our most known trees, the spruce. Thanks and good luck this season!

In this episode of the northern grower our host Erin joins us to explore companion planting. As always thanks for tuning in!

In this episode our host Erin takes us through some tips and tricks for beating the heat and making sure you still get a great harvest from your main season garden. Thanks for coming back for season two of gardening up north with the northern grower and enjoy the show!

Yet another installment of our most popular segment! In this epsiode of history and folklore our garden guide Erin takes on a tour of the mighty raspberry.

In this episode of The Northern Grower Podcast, Erin provides a bitesize introduction into the world of drying and preserving flowers. She shares her methods and some of her favourite flowers, she grows in her zone 3 garden, that can be preserved. 

In this episode, Erin explores a garden classic, the Sweetpea. She will discuss the history and share some growing tips for this long time favourite.

In this episode, Erin gives the 101 on seed saving, where to begin and what tools you need. Follow for parts 2 and 3 in later episodes where she explores methods of seed saving from different fruits. 

As part of her seed saving  series, Erin discusses saving seeds from fleshy fruited plants such as tomatoes, watermelons and squashes. 

In this episode, Erin concludes the seed saving series, wrapping up with seed saving techniques from dry fruited plants. 



Special Discount for listeners of the Northern Grower Podcast is available at greenwitchseed.ca simply use coupon code northerngrower for 15% off at checkout-cannot be used with any other coupons and is one time use only! 

In this bonus episode our host Erin joins us to answer all your cold climate gardening questions. Thanks as always and good luck this season!

In the new season of The Northern Grower, Erin gives an overview of when/how and what seeds she is starting this year month by month in her zone 3 homestead garden. 

In this episode, Erin discusses her favourite perennial plants to grow for colder climate gardeners and the benefits of perennials. 

If you are starting perennials from seed, now is a really good time to start. 



For updated blog posts including a written list of perennial recommendations for northern growers please visit: https://www.thenortherngrower.ca

For 15% off your order off seeds, use code northerngrower at https://greenwitchseed.ca