How to Deal With Leftover Vegetables + We Need to Forget about Mars

[@notillgrowers]

Friends, I meant “abandon” in the metaphorical sense (IE to stop caring about it)-not a great choice of words. I have never heard anyone suggest we leave earth behind entirely, that would be extra bananas. That’s on me for not being clear. And my editor for not existing. Anyway, more later. Thanks.

[@josephstiles-2447]

We definitely don't need to go to Mars, but I can think of a few people we should send there. 🙂 We have so much work to do here. 🌎

[@zaria5785]

Thanks Jesse for remembering us on the West Coast. I’m a little south of S.F. and the atmospheric river reached us today. It’s been raining for 5 hours straight and the rain droplets are huge and packing a lot of moisture. It had been unseasonably warm and windy 48 hrs before , like in the mid 60’s. We are due for 4 more hours before we get any reprieve. Earlier I went to cleanup leaf debris for 15 minutes and noticed it sprinkling, as the storm had just made its way down to us, but all that to say both layers of my shirts were soaked . I’m so glad I increased the size of my compost bins this year to help keep all that garden debris and create a sponge for the water running off my rooftop. In winter of 2023 I captured over 5,000 gallons of rainwater and diverted it to greenscapes outside of my yard. I was NOT as prepared then as I am now. And of course with all of the side streets flooding and the creek beds at its peak the critters and insects were coming indoors to live with us as well. Hahaha. I’ve spent the last 4-5 months resealing the cracks and holes of our home as much of the wall insulation or lack there of has been compromised or damaged since our renovation 12 years ago . And all of the hard work has quite literally paid off in the sense that it has kept me comfortably dry in today’s storm. Prayers to those who are struggling.

[@gabrielag9846]

I work at a food bank. We love our farmer donors! Sourcing and distributing fresh produce is a huge challenge for us.

[@emkn1479]

@@gabrielag9846 I’ve heard a lot about Ample Harvest…is that actually helpful and does it bring in good produce?

[@awesomegardens]

You are completely right about Mars. Do what you can here, our Earth, nurture Nature here and Now. Your farm is beautiful, we need more farms Here. Let's Go. Let's Grow !

[@TheoCollett]

i agree 100% with your take on mars and it was phrased in the most eloquent way. good on you.

[@paulsims6888]

Thankyou for being honest about the Mars endeavor. I enjoy listening to your opinion about everything.

[@goatsofwar7181]

Most people dont know exactly how hard I have to try to digest growing information. I read and studied for years. It all sounded so expensive and unrealistic and complicated. It was not until I studied the human gut and microbiome that I was able to actually apply the information in a practical way. soil works a lot like our guts.

[@PR.Hobbit]

Absolutely agree about mars -- space sex is just stupid and the biggest distraction along with earth spinning at a 1000 miles/hour. I have your book now -- great reference material ... thank you for your authorship!!!

[@lilygonzales905]

Yout thoughts about MArs are brilliant. Thank you Jesse!

[@johnrosier1686]

We finally had a killer frost and snow early Thursday morning so we picked what was left in the garden on Wednesday and we will enjoy those leftovers until they either run out or go bad. On the Mars side of things- about 30 years ago a local rock band by the name of Busker Soundcheck put out a song called to “Trip to Mars” where they say they are leaving here to go to where there is basically nothing. In 30 years not much has changed on Mars but for some reason people are drawn to the idea even more today. Keep up the good work, I am enjoying the daily podcasts, and have a great weekend!

[@TheJohan167]

Even though most of us shouldn’t focus on Mars, it means spending very little resources on something that can be inspiring to a lot of people. Historically Space has been something great for the environmental movement, seeing our blue planet from out there. Not because it will fail but because how difficult farming over there will be, we will learn a lot for here!

[@trishapomeroy9251]

I'm subscribed and haven't been seeing your new posts for a really long time! Silly YT algorithm or whatever. I'm so glad to see you again! I totally agree with your comments about Mars. Let's work at fixing this glorious planet we have!! In regard to leftover produce, we just started our small market garden a couple years ago. We have leftovers occasionally, but I also am a homesteader and have chickens, cows, and pigs. Nothing is EVER wasted on a homestead. If it can't be eaten by people, it will get eaten by a critter and their waste feeds my compost pile. It's a beautiful cycle.

