The Market Gardener Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Noah East, co-owner of Wild East Farm and founder of Small Scale Revival, to explore how human-scale design, efficient systems, and clear values create a thriving small farm. We dive into Noah’s journey from managing a high-volume 8 acre vegetable farm to co-founding a mixed enterprise farm in North Carolina, examining how human-scale farming benefits both personal well-being and soil health. Noah explains how they integrate market gardening, agroforestry, and rotational livestock without overworking or scaling beyond ideal capacity. We explore their practical strategies for small-farm viability, including balancing wholesale with retail outlets and securing long-term land access through flexible leasing. Finally, we discuss the philosophy of thrift, relational agriculture, and why cultivating life outside of work is essential for long-term sustainability. Timestamps [00:00] Intro [03:10] Defining "ancestrally consistent" human-scale farming[15:00] Origins of Wild East Farm and homesteading background[17:30] Overview of the 44-acre mixed farm and livestock integration[29:00] Management roles, delegation, and preventing burnout[35:40] Systemizing micro-processes and setting work-week boundaries[42:30] Business strategy: Wholesale food hubs vs. direct retail[46:40] Financial transparency, farm earnings, and frugal living[58:10] Creative land access models and long-term lease structures[01:23:00] Applying the Wendell Berry concept of thrift to daily life[01:37:50] Relational agriculture and Small Scale Revival consulting[01:47:40] Rapid Fire: Favorite books, best advice, drums etc.SponsorsDubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply. New Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all booksJohnny’s Selected Seeds: Sign up for Johnny’s newsletter to receive the latest news, products, and more. New members get $10 off their next order of $50 or more!https://www.johnnyseeds.com/?utm_source=MGI&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Duo&utm_id=MGPLinks/ResourcesStart Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/Market Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksNoah:Website: https://www.wildeastfarm.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildeastfarm/ Website: https://www.smallscalerevival.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smallscalerevival JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Sobkowiak, permaculture educator and renowned Youtuber at The Permaculture Orchard, to explore how to design and manage holistic, diverse agricultural ecosystems. We dive deep into his guiding philosophy that “nothing beats easy,” his background in wildlife biology, and the catastrophic tent caterpillar outbreak that transformed his conventional apple orchard into a biodiversity lab. Stefan deconstructs Bill Mollison’s three phases of abundance and introduces his innovative “grocery store” design concept, explaining how grouping companion trees by harvest date completely revolutionizes the pick-your-own farm experience. The conversation highlights the powerful ecological synergies of combining perennial fruit trees with nitrogen-fixing species, annual vegetables, and pastured poultry to naturally optimize soil fertility. Finally, we discuss his playful "magic model" for farm planning, his perspective on utilizing AI as a personalized learning tutor, and how his parent’s experience during World War II instilled in him the importance of food security, resilience, and human relationships. Timestamps [00:00] Intro [05:16] Reflecting on Diego Footer and the profound early community legacy of Permaculture Voices.[08:52] "Nothing beats easy" - Choosing crops based on what grows like a weed.[15:33] The side quest from wildlife biology to landscape architecture to building functional animal habitats.[20:51] Professor Caterpillar - Surviving a catastrophic monoculture harvest and shifting to permaculture design.[30:22] Simulating a volcano: Unlocking high-yielding soil dynamics through compost and basalt rock dust.[45:31] Bill Mollison’s blueprint: Replanting a diverse layout with nitrogen-fixing guilds.[56:07] Launching a low-cost nursery. [01:08:03] Deconstructing Mollison's three phases of abundance and tracking regional seed adaptations.[01:21:25] Seasonal taste cravings and how nutrient density triggers our instinctive diet.[01:42:10] Designing the "grocery store" layout to group crops by seasonal harvest dates.[02:05:1]1 Rapid Fire Q&A: Reading Sir Albert Howard, using AI as a tutor, and generational memory.SponsorsDubois Agrinovation: Get 10% off by choosing the promo code ‘MasterClass – Jean-Martin Fortier’ when you create an account. Some exceptions apply. https://duboisag.com/Links/ResourcesStart Your Market Gardener Journey Here : https://themarketgardener.com/starthere/Market Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksStefan:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/stefansobkowiak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefansobkowiak/ Website: https://miracle.farm/ Masterclass: https://permaculture.study/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this heartfelt solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier reflects on the idea that small-scale farming is the true counterculture of today; a colorful, creative, and deeply rooted way of life that stands in contrast to mainstream consumerism and the obsession with wealth. He explores three key pillars: culture, diversity, and resiliency, highlighting how small farms foster biodiversity, preserve tradition, and offer an authentic alternative to homogenized food systems. Jean-Martin shares his personal journey and observations from farms around the world, emphasizing that these local, human-scale farms are not only feeding communities but also nurturing ecosystems. This is an uplifting, passionate tribute to the global movement of growers fighting back with resilience, creativity, and community.Timestamps[0:00] When did it become cool to get rich? Reflections on what “being cool” used to mean.[4:31] Why small-scale farming is the ultimate counterculture today.[8:06] Farms as colorful, original spaces that resist mainstream homogenization.[13:05] The farm as a lifestyle: freedom, connection, and shared struggle.[21:39] Rediscovering crate art and the creativity of early 20th-century farms.[23:11] Diversity in farming and why it's essential to human health and culture.[34:07] Small farms as key players in restoring biodiversity and rewilding.