Join Cormac Harkin of Vine Permaculture with guests Lindsay Brandon and Graham Towerton from Permaculture Canada, and Jamon Mysliwiec of TIAG (The Independent American Gardener) for a lively discussion on permaculture innovations, tackling food tariffs with indoor growing, winter gardening tips, and building resilient communities. Discover how to design your homestead for success, connect with local networks, and embrace self-sufficiency!
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Cultivating Resilience: Insights from Permaculture Leaders on Community, Tariffs, and Winter Gardening
In the latest episode of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, host Cormac Harkin welcomed Lindsay Brandon and Graham Towerton of Permaculture Canada, alongside Jamon Mysliwiec from TIAG (The Independent American Gardener), for a dynamic discussion on permaculture innovations, navigating food tariffs, and fostering resilient communities. From winter gardening tips to the power of local networks, the conversation offered actionable insights for homesteaders, gardeners, and sustainability enthusiasts. Here’s a deep dive into their exchange.
1. Updates from the Permaculture Frontlines
The episode kicked off with updates from each guest, highlighting their recent projects and seasonal preparations.
Lindsay Brandon, CEO of Permaculture Canada, shared her focus on indoor growing solutions amid rising food tariffs affecting Canadian imports. She emphasized the urgency of localized food systems, particularly in regions facing harsh winters. “We’re exploring vertical farming, aeroponics, and partnerships with Tower Garden systems to ensure year-round greens,” she explained. Her team is also revamping their website and launching a refined podcast to amplify regenerative practices.
Graham Towerton, Permaculture Canada’s COO, detailed his hands-on winter projects, including installing cold frames (season-extending structures with transparent lids) and nurturing partnerships with local nurseries. He highlighted the importance of community engagement, having recently presented permaculture workshops at regional nurseries. “Connecting with local growers helps us source resilient, climate-adapted plants,” he noted.
Jamon Mysliwiec of TIAG discussed his ambitious 20,000 sq ft permaculture hub in Trenton, Missouri—a demonstration site integrating urban and rural regenerative practices. From rainwater catchment systems to converting a historic building into a community space, Jamon’s work underscores the value of “showing, not just telling” how permaculture can transform Main Streets.
2. Tackling Food Tariffs with Bioregional Resilience
A pressing topic was the recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian produce, sparking a dialogue on food sovereignty and indoor growing. Lindsay framed tariffs as a catalyst for positive change: “Crises like this push us to innovate. We’re seeing a surge in support for local farmers and indoor microgreens setups.”
The group agreed that permaculture principles—like designing for resilience and leveraging local resources—are key. Graham added, “Whether it’s tariffs or avian flu disrupting egg supplies, permaculture helps communities buffer against external shocks.” He shared how his homegrown eggs, sold at half the market rate, became a lifeline for neighbors during shortages.
Jamon tied this to TIAG’s mission: “Self-sufficiency isn’t about isolation. It’s about building networks where surplus is shared. If my peaches thrive and yours don’t, we trade—that’s community resilience.”
3. February Gardening: Pruning, Seeds, and Frost Protection
With spring approaching, the guests shared actionable tips for late-winter gardening:
- Pruning Fruit Trees: Jamon stressed the importance of pruning before bud break but cautioned against late frosts. “In the Midwest, a warm March can trick trees into budding early, only to be zapped by April frosts. Diversify varieties and prioritize cold-hardy species.”
- Seed Starting: Lindsay advised against starting seeds too early (a common pitfall). “In Canada, March is ideal for most crops. Use grow lights and aeroponic systems for robust seedlings.” Graham echoed this, showcasing his basement setup with citrus trees and aeroponic walls.
- Cold Frames & Row Covers: Cormac shared his “redneck cold frame”—a south-facing, plastic-covered setup to jumpstart greens.
4. Community Building with TIAG
Jamon elaborated on TIAG’s vision: creating self-sufficient bioregioinal communities where families thrive through shared resources. The TIAG Hub in Missouri exemplifies this, blending permaculture design with urban infrastructure. “Imagine a downtown block where every building catches rainwater, every yard grows food, and every neighbor trades surplus,” he described.
Key to this vision is mentorship. TIAG’s upcoming online platform (launching April 2024) will connect gardeners, offer courses, and foster skill-sharing. “We’re bridging the gap between tech and tradition,” Jamon said. “Automate your chicken coop’s door, but don’t forget to pet the chickens!”
5. The Rise of Local Nurseries and Biodiversity
The group championed local nurseries as pillars of resilience. Graham urged listeners to “ask nurseries where their plants are grown. Locally adapted species handle frosts and pests better.” He praised Michigan’s Hidden Haven Farm for grafting region-specific fruit trees.
Lindsay highlighted Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program, which funds community planting initiatives. She also spotlighted “native plant rescues,” where volunteers salvage plants from development sites—a practice growing in Alberta. “Why buy non-native ornamentals when you can transplant local species for free?”
6. Final Thoughts: Design with Time in Mind
In closing, the guests shared wisdom for avoiding burnout:
- Start Small: Jamon warned against “analysis paralysis.” “Design broadly, but plant one bed at a time. Learn by doing.”
- Delegate & Connect: Graham credited his productivity to collaborator Julia. “Community isn’t just about trading veggies—it’s sharing labor and accountability.”
- Celebrate Surprises: Lindsay laughed about squirrel-planted oak saplings. “Nature’s free labor force! Let wildlife be part of your design.”
Join the Movement
The episode wrapped with calls to engage:
- Explore TIAG’s community tiers at tiagcommunities.org.
- Support Permaculture Canada’s initiatives via permaculturecanada.com.
- Follow Cormac’s journey at vinepermaculture.com.
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0:00 – Introductions & Welcome
0:10 – What’s New with Lindsay (Permaculture Canada)
2:12 – Graham’s Winter Projects & Nursery Collaborations
3:47 – Jamon’s Update on TIAG’s Hub & Community Vision
11:23 – Solutions to Food Tariffs: Indoor Growing & Bioregional Resilience
18:48 – Indoor Growing Setups: Tips for Seed Starting & Vertical Farms
23:18 – February Gardening Tasks: Pruning, Seed Timing, & Cold Frames
24:07 – Orchard Management: Protecting Trees from Frost & Biodiversity
34:05 – Spotlight on TIAG: Building Self-Sufficient Communities
40:51 – Life on the Road: Permaculture Travel Stories
50:04 – Final Thoughts: Avoiding Overwhelm & Designing for Time
1:00:04 – Shoutouts & Upcoming Events (Regen Week, Florida Trips & More)
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