[@emkn1479]

1000% agree about Mars. Use the money to care for the earth and the people on it. Egos are tied up in this🙄

[@SnowflakeFarm]

I love your videos! I get where you're coming from on Mars because we have a lot of stuff that needs fixing now if we're going to keep this floating space rock habitable for generations to come. That said, while I'm definitely boots on the ground trying to keep the planet livable for my grandkids, someone should be thinking about the next 3000 generations of grandkids or roughly a million years or so. The list of things that can cause humanity's extinction is growing rapidly as we expand our knowledge of the universe. So, to borrow the best farming metaphor ever, the more baskets we have our eggs in, the more likely we are to survive.

[@brokenmeats5928]

I love ALL No-Till Growers videos!

[@carlinagrey8592]

Thank You Jesse! on that mars bit... it was very gracefully and eloquently put. I find great solace knowing there is another human that feels same way that I do. PHEw makes me feel weirdly normal is a small oxymoronic way I will be able to repeat and reference your presentation and framing of that information in such a palatable way for others. I admit I have become a self-proclaimed radical speciest (yes I made that up) and just so happens there is only one species on this plant I have a problem with, happens to be my own. Humans..... right?! bless our hearts earth rocks! you are an amazing influence and resource buddy... keep up the good work your a daily part of my work day now sending major mojo your way

[@stephown5374]

Reduction in bugs being hit by cars has a lot to do with their habitat being lost and pesticide use. Great conversation topics.

[@QuantumLeap11]

Totally agree with Mars being us trying to just ignore problems of Earth and move on. However, I do think studying how to grow plants there will inevitably give us more insight and understanding on how plants grow on Earth. Especially to really hammer home the importance of soil biology in the support of plant growth.

[@tonywilliams6037]

Great comments on Mars - and the power of nature to heal itself here on earth. Agree with the snacking while you grow 😂.

[@ThinkLittleFarm]

Couldn't agree more RE Mars. A little more care for our own planet and a few fewer billions aimed at colonizing a dead rock, please.

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

Wise message 😀

[@ausfoodgarden]

Hey, the Mars thing is fine. What all governments should do is stop funding or supporting wars and spend that money on making the world a better place. I know, it'll never happen. But that would make the massive change we need if future generations are not going to struggle.

[@ThinkLittleFarm]

@ also agree with this.

[@carneliancaryatid]

Per usual with opposition to expanding human life into the solar system, you have no idea what you're talking about.

[@roweyurboat573]

I'd argue that Musk's Mars mission is a vastly more productive endeavor than what he's been focusing his time on lately 😂

[@theunprofessionallurker]

Being from SD, it's not nearly what it was 25 years ago. You HAD to clean your windshield regularly, now you can get by without most times. I feel lucky to see a single lightening bug in my yard during the summer; there used to be swarms.

[@myggggeneration]

Finally back after one week of no power near Seattle. and even longer without internet..... I loved the anti-Mars rant! And raw kale is good in green smoothies (

[@MarkDurbin]

Agree 100% on Mars :( Thanks for the video!

[@theoraclesisl330]

Going to Mars is not about the destination but rather the technologies discovered along the journey.

[@ChristinaHanshew]

Amen on the Mars commentary ❤

[@billmanj1979]

In regards to left over produce, do you chop or some how pulverize before putting into the compost?

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job.

[@dawnlemieux3877]

I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion on Mars. With so many people in need on our planet all that money could be spent better improving our planet and feeding and caring for the needy.

[@slipperyorca8092]

Hey Jesse, I wanted to reply to your comment about Mars. I agree that the Earth should be our focus, but I don't believe it is a binary one or the other. A lot of really amazing things comes from space exploration and it pushes our species further. I do not believe we should view Mars as an option for life any time soon and it should not be an answer for the oncoming ecological disasters due to climate change. Enjoy your weekend!

