The Beet: A Podcast For Plant Lovers

Latest Episodes:

Best Ways to Cook and Eat Mushrooms May 19, 2023

Show notes

Now that you know how to forage and grow your own mushrooms, let’s learn how to use them in the kitchen! Connect With Dr. Gordon Walker: Dr. Gordon Walker is originally from Cambridge, MA but came to California to attend UC Santa Cruz, where he got a B.S. in Biochemistry and spent his free time sailing, scuba diving, and home brewing. Inspired to study fermentation, Gordon came to UC Davis and joined Dr. Linda Bisson's laboratory to focus on the biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of yeast in wine. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2016, Gordon worked two harvests at Opus One helping to pioneer the use of novel fermentation control technology. He then returned to UC Davis to do post-doctorate work with Dr. Ron Runnebaum focused on how site specificity and elemental composition can affect fermentation behavior. Since he was a kid, Gordon has harbored a deep fascination with all things fungi; inspired by puffballs, chicken of the woods, truffles, and the microbial mishmash that produces sour beers. While living in New Zealand after finishing his PhD, Gordon took on the new hobby of mushroom foraging and started documenting his finds on Instagram. Through his social media (@FascinatedByFungi) he has reached millions around the globe, sharing the amazing diversity of colors, form, and function in the fungi kingdom. He is a renowned science communicator, published academic author, and award-winning speaker. His goal is to teach the world about mushrooms; inspiring others to take an active role in protecting nature and building a more sustainable future.

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Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

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How to Grow Mushrooms in the Garden May 18, 2023

Show notes

Growing your own mushrooms can be a delicious project, but they can also provide many other benefits to your garden! Think: pest control, improving your soil’s microbiome. Connect With Dr. Gordon Walker: Dr. Gordon Walker is originally from Cambridge, MA but came to California to attend UC Santa Cruz, where he got a B.S. in Biochemistry and spent his free time sailing, scuba diving, and home brewing. Inspired to study fermentation, Gordon came to UC Davis and joined Dr. Linda Bisson's laboratory to focus on the biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of yeast in wine. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2016, Gordon worked two harvests at Opus One helping to pioneer the use of novel fermentation control technology. He then returned to UC Davis to do post-doctorate work with Dr. Ron Runnebaum focused on how site specificity and elemental composition can affect fermentation behavior. Since he was a kid, Gordon has harbored a deep fascination with all things fungi; inspired by puffballs, chicken of the woods, truffles, and the microbial mishmash that produces sour beers. While living in New Zealand after finishing his PhD, Gordon took on the new hobby of mushroom foraging and started documenting his finds on Instagram. Through his social media (@FascinatedByFungi) he has reached millions around the globe, sharing the amazing diversity of colors, form, and function in the fungi kingdom. He is a renowned science communicator, published academic author, and award-winning speaker. His goal is to teach the world about mushrooms; inspiring others to take an active role in protecting nature and building a more sustainable future.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to Start Foraging for Mushrooms May 17, 2023

