How to Go Beyond Organic Growing

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(March 27, 2022) It’s March in Chicago. That says it all. As I write this, the temperature hovers around freezing. Tomorrow won’t be much better. Yet, it’s spring. Hurrah! (I think.) we can And we can focus on the positive. First, Bob Benenson returns to the show to report on an early opening for a local farmers market. Second, author Emily Murphy says you can go beyond organic growing in her new book. Finally, April will be here within days. We can’t freeze forever. Can we?

We start with Bob Benenson, creator of Local Food Forum. He celebrates his one year anniversary of the publication this week. He always has interesting information about the world of healthy, sustainable and, of course, local food. For instance, he says that Chicago’s Green City Market is opening a full month earlier this year. Instead of the first Saturday in May, the vibrant near north side market will open this year on April 2. Benenson writes that just a few years ago, that decision might have been odd.

But with a rising number of local farmers building hoop houses and other indoor growing facilities to practice their own season extension, there should be a variety of greens, microgreens, and even heirloom tomatoes and new root vegetables, to supplement crops such as asparagus, ramps and rhubarb that are usually first to market here.

Additionally, he reports on the Chicago Chefs Cook for Ukraine fundraiser. Put together in about two weeks, it nonetheless raised half a million dollars for World Central Kitchen to feed Ukranians displaced by war. That’s the power of good food. Bob has much more to tell us. But he’ll have only about 20 minutes, so he’d better speak fast. Regardless, it’s great to have him back.

GROW NOW

Emily Murphy joined us in 2018 to talk about her book Grow What You Love. She’s back with a new book, GROW NOW. In her own words, Murphy describes it as a “practical manual for garden-based climate activism.” Especially if you’re a new gardener, this book will help you understand and act upon some basic tenants of sustainability. Murphy explains regenerative gardening, the carbon cycle, gardening for biodiversity and more. And, of course, what she means by going beyond organic growing.

For example, Murphy lists Regenerative Gardening Essentials:

• Step away from tilling and take a no-dig approach.
• Feed and protect soil with compost and organic mulch.
• Keep living roots in the ground with cover crops and perennials.
• Foster biodiversity by growing diversity.
• Grow organically and say no to synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
• Celebrate living things and not only do no harm but also do more good.

If you’ve listened to our show, you get it. She even allows you to measure your “NQ” or Nature Quotient. (Mine’s not too bad, fortunately.) There’s a lot more, and we’ll go through some of it today with Emily Murphy.

The Green Dispatch

Meanwhile, we’re trying out a new title for our compilation of environmental stories. I think this one is going to stick. Because I have the final say.

DNR releases details of two more Line 3 aquifer breaches – MPR News (Minnesota)

Illinois AG files suit against Marathon over crude oil spill in Cahokia Creek – KSDK.com

Big Oil in the Mackinac Straits Is a Disaster Waiting to Happen – The Nation

Chicago casino bidders down to three finalists: River West, South Loop and next to Soldier Field – Chicago Tribune

‘I don’t know how we’ll survive’: the farmers facing ruin in Maine’s ‘forever chemicals’ crisis – The Guardian

Some Chicago birds are nesting nearly a month earlier than they did more than a century ago, Field study shows – Chicago Tribune

Centennial Tree Planting Initiative – The Morton Arboretum

DuSable Lake Shore Drive Could Get Bus-Only Lanes, Tolls And More Lakefront Park Space In Proposed Overhaul – Block Club Chicago