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Bill Nye Teaches Science and Problem-Solving

Dominique Crenn Teaches Modern Vegetarian Cooking

Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking I

Gut Health

Dr. Jane Goodall Teaches Conservation

Jessie Krebs Teaches Wilderness Survival

Joe Holder Teaches Fitness and Wellness Fundamentals

Massimo Bottura Teaches Modern Italian Cooking

Michael Pollan Teaches Intentional Eating

Niki Nakayama Teaches Modern Japanese Cooking

Ron Finley Teaches Gardening

Roy Choi Teaches Intuitive Cooking

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Reviewed - USA Today

Rethink Your Relationship With Food

Not Too Much

Coming Back to the Table

The Power of Food: The Edible Schoolyard

Food As Activism

Cook Sustainably With Local Foods

Discover Where Your Food Comes From

Meet Your Instructor

Getting Dirty

Creating Planters

Grow Your Own Food: Greens & Legumes

Grow Your Own Food: Sweet Potatoes

Increasing Your Bounty

How to Not Kill Your Plants

Rationing Food and Foraging

Preparing a Beautiful Salad

Organic Farming

Everyone You’ll Ever Meet Knows Something You Don’t

Take Advantage of "Food Hacks"

Increase Your Garden Yield

Introduction

Water

Achieve Freedom From Fear

Think Cosmically, Act Globally

Leave No Trace 

Preserve Nature by Leaving No Trace

Field Trip: City Slicker Farms

Planting a Revolution

Making Global Change

Revitalize Cities With Community Gardens

Confront Barriers to Intentional Eating

Eat Mostly Plants

The Modern Gut Dilemma

Make: Lobster Ravioli

Baking à la Poilâne

Owan: Soup With Bone Broth 

Explore Everything All at Once

The Equipment You Don't Need

Panchan: Asian Pear and Watermelon Kimchis

Rice Bowls

Passatelli Part 1: Vegetarian “Broth of Everything”

Passatelli Part 2: Bread Crumb Pasta

Melon: Enhanced

Unlock Zero-Waste Cooking Skills

Outdoor Adventures & Events

Teaches Intentional Eating

Michael Pollan

Teaches Gardening

Ron Finley

Teaches Wilderness Survival

Jessie Krebs

With Leading Experts

Gut Health with Leading Experts

Teaches Adventure Photography

Jimmy Chin

Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography

Teaches The Art of Home Cooking

Alice Waters

Teaches the Art of Home Cooking

Teaches Conservation

Dr. Jane Goodall

Teaches Dog Training

Brandon McMillan

Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training

Teaches Science and Problem-Solving

Bill Nye

Teaches Modern Middle Eastern Cooking

Yotam Ottolenghi

Yotam Ottolenghi Teaches Modern Middle Eastern Cooking

Teach Rock Climbing

Alex Honnold & Tommy Caldwell

David Zilber

Dr. Emeran Mayer

Erica Sonnenburg & Justin Sonnenburg

On your big day together, treat the planet with a lot of love, too. A sustainable wedding is one that is:

- __A low producer of emissions__: Sustainable practices help you lower your carbon footprint, whether in your everyday life or at your wedding ceremony. For example, try to ensure people traveling to your event use environmentally friendly transportation. At the event itself, keep emissions low as well. By holding your ceremony and reception in the same location, for instance, you eliminate the need for transportation between the events.
- __Eco-friendly__: On your wedding day, strive to meet [zero-waste](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/zero-waste-lifestyle-explained) standards. Work with a green wedding planner to figure out best practices around treating the environment with the respect it deserves. This means cutting down on litter, utilizing reusable decorations, and relying on secondhand clothes when possible rather than consuming unnecessary resources.
- __Socially conscious__: You don’t have to skimp on wedding style to take an ethical approach to the event. As you strive to meet your environmental goals, do your part to use socially conscious vendors for your wedding. For instance, some diamond rings contain gemstones acquired through nefarious means. You can seek out conflict-free ring manufacturers to mitigate this.
Sustainability lays the groundwork for a healthier environment. Sustainable practices help ensure an optimal [climate](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-climate-change-affects-the-planet) for future generations, as well as a low amount of waste or [pollution](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/plastic-polution-facts) in the present day. Eco-friendly habits are just as much about reducing your negative environmental impact as they are about creating a positive effect on the wider world.
If you’re an innate environmentalist at heart, having a sustainable wedding will allow you to enjoy your ceremony and reception with a clean conscience. Consider these eight ideas for throwing a memorable eco-friendly wedding:

1. __Consider reusable floral arrangements__. Think about using potted plants for your wedding rather than cut flowers. Talk to a florist about how you can use floral arrangements in a sustainable way. For example, you could use [bouquets](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-wedding-bouquet) of flowers that are easy for you to replant after the event.
2. __Cut down on food waste__. Try to make sure you serve just the right amount of food at your wedding. Wedding cake and dinner items alike often end up in the trash after a celebration ends. Plan ahead so you can make sure everyone has enough to eat without going overboard and producing [food waste](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-food-waste-and-repurpose-scraps).
3. __Donate your décor after the wedding__. Take your centerpieces and wedding favors to a secondhand store so someone else can reuse them in the future. Speak with your friend group to see if they’d like to take anything home with them. For that matter, use an online platform to sell your décor and make your money back after the event.
4. __Shop for vintage wedding dresses__. Some dressmakers might offer sustainable wedding dresses featuring reusable materials, but it might be easier to find an old dress at a vintage or [thrift](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-thrift-shop) store instead. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can also seek out their own clothes for the party in a similar fashion.
5. __Shrink your guest list__. Cut down the number of people coming to the wedding venue to smaller numbers if possible. As much as you might want to celebrate with as many people as possible, fewer people traveling to your event will mean less of a negative impact in terms of [carbon emissions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-carbon-emissions). 
6. __Source your wedding rings ethically__. Once you exchange wedding bands, you make the jump from an engaged couple to newlyweds. Consider using [rings](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ring-finger) of recycled gold or silver as you make this move into your future together. If you haven’t proposed yet, you can also seek out engagement rings featuring lab-grown diamonds.
7. __Try virtual wedding invitations__. Take an online DIY approach to invite people to your wedding. Allow people to RSVP on your [wedding website](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/faqs-for-wedding-website) instead of using unnecessary paper. You’ll take some stress off the wedding planning process by choosing not to send these letters anyway. 
8. __Use biodegradable paper goods__. Opt for reusable glassware, cutlery, and plates rather than single-use paper goods if possible. If you want a sendoff with confetti, see if you can find a version made from seed paper. Use recycled paper for signage as well.
Have a wedding to plan? Learn how to take on the process strategically. Discover Mindy Weiss’s approach to [setting a budget](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-budget), [choosing a theme](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-theme-ideas), and [sending invitations](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-send-wedding-invitations) when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com).
By planning a sustainable wedding, you treat the Earth with respect while celebrating your love and commitment. Eco-friendly wedding décor can go a long way to bringing a sense of style to your wedding and lower your footprint in reference to the wider environment. Learn more about what a sustainable wedding is and how to plan one.