[@theoraclesisl330]

I, too, live in the same zone as Farmer Jesse, and I wanted to speak to companion planting. My experience with trying to use companion planting in a personal garden and living in the weed capital of the world was that my garden was quickly overtaken by weeds when I was starting to build my garden and the companions I planted alongside and in-between my veggies were choked out along with my veggies😅 So, because necessity is the mother of invention, I started to speak kindly to the weeds that were "friendly" to their growing partners and removed the more aggressive weeds to their new home in the compost pile. Two things I've learned; 1.) putting aggressive weeds into the compost pile is a great way to plant more weeds when spreading compost, especially when you're doing absolutely everything by yourself, you're 60 yrs old, and turning the compost is just not a priority. 2.) Weeds that can be removed easily and/or have only one stem and spread out on areas not planted with veggies to shade out other vicious weeds, well, I call them companion weeds 😅 and I leave them to be pulled when I have time, need the bed, or to place in the compost,...because, I'm ok with letting them come right back. In other words, a gentle weed can be a good companion planting for the farmer that has only limited back strength to pull weeds, and is willing to choose the hill to die on when battling every weed known to mankind. There is one type of weed that kinda creeps low to the ground, has only one stem, and has a pink, granular, seedy, pink bloom,....I have no idea what it is, but, I love that weed,....it shades out everything! This year I had one bed that I didn't need. So, since I had no time to plant it or maintain a crop in it, I just let my favorite companion weed take over and only pulled to bad guys. That pretty little weed took me all of 30 minutes to clip at the base of the stem and plant my rye back in September....it's a keeper weed!

[@JohnJude-dp6ed]

Noticed my canolope spreading 18 ft in every direction but along a 12 ft patch of beets and not one vine of the canolope cross thew the row of beet.

[@mococlimbing]

Never a bug to be clean from the car.... so painful. And this is the pirynees , but yes there are lots in the mountains and in the fields

[@alexkunnen]

Mars segment makes me think of some of my favorite King Gizzard songs Planet B and Mars for the Rich

[@NicholeElizabeth]

Yessssss re: Mars! We need to stop wasting money, time and energy on this ridiculous pursuit. We need to invest in what we have. It already has all the things! We just need to stop abusing it!

[@ajb.822]

On un-sold produce : If you don't have your own livestock, check with neighbors &/or community, using local social media groups or a bulletin board to help find them. In some towns near us, bulletin boards can be found at gas stations, libraries and food co-ops. I, for one, peruse em. Btw, besides the usual chickens or pigs, cattle also will eat most veg and fruit and idk of any that they shouldn't... . If you grow OG-ly, there is prob. a homesteader out there who'd love to take your waste crops for an affordable price or trade. Could be great if you eat but don't raise own eggs or meat. Or, maybe a local worm farm/raiser or compost maker, esp. if you don't want or have a good spot to do those things yourself. While you maybe can't advertise this for reasons such as incentivizing customers to wait to buy til half price.. you could fig. out a way to get word out to ppl like me, who can't afford much at regular market prices. I like supplement what I grow myself but currently just go without, yet would be interested in discounted &/or bulk deals for putting up food for winter, or just giving us some more variety some weeks. Needs to be easy to find out about... not having to be the one to approach the producer with a potentially offensive or at least embarrassing ( for me) question on if they have any such to offer after market. Maybe even just your contact info listed at your booth with a hint at these and that one need not feel un-easy about Qs.. ?

[@victorykicksass]

Hi Jesse, could you please do an explainer of the pros and cons of soils vs hydroponic growing? I have some restaurant customers receiving samples from a new hydroponic start up and am trying to find info to educate them to the benefits of agroecological growing. Cheers, loving all the shows!

[@davidakerlund6296]

Ive lived on the same hill { different parts but same square mile} for 30 years, when i was a kid we had butterflies and moths non stop to the point of it being annoying. Now when i see a butterfly or moth its like reporting a ufo that no one believes

[@st-qp4mr]

One thing no one talks about is the avg temp on mars is -80° f so no matter where u go at some point during the night or day ur going to feel -80 on mars..it's not habitable...as soon as the heater goes out everyone up there has 8 mins before they freeze to death...fun times!

[@tomandtinadixon]

Bugs don't seem to be diminished much, if at all, in Saskatchewan. Breadbasket of Canada, so plenty of chemical controls here.