[39:28] Scaling out, not up: how a network of small farms builds resiliency and food sovereignty.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode we sit down with Jaymie Thurler of Rutabaga Ranch, whose colorful “punk rock” style meets old-school farming roots and new motherhood. Jaymie shares her journey of taking over a “left for dead” property and turning it into a beautiful thriving market garden, right in the community where she and her husband grew up. She details how her farm's success is tied to key initiatives, including a self-serve farm stand that is open seven days a week and a woodchip boiler system that heats their greenhouses for early tomato production. Jaymie reflects on raising a baby on the farm, both the joys and challenges, and how it has reshaped both her life and her leadership. Throughout, themes of community, culture, heritage, and family are highlighted in this wide-ranging and delightful conversation.Timestamps[4:11] “New rurals” vs “old school” conventional farmers[10:04] Story of Rutabaga Ranch and acquiring the farmhouse[12:12] Interconnectedness of rural life and relying on neighbors[17:25] Farm overview[20:10] The joy of working with family and building a lasting legacy[24:25] Unexpected community support for the farm stand [28:51] Self-serve farm stand breakdown [33:41] Innovative waste-wood heating system[55:08] Using “waste material” and the ecological benefits of wood chips[1:04:31] The importance of showing that farming can be fun and not “miserable”[1:10:15] Balancing a profitable farm with motherhood and quality of life[1:22:35] Profitability of early tomatoes and their role in the farm’s income[1:32:57] Is participating in local agricultural fairs “punk rock”?[1:39:44] How Jaymie got into market gardening[1:53:58] Rapid-fire Q&A including book recommendations, advice, and failuresSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastLinks/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksJaymie Thurler: Website: https://rutabaga-ranch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutabagaranch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutabagaranch JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we sit down with Angie Warner, farm manager at the Old Mill and an eighth-generation farmer. Angie shares her journey from working as a pastry chef in Montreal restaurants to growing specialty crops at the Old Mill, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning and the lessons found in mistakes. She reflects on the unique challenges of farming for a restaurant’s tasting menu, explains how radicchio is “forced” to enhance its flavor, and opens up about what it means to be the eighth generation striving to preserve her family’s land. Driven by a deep respect for the past and a commitment to a sustainable future, Angie’s mission is to make the Old Mill a lasting institution—one that reconnects people with the origins of their food for generations to come.Old Mill Restaurant: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/ Timestamps[0:00] Intro[5:47] Discussion on "forced radicchio" and other unique farming techniques. [14:11] The unique challenges of farming for a restaurant versus a market. [27:36] Generational farming, protecting agricultural land, and family history. [42:15] Learning through mistakes and continuous personal growth in farming. [53:27] Aspirations for Michelin recognition and the Old Mill's future potential. [1:07:17] Ecological soil practices and experimenting with mushroom compost. [1:14:58] Angie's inspirations and mentors in the farming world. [1:34:04] Sap analysis and foliar sprays for precise nutrient management. [1:36:55] What brings Angie the most joy in farming and her long-term vision. [1:41:47] Rapid Fire Q&A.SponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions https://info.serres-guytessier.com/en/tessier-mgi10?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Tessier+MGI+podcastNew Society Publishing: Use code market25 for 25% off all bookshttps://newsociety.com/?utm_source=The%20Market%20Gardener%20Podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Sponsorship Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksAngie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angie.warner7Old Mill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espaceoldmill/ JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier

In this episode, we welcome David McMillan back to the show, co-founder of Montreal’s famed Joe Beef restaurant, and now winemaker in the countryside of Quebec. In this wide ranging conversation, we discuss the growing industry of locally made wines, farmland access, indigenous growing practices, David’s evolving diet, cooking advice, and what it means to support “true” local agriculture and business. David advocates for small, heartfelt, chef-owned restaurants, criticizing luxury excess and corporate influence. With Michelin arriving in Quebec, he warns against the loss of local food identity. His solution? A welcoming family restaurant with affordable meals, and news of his upcoming cookbook launch in Montreal and New York.David’s new book: Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847844005/Timestamps[0:00] Intro[03:12] Winemaking & the evolution of Quebec terroir and hybrid grape varieties[09:45] Farmland access[21:05] Re-wilding on Dave’s farm[28:59] Iroquois growing practices, Oyster history of NYC, metal detecting[47:50] David’s evolving diet[57:33] Cooking advice [1:23:05] David’s new project & vision: $5-soup, accessible family bistro[1:29:47] How corporate chains are squeezing out small, soulful restaurants[1:36:51] Critique of fine dining excess and luxury obsession[1:42:08] Thoughts on the Michelin Guide - “True” local food & economy[1:54:06] Rapid Fire Q&A, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips[2:09:41] Wrapping up with his new cookbook Spilled and launch plansSponsorsTessier: Use promo code MGI10 for 10% off and free shipping on your first purchase for the Eastern North American regions Links/ResourcesMarket Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletterBlog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog Books: https://themarketgardener.com/booksGrowers & Co: https://growers.coHeirloom: https://heirloom.ag/The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/Follow UsWebsite: http://themarketgardener.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners Guest Social Media LinksDavid:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmcmillanmtl JM:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortierFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier