The Urban Farm Podcast with Greg Peterson

A Rosie On The House Replay
This episode explores practical, low-cost strategies for reusing household gray water to irrigate landscapes. Brad Lancaster shares decades of experience designing regenerative water systems in dryland environments, emphasizing simple gravity-fed solutions over complex infrastructure. The conversation highlights how homeowners can dramatically reduce water use by “stacking functions” and capturing water already on-site. By pairing gray water with rainwater harvesting, households can meet most or all of their irrigation needs.
 Brad Lancaster runs a successful permaculture consulting design and education business in Tucson, Arizona. He's focused on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning and living. Growing up in a dryland environment, water harvesting has long been one of his specialties and a true passion. He's the author of the Permaculture Bible for Water Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volumes One and Two. And he has just released new color versions, revised and expanded of both of them.
Key Topics
Gray water (definition and household sources)
Difference between gray water and black water
Brad Lancaster (water harvesting expert)
Rainwater harvesting systems
Gravity-fed irrigation design
Soil as a living filtration system
Mulch basins and infiltration strategies
Laundry-to-landscape systems
Outdoor shower gray water reuse
Water conservation in dryland climates
Arizona gray water regulations (13 guidelines)
Soap and detergent impacts (salt vs liquid)
Planting water before plants (design philosophy)
Evapotranspiration and passive cooling

Key Questions Answered
What is gray water and how much of household water does it represent?
Gray water is lightly used water from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines. It represents a significant portion of household water use—nearly equal to outdoor irrigation demand—making it a major opportunity for reuse.
Is gray water safe to use in the landscape?
Yes, when basic guidelines are followed. Avoid toxins, prevent pooling, and distribute water across multiple areas. Soil biology naturally filters the water, making it safe for fruit trees and many landscape plants.
How can homeowners start using gray water cheaply and easily?
Simple systems like redirecting a washing machine hose or using an outdoor shower can send water directly to plants using gravity. No pumps, tanks, or complex filtration systems are needed.
What soaps and products should be used with gray water systems?
Liquid soaps are preferred over powdered detergents because they contain fewer salt-based fillers. Avoid chlorine bleach and opt for hydrogen peroxide alternatives to protect soil health.
Why shouldn’t gray water be stored in tanks?
Stored gray water quickly turns septic due to organic matter, creating odor and health issues. It’s best used immediately by directing it into soil systems.
How does combining gray water and rainwater maximize impact?
Together, they can meet nearly all irrigation needs for a landscape, especially with low-water-use plants. This reduces reliance on municipal water and increases resilience.
What does “plant the water first” mean?
Design the landscape to capture and infiltrate water using basins and contours before planting. This ensures plants receive consistent moisture naturally.
Where should plants be placed in a water-harvesting landscape?
Higher water-use plants should be placed near water sources like roofs or gray water outlets. Trees should be positioned for shade and cooling benefits, especially on east and west sides of buildings.
Episode Highlights
Gray water is “perennial water”—it flows daily as long as you live in your home
You’ve already paid for this water—reuse it instead of sending it to the sewer
A simple laundry system can irrigate multiple trees by rotating a drain hose
Soil acts as a living sponge and filter, outperforming mechanical systems
Outdoor showers can double as irrigation systems and cooling zones for animals
Avoid overcomplication—gravity systems are cheaper, more reliable, and effective
Capturing both rainwater and gray water can eliminate most irrigation needs
Water harvesting landscapes create cooler microclimates and support biodiversity

Calls to Action & Resources
Brad Lancaster Resources — https://www.harvestingrainwater.com
YouTube Channel — Search “Brad Lancaster water harvesting”
Books — Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond (Volumes 1 & 2)
Visit www.UrbanFarm.org/980 for the show notes and links on this episode!
Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?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 to learn more!
*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.

In this Episode Christopher Parker shares his lifelong journey into mycology, rooted in growing up in the forests of Western North Carolina and decades of hands-on experience. He explains how fungi underpins life on Earth, drives soil fertility, and plays a critical role in regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores low-tech mushroom cultivation, indigenous ecological knowledge, and how working with fungi can create resilient, localized food systems. Christopher also highlights practical ways to grow mushrooms, restore ecosystems, and build livelihoods rooted in land stewardship.
Our Guest: Christopher Parker is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, he is a farmer, educator, and myco-culture keeper with over 30 years of experience in Indigenous regenerative agriculture and mushroom cultivation. He co-founded The Forest Farmacy, an Indigenous-led mushroom school rooted in the Cherokee homeland of Western North Carolina. Chris teaches applied eco-mycology—weaving traditional forest-tending knowledge with modern cultivation science to heal ecosystems and strengthen food sovereignty. His work centers on low-tech, scalable cultivation that transforms farm and forest byproducts into gourmet and medicinal mushrooms. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helps farmers and land stewards create ecologically sound, culturally rooted, and economically resilient livelihoods.
Key Topics & Entities
Christopher Parker
Indigenous regenerative agriculture
Mushroom cultivation (low-tech and scalable)
Mycology and soil microbiology
Mycorrhizal fungi (ecto & endo)
Food sovereignty and local food systems
Forest farming and ecosystem restoration
Trichoderma and soil regeneration
Korean Natural Farming (KNF)
Biochar and microbial inoculation
Mushroom cultivation on logs and sawdust
The Forest Farmacy
The Mycelial Healer (book)
Radical Mycology (book by Peter McCoy)

