The EarthWorks Podcast

On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Joel Simmons sits down with Marissa McDowell, a third-generation seed producer whose family played an important role in the growth of Pickseed, one of the most recognized names in turfgrass seed production. Based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the center of grass seed production in the United States, Marissa grew up immersed in the seed business before eventually joining the family industry herself.

During the conversation, Marissa walks Joel through the entire turfgrass seed production process, from securing farmland and growing seed crops to harvesting, cleaning, packaging, and bringing premium turfgrass varieties to market. She shares insight into the complexity behind producing high-quality bentgrasses, bluegrasses, fescues, and ryegrasses through Vista Seed Partners.

Joel and Marissa also discuss the economics of the seed industry and what impacts grass seed pricing from year to year. One major concern highlighted in the discussion is the continued loss of grass seed acreage in Oregon to commodity crops like hazelnuts, which require large amounts of land and can permanently remove valuable turf seed production acreage for decades.

If you’ve ever wondered where your grass seed comes from or how much work goes into producing the seed used on golf courses, sports fields, and home lawns, this episode provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the turfgrass seed industry.

And one of the most entertaining moments of the episode comes when Marissa discusses one of Vista’s newer turfgrass varieties, “Simmons” red creeping fescue, named after Joel himself.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 
EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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For over 30 years, EarthWorks has helped turf managers successfully establish golf courses and sports fields during construction and grow-in. Our soil-first approach has consistently delivered stronger rooting, more efficient fertility programs, and long-term performance.

Sand-based root zones, however, present a unique set of challenges. They are naturally low in mineral content, have limited nutrient holding capacity (CEC), and provide little to no carbon to fuel soil biology. The result is reduced microbial activity, an overreliance on synthetic nitrogen during grow-in, and the development of excessive, unmanageable thatch.

In this episode, Kevin Hicks sits down with Joel Simmons to explore the origins of the EarthWorks construction grow-in program—and the why behind amending sand-based soils from the start.

As Joel puts it, “someone you know has used the EarthWorks grow-in program.” Built around proven inputs like Renovate Plus, Ecolite, and Myco Replenish, this construction-focused approach has been trusted by thousands of turf managers since the mid-1990s.

The results are consistent—faster grow-ins, deeper rooting, reduced nitrogen inputs, and a dramatic reduction in thatch. By shifting from a nitrogen-heavy strategy to a carbon-driven, biologically active system during construction, turf managers turn thatch into usable organic matter—and make grow-ins far more manageable from day one.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 
EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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In this episode, Jack Higgins sits down with horticulturalist Tim Hollowell to explore the deeper connection between soil health, plant performance, and practical horticulture. Tim shares his perspective from years of hands-on experience, breaking down how soil biology, structure, and nutrient balance all work together to influence plant success.

The conversation moves beyond surface-level plant care and dives into what’s really happening below ground. From managing soil conditions to understanding how plants respond to their environment, Tim offers insights that apply across landscapes—from turf to gardens and beyond.
This episode is a great listen for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of the soil-first approach and how thoughtful horticultural practices can lead to healthier, more resilient plants.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 
EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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This week, Jack Higgins sits down with Kevin and Wes Morrison, owners of Nature’s Own, to talk about what it really means to take a Soil First approach to lawn care.

For more than three decades, Kevin has stayed committed to building from the ground up. It’s a philosophy he developed while studying at Rutgers in the 1980s, and one he’s never wavered from—even as industry trends and sales pressure pushed toward quick, surface-level results.

Instead of “treating the top,” Kevin has always focused on investing in the root zone—where long-term plant health truly begins.
Now working alongside Wes, the Morrisons continue to build on that foundation, delivering consistent, sustainable results by prioritizing soil biology, structure, and function.

In this conversation, Jack, Kevin, and Wes dig into:
• Why Soil First still matters more than ever
• The difference between short-term results and long-term performance
• How building the root zone leads to stronger, more resilient turf
• What it takes to stay committed to a philosophy in a results-driven industry

It’s a great discussion on staying grounded in your approach, trusting the process, and growing better turf by starting where it matters most—below the surface.

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 
EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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Back on the EarthWorks Podcast, we’re joined by our friend John Reilly from Longboat Key Club in Sarasota, Florida. John is one of the most innovative golf course superintendents in the industry, using technology to enhance what he calls the “art of greenskeeping.”

We dive into how data collection strengthens his natural intuition on the golf course, helping him make more confident decisions. John shares how he uses the GS3 Ball to manage firm conditions, focusing less on speed and more on surface smoothness and true ball roll.

This conversation takes place during his Member-Guest tournament, a high-pressure time for any superintendent. But John had full confidence in his greens, backed by both his data and real-time feedback from members.

He also discusses his unique approach to soil management. Rather than traditional topdressing, John injects sand into his greens and builds organic matter using the principles of Biological Soil Management. The result is firm, consistent playing conditions that meet both his standards and his members’ expectations.

As always, it’s a great conversation with John, packed with valuable insights for anyone growing grass. Enjoy!

Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com 
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ 
EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

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