Seeds & Weeds Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Peggy Cornett, curator of plants at historic Monticello, to discuss her new book, Thomas Jefferson's Flowers. 
This richly illustrated book examines Jefferson’s gardening friendships in the United States and abroad, his many botanical and horticultural influences, and includes a comprehensive annotated list of the flowers documented by Jefferson throughout his lifetime.
Throughout our conversation, Peggy and I explore the history of Monticello’s flower gardens, the research required to maintain historically accurate gardens, her work as the Senior Curator of Plants, the beautiful photography and paintings included in the book and so much more.
Peggy Cornett has worked at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello since 1983, beginning as the associate director of gardens and grounds. She earned degrees in English and Botany from UNC-Chapel Hill and a master's from the University of Delaware's Longwood Graduate Program.
Visit Monticello website https://www.monticello.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TJMonticello
Monticello Farm and Garden FB group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356131388234344/
Get your own copy of Thomas Jefferson's Flowers: Historic Gardens at Monticello by Peggy Cornett https://amzn.to/3RfSa9k
Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!
www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm
www.instagram.com/small_house_farm
Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm
Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com
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Roses are far more than a symbol of love—they’re one of the most versatile plants you can grow. In this episode of the Seeds & Weeds Podcast, we explore the fascinating history of roses, how to successfully grow them, and the many ways every part of the plant can be used throughout the year. From fragrant petals and vitamin-rich rose hips to edible leaves, you’ll discover practical tips for harvesting, preserving, and using roses in the kitchen, apothecary, and around the home.
Special guest Janice Cox, author of Beautiful Roses, joins the conversation to share expert growing advice, the symbolism behind different rose colors, and dozens of creative recipes and botanical crafts—from rose water and herbal skincare to syrups, bath salts, natural dyes, wreaths, and more. Whether you’re a gardener, herbalist, or simply captivated by the beauty of roses, this episode is filled with inspiration to help you appreciate one of the world’s most beloved flowers in an entirely new way.
Purchase Beautiful Roses by Janice Cox: https://store.motherearthnews.com/products/beautiful-roses
Rose Identification Database: https://www.helpmefind.com/
Liz Fulcher’s interview about Herbal Hydrosols https://seedsandweedspodcast.com/herbal-hydrosols-liz-fulcher-mint-kitchen-apothecary/
Get a Summer Herb Box with a Rose Trading Card: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/seasonal-herb-gift-box/
Shop Small House, Rose Face Mask: https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product/terre-de-rose-claymask/
Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!
www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm
www.instagram.com/small_house_farm
Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm
Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com
Support the show

We recently caught up with Sidnye and Savannah, publishers of Truly Crunchy Magazine and two sisters that are passionate about health, wellness, and everything in between.    
Truly Crunchy Magazine is one of the fastest growing wellness magazines focused on healthy holistic living. Learn more about the magazine and subscribe at https://trulycrunchy.com/
Tune in to hear more about  Sidnye and Savannah's work, their magazine, and what it means to be Truly Crunchy.
Follow Small House Farm on FB and IG for more fun!
www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm
www.instagram.com/small_house_farm
Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm
Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com
Support the show

In this special on-the-road episode of the Seeds & Weeds Podcast, we share conversations recorded live at the Homestead Festival in Tennessee. 
We explored the real-world challenges faced by beginning and aspiring homesteaders and then sat down with experienced experts to help answer those questions.
You'll hear practical advice from homesteading personalities including Ruth Ann Zimmerman, Kaylee Richardson, Patty Ward, and Susan Wiley as they tackle common concerns such as:
Where to start without becoming overwhelmed
Homesteading successfully on a small property
Sorting through conflicting advice from books, social media, and the internet
Building meaningful community and finding mentors
Setting realistic goals and growing skills one step at a time
Along the way, we also share updates from Small House Farm, including an incredible strawberry harvest, early-season tomatoes, summer foraging adventures, and a behind-the-scenes look at our rose-themed Summer Herb Box. 
Learn more about The Homestead Festival on their website: www.thehomesteadfestival.com
Watch Bevin's full presentation, How to Press Oils @ Home, from the Homestead Festival here: youtu.be/hV-mPQHjm_I?si=kUFA2GcICj-DdJle
Homesteading with the Zimmermans YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@Ruthannzimm
Kaylee Richardson's, The Honeystead: thehoneystead.com
Patty Ward's Sow Right Seeds: sowrightseeds.com
Susan Wiley's There Was a Garden: www.therewasagarden.com
Whether you're just beginning your homesteading journey or looking for encouragement to keep growing, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration from people who have been there before.
Follow Small House on FB and IG for more fun!
www.facebook.com/SmallHouseFarm
www.instagram.com/small_house_farm
Join our Patreon community for exclusive content and Seasonal Herb Boxes: www.patreon.com/smallhousefarm
Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com
Support the show

We dig into the world of direct sow gardening and share our favorite tips for growing a thriving garden straight from seed. We talk about the benefits and challenges of direct sowing, our favorite cool and warm season crops, and practical techniques for timing, spacing, watering, and improving germination success. 
In this episode you will learn: 
What direct sowing is and why it’s great for beginner gardeners 
 The benefits and challenges of planting seeds directly in the garden 
 Which cool season crops are best for direct sowing 
 Which warm weather crops thrive when direct seeded 
 Why some plants dislike transplanting and grow better from seed outdoors 
 How soil temperature affects seed germination and plant success 
 Why frost dates are only a guideline — and what to pay attention to instead 
 Tips for timing your planting based on your own garden conditions 
 Proper seed planting depth and spacing techniques 
 Why thinning seedlings is important and how to use the sprouts 
 How to keep seed beds moist for better germination rates 
 Using mulch to conserve moisture and protect young seedlings 
 Easy beginner-friendly crops to start direct sowing with 
 Simple tricks for improving germination and garden success 
 Real-life gardening experiences from our spring season at Small House Farm
More gardening advice can be found in Bevin's books, Herbs in Every Season, Grow Great Vegetables, and Saving Our Seeds. Shop all books at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/product-category/books/
Shop Small House Heirloom and Organic Seed Collection at https://www.smallhousefarm.com/seed-collection/
Support for the Seeds & Weeds Podcast comes from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company which invites you to the National Heirloom Expo in Mansfield Missouri September 27 and 28. The Expo has been called the World’s Fair of Pure Food, with music, food, fun, garden experts from around the world and the wildest flowers, fruits, and vegetables you’ve ever seen. Learn more at Rareseeds.com
Support the show