[@HeatherNaturaly]

Perhaps with 'companion planting' it's really about what the micro-biome, that prefer those 2 plants, bring to the party. I'm learning we are not supposed to be feeding the plants. We are supposed to be feeding the soil/soil microbes, that will in turn feed the plants.

[@gardenturkey]

Really love your podcasts ! thanks for all your time, I agree for Mars , if the same ressources where givin to " saving earth" we would be thriving now. going to mars is great for a step in humain kind, but if we do the same think there than here ?? no reason to bother going anywhere.. GRETAESTE SNACK ? DEadly chilies that look appetizing ...

[@SamiJ1508]

Using a mix of crops for your cover crops is good but in terms of companion planting for crops the reason to do it is to maximize your space. The ecological benefits are minimal at best. It's about maximizing space for profit

[@deannewilliams3321]

I put 2 ft chicken wire around my gardens to keep the chickens out. Year 3 and the chickens haven’t gone over the fence yet. They love the garden without the fence though 😏

[@doinacampean9132]

Meanwhile in Canada, we have record number of bugs that would normally get wiped out by the cold of the winter.

[@nancyseery2213]

My left over veggies and eggs go to the Salvation Army or if not 100% they go into the compost pile or to the chickens.

[@SarahK-d6o]

I'm not going to Mars...crazy. I think its cool to learn about it but let's fix our mess here

[@steveandtedssmallspacegard8587]

Have you tried eating just the. Kale leaves and feeding the stems to your dog they love the consisty of the stems and you get the health benefits of the kale ..... Ruf ruf bark ruf

[@D0praise]

Our ‘87 Land Cruiser is about as aerodynamic as a modern 4 Runner. The Runner is never covered with bugs like Marge the Barge would get

[@kirstypollock6811]

There's a whole book that goes into extreme detail on how impossible the Mars stuff is. "A City on Mars". The radiation alone is almost-certainly a deal breaker. People don't seem to take that in. As a HUGE sci fi fan and geek, it's makes me sad of course, but that's reality. Yeah, send instruments, robots, hell, maybe even people (past middle age who are prepared to probably die). But don't strip this entirely livable planet to do so. Sure, multibillionaires can spend their money how they like. It's just sad how most of them choose to.

[@gailgarrison2585]

If we are talking declines, what about tortillas used to be moldy after 3 days. Likewise other food. What is going on?

[@brentonwalters]

On Vancouver Island we got hit with a "bomb cyclone".

[@eduardodebus]

The thing about mars isn't just about caring the abundance of the planet, from the view point of a farmer i can understand that seems that. There is quite a few things that can "erase" man kind like asteroids, vulcanos, crazy dictators... So having a backup is a good thing, dont need to be mars, a self suficient base on the moon/space station wold be ok ;)

[@goatsofwar7181]

I have been beat down for saying that we need to evolve into an environment.

[@bobg5362]

Mars is a stepping stone to stars. A permanent human colony on Mars, exponentially reduces the chances of an extinction-level event wiping out humanity. Future, permanent colonies on multiple, habitable planets all but eliminates the chances of an extinction event-level wiping out humanity.

[@Cherryparfait41]

I too find Mars unnecessary to force sustainable life on, or to visit, literally anything besidest looking at it from ‘this’ beautiful, diverse and fulfilling planet.

[@ClaireRousseau]

Absolutely on point about Mars! We know how to save Earth, but billionaires stick their fingers in their ears, go "lalala rocket to maaaars" and carry on not helping with the climate crisis >.< I would highly recommend the book City on Mars by Kelly & Zach Wienersmith, it explores all the reasons space settlement is much further off than its fans like to claim, and it is Very Nerdy!!

[@joshuapreusser2265]

Trying to turn Mars into a garden or a highly agricultural planet would seem to be a stretch - using either Mars or orbital space to relocate industries & population centers that aren't heavily reliant on (or are even destructive to) the ecosystem would make more sense. IMHO continuing to pave over arable land for housing (even high density housing), retail, and industrial complexes isn't going to end well in the long term.

[@MK-ti2oo]

I agree. Traditional cemeteries as well. We can only turn so much land into spaces for corpses to sit in concrete and lead boxes for eternity. It boggles my mind that this burial style is still happening. Our bodies weren't meant to take up space on the planet in perpetuity.