Key Questions Answered
Why does fungi matter in soil and regenerative agriculture?
Fungi act as the “underground economy,” moving nutrients, water, and minerals between soil and plants. They unlock nutrients already present in the soil, reducing or eliminating the need for external fertilizers.
Can healthy soil eliminate the need for fertilizers?
Yes. When fungal and microbial life is balanced, natural processes provide nutrients to plants, dramatically reducing inputs and allowing nature to do the heavy lifting.
How do mushrooms actually grow and function?
The visible mushroom is only the fruiting body. Most of the organism exists as mycelium within logs or soil, breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.
What is a simple way to start growing mushrooms?
Low-tech methods like inoculating logs, pasteurizing straw, or using simple heat sources can produce mushrooms without expensive equipment.
How can mushroom cultivation support regenerative farming?
Spent mushroom substrates and even contaminated batches can be repurposed to build soil biology, suppress pathogens, and enhance fertility.
What role does observation play in successful growing?
Careful observation of natural systems—like how fungi interact with insects, trees, and decay—reveals cultivation insights that can outperform conventional methods.
What are common failures in mushroom cultivation?
Certain species like maitake and chicken of the woods are difficult to grow on logs using standard methods. Understanding their natural ecology can unlock success.
How can farmers integrate fungi into their systems?
By using local fungi, building soil biology, and incorporating techniques like KNF and biochar inoculation, farmers can regenerate land while producing food.
Episode Highlights
Fungi and bacteria underpin all life on Earth
Mushrooms are just the “fruit”—most life is hidden as mycelium
Healthy soil biology can eliminate fertilizer needs
Low-tech mushroom growing is accessible to anyone
Contaminated mushroom bags can regenerate soil via biochar
Observation of nature led to breakthroughs in cultivation methods
Indigenous knowledge and modern science can work together
Start small, learn deeply, and scale gradually

Calls to Action & Resources
The Forest Farmacy — https://theforestfarmacy.com
Christopher's Book: The Mycelial Healer — Available via Chelsea Green Publishing
Course — Year-long mushroom cultivation program HERE
Christophers Book Recommendation -  Paul Stamets, Growing Gourmet Medicinal Mushrooms and  Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy
Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/forestfarmacy
Visit www.urbanfarm.org/ForestFarmacy for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?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 or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!

*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.

In this Episode Zach Brooks shares how he transformed a barren cotton field into the thriving Arizona Worm Farm which is now one of the largest worm composting operations in the U.S. What began as a personal experiment in sustainability evolved into a regenerative, off-grid-inspired ecosystem that converts waste into soil, food, and community education. Zach explains how worms, compost, and black soldier flies work together to rebuild soil and produce nutrient-dense food. The conversation highlights practical, scalable solutions for local food systems using simple, accessible technologies.
Our Guest:  Zach semi-retired from healthcare management at the age of 42 when his consulting company went public, and when his first of three grandchildren were born, he went back to Arizona State University to get a second master's degree in sustainability. Frustrated that most causes of climate change were not only fixable, but fixable with off the shelf practices and technology, Zach set out to prove that an off-grid lifestyle could be every bit as comfortable as a wasteful lifestyle and have a positive impact on the environment. And the most exciting thing...Zach has now built Arizona Worm Farm into one of the largest most successful worm farms in the United States.
What is the Arizona Worm Farm?
A regenerative, working farm designed to turn food waste into compost, soil fertility, and food production while educating the community on sustainable gardening practices.
How did Zach Brooks get started in worm farming?
After a career in healthcare, Zach pursued a sustainability degree and became motivated to address climate challenges using practical, existing solutions. He started by rebuilding dead soil using worms.
How large has the operation become?
The farm produces over 4.5 million worms annually, supports thousands of customers, and manages millions more worms dedicated to compost production.
What role do worms play in soil regeneration?
Worms convert organic matter into nutrient-rich castings filled with beneficial microbes that improve soil health, fertility, and plant growth.
What do the worms eat at scale?
Primarily pre-composted organic waste, including horse manure, landscape waste, and pre-consumer food scraps from caterers and food processors.
Why is local composting important?
Fresh, local compost contains active microbial life and reduces landfill waste, creating a closed-loop system that supports local food production.
What are black soldier flies and why are they important?
They are composting insects whose larvae consume waste rapidly and convert it into high-quality protein for animals, offering a sustainable alternative feed source.
What makes Arizona Worm Farm a “one-stop shop” for gardeners?
It combines education, compost, worms, plant starts, and regenerative techniques to help people successfully grow food at home.
How does the farm generate revenue beyond worms?
Through classes, compost products, plant starts, and value-added inputs like worm tea and insect-based fertilizers.
What is the long-term vision behind the farm?
To demonstrate that regenerative, self-sustaining systems can support communities using simple inputs like sunlight, water, and organic waste.
Episode Highlights
Built from a dead cotton field into a regenerative ecosystem
Scaled from 400,000 to 4.5 million worms annually
Produces 80,000 worms per week through controlled breeding
Diverts large volumes of food waste from landfills
Integrates composting, aquaponics, and food forests
Hosts highly sought-after, sold-out educational classes
Produces 400–800 lbs of insect protein weekly via black soldier flies
Demonstrates year-round food production in a desert climate

Key Topics
Arizona Worm Farm
Zach Brooks
Worm composting (vermiculture)
Black soldier fly larvae systems
Regenerative agriculture
Soil microbiology & soil food web
Composting systems (hot compost + worm compost)
Food waste diversion
Off-grid living systems
Aquaponics integration
Seasonal planting strategies
Urban farming education programs
Local food systems & backyard gardening
Sustainable protein production (insects)

Resources
Arizona Worm Farm — https://arizonawormfarm.com
Show Notes — https://urbanfarm.org/azWormFarm
Classes & Workshops — Available via website mailing list
Self-Guided Farm Tours — Visit in South Phoenix

Visit www.urbanfarm.org/AZWormFarm for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?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 or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!

*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.

In this Episode Greg and Scott explore the concept of resiliency through both human behavior and regenerative farming systems. Scott Murray shares practical strategies for adapting to stress, uncertainty, and environmental challenges while building stronger personal and agricultural systems. The conversation connects biological resilience, seen in ecosystems and farms, to everyday preparedness, food security, and mindset. Listeners walk away with six actionable ways to improve resilience in their homes, gardens, and lives.
Our Guest: Scott Murray has over 50 years of experience in organic agriculture across the U.S. and Mexico and has served as a California conservation official for 33 years. He specializes in farm creation, farmland preservation, and regenerative polyculture systems. Scott now leads pioneering research and consulting on California-grown coffee, managing multi-variety trials and agroforestry-based plantations.
Key Topics
Resiliency (human and ecological definitions)
Carrying capacity in biological systems
Regenerative farming principles
Polyculture vs monoculture systems
Water management and irrigation strategies
Soil health and biological farming
Organic vs chemical agriculture debate
Food security and home food production
Cut-and-come-again gardening method
Emergency preparedness (food, water, go-bags)
Decentralized food systems and local resilience
Mindset and mental preparedness

What is resiliency and how does it apply to daily life?
Resiliency is the ability to adapt and recover from stress, adversity, or disruption. Like a rubber band returning to its original shape, humans can build emotional, mental, and behavioral flexibility to regain balance after challenges.
How does resiliency show up in farming systems?
In agriculture, resiliency comes from designing balanced ecosystems with diversity, proper water management, and healthy soil biology. Farms that mimic natural systems are better able to withstand environmental and economic shocks.
Why is polyculture more resilient than monoculture?
Polyculture systems grow multiple crops together, creating layered ecosystems that reduce risk, improve soil health, and increase productivity. If one crop fails, others can still thrive, ensuring more stable yields.
Can organic systems produce enough food?
Yes. The belief that organic farming cannot feed the world is a misconception. With proper design and soil management, organic systems can be highly productive and sustainable.
What is “cut and come again” gardening?
It’s a harvesting method where you remove outer leaves from plants like lettuce, kale, or chard, allowing them to regrow and produce continuously over months instead of a single harvest.
How can families increase food resilience at home?
By growing even a small portion of their food, storing shelf-stable items, and building relationships with neighbors or local growers, families can buffer against disruptions in the food system.
Why is water management critical for resilient farming?
Efficient irrigation—such as shorter, more frequent watering—prevents waste, improves plant health, and reduces stress on crops, especially in drought-prone regions.
What role does mindset play in resilience?
Mental preparedness is foundational. When individuals are prepared and confident, they respond to crises with clarity rather than panic, enabling better decision-making.
Episode Highlights
Resiliency is like a rubber band—stretch, recover, return to balance
Farms of the future rely on biodiversity and natural systems
Overwatering and poor design can silently destroy farm productivity
Cutting water use in half can actually improve plant health
One ounce of wheat seed can yield a five-gallon bucket of grain
“Cut and come again” gardening extends harvests for months
Food is more valuable than gold in times of crisis
Preparedness reduces stress and increases adaptability