Show notes

Are you yearning to get into mushroom forging? First things first, get up and get into nature. Dr. Gordon Walker shares his tips, tricks and tools for starting your mushroom foraging journey. Connect With Dr. Gordon Walker: Dr. Gordon Walker is originally from Cambridge, MA but came to California to attend UC Santa Cruz, where he got a B.S. in Biochemistry and spent his free time sailing, scuba diving, and home brewing. Inspired to study fermentation, Gordon came to UC Davis and joined Dr. Linda Bisson's laboratory to focus on the biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of yeast in wine. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2016, Gordon worked two harvests at Opus One helping to pioneer the use of novel fermentation control technology. He then returned to UC Davis to do post-doctorate work with Dr. Ron Runnebaum focused on how site specificity and elemental composition can affect fermentation behavior. Since he was a kid, Gordon has harbored a deep fascination with all things fungi; inspired by puffballs, chicken of the woods, truffles, and the microbial mishmash that produces sour beers. While living in New Zealand after finishing his PhD, Gordon took on the new hobby of mushroom foraging and started documenting his finds on Instagram. Through his social media (@FascinatedByFungi) he has reached millions around the globe, sharing the amazing diversity of colors, form, and function in the fungi kingdom. He is a renowned science communicator, published academic author, and award-winning speaker. His goal is to teach the world about mushrooms; inspiring others to take an active role in protecting nature and building a more sustainable future.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Mycorrhizal Relationships Work May 16, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Gordon Walker and I explore how mycorrhizal relationships work. In this episode, you will gain a better understanding of the mycorrhizal relations between plants and fungi. Connect With Dr. Gordon Walker: Dr. Gordon Walker is originally from Cambridge, MA but came to California to attend UC Santa Cruz, where he got a B.S. in Biochemistry and spent his free time sailing, scuba diving, and home brewing. Inspired to study fermentation, Gordon came to UC Davis and joined Dr. Linda Bisson's laboratory to focus on the biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of yeast in wine. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2016, Gordon worked two harvests at Opus One helping to pioneer the use of novel fermentation control technology. He then returned to UC Davis to do post-doctorate work with Dr. Ron Runnebaum focused on how site specificity and elemental composition can affect fermentation behavior. Since he was a kid, Gordon has harbored a deep fascination with all things fungi; inspired by puffballs, chicken of the woods, truffles, and the microbial mishmash that produces sour beers. While living in New Zealand after finishing his PhD, Gordon took on the new hobby of mushroom foraging and started documenting his finds on Instagram. Through his social media (@FascinatedByFungi) he has reached millions around the globe, sharing the amazing diversity of colors, form, and function in the fungi kingdom. He is a renowned science communicator, published academic author, and award-winning speaker. His goal is to teach the world about mushrooms; inspiring others to take an active role in protecting nature and building a more sustainable future.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Basic Mushroom Biology Ecology May 15, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Gordon Walker, the creator behind @FascinatedByFungi, introduces us to the wild, wonderful, and mostly undiscovered world of mushrooms Connect With Dr. Gordon Walker: Dr. Gordon Walker is originally from Cambridge, MA but came to California to attend UC Santa Cruz, where he got a B.S. in Biochemistry and spent his free time sailing, scuba diving, and home brewing. Inspired to study fermentation, Gordon came to UC Davis and joined Dr. Linda Bisson's laboratory to focus on the biochemistry, genetics, and ecology of yeast in wine. After graduating with his Ph.D. in 2016, Gordon worked two harvests at Opus One helping to pioneer the use of novel fermentation control technology. He then returned to UC Davis to do post-doctorate work with Dr. Ron Runnebaum focused on how site specificity and elemental composition can affect fermentation behavior. Since he was a kid, Gordon has harbored a deep fascination with all things fungi; inspired by puffballs, chicken of the woods, truffles, and the microbial mishmash that produces sour beers. While living in New Zealand after finishing his PhD, Gordon took on the new hobby of mushroom foraging and started documenting his finds on Instagram. Through his social media (@FascinatedByFungi) he has reached millions around the globe, sharing the amazing diversity of colors, form, and function in the fungi kingdom. He is a renowned science communicator, published academic author, and award-winning speaker. His goal is to teach the world about mushrooms; inspiring others to take an active role in protecting nature and building a more sustainable future.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recycling in the Garden May 12, 2023

Show notes

Gerald doesn’t let anything go to waste! Today, we talk about some creative ways you can use your household scraps in the garden. Connect With Gerald Stratford: Overnight Twitter sensation Gerald Stratford shot to fame after his spuds went viral on social media, becoming affectionately known as the Veg King. Subsequently landing a book deal, Gerald has shot ad campaigns for fashion brands Gucci and MCQ and is a regular guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing Radish and Carrots in a Tub May 11, 2023

Show notes

Gerald Stratford has some unique way of growing the easiest vegetables- radishes and carrots. Connect With Gerald Stratford: Overnight Twitter sensation Gerald Stratford shot to fame after his spuds went viral on social media, becoming affectionately known as the Veg King. Subsequently landing a book deal, Gerald has shot ad campaigns for fashion brands Gucci and MCQ and is a regular guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Practicing Old Gardening Values May 10, 2023

Show notes

Over the years, we have lost some of the gardening techniques and practices that were so widely used in the past. Gerald shares some older methods for how he stores some of his harvests. Connect With Gerald Stratford: Overnight Twitter sensation Gerald Stratford shot to fame after his spuds went viral on social media, becoming affectionately known as the Veg King. Subsequently landing a book deal, Gerald has shot ad campaigns for fashion brands Gucci and MCQ and is a regular guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing Massive Cabbage May 09, 2023

Show notes

Gerald and I talk about the trials and tribulations of growing giant cabbages. Gerald explains some of his process for growing cabbages and shares some tips to avoid common mistakes. Connect With Gerald Stratford: Overnight Twitter sensation Gerald Stratford shot to fame after his spuds went viral on social media, becoming affectionately known as the Veg King. Subsequently landing a book deal, Gerald has shot ad campaigns for fashion brands Gucci and MCQ and is a regular guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Story of the Veg King May 08, 2023

Show notes

The Big Vegetable King, Gerald Stratford shares his story about how he and his partner, Elizabeth, began growing giant veggies and how he became a social media sensation. Connect With Gerald Stratford: Overnight Twitter sensation Gerald Stratford shot to fame after his spuds went viral on social media, becoming affectionately known as the Veg King. Subsequently landing a book deal, Gerald has shot ad campaigns for fashion brands Gucci and MCQ and is a regular guest on Steph’s Packed Lunch.

Click here to shop Birdies Garden Beds

Buy My Book My book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, is a beginners guide to growing food in small spaces, covering 6 different methods and offering rock-solid fundamental gardening knowledge:

Follow Epic Gardening

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices