Episode 001

In the premiere episode of Growing Gardens, we welcome Rashae Burns, the passionate director of our Home Gardens program and a newly certified Master Food Preserver from Oregon State. Rashae offers expert insights on the benefits of cooking fresh food at home and mastering the art of preserving harvests. She reveals how these practices align with sustainable living by extending the lifespan of seasonal produce while empowering individuals to take control of their food systems.

Throughout the episode, Rashae discusses the ecological and economic value of home cooking and food preservation. From reducing food waste and minimizing environmental impact to making fresh meals more affordable, she highlights how these skills benefit both individuals and the planet. Rashae also reflects on the cultural importance of traditional preservation methods, showing how they help retain culinary heritage and foster connection across generations.

Listeners will also learn about the health benefits of eating fresh, home-prepared meals. Rashae encourages integrating these practices into daily routines for a more nourishing lifestyle. As part of our mission to build a sustainable, equitable food system, we invite listeners to explore our work further and support us at growing-gardens.org. For those ready to dive deeper into radical gardening, the episode concludes with a call to action: download our Radical Gardening Resource Guide and join us in cultivating lasting change for healthier communities.