More Grads in Action: Elise Pickett
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More Grads in Action: Elise Pickett
"I could certainly go anywhere in the country to learn but it's not the same when you're trying to look deeper at the systems you're working in or the plants that truly thrive in our environment!"
Editor’s Note
Grads in Action represents the GP mission perfectly. Of course, the knowledge you gain from studying with us is invaluable, but what is most important to us is what you do with that knowledge. In this issue we deep dive into the Permaculture lifestyle of Elise Pickett of The Urban Harvest fame! She has developed quite a successful life for herself and her family.
Grads in Action: Elise Pickett
Elise Pickett is the owner of The Urban Harvest. She has been teaching organic and sustainable vegetable gardening in Florida for 10 years now. Her primary goal is to help her community gain the knowledge and confidence to grow their own food.
PermaLife recently sat down with Elise and got her viewpoint on Permaculture. Here is what she had to say:
What made you interested in Permaculture?
I wanted to create a more efficient and regenerative approach to my gardening efforts. One that could support my family, my environment, and my community. After reading on permaculture in books it seemed like it had so many of the concepts that I was already attempting haphazardly in a much more organized and fluid way.
For example, as I laid out the functionality of my homestead, I chose to put my compost piles at the back of the property on the alley. I primarily use heavy 50-pound bags of spent beer grain and it would be incredibly heavy to haul to the interior of the property regularly. Now I can back up my truck and toss them out easily. We also placed the chicken coop right next to it so that they can pick through the bugs that show up as the piles start to cool. It also happens to be under the shade of my oak tree so that I am utilizing an otherwise less than ideal growing space.
Permaculture is said to be both a lifestyle and a personal philosophy, how do you feel about that?
I think they can certainly be a blending of both worlds. Yes, there is thought and philosophy at its foundation but ultimately it is a way of life. Because it is taking the thoughts/philosophy floating around in your head and putting it into action. I’ve come to embrace that permaculture can apply to practically any part of life, not just the garden. And it can still achieve those positive and mutual results we aim for in our tree guilds or what not.
How have you incorporated permaculture into your life?
I have been teaching Florida vegetable gardening to my community now for 10 years with my business The Urban Harvest. My mission is to help fill the generational information gap that many of us have from not being surrounded by growing food as we grew up. What to plant and when and how and all that goes along with growing food. I see it as the way for myself and others to reclaim their health and sovereignty. Everything I now offer has progressed by filling a need from there.
I started with private consultations to help folks get input on their specific space, which quickly evolved into classes on beginner gardening in Florida. Then people wanted a curated collection of seeds that actually grow well in Florida, so I filtered out the excess seed varieties to skip some of the trial and error. When I realized people across Florida, not just in my immediate area could use help too I created a YouTube channel so I could help people outside of the St. Pete/Tampa area. Even with the curated collection of seeds there was still confusion with our rather different planting seasons, so I created a Florida vegetable seed club to help people with seasonality.
I had nowhere to send people for heirloom varieties of organic vegetable plants so I started a co-op of small-scale local growers that could help people source quality plants. Most recently students were requesting a private online (off Facebook) community to help with continuing education and encouragement as you grow.
Can you tell us a little more about you?
I am a happy wife and mama to 2 beautiful daughters who I am lucky enough to spend the majority of my time with as I am able to work from home for my business. I also teach at my daughters’ farm school, Creative Play (https://creativeplay.school), in Gulfport where we are surrounding the children by a lush food forest and the awareness of where food comes from in a loving and supportive environment. We are currently raising funds to purchase the school’s property and all donations to this not for profit are tax deductible. One day I see my business, this farm school, and many other conscious businesses working together to help people recreate a connection to mother earth and all that she has to offer us in a nourishing and sustainable manner.
My website is the place to go for the seed and plant shop, booking consultations, signing up for the seed club, and finding out about upcoming classes.
My YouTube channel has over 100 videos on Florida based organic and sustainable vegetable gardening, Florida food forests, and homesteading topics.
How did you discover Grow Permaculture?
I found out about Grow Permaculture after reading Gaia's Garden and googling permaculture St. Pete. It just so happened Koreen was starting a PDC in the next week or two. And it just so happened I could actually make it work with my schedule. It was meant to be!
What made you choose Grow Permaculture as the source for your study?
I loved that Koreen had practical skills and experience growing in our Florida climate. I could certainly go anywhere in the country (or world) to learn but it's not the same when you're trying to look deeper at the systems you're working in or the plants that truly thrive in our environment. I was able to skip some of the speed bumps by learning from someone who had been actively working on these designs for my area.
How has Grow Permaculture been of help to you?
I can appreciate that they are supportive of everyone's goals and visions in attendance. It's not just food forests for them. They support each student on their individual projects whether it is a demonstration garden or educational program or compost operation. Whatever they are working towards they help the student to put a permaculture lens on to create efficiencies and benefits for all.
By permaculture lens I mean that they support and foster efficiencies and connections. Whether it be mentioning a contact that could be helpful to them, a local resource they know of, doing the monthly salon calls to stay connected, or creating the permaculture resource database website. With permaculture no one thing is meant to or able to stand alone. In their classes no one does either.
Want to become a Permaculture success like Elise? Checkout our online and in person permaculture courses under the direction of Koreen Brennan!
Grow Permaculture Curriculum and Courses:
Are you ready to take your next step in Permaculture? If so, we’ve got you covered from novice to all-star. All our courses are under the direct supervision of Koreen Brennan, educator, diplomate, and PINA board member.
Free Online Introduction to Permaculture Course
Our free Intro to Permaculture Design Course will get you started, give you the basics to prepare for your future. Discover why the adoption of permaculture is rapidly growing and how it opens doors such as: food security, non-toxic pest control, how designs are changing the way people solve problems, and find happiness while doing so! Sign up today!
Online Permaculture Design Course
The internationally recognized Grow Permaculture Full Online Permaculture Design Course comes with hands-on practical and mentoring. Now more than ever, people have attention on creating more choices and resilience in their lives. We want healthy food, a clean environment, happiness and security for us, our children, and future generations. This course offers practical steps to achieving these things in your own life, regardless of your circumstances. You can get started right away! Sign up now!
In-Person Permaculture Design Course
This is Grow Permaculture’s internationally recognized In-Person Permaculture Design Course. This course will be held in St Petersburg, FL, and at our farm in Brooksville, giving people an opportunity to see permaculture in action on both the farm while also studying in an urban environment. Space is limited sign up today!
Check out our full lineup of Grow Permaculture courses!