Take Care of Yourself
For Students, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

Take Care of Yourself

Change is coming to Growing With Professor Brown. Starting next semester, I'm splitting things into a weekly student bulletin and a monthly newsletter for the whole community — with new ways for students to share their writing and their gardens. This week's issue has all the details, plus a reminder worth hearing if you're in a busy season: don't forget to take care of yourself. Issue 29 is up.

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Slow Down and Think
For Students, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

Slow Down and Think

What does a trip to the farmers' market really give us? This week's newsletter reflects on slow food, local food and health, and the connections we build with our community when we know who grows our food. Plus a look at what's happening in class — a winecap mushroom demonstration and a creek cleanup. Issue 28 is up.

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The More I Learn, the Less I Know
For Students, A Few Good Things, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, A Few Good Things, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

The More I Learn, the Less I Know

This week I'm starting a new corner of the newsletter — A Few Good Things — and kicking it off with the books I recommend to my students again and again, from Fukuoka and Kimmerer to Leopold and Carson. Plus a reflection on something I keep relearning: the more I understand, the more I see how little I know. Come read with a humble mind.

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What World Do I Want to Live In?
For Students, Videos from This Week's Classes, In the Garden, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, Videos from This Week's Classes, In the Garden, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

What World Do I Want to Live In?

This week I'm setting up my first-ever worm tea rig (the brewing comes in my next video!), getting honest with you about a very full summer ahead, and reflecting on a question I keep asking myself: what world do I want to live in? Plus it's potluck week, the plant raffle, and a stack of videos on the Honorable Harvest and the Three Sisters. Come grow with me.

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When Nature Speaks, We Should Listen
For Students, Living Sustainably, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, Living Sustainably, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

When Nature Speaks, We Should Listen

Record-shattering heat across Southern California. A rock rose that bloomed white instead of pink. A viral short crossing 38,000 views. This week, Professor Brown reflects on what nature is telling us, shares his journey through the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies, and looks ahead to a brand new regenerative gardening course launching this fall.

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Before and After the Shade
For Students, In the Garden, Living Sustainably, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown For Students, In the Garden, Living Sustainably, Thought of the Week Benjamin Brown

Before and After the Shade

This week’s newsletter includes a livestream announcement, updates from all three classes, a new YouTube video on California native plants, and major changes in the garden—including the removal of a century-old avocado tree. I also share some thoughts on upcycling and a personal reflection on tending landscapes across generations.

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