Resources
Urban Farm Podcast - https://www.urbanfarm.org
Edge of Urban Farm - http://edgeofurbanfarm.com
John Jeavons Urban Farm Podcast Episodes
https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/16/423-john-jeavons/
https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/02/19/424-john-jeavons/

Visit https://www.urbanfarm.org/futurefarms for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?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 or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!

*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.

A new way of looking at climate solutions with Anthony Myint
In this Episode Anthony Myint shares his journey from pioneering pop-up restaurants to leading a climate-focused nonprofit transforming agriculture. He explains why consumer choice alone doesn’t change farming systems and introduces a new model: funding regenerative agriculture directly through small, scalable contributions. Through Zero Foodprint, businesses and individuals can help finance on-the-ground practices like compost application and cover cropping. The conversation reframes “farm-to-table” into “table-to-farm,” emphasizing collective action to restore soil and climate.
Our Guest: Anthony Myint is the executive director of Zero FoodPrint, a nonprofit named one of the most innovative companies in the world by Fast Company. Zero FoodPrint leads, collaborations with state agencies, local governments, and hundreds of businesses to implement impactful and validated regenerative agriculture projects. The organization has awarded over $8 million to 600 plus farm projects
Key Topics & Entities
Zero Foodprint nonprofit model
Regenerative agriculture practices
Table-to-farm vs. farm-to-table
Restaurant industry innovation (pop-ups, Mission Chinese Food)
Climate-beneficial agriculture
Compost application and soil carbon sequestration
Cover crops and reduced soil disturbance
Grant funding for farmers (up to $25,000)
Carbon measurement and cost-effectiveness modeling
Public-private partnerships (state, local, conservation groups)
Consumer participation through 1% contributions
Collective regeneration concept
Limitations of organic market growth (1% of U.S. farmland)
Economic barriers for farmers transitioning practices

Key Questions Answered
What is regenerative agriculture?
A system focused on improving land management through practices like compost use, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock, working with nature to restore soil health and sequester carbon.
Why don’t better consumer choices alone change farming?
Because farmers operate within tight financial systems driven by loans and input costs. Paying slightly more for products doesn’t provide enough capital or reduce risk for farmers to transition practices.
What is Zero Foodprint’s solution?
A funding model where businesses and consumers contribute small amounts (often 1% of sales), which are pooled and distributed as grants to farmers implementing regenerative practices.
How does the funding reach farmers?
Farmers submit simple grant requests for specific practices. Funds are allocated based on cost-effectiveness (e.g., cost per ton of carbon sequestered) and verified by local experts.
What does “table-to-farm” mean?
Instead of just sourcing from good farms, it means sending money back to farms to actively support the transition to regenerative practices across the entire system.
How can individuals participate?
By dining at participating businesses, contributing monthly donations, or supporting campaigns that direct funds to regenerative agriculture projects.
What impact has the model achieved so far?
Over $8 million has been awarded to 600+ farm projects, funding real changes like compost application and cover cropping at scale.
What is the biggest barrier to adoption?
Even small contributions (like a penny or 1%) are still a new concept, and businesses and consumers are not yet accustomed to paying directly for climate solutions.
Episode Highlights
Anthony’s early career helped pioneer the pop-up restaurant movement, leading to Mission Chinese Food.
A turning point came after realizing organic farming still represents only ~1% of U.S. farmland after decades.
The failure of “vote with your dollar” thinking led to a new model focused on direct funding.
Zero Foodprint enables consumers to participate passively—just by eating at certain restaurants.
One restaurant group generated $650,000 for farm projects through a 1% contribution model.
A single music tour commitment created $300,000 for regenerative agriculture.
Grants are simple and accessible, taking farmers just 15–20 minutes to apply.
The long-term vision mirrors recycling and renewable energy programs—small fees funding systemic change.

Resources
Resource — Zero Foodprint Website
Donate — Support Regenerative Agriculture
Apply (Farmers) — https://www.zerofoodprint.org/apply
Visit www.urbanfarm.org/ZeroFoodPrint for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library!
Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?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 or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*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.