[@kirstypollock6811]

​@@MK-ti2ooagree. It is a religious thing, no? All my Protestant relations get cremated but my Catholic ones buried. But I'm not religious, so I absolutely don't know if that's just the UK or at all about all the other religions in the world. My sister and I checked decades ago that the existing plot where my mother's parents are buried has room for her. Because even then, it was getting near-impossible to get room. Bodies are a health hazard, so they do need to be thoughtfully dealt with. Personally, I enjoy the fact that I'll get recycled by nature to build more life!

[@SusanSamuels-t6k]

re Mars...AMEN

[@Haystacktn]

Bugs have evolved to dodge vehicles little known fact

[@braptdl1483]

Raw kale is pretty much fresh cud

[@johnreed9214]

With the Mars thing, I think you’re missing the point of going to Mars is not to abandon earth, but to have a back up plan for if something from space was to destroy our planet we would have a back up to recolonize later, basically using Mars as a Noah’s Ark

[@notillgrowers]

Yes, of course. I’ll address it (probably Friday) but I meant “abandon” in the metaphorical sense (IE to stop caring about it)-not a great choice of words. I have never heard anyone suggest we leave earth behind entirely, that would be extra bananas. That’s on me for not being clear. And my editor for not existing. Anyway, more later. Thanks.

[@Lamarth1]

Regarding Mars, it was easily possible to say the same about the New World. Why go there when there was so much more to be done in Europe? Now that the pioneers have tamed it, you wouldn't want to leave it and return to Europe. Cue the same remark made on Mars about not leaving the Solar System in the 23rd century.

[@paxtianodirtfrog8947]

Photosynthesis for President!

[@rhondagentry2170]

The first government program that Musk should eliminate is SpaceX Mars endeavors.

[@johncarter1150]

LOL, EM should be the first to take the long ride on that big rocket to Mars!

[@rhondagentry2170]

💯​@@johncarter1150

[@johncarter1150]

Red hat wearers also get free admission. LOL

[@gcc2313]

Theyd rather squeeze out the bottom than bother the top.

[@stevehague9820]

There are many habitable planets in our galaxy, but Earth is the only habitable planet in our solar system. I try to think of Mars as a trial run for things to come.

[@ironmaiden3751]

Imagine the possibilities if billions of 'mars money' were put into research, teaching today's farmer how to plant permaculturally (my new word for today) and then subsidizing them for applying a growing method which improved the soil instead of depleting it. Imagine.

[@The_Argent]

One meteor/ rogue comet and people won't be around to appreciate anything ever again. Becoming multiplanetary is extinction insurance.

[@timhammond4522]

I agree that every dollar that goes into getting people to Mars should be spent on keeping earth habitable. However, since those of us who want to save the earth are in the minority and the majority of the human population is determined to drive earth to extinction so they can put a few more dollars in their pocket, the idea of having even a crappy backup makes a little bit of sense.

[@MartinaSchoppe]

The idea of going to mars makes me so angry. What a waste of resources...

[@johncarter1150]

No one talks about raising rabbits? Best meat of all, quiet easy to manage and reproductive with resulting super fertilizer. Mars the beautiful cold red dead planet

[@aileensmith3062]

Agree and rabbits should be a no brainer to those with small and limited space and larger. Pound per pound it is hard to beat a rabbit and the manure they produce is outstanding!

[@lksf9820]

Nobody wants to eat rabbits, big problem.

[@aileensmith3062]

@@lksf9820 Appears that we are part of the nobody's. We eat rabbit and share it with others. So a few nobody's out there!

[@ThinkLittleFarm]

but guys, let's not forget that Matt Damon grew potatoes on Mars. Soooo....

[@rondavis2791]

What do you think about humanure.

[@jeremynicoletti9060]

While I agree with your assessment about the relevance of colonizing Mars I think the research that goes into figuring out how to grow on another planet could improve farming here, too. So I'm not too worried about it. Let Elon go to Mars if he wants.

[@tracytaylor9346]

I think you are both correct and also incorrect about Mars. We do need to focus on being caretakers of our own planet. But also, we need to entertain our imaginations and aim for higher goals. The beautiful thing about humanity is that we can do both. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. You do what you do so well, Jesse. Let Elon do what Elon does so well. And have faith that God is in charge. Anyway, that's my opinion.

