The Market Gardener Podcast

In this solo episode, Jean-Martin Fortier breaks down the five critical mistakes that new market gardeners make and explains how to avoid them. Addressing common traps, he advises against working seven days a week, dogmatically trying to avoid debt, and overpaying for ideal land views. He further stresses the necessity of mastering proven, standardized growing techniques instead of winging crop management. Finally, JM cautions growers against over-burdening themselves with rigid, impractical ideals such as refusing to use plastics or operating off-grid; an idealism that ultimately jeopardizes farm longevity.Timestamps [00:00] Intro [02:30] Acknowledging August burnout and supporting long-term growers[06:46] Reflecting on Eliot Coleman, cover crops, and long-term soil health[11:51] Introduction: 5 costly mistakes new farmers make[14:10] Mistake 1: The folly of working seven days a week without rest[24:02] Mistake 2: Trying to start a farm entirely debt-free[33:35] Mistake 3: Buying land your business model cannot afford[39:28] Mistake 4: Winging it instead of following proven growing practices[46:50] Mistake 5: Overburdening the farm with impractical idealismsSponsorsDubois 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 booksLinks/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 LinksJM: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