Jerome Osentowski - The Forest Garden Greenhouse

 During the conversation today, we talk about his many years of building and consulting on the construction of greenhouses. At his site in Basalt, Colorado, this includes creating local greenhouse environments that allow the growing of citrus, and hold temperatures at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees year-round. As a permaculture practitioner, this stems from multiple systems, but one active method that Jerome has developed is his climate battery, the principles and functions of which he shares with us, and further details of which are in his book. Whether you have an interest in gardening, greenhouses, or appropriate technology, you’ll enjoy hearing Jerome share his experiences and knowledge.

You can find out more about Jerome, his work, and book at the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture website, CRMPI.org.

As I mentioned during this conversation, I owe a lot of my permaculture education to what Jerome and the team at CRMPI have done over the years because that is where, as I remember, Ben Weiss trained before teaching me. If you are looking for a Permaculture Design Course or to study professional practices, you’d be hard-pressed not to study there if you can make it. As part of the work for this show, as I said to Jerome, I’m interested in visiting sometime to learn more, we’ll see what happens with that. For anyone interested in starting a small business, whether permaculture or otherwise, there is something to be said for the ongoing adaption and stick-to-it-iveness that Jerome and CRMPI have gone through over the years to keep operating. Rebuilding the greenhouse after losing it in the fire. Operating multiple businesses to provide financial income and redundancy. Trying different things to see what works. What fits for that environment, physically, socially, and metaphorically. I also like that he is planning for the succession of CRMPI and the other businesses so that this work can go on. Not just for another season, or another month, but for decades to come. A reminder to think long term, beyond our own lives, and to flourishing future generations.

If there is any way I can help you to explore the possibilities of your local community, prepare for a bountiful future, or grow your business or permaculture practice, get in touch by leaving a comment below.

Resources:
The Forest Garden Greenhouse
Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture
Chelsea Green Publishing