[@williamcurry185]

Ok. Yes we should fix what we have before worrying about a new planet. However, I do like having insurance. I believe humanity is capable of anything…including cracking this planet in half like a cashew, or making it to the stars. That aside, are you not even a little curious how a tomato from earth and a tomato from mars would compare? (Provided it had a biome that could be grown in the near future.) Or hey, what if we found out wagyu beef quality is better in slightly lower gravity? Or perhaps something that’s actually more plausible…What if mars had water underground that has its own ecosystem in it totally closed off? (Like thermal vents on our planet at the bottom of the ocean) None of that would interest you? Personally I would want to know what a Martian King Crab equivalent would taste like :D

[@DanielA-x9f]

Your comment on Mars is incredibly myopic. I agree that we can’t/shouldn’t just move from one planet to the next leaving earth and or other planets a barren wasteland. However if the human race is to survive long term we must reach for the stars. Mars is not a solution it is a stepping stone, one of many that we need to take to ensure survival long term. We should learn to go farther and be better at the same time. There is no reason we can’t reach for the stars and continue to learn to be better with our current home. At some point earth will no longer support life either by our hand or natural event. If we don’t move on we won’t survive. If we don’t learn to be better with this planet we don’t deserve to move on. Thanks for doing what you do. I always enjoy your content even when I disagree with you.

[@blankenmom]

I disagree about Mars. There have always been adventurers looking to tame the seas and stars. And often in that pursuit have given us better technology for Earth. I 1000% want to preserve Earth - she is the best planet after all. I also want to see us achieve getting to other planets and furthering our abilities. Imagine if our ancestors had said "This village is perfect. Why leave?" As for the spending - I don't think governments should spend money on it. I think it should be private companies and donations. Elon spending his money the way he wants is his business. Literally and figuratively. Why does it have to be black or white? Why not multicolored, sprinkled with imagination and adventure!

[@theoraclesisl330]

Exactly!! Well said!

[@SlearBlaneheart]

I'm first! Drink a pint of IPA!

[@johncarter1150]

Seems you started a wee bit early!

[@SlearBlaneheart]

@johncarter1150 the deep state put me up to it

[@johncarter1150]

Let me know if you encounter the deep fake party and party on Garth!

[@kennysilver9769]

Plants yes, Mars no. Mankind shows it's futile thoughts and activities.

[@bradliston8990]

I only support space ex in their Mars missions with hopes that they blast Elon to Mars on the first mission. That'd be nice.

[@moodulated]

A Mars colony isn't about abandoning earth but ensuring we have a backup that can reseed earth when the earth is hit by something cataclysmic.

[@doowroh]

That the truth about Mars but Elon also thinks Earth isn't over-populated.

[@reno_death]

Complaining about Mars is like complaining about people making movies/video games. Human development is not zero sum. Mars research is not taking away from anything else. Then to think that getting to Mars is so we can abandon Earth is just asinine. Nobody says that except for detractors. People just don't like Musk so they find reasons to criticize his work. It's a childish way to approach complex topics.

[@later_daze_4080]

My comment saying "send the billionaires to Mars and leave earth to rest of us" was worthy of being deleted? Pretty lame. Glad I send you 5 bucks a month to have a completely non-issue comment deleted. Reading other's commenting about Mars mine hardly seemed inappropriate.

[@notillgrowers]

We don’t delete comments friend

[@later_daze_4080]

@@notillgrowers i must of just fathomed it up...

[@carneliancaryatid]

I tune in to hear you discuss something om which you're an expert (farming). When you become an expert on space science, then I might listen to you. You're welcome to your opinion, however uninformed, but having an opinion doesn't make you right.

[@theoraclesisl330]

My favorite guru, Sadhguru, has posed the question: What if we are living in Heaven while making a hell of it? Sadhguru has a mission to "Save Soil" in India and around the world through Isha foundation. It's a really cool organization and very effective in turning dessert areas in India, back to fertile lands. They are worth the read or to listen to on KZbin But, yeah, researching the technology TO GO to Mars is still really cool to think of and dream about the Jetson's car with Astro hanging his head out the window.