Issue #196. JANUARY 2024.

Big Thing #3

Today is the day where I share with you this third and final BIG THING. It gives me goosebumps writing this newsletter because I'm so excited to see the response to this new service.

Just to fill you in, the last two weeks I've shared two other big things with y'all to help get you ready for the spring season (which isn't too far away, might I add...)

BIG THING #1: A free, fun, shareable quiz to help you find What Food You Should Grow at Home.​

BIG THING #2: Six S's to Success - A Masterclass for Small Space Food Growing

Read more about the Masterclass & Join the Waitlist

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The Patio Farmer is here for YOU!

​Want to start tomatoes from seed with confidence? Consider joining Plant Club by The Patio Farmer in February to learn all about growing tomatoes inside.

​Catch me on TV! Earlier this month, I popped on to WBTV's QC Life for a quick morning segment talking all about freezing temperatures and our plants!

​Schedule a Consultation for Spring. All January Consultation spots have been taken - woo! Be sure to check my calendar for February if you want to schedule time to plan your growing space before spring arrives.

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The Forecast:

Below is a list of what can be planted now in the greater Charlotte area / USDA ag zone 8a - and as long as the soil ain't frozen!

Seeds: Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant (inside), Cover Crops

Seedlings: Fruit Trees / Plants (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries strawberries, and more!), Perennial Herbs (rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, mints, chives, and more!)

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Episode 19:

Meet the Plant Families

Fabaceae

In today's episode, we are going to learn all about the Fabaceae plant family or the bean family. This is episode four out of five of the Meet the Plant Families mini series.

We're going to focus on one main member of this plant family in today's episode, peas! AND we're also going to talk about vertical space -- a great practice for maximizing your space, especially if you have a small space to be growing food.

As you listen, be sure to download, like, rate, subscribe, follow, review, comment, etc., or just pass along the link to my little pod. The more people know about it, the more I can help others in their food growing journeys.

Listen to The Growing Space Podcast Wherever You Get Your Podcasts

Listen to The Growing Space Podcast on YouTube

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Here's Big Thing #3

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An exclusive first access to newsletter subscribers (that's you)

Introducing...

7 months (March - September) of growing guidance, expert services, and educational resources to walk together through the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons

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PREMIERE PRACTICE by The Patio Farmer includes the following services,

• 1-on-1 Coaching Services
  • ​Weekly visits to your growing space from Farmer Erin (each visit will last up to 45 minutes)
  • Summary notes of each visit posted to the client portal with harvest recommendations, and any recommendations for maintenance between visits
  • Tracking milestones throughout the seasons as we grow, and celebrating them!
• $100 non-refundable credit towards products and supplies ($700 value over the course of the contract)
• Membership to Plant Club by The Patio Farmer at the KNOW level ($203 value over the course of the contract)
• GROWTH: 52 weeks of intentions, reminders, and advice for growing food at home ($35 value)

As a top-tier service, PREMIERE PRACTICE has limited availability.

The first cohort is open to a maximum of FIVE individuals in the following zip codes - 28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28210, 28211, 28226, 28270, 28277, 28105, 28078.

PREMIERE PRACTICE is a contracted service provided at a rate of $599 / month or $3,894 prepaid for 7 months of service. When you pre-pay, you receive half off your first month of service.

Use the link below to submit an application to PREMIERE PRACTICE. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until spots are filled for the 2024 cohort.

Following application approval, The Patio Farmer will schedule a call to discuss next steps for the program. Applications received after available slots are filled will be automatically added to the waitlist for the next PREMIERE PRACTICE cohort.

Find more information in the FAQ section below!

Apply for PREMIERE PRACTICE

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does the program last 7 months?

PREMIERE PRACTICE runs from March through September so The Patio Farmer can support coaching clients through the three main growing seasons for zone 8a (Charlotte, NC). In March and April we will plan, plant, grow, and harvest spring vegetables together. In May, June, and July we will plan, plant, grow, and harvest summer vegetables together. In August and September, we will plan, plant, and grow fall vegetables together. Fall vegetables can generally be harvested through the new year!

What services does The Patio Farmer provide during weekly visits?

Visits can include Consultations, Seasonal Installations / Plantings, Watering, Pest Inspections, Pest Treatments, Disease Inspections, Disease Treatments, Trellising, Pruning, Harvesting, Feeding, Weeding, and Plant Removal (only edible plants). The Patio Farmer is here to help your food growing space thrive! The Patio Farmer works exclusively with edible plants, with a few exceptions.

Do I need to be home for each weekly visit?

Nope! As long as your growing space is accessible without special entry requirements (or these can be provided to The Patio Farmer), you do not need to be home at the time of service.

Can I participate in weekly visits?

Yes! Ideally one, and up to two, visits each month will be scheduled where we work together to maintain your space. The first visit is usually a Consultation to go over your goals for the seasons, what you want to grow, etc. It is recommended that each seasonal planting / installation visit be done together as well.

Will you send me notes after a visit?

Yes! Upon completion of each visit, The Patio Farmer will send a summary of tasks completed, notes, and any recommendations for next steps.

What days will visits be scheduled?

Generally, weekly visits will be scheduled on Tuesdays or Wednesdays within a 3-hour window such as 8 - 11am, 11am - 2pm, 2pm - 5pm or 5pm - 8pm (seasonally, in summer)

Do I get to select the crops I want to grow?

Absolutely! We will work together to create your crop wish list at the start of each growing season.

Will you build raised beds for me?

Absolutely! The Patio Farmer can build and install raised beds for you. Depending on the scope of the project, there may be an additional fee to cover set-up time and cost of materials. The monthly supply credit can be leveraged to help cover material costs too.

What supplies are covered with the $100 monthly credit?

The monthly credit includes plants, seeds, soil, containers, raised beds, trellises, plant food, and pest / disease treatments. If monthly expenses exceed $100, the balance will roll into the next month’s credit until the full $700 supply credit has been used or the contract ends. This is a non-refundable credit. The Patio Farmer will send an accounting of the credit to the client at the start of each month with the remaining balance. If materials exceed $700 for the length of the contract, the client will receive a monthly invoice to cover these expenses for the duration of the contract. Payment is expected with net-30 terms.

Where does The Patio Farmer source supplies from?

The Patio Farmer uses products and supplies that are safe for organic production. The Patio Farmer prioritizes supporting local, small business to source materials for clients. The Patio Farmer works with Windcrest Farm, a Certified Organic farm in Monroe, NC for all plants and plant food. The Patio Farmer sources Certified Organic seeds.

What is included with a Plant Club KNOW membership?

A weekly newsletter called The Growing Guide, to walk you through a specific crop from seeding to harvesting each month (March - lettuce, April - carrots, May - zucchini, June - edible flowers, July - green beans, August - kale, September - kohlrabi). Plus, access to The Patio Farmer’s online community through Circle which includes The Patio Farmer’s Resource Library.

Is there a contract for this coaching program?

Yes! A signed contract / service agreement is required to participate in the PREMIERE PRACTICE program.

Can I cancel my service?

You can cancel your PREMIERE PRACTICE service agreement at any time. However, you are still responsible for paying the balance of the contracted amount of ($4,193 or $599 x 7 months) within 30-days of cancellation. If you pre-paid for the coaching service at the start of the contract, no additional fees are owed at the time of cancellation.

Apply for PREMIERE PRACTICE

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In other news... my birthday was on Monday! Birthdays are the best. In the spirit of celebration, treat yourself to something fun today - you deserve it.