By planning a sustainable wedding, you treat the Earth with respect while celebrating your love and commitment. Eco-friendly wedding décor can go a long way to bringing a sense of style to your wedding and lower your footprint in reference to the wider environment. Learn more about what a sustainable wedding is and how to plan one.

8 Sustainable Wedding Ideas: Wedding Sustainability Basics

On your big day together, treat the planet with a lot of love, too. A sustainable wedding is one that is:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">A low producer of emissions: Sustainable practices help you lower your carbon footprint, whether in your everyday life or at your wedding ceremony. For example, try to ensure people traveling to your event use environmentally friendly transportation. At the event itself, keep emissions low as well. By holding your ceremony and reception in the same location, for instance, you eliminate the need for transportation between the events. </li><li class="">Eco-friendly: On your wedding day, strive to meet <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/zero-waste-lifestyle-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/zero-waste-lifestyle-explained","linkCopy":"zero-waste","category":null}'>zero-waste</a> standards. Work with a green wedding planner to figure out best practices around treating the environment with the respect it deserves. This means cutting down on litter, utilizing reusable decorations, and relying on secondhand clothes when possible rather than consuming unnecessary resources. </li><li class="">Socially conscious: You don’t have to skimp on wedding style to take an ethical approach to the event. As you strive to meet your environmental goals, do your part to use socially conscious vendors for your wedding. For instance, some diamond rings contain gemstones acquired through nefarious means. You can seek out conflict-free ring manufacturers to mitigate this. </li></ul>

What Is a Sustainable Wedding?

Sustainability lays the groundwork for a healthier environment. Sustainable practices help ensure an optimal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-climate-change-affects-the-planet' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-climate-change-affects-the-planet","linkCopy":"climate","category":null}'>climate</a> for future generations, as well as a low amount of waste or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/plastic-polution-facts' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/plastic-polution-facts","linkCopy":"pollution","category":null}'>pollution</a> in the present day. Eco-friendly habits are just as much about reducing your negative environmental impact as they are about creating a positive effect on the wider world.

Why Is Sustainability Important?

If you’re an innate environmentalist at heart, having a sustainable wedding will allow you to enjoy your ceremony and reception with a clean conscience. Consider these eight ideas for throwing a memorable eco-friendly wedding:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Consider reusable floral arrangements. Think about using potted plants for your wedding rather than cut flowers. Talk to a florist about how you can use floral arrangements in a sustainable way. For example, you could use <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-wedding-bouquet' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-wedding-bouquet","linkCopy":"bouquets","category":null}'>bouquets</a> of flowers that are easy for you to replant after the event. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Cut down on food waste. Try to make sure you serve just the right amount of food at your wedding. Wedding cake and dinner items alike often end up in the trash after a celebration ends. Plan ahead so you can make sure everyone has enough to eat without going overboard and producing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-food-waste-and-repurpose-scraps' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-food-waste-and-repurpose-scraps","linkCopy":"food waste","category":null}'>food waste</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Donate your décor after the wedding. Take your centerpieces and wedding favors to a secondhand store so someone else can reuse them in the future. Speak with your friend group to see if they’d like to take anything home with them. For that matter, use an online platform to sell your décor and make your money back after the event. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Shop for vintage wedding dresses. Some dressmakers might offer sustainable wedding dresses featuring reusable materials, but it might be easier to find an old dress at a vintage or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-thrift-shop' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-thrift-shop","linkCopy":"thrift","category":null}'>thrift</a> store instead. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can also seek out their own clothes for the party in a similar fashion. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Shrink your guest list. Cut down the number of people coming to the wedding venue to smaller numbers if possible. As much as you might want to celebrate with as many people as possible, fewer people traveling to your event will mean less of a negative impact in terms of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-carbon-emissions' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-reduce-carbon-emissions","linkCopy":"carbon emissions","category":null}'>carbon emissions</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Source your wedding rings ethically. Once you exchange wedding bands, you make the jump from an engaged couple to newlyweds. Consider using <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ring-finger' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ring-finger","linkCopy":"rings","category":null}'>rings</a> of recycled gold or silver as you make this move into your future together. If you haven’t proposed yet, you can also seek out engagement rings featuring lab-grown diamonds. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Try virtual wedding invitations. Take an online DIY approach to invite people to your wedding. Allow people to RSVP on your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/faqs-for-wedding-website' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/faqs-for-wedding-website","linkCopy":"wedding website","category":null}'>wedding website</a> instead of using unnecessary paper. You’ll take some stress off the wedding planning process by choosing not to send these letters anyway. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Use biodegradable paper goods. Opt for reusable glassware, cutlery, and plates rather than single-use paper goods if possible. If you want a sendoff with confetti, see if you can find a version made from seed paper. Use recycled paper for signage as well. </li></ol>

8 Sustainable Wedding Ideas

Have a wedding to plan? Learn how to take on the process strategically. Discover Mindy Weiss’s approach to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-budget' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-budget","linkCopy":"setting a budget","category":null}'>setting a budget</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-theme-ideas' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wedding-theme-ideas","linkCopy":"choosing a theme","category":null}'>choosing a theme</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-send-wedding-invitations' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-send-wedding-invitations","linkCopy":"sending invitations","category":null}'>sending invitations</a> when you sign up for the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Ring the Wedding Bells

By planning a sustainable wedding, you treat the Earth with respect while celebrating your love and commitment. Eco-friendly wedding décor can go a long way to bringing a sense of style to your wedding and lower your footprint in reference to the wider environment. Learn more about what a sustainable wedding is and how to plan one.

By planning a sustainable wedding, you treat the Earth with respect while celebrating your love and commitment. Eco-friendly wedding décor can go a long way to bringing a sense of style to your wedding and lower your footprint in reference to the wider environment. Learn more about what a sustainable wedding is and how to plan one.


Setup for an outdoor sustainable wedding ceremony.

sustainable-wedding

Sustainable farming and sustainable agriculture are umbrella terms for food production systems that promote [biodiversity](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/biodiversity-guide) and stewardship of natural resources over profitability. [Sustainable](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/food-sustainability) farming includes practices that improve [soil fertility](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fertile-soil), land utilization, and water quality. 

Although these sustainable operations are typically small-scale and less profitable than their commercial counterparts, their practices reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance the balance between humans and local ecosystems.
Sustainable agriculture practices offer incentives, such as [water conservation](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/water-conservation-explained), the improvement of local food independence, the reduction of an operation’s [carbon footprint](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ways-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint), and the overall promotion of environmental sustainability, among others.

1. __Crop rotation__: Farmers who practice crop diversity do so to help ensure they are not depleting the soil quality of the same nutrients from growing season to growing season. Rotating crops can also disrupt disease and pest cycles. Additionally, growers who plant [cover crops](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden) like clover, [alfalfa](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts), and rye can maintain and replenish soil health by reducing [topsoil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-topsoil-explained) erosion, conserving water use, and trapping nitrogen and other essential nutrients during the off-season. 
2. __Holistic landscape management__: By reducing tillage and other staples of commercial farming operations, sustainable agricultural systems can improve soil fertility and develop land use solutions that accommodate a natural balance in local ecosystems. Growers who adopt agroforestry and [organic farming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide) systems can create a sustainable environment for animals, plants, and food crops to grow and flourish together.
3. __Livestock integration__: The introduction of chickens, goats, geese, and [pollinators](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/open-pollination-guide) can improve biological diversification and increase farm production. Goats, chickens, and sheep can provide farming families with milk, eggs, and, eventually, meat. These farm animals can also live free-range lives, often feeding on invasive weeds and predatory insects that might harm crops.
4. __Natural pest management__: Subscribers of sustainable farming develop alternative pest reduction strategies that reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, [herbicides](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides), and pesticides. These synthetic chemicals remain in the produce or pollute local waterways through runoff. In an integrated pest management strategy, sustainable farmers can use the animal production of waste and other organic matter for [fertilizer](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-fertilizers-explained).
5. __Renewable energy__: Farms can reduce their environmental impact by switching from fossil fuels and the local power grid to renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, [solar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/solar-energy-explained), and wind energy production. 
6. __Water quality control__: Most crops in our current food system require significant water resources to bring produce to edible maturity. Even meat producers consume unsustainable levels of water through feed and other inputs. This management of resources and lack of accountability has led to decreased economic equity, drought, and a severe threat to the public health and financial well-being of rural communities near commercial farms.
See food like you have never seen it before. With the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/), journalist and educator Michael Pollan teaches you how to determine your [ingredient sources](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-where-does-food-come-from), [shop at the grocery store](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-grocery-shopping-tips), and rethink your relationship to food.
Everyone has to eat to live, but commercial farming methods and traditional crop production might be destroying the planet. Read on to learn about sustainable farming and standard green practices that might be the key to a brighter future for the world’s natural ecosystems.

Everyone has to eat to live, but commercial farming methods and traditional crop production might be destroying the planet. Read on to learn about sustainable farming and standard green practices that might be the key to a brighter future for the world’s natural ecosystems.

Sustainable Farming Explained: What Is Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainable farming and sustainable agriculture are umbrella terms for food production systems that promote <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/biodiversity-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/biodiversity-guide","linkCopy":"biodiversity","category":null}'>biodiversity</a> and stewardship of natural resources over profitability. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/food-sustainability' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/food-sustainability","linkCopy":"Sustainable","category":null}'>Sustainable</a> farming includes practices that improve <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fertile-soil' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fertile-soil","linkCopy":"soil fertility","category":null}'>soil fertility</a>, land utilization, and water quality. Although these sustainable operations are typically small-scale and less profitable than their commercial counterparts, their practices reduce the environmental impact of food production and enhance the balance between humans and local ecosystems.

What Is Sustainable Farming?

Sustainable agriculture practices offer incentives, such as <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/water-conservation-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/water-conservation-explained","linkCopy":"water conservation","category":null}'>water conservation</a>, the improvement of local food independence, the reduction of an operation’s <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ways-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ways-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint","linkCopy":"carbon footprint","category":null}'>carbon footprint</a>, and the overall promotion of environmental sustainability, among others.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Crop rotation: Farmers who practice crop diversity do so to help ensure they are not depleting the soil quality of the same nutrients from growing season to growing season. Rotating crops can also disrupt disease and pest cycles. Additionally, growers who plant <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden","linkCopy":"cover crops","category":null}'>cover crops</a> like clover, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-alfalfa-sprouts","linkCopy":"alfalfa","category":null}'>alfalfa</a>, and rye can maintain and replenish soil health by reducing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-topsoil-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-topsoil-explained","linkCopy":"topsoil","category":null}'>topsoil</a> erosion, conserving water use, and trapping nitrogen and other essential nutrients during the off-season. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Holistic landscape management: By reducing tillage and other staples of commercial farming operations, sustainable agricultural systems can improve soil fertility and develop land use solutions that accommodate a natural balance in local ecosystems. Growers who adopt agroforestry and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide","linkCopy":"organic farming","category":null}'>organic farming</a> systems can create a sustainable environment for animals, plants, and food crops to grow and flourish together. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Livestock integration: The introduction of chickens, goats, geese, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/open-pollination-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/open-pollination-guide","linkCopy":"pollinators","category":null}'>pollinators</a> can improve biological diversification and increase farm production. Goats, chickens, and sheep can provide farming families with milk, eggs, and, eventually, meat. These farm animals can also live free-range lives, often feeding on invasive weeds and predatory insects that might harm crops. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Natural pest management: Subscribers of sustainable farming develop alternative pest reduction strategies that reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides","linkCopy":"herbicides","category":null}'>herbicides</a>, and pesticides. These synthetic chemicals remain in the produce or pollute local waterways through runoff. In an integrated pest management strategy, sustainable farmers can use the animal production of waste and other organic matter for <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-fertilizers-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-fertilizers-explained","linkCopy":"fertilizer","category":null}'>fertilizer</a>. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Renewable energy: Farms can reduce their environmental impact by switching from fossil fuels and the local power grid to renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/solar-energy-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/solar-energy-explained","linkCopy":"solar","category":null}'>solar</a>, and wind energy production. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Water quality control: Most crops in our current food system require significant water resources to bring produce to edible maturity. Even meat producers consume unsustainable levels of water through feed and other inputs. This management of resources and lack of accountability has led to decreased economic equity, drought, and a severe threat to the public health and financial well-being of rural communities near commercial farms. </li></ol>

6 Sustainable Farming Practices

See food like you have never seen it before. With the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>, journalist and educator Michael Pollan teaches you how to determine your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-where-does-food-come-from' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-where-does-food-come-from","linkCopy":"ingredient sources","category":null}'>ingredient sources</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-grocery-shopping-tips' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-grocery-shopping-tips","linkCopy":"shop at the grocery store","category":null}'>shop at the grocery store</a>, and rethink your relationship to food.

Eat With Intention

Everyone has to eat to live, but commercial farming methods and traditional crop production might be destroying the planet. Read on to learn about sustainable farming and standard green practices that might be the key to a brighter future for the world’s natural ecosystems.

Everyone has to eat to live, but commercial farming methods and traditional crop production might be destroying the planet. Read on to learn about sustainable farming and standard green practices that might be the key to a brighter future for the world’s natural ecosystems.


Closeup of a farmer's hands as he's planting seeds.

sustainable-farming

Activist Kate Fletcher coined the term “slow fashion” in 2007 as a play on the slow food movement, which highlighted the importance of responsibility, awareness, but also pleasure related to food consumption. Similarly, Fletcher sought to promote sustainable fashion practices while also showing how slow fashion benefits the consumer with higher-quality clothing. 

The slow fashion movement seeks to “slow down” the fashion industry by addressing waste and promoting conscious consumption. In addition to buying fewer garments, proponents of slow fashion look for eco-friendly materials, like cotton and linen, and timeless silhouettes that withstand trend cycles. Slow fashion also favors purchasing secondhand clothing and upcycling unwanted garments into new pieces.
Slow fashion as a business model is a direct response to fast fashion, a method of mass-producing trendy clothing with low-quality materials to meet consumer demands. Fast fashion does not encourage continuous long-term wear and does not come from biodegradable materials. These two factors make it so that fast fashion typically winds up in landfills. To meet the accelerated production demands of the fast fashion industry, garment workers often work overtime for extremely low wages, frequently in unsafe working environments.

Slow fashion interrupts the fast fashion supply chain by promoting conscious consumption. It encourages consumers to buy less but also to be mindful of the environmental and labor practices behind each garment. As a result, slow fashion proponents avoid fast fashion brands in favor of locally sourced, ethical clothing from conscious brands. This can counteract the carbon footprint of the fast fashion industry by reducing demand from unsustainable businesses.
Slow fashion and sustainable fashion share similarities, but they also have some differences. 

- __Carbon emissions__: Environmental impact is a central concern to both slow and sustainable fashion brands. Generally, this means that garments are cruelty-free, made from sustainable or recycled materials, and do not involve environmentally harmful manufacturing processes. 
- __Labor practices__: Slow fashion and sustainable fashion determine sustainability not just based on environmental impacts but also the working conditions involved in the manufacturing process. Conscious brands must pay all employees a fair wage, or the garment will not qualify as ethical fashion. 
- __Sustainable textiles__: Deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, raw materials, and other sustainable fabrics are all hallmarks of both slow fashion and sustainable fashion. Some fashion companies have adopted a zero-waste model, meaning the brands do not waste any material when crafting a garment. 
- __Trends__: While slow fashion and sustainable fashion both caution against overconsumption related to finicky trend cycles, slow fashion counteracts the desire to buy trendy pieces by designing tried and true silhouettes that will always remain in style.
Here are a few ways to determine if a brand is part of the slow fashion movement: 

- __A small-scale production__: Slow fashion produces sustainable clothing in small batches to reduce waste or may even operate on a made-to-order basis so that they do not produce extra garments. Additionally, slow fashion brands tend to avoid large retailers in favor of local shops–short distances between the manufacturer and retailer help keep the process carbon neutral. 
- __Focus on quality over quantity__: Proponents of slow fashion focus on quality over quantity. A brand will likely have fewer pieces available and produce pieces meant to last from high-quality, sustainable materials. 
- __Use of earth-friendly fabrics__: Brands will favor textiles meant to last, so you will likely see garments made of linen, organic cotton, and wool. They may also choose compostable or biodegradable fabrics, such as hemp or bamboo.
Slow fashion is not accessible to everyone. Some slow fashion brands are too pricey or not size-inclusive, which can leave out groups of people. If you want to join the slow fashion movement, here are a few steps you can take: 

1. __Create a <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe","linkCopy":"capsule wardrobe","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>capsule wardrobe</a>__. Since slow fashion involves less shopping, purchase pieces that complement each other so you can wear them interchangeably. Pare down your closet to select versatile pieces you enjoy to create a capsule wardrobe.
2. __Choose natural fabrics__. Natural fabrics hold up longer and are more sustainable. Synthetic textiles, on the other hand, usually come from petroleum and are more damaging to the environment if they end up in a landfill. 
3. __Focus on investment pieces__. A key point of the slow fashion movement is to adjust your shopping habits to prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of purchasing cheap, trendy garments each season, invest in pieces that reflect your style so you can wear them for years to come. This slows the demand for fast fashion and reduces textile waste. 
4. __Look for OEKO-TEX certification__. This assures the consumer that the product has tested negative for chemicals that harm humans or the environment.
5. __Prioritize GOTS certification__. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) sets forth certain environmental and labor requirements that textiles must meet to qualify as organic. If a garment has a GOTS certification, it is a fair-trade item with minimal environmental impact. 
6. __Take care of your clothes__. Reducing waste means sticking with the garments you have when possible. Increase the lifecycle of your old clothes by washing them as little as possible, mending them when necessary, and using sustainable dyes to cover stains or discoloration. 
7. __Thrift__. Instead of buying new clothes, you can opt to shop at thrift shops. You can give a new home to previously loved clothes and help keep items out of landfills.
Become a better fashion designer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.
You can reduce your carbon footprint by supporting fashion designers with a sustainable clothing approach. Learn how the slow fashion industry combines timeless style with sustainable practices and how to minimize the environmental impact of your shopping habits.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by supporting fashion designers with a sustainable clothing approach. Learn how the slow fashion industry combines timeless style with sustainable practices and how to minimize the environmental impact of your shopping habits.

Slow Fashion: How to Join the Slow Fashion Movement

Activist Kate Fletcher coined the term “slow fashion” in 2007 as a play on the slow food movement, which highlighted the importance of responsibility, awareness, but also pleasure related to food consumption. Similarly, Fletcher sought to promote sustainable fashion practices while also showing how slow fashion benefits the consumer with higher-quality clothing. The slow fashion movement seeks to “slow down” the fashion industry by addressing waste and promoting conscious consumption. In addition to buying fewer garments, proponents of slow fashion look for eco-friendly materials, like cotton and linen, and timeless silhouettes that withstand trend cycles. Slow fashion also favors purchasing secondhand clothing and upcycling unwanted garments into new pieces.

What Is Slow Fashion?

Slow fashion as a business model is a direct response to fast fashion, a method of mass-producing trendy clothing with low-quality materials to meet consumer demands. Fast fashion does not encourage continuous long-term wear and does not come from biodegradable materials. These two factors make it so that fast fashion typically winds up in landfills. To meet the accelerated production demands of the fast fashion industry, garment workers often work overtime for extremely low wages, frequently in unsafe working environments.Slow fashion interrupts the fast fashion supply chain by promoting conscious consumption. It encourages consumers to buy less but also to be mindful of the environmental and labor practices behind each garment. As a result, slow fashion proponents avoid fast fashion brands in favor of locally sourced, ethical clothing from conscious brands. This can counteract the carbon footprint of the fast fashion industry by reducing demand from unsustainable businesses.

Why Is Slow Fashion Important?

Slow fashion and sustainable fashion share similarities, but they also have some differences. <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Carbon emissions: Environmental impact is a central concern to both slow and sustainable fashion brands. Generally, this means that garments are cruelty-free, made from sustainable or recycled materials, and do not involve environmentally harmful manufacturing processes. </li><li class="">Labor practices: Slow fashion and sustainable fashion determine sustainability not just based on environmental impacts but also the working conditions involved in the manufacturing process. Conscious brands must pay all employees a fair wage, or the garment will not qualify as ethical fashion. </li><li class="">Sustainable textiles: Deadstock fabrics, recycled materials, raw materials, and other sustainable fabrics are all hallmarks of both slow fashion and sustainable fashion. Some fashion companies have adopted a zero-waste model, meaning the brands do not waste any material when crafting a garment. </li><li class="">Trends: While slow fashion and sustainable fashion both caution against overconsumption related to finicky trend cycles, slow fashion counteracts the desire to buy trendy pieces by designing tried and true silhouettes that will always remain in style. </li></ul>

Slow Fashion vs. Sustainable Fashion

Here are a few ways to determine if a brand is part of the slow fashion movement: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">A small-scale production: Slow fashion produces sustainable clothing in small batches to reduce waste or may even operate on a made-to-order basis so that they do not produce extra garments. Additionally, slow fashion brands tend to avoid large retailers in favor of local shops–short distances between the manufacturer and retailer help keep the process carbon neutral. </li><li class="">Focus on quality over quantity: Proponents of slow fashion focus on quality over quantity. A brand will likely have fewer pieces available and produce pieces meant to last from high-quality, sustainable materials. </li><li class="">Use of earth-friendly fabrics: Brands will favor textiles meant to last, so you will likely see garments made of linen, organic cotton, and wool. They may also choose compostable or biodegradable fabrics, such as hemp or bamboo. </li></ul>

Characteristics of Slow Fashion Brands

Slow fashion is not accessible to everyone. Some slow fashion brands are too pricey or not size-inclusive, which can leave out groups of people. If you want to join the slow fashion movement, here are a few steps you can take: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Create a <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe","linkCopy":"capsule wardrobe","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>capsule wardrobe</a>. Since slow fashion involves less shopping, purchase pieces that complement each other so you can wear them interchangeably. Pare down your closet to select versatile pieces you enjoy to create a capsule wardrobe. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Choose natural fabrics. Natural fabrics hold up longer and are more sustainable. Synthetic textiles, on the other hand, usually come from petroleum and are more damaging to the environment if they end up in a landfill. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Focus on investment pieces. A key point of the slow fashion movement is to adjust your shopping habits to prioritize quality over quantity. Instead of purchasing cheap, trendy garments each season, invest in pieces that reflect your style so you can wear them for years to come. This slows the demand for fast fashion and reduces textile waste. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Look for OEKO-TEX certification. This assures the consumer that the product has tested negative for chemicals that harm humans or the environment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Prioritize GOTS certification. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) sets forth certain environmental and labor requirements that textiles must meet to qualify as organic. If a garment has a GOTS certification, it is a fair-trade item with minimal environmental impact. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Take care of your clothes. Reducing waste means sticking with the garments you have when possible. Increase the lifecycle of your old clothes by washing them as little as possible, mending them when necessary, and using sustainable dyes to cover stains or discoloration. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Thrift. Instead of buying new clothes, you can opt to shop at thrift shops. You can give a new home to previously loved clothes and help keep items out of landfills. </li></ol>

7 Tips for Creating a Slow Fashion Wardrobe

Become a better fashion designer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Anna Wintour, and more.

Want to Learn More About Fashion Design?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by supporting fashion designers with a sustainable clothing approach. Learn how the slow fashion industry combines timeless style with sustainable practices and how to minimize the environmental impact of your shopping habits.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by supporting fashion designers with a sustainable clothing approach. Learn how the slow fashion industry combines timeless style with sustainable practices and how to minimize the environmental impact of your shopping habits.


Woman interested in slow fashion, shopping for investment pieces.

slow-fashion

A market garden is a small-scale farming business of fruit and vegetable crops usually sold directly to consumers through on-farm stands, local [farmers’ markets](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shop-at-the-farmers-market-with-alice-waters), community-supported agriculture subscriptions (CSAs), wholesale markets, and occasionally independent grocery stores and restaurants. Market gardening, also known as market farming, typically focuses on vegetable production in a small area.
Aside from providing a fun, profitable outdoor adventure, the advantages of growing for market include:

1. __Low barrier to entry__: Though market gardening requires an initial start-up investment, the small-scale nature of the business allows anyone with a piece of land and a work ethic to try their hand at growing fresh produce. “You know, it’s real simple,” [Ron Finley](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ron-finleys-community-gardening-activism), the self-proclaimed gangster gardener, says. “You got some sun. You got some soil. You got water. And you got a seed. Now, where do you want your beauty to grow from?”
2. __Encourages experimentation__: The tight business plans of large-scale industrial farms mean farmers produce the same crops over and over with little variety. As a small-scale market garden grower, you can grow exciting heirloom varieties of fruits and veggies and try them post-harvest with little loss if they don’t work out.
3. __Environmentally friendly__: Small-scale market gardens allow you to grow food and flowers sustainably using [permaculture](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-permaculture-garden) techniques like crop rotation, [cover crops](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden), and [seed-saving](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/saving-seeds-guide). It also provides consumers the opportunity to eat local food, reducing the environmental impact of transportation.
4. __Fewer labor costs__: Because of the DIY nature and small size of market gardens, you won’t need to hire many full-time employees to take care of crops at harvest time.
5. __Higher profit margins__: Small-scale market gardens mean less money spent on equipment, labor, and large plots of land. When you sell to wholesale markets, you only get to keep ten to twenty percent of the retail price, but when you sell direct to the consumer, you keep everything you earn.
Though you’ll find market gardening a fun and profitable way to make use of your land, keep these possible disadvantages in mind before you begin:

1. __Certification hurdles__: Though you may practice pesticide-free, organic market gardening techniques, you may not be able to certify your small farm as organic. [Organic farming](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide) certification often takes lots of time, detailed record keeping, and money most market gardeners don’t have. Instead of certification, talk to your clients about your sustainable agriculture practices and invite them to visit your farm.
2. __Fast turnover required for profitability__: Since market gardens tend to be small, you’ll need to find a way to produce crops regularly if you want to make a sizable profit. If your region has a short growing season, you may want to choose fast-growing crops you can harvest regularly. 
3. __Fun turns into business__: You may find over time that the pressures of market gardening transform a fun hobby or passion for growing produce into work.
4. __Limited space__: The amount of fruit, vegetables, or flowers you produce depends on the size of your market garden. Most market gardeners must limit the amount they can grow based on small garden size.
It may feel daunting to start your market garden, but these tips will help you on your journey:

1. __Spend some time doing market research__. Before deciding what to plant, visit farmers’ markets and explore popular items. Perhaps you’ll find the market overwhelmed by salad mix but lacking in [radishes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes). Find a balance between what sells well and filling a market niche.
2. __Choose what you enjoy__. Starting your own market garden requires a lot of work, so grow items that excite you. Perhaps you want to grow a rare heirloom tomato variety or love cut flowers. After doing your research, choose for pleasure as well as practicality.
3. __Start easy__. You may want to start with crops known to grow quickly. You’ll find lavender, wild ginseng, and microgreens affordable and easy to grow. You may wish to initially grow in raised beds where you can easily control the soil environment.
4. __Plan your crops__. Once you know what you’d like to grow, plan your crops. Include production goals, planning row spacing, and creating a production schedule for harvesting and replanting, depending on the plant’s growth cycles. You may want to use <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-succession-planting-to-grow-more-vegetables' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-succession-planting-to-grow-more-vegetables","linkCopy":"succession planting","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>succession planting</a> to have a constant ripe crop every week.
5. __Continue to learn and make improvements__. The longer you maintain a market garden, the more you will learn. Consider adding row cover to protect your crops from cold weather, insects, and birds or adding [mulch](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden) to keep your soil fertile and reduce weed growth. Learn as much as you can and make changes as you see fit.
6. __Make friends with the locals__. Securing customers through in-person, direct marketing helps you find sales outlets. Apply to sell at local farmers’ markets, create your own on-farm stand, and visit restaurants and local grocery stores.
7. __Consider improving your storage__. A walk-in cooler increases the lifespan of your produce and flowers and may prove a profitable investment over the long term.
Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Joe Holder, Robin Arzón, Donna Farhi, Jon Kabat Zinn, and more.
You love gardening and wonder if you could turn your home garden into a source of income. Find out if market gardening is for you.

You love gardening and wonder if you could turn your home garden into a source of income. Find out if market gardening is for you.

Market Gardening: What Is a Market Garden?

A market garden is a small-scale farming business of fruit and vegetable crops usually sold directly to consumers through on-farm stands, local <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shop-at-the-farmers-market-with-alice-waters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-shop-at-the-farmers-market-with-alice-waters","linkCopy":"farmers’ markets","category":null}'>farmers’ markets</a>, community-supported agriculture subscriptions (CSAs), wholesale markets, and occasionally independent grocery stores and restaurants. Market gardening, also known as market farming, typically focuses on vegetable production in a small area.

What Is a Market Garden?

Aside from providing a fun, profitable outdoor adventure, the advantages of growing for market include:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Low barrier to entry: Though market gardening requires an initial start-up investment, the small-scale nature of the business allows anyone with a piece of land and a work ethic to try their hand at growing fresh produce. “You know, it’s real simple,” <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ron-finleys-community-gardening-activism' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/ron-finleys-community-gardening-activism","linkCopy":"Ron Finley","category":null}'>Ron Finley</a>, the self-proclaimed gangster gardener, says. “You got some sun. You got some soil. You got water. And you got a seed. Now, where do you want your beauty to grow from?” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Encourages experimentation: The tight business plans of large-scale industrial farms mean farmers produce the same crops over and over with little variety. As a small-scale market garden grower, you can grow exciting heirloom varieties of fruits and veggies and try them post-harvest with little loss if they don’t work out. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Environmentally friendly: Small-scale market gardens allow you to grow food and flowers sustainably using <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-permaculture-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-start-a-permaculture-garden","linkCopy":"permaculture","category":null}'>permaculture</a> techniques like crop rotation, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-cover-crops-to-benefit-your-garden","linkCopy":"cover crops","category":null}'>cover crops</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/saving-seeds-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/saving-seeds-guide","linkCopy":"seed-saving","category":null}'>seed-saving</a>. It also provides consumers the opportunity to eat local food, reducing the environmental impact of transportation. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Fewer labor costs: Because of the DIY nature and small size of market gardens, you won’t need to hire many full-time employees to take care of crops at harvest time. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Higher profit margins: Small-scale market gardens mean less money spent on equipment, labor, and large plots of land. When you sell to wholesale markets, you only get to keep ten to twenty percent of the retail price, but when you sell direct to the consumer, you keep everything you earn. </li></ol>

5 Advantages of Market Gardening

Though you’ll find market gardening a fun and profitable way to make use of your land, keep these possible disadvantages in mind before you begin:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Certification hurdles: Though you may practice pesticide-free, organic market gardening techniques, you may not be able to certify your small farm as organic. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/organic-farming-guide","linkCopy":"Organic farming","category":null}'>Organic farming</a> certification often takes lots of time, detailed record keeping, and money most market gardeners don’t have. Instead of certification, talk to your clients about your sustainable agriculture practices and invite them to visit your farm. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Fast turnover required for profitability: Since market gardens tend to be small, you’ll need to find a way to produce crops regularly if you want to make a sizable profit. If your region has a short growing season, you may want to choose fast-growing crops you can harvest regularly. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Fun turns into business: You may find over time that the pressures of market gardening transform a fun hobby or passion for growing produce into work. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Limited space: The amount of fruit, vegetables, or flowers you produce depends on the size of your market garden. Most market gardeners must limit the amount they can grow based on small garden size. </li></ol>

4 Disadvantages of Market Gardening

It may feel daunting to start your market garden, but these tips will help you on your journey:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Spend some time doing market research. Before deciding what to plant, visit farmers’ markets and explore popular items. Perhaps you’ll find the market overwhelmed by salad mix but lacking in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes","linkCopy":"radishes","category":null}'>radishes</a>. Find a balance between what sells well and filling a market niche. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Choose what you enjoy. Starting your own market garden requires a lot of work, so grow items that excite you. Perhaps you want to grow a rare heirloom tomato variety or love cut flowers. After doing your research, choose for pleasure as well as practicality. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Start easy. You may want to start with crops known to grow quickly. You’ll find lavender, wild ginseng, and microgreens affordable and easy to grow. You may wish to initially grow in raised beds where you can easily control the soil environment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Plan your crops. Once you know what you’d like to grow, plan your crops. Include production goals, planning row spacing, and creating a production schedule for harvesting and replanting, depending on the plant’s growth cycles. You may want to use <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-succession-planting-to-grow-more-vegetables' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-succession-planting-to-grow-more-vegetables","linkCopy":"succession planting","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>succession planting</a> to have a constant ripe crop every week. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Continue to learn and make improvements. The longer you maintain a market garden, the more you will learn. Consider adding row cover to protect your crops from cold weather, insects, and birds or adding <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-mulch-your-vegetable-garden","linkCopy":"mulch","category":null}'>mulch</a> to keep your soil fertile and reduce weed growth. Learn as much as you can and make changes as you see fit. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Make friends with the locals. Securing customers through in-person, direct marketing helps you find sales outlets. Apply to sell at local farmers’ markets, create your own on-farm stand, and visit restaurants and local grocery stores. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Consider improving your storage. A walk-in cooler increases the lifespan of your produce and flowers and may prove a profitable investment over the long term. </li></ol>

7 Tips for Starting Market Gardening

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You love gardening and wonder if you could turn your home garden into a source of income. Find out if market gardening is for you.

You love gardening and wonder if you could turn your home garden into a source of income. Find out if market gardening is for you.


A person holding a basket with peppers, carrots, and cucumbers while standing in a market garden.

market-gardening

Microgreens are tiny herbs and plants you can consume within weeks of planting. If you grow them for long enough, they morph into baby greens and then full-grown leafy vegetables. Various types of microgreens include [amaranth](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaranth), [arugula](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-arugula-in-your-garden), [buckwheat](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-buckwheat), [chard](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-swiss-chard), [chia](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-chia-seed-guide), [cilantro](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-harvest-cilantro), [fennel](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas), [radishes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes), and wheatgrass. 

One perk of growing these plants is their ability to sprout year-round in different climates. You might have a more challenging time growing microgreens outdoors in some regions, but it’s always possible to grow them inside year-round.
These small and easy-to-grow plants have a robust nutritional value, featuring high levels of antioxidants and carotenoids like beta-carotene. They also contain ample amounts of iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc. Studies indicate consuming microgreens on a regular basis could correlate to a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and other adverse health conditions. They might also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
While many think of sprouts as the mature counterparts to microgreens, this is inaccurate. Both are vegetables, but microgreens sprout in [soil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types) while [sprouts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sprouts-in-a-jar) grow in water. Microgreens also have more nutritional value on average than many types of sprouts. Still, if you want to grow some veggies in the shortest amount of time possible, opt for sprouts over microgreens. Microgreens take a week or two to grow, but sprouts take only days. 
Microgreens only require a few supplies to grow to their full capacity. These are the materials you’ll need to grow your own microgreens:

- __Growing tray__: If you’re opting toward indoor gardening, you’ll need a growing tray with drainage holes to give these tiny greens a place to sprout. Home and garden stores sell premade microgreens kits, but you can always fashion a DIY microgreen tray for yourself as well.
- __Light source__: Growing microgreens indoors requires a limited amount of light. While [grow lights](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/grow-lights-for-plants) might be necessary if you live in a cloudy and dark [climate](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/climate-zones) during fall or winter, a sunny windowsill might be all it takes if there’s plenty of light pouring into your house through any given season.
- __Seeds__: You can use plenty of different types of seeds to grow microgreens. Unlike larger seeds, you can spread a vast array of these fast growers onto the soil and see results in no time.
- __Soil__: Microgreens grow in soil most often, but you can opt for another type of potting mix or growing medium. You can also use a small cultivator to mix in the seeds with the soil.
- __Water__: While microgreens don’t need a ton of water to thrive, a decent amount of continuous moisture will prove very helpful. Take your watering can or spray bottle to the plant whenever you notice the soil getting dry.
Food educator [Michael Pollan](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/michael-pollan-teaches-intentional-eating) constantly advocates for locally sourced and—if possible—homegrown food. This is his guide to growing these nutritious little plants for yourself:

1. __Assemble your materials__. To grow microgreens, you need all the relevant supplies. “[If you’re] gonna grow microgreens,” Michael begins, “all you need to do that is some potting soil, an egg carton, or some sort of dish to be the base of your planting medium.” An egg carton isn’t technically necessary—any shallow container will do.
2. __Choose microgreen seeds__. No matter which type of sprouting seeds you choose, opting for fresh and organic ones, according to Michael. “The seeds can be of any number of different crops,” he says. “Greens are very typically used. But this is important, make sure to get organic seed.” You’ll get more nutritional value from these types of seeds.
3. __Introduce water to the soil__. Once you have your soil, add a moderate amount of water to prepare it for your seeds. “All you have to do is add some water to the puck and it will miraculously expand,” Michael says. “So now we have this kind of mud, potting soil, and water.” This serves as the foundation for your plants’ growth.
4. __Plant the seeds__. Seed starting is simple when it comes to microgreens. “Once you've got your planting bed ready to go,” Michael instructs, “take your seeds and you can plant pretty densely because they're not gonna have to get that big. And then sprinkle them evenly, as evenly as you can on the planting bed.” Let this thin layer rest for a moment before proceeding to the next step.
5. __Tend to the seeds’ growth__. Steady and diligent concentration on your plants’ progress will prove rewarding. “Cover your little garden with a paper towel,” Michael says. “Moisten the paper towel. And that's it. In two days, you'll take this off, and at that point, you might see some growth beginning.” Tend to these fast growers with light and water, and enjoy their lightning-quick [germination](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-germinate-seeds-explained) rate.
After these plants grow, you can eat them right after you harvest them. Keep these tips in mind for harvesting microgreens:

- __Appraise the leaves__. Microgreen leaves sprout fast, but there are two levels to their growth. The first leaves to grow (cotyledons) are tiny outgrowths of seeds, but they look underdeveloped compared to the first set of true leaves. When your microgreens start to look like an actual tiny version of a mature plant, they’re ready to harvest.
- __Cut the plants at soil level__. No matter which variety of microgreens you grow, snip the seed leaves and stems above soil level rather than pulling them up from the root. This holds especially true with pea shoots and other stalklike veggies that grow to a certain height. They can continue to produce more leaves if you keep them in the soil.
- __Put the microgreens to good use__. There are plenty of different ways to eat microgreens. Use them as a garnish on soups or [stir-fries](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-stir-fry). Throw them into [smoothies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/superfood-smoothie-guide) for more of a nutritious punch. Salad greens and red cabbage microgreens can even serve as the basis for an entire miniature salad.
See food like you have never seen it before. With the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/), journalist and educator Michael Pollan teaches you how to determine your [ingredient sources](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-where-does-food-come-from), [shop at the grocery store](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/michael-pollan-on-grocery-shopping-tips), and rethink your relationship to food.
Beginner and expert gardeners alike can benefit from growing microgreens. A handful of seeds can last you for a long time, sparing you an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. Food journalist Michael Pollan is a big fan of these tiny plants. Here, he walks you through how to grow them for yourself.

Beginner and expert gardeners alike can benefit from growing microgreens. A handful of seeds can last you for a long time, sparing you an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. Food journalist Michael Pollan is a big fan of these tiny plants. Here, he walks you through how to grow them for yourself.

Michael Pollan on Growing Microgreens

Microgreens are tiny herbs and plants you can consume within weeks of planting. If you grow them for long enough, they morph into baby greens and then full-grown leafy vegetables. Various types of microgreens include <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaranth' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/amaranth","linkCopy":"amaranth","category":null}'>amaranth</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-arugula-in-your-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-arugula-in-your-garden","linkCopy":"arugula","category":null}'>arugula</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-buckwheat' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-buckwheat","linkCopy":"buckwheat","category":null}'>buckwheat</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-swiss-chard' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-swiss-chard","linkCopy":"chard","category":null}'>chard</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-chia-seed-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-chia-seed-guide","linkCopy":"chia","category":null}'>chia</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-harvest-cilantro' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-harvest-cilantro","linkCopy":"cilantro","category":null}'>cilantro</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fennel-benefits-of-fennel-plus-easy-recipe-and-cooking-ideas","linkCopy":"fennel","category":null}'>fennel</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-and-care-for-radishes","linkCopy":"radishes","category":null}'>radishes</a>, and wheatgrass. One perk of growing these plants is their ability to sprout year-round in different climates. You might have a more challenging time growing microgreens outdoors in some regions, but it’s always possible to grow them inside year-round.

What Are Microgreens?

These small and easy-to-grow plants have a robust nutritional value, featuring high levels of antioxidants and carotenoids like beta-carotene. They also contain ample amounts of iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc. Studies indicate consuming microgreens on a regular basis could correlate to a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and other adverse health conditions. They might also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Health Benefits of Microgreens

While many think of sprouts as the mature counterparts to microgreens, this is inaccurate. Both are vegetables, but microgreens sprout in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/soil-types","linkCopy":"soil","category":null}'>soil</a> while <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sprouts-in-a-jar' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-sprouts-in-a-jar","linkCopy":"sprouts","category":null}'>sprouts</a> grow in water. Microgreens also have more nutritional value on average than many types of sprouts. Still, if you want to grow some veggies in the shortest amount of time possible, opt for sprouts over microgreens. Microgreens take a week or two to grow, but sprouts take only days.

Microgreens vs. Sprouts

Microgreens only require a few supplies to grow to their full capacity. These are the materials you’ll need to grow your own microgreens:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Growing tray: If you’re opting toward indoor gardening, you’ll need a growing tray with drainage holes to give these tiny greens a place to sprout. Home and garden stores sell premade microgreens kits, but you can always fashion a DIY microgreen tray for yourself as well. </li><li class="">Light source: Growing microgreens indoors requires a limited amount of light. While <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/grow-lights-for-plants' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/grow-lights-for-plants","linkCopy":"grow lights","category":null}'>grow lights</a> might be necessary if you live in a cloudy and dark <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/climate-zones' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/climate-zones","linkCopy":"climate","category":null}'>climate</a> during fall or winter, a sunny windowsill might be all it takes if there’s plenty of light pouring into your house through any given season. </li><li class="">Seeds: You can use plenty of different types of seeds to grow microgreens. Unlike larger seeds, you can spread a vast array of these fast growers onto the soil and see results in no time. </li><li class="">Soil: Microgreens grow in soil most often, but you can opt for another type of potting mix or growing medium. You can also use a small cultivator to mix in the seeds with the soil. </li><li class="">Water: While microgreens don’t need a ton of water to thrive, a decent amount of continuous moisture will prove very helpful. Take your watering can or spray bottle to the plant whenever you notice the soil getting dry. </li></ul>

Necessary Supplies for Growing Microgreens

Food educator <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/michael-pollan-teaches-intentional-eating' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/michael-pollan-teaches-intentional-eating","linkCopy":"Michael Pollan","category":null}'>Michael Pollan</a> constantly advocates for locally sourced and—if possible—homegrown food. This is his guide to growing these nutritious little plants for yourself:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Assemble your materials. To grow microgreens, you need all the relevant supplies. “[If you’re] gonna grow microgreens,” Michael begins, “all you need to do that is some potting soil, an egg carton, or some sort of dish to be the base of your planting medium.” An egg carton isn’t technically necessary—any shallow container will do. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Choose microgreen seeds. No matter which type of sprouting seeds you choose, opting for fresh and organic ones, according to Michael. “The seeds can be of any number of different crops,” he says. “Greens are very typically used. But this is important, make sure to get organic seed.” You’ll get more nutritional value from these types of seeds. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Introduce water to the soil. Once you have your soil, add a moderate amount of water to prepare it for your seeds. “All you have to do is add some water to the puck and it will miraculously expand,” Michael says. “So now we have this kind of mud, potting soil, and water.” This serves as the foundation for your plants’ growth. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Plant the seeds. Seed starting is simple when it comes to microgreens. “Once you&#39;ve got your planting bed ready to go,” Michael instructs, “take your seeds and you can plant pretty densely because they&#39;re not gonna have to get that big. And then sprinkle them evenly, as evenly as you can on the planting bed.” Let this thin layer rest for a moment before proceeding to the next step. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Tend to the seeds’ growth. Steady and diligent concentration on your plants’ progress will prove rewarding. “Cover your little garden with a paper towel,” Michael says. “Moisten the paper towel. And that&#39;s it. In two days, you&#39;ll take this off, and at that point, you might see some growth beginning.” Tend to these fast growers with light and water, and enjoy their lightning-quick <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-germinate-seeds-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-germinate-seeds-explained","linkCopy":"germination","category":null}'>germination</a> rate. </li></ol>

How to Grow Microgreens in 5 Steps, According to Michael Pollan

After these plants grow, you can eat them right after you harvest them. Keep these tips in mind for harvesting microgreens:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Appraise the leaves. Microgreen leaves sprout fast, but there are two levels to their growth. The first leaves to grow (cotyledons) are tiny outgrowths of seeds, but they look underdeveloped compared to the first set of true leaves. When your microgreens start to look like an actual tiny version of a mature plant, they’re ready to harvest. </li><li class="">Cut the plants at soil level. No matter which variety of microgreens you grow, snip the seed leaves and stems above soil level rather than pulling them up from the root. This holds especially true with pea shoots and other stalklike veggies that grow to a certain height. They can continue to produce more leaves if you keep them in the soil. </li><li class="">Put the microgreens to good use. There are plenty of different ways to eat microgreens. Use them as a garnish on soups or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-stir-fry' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-stir-fry","linkCopy":"stir-fries","category":null}'>stir-fries</a>. Throw them into <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/superfood-smoothie-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/superfood-smoothie-guide","linkCopy":"smoothies","category":null}'>smoothies</a> for more of a nutritious punch. Salad greens and red cabbage microgreens can even serve as the basis for an entire miniature salad. </li></ul>

How to Harvest Microgreens

Beginner and expert gardeners alike can benefit from growing microgreens. A handful of seeds can last you for a long time, sparing you an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. Food journalist Michael Pollan is a big fan of these tiny plants. Here, he walks you through how to grow them for yourself.

Beginner and expert gardeners alike can benefit from growing microgreens. A handful of seeds can last you for a long time, sparing you an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. Food journalist Michael Pollan is a big fan of these tiny plants. Here, he walks you through how to grow them for yourself.


Michael Pollan posing near a garden bed of greens.

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