Michael York

Mike York, a Minnesota native, moved with his family (his parents, Sue and Gordon, and his two brothers) to Hawaii in 1974 when he was seven years old. Mike's father was in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Fort Shafter US Army base in Honolulu. The York Family began gardening, which they found a relaxing and fun activity to share and one that also strengthened their bonds. Mike started his life-long passion for planting tropical plants, flowers, and fruits there. Spending his childhood outdoors near the Pacific Ocean and in the lush tropical zone of his neighborhood, Mike discovered pineapples, avocados, bananas, and mangos growing abundantly. The family returned to Minneapolis when Mike started high school. He joined a gardening club as a teenager, where he continued his passion for planting and learned the challenges of gardening in a completely different climate. After graduating from high school, Michael York pursued his passion for plants at Michigan State University, majoring in horticulture. His career began in some of the top nurseries in the Midwest, where he honed his skills in cultivating various leafy vegetables, herbs for culinary and medicinal uses, and a myriad of other crops. His experiences there deepened his understanding of plant biology and ecosystem dynamics. However, Michael's curiosity and drive didn't stop with traditional gardening. The harsh Midwest winters and his nostalgic yearning for the tropical flora of his youth led him to explore greenhouse gardening. This sparked interest for Mike in other specialized fields of home-grown food production: cultivating gourmet mushrooms, sustainable beekeeping, and the fascinating ancient craft of mead-making. Each discipline complemented Mike’s extensive knowledge of horticulture and opened new avenues for ecological and self-sufficient living. Today, besides being a sought-after lecturer, Michael York is the author of notable books on Greenhouse Gardening, Mushroom Cultivation, Beekeeping, and Mead Making. He views each book as a mission to empower individuals to embrace sustainable practices that enhance health and well-being, and Mike’s readers know he is generous with his knowledge through his incredible and informative books. His garden is a testament to this philosophy, featuring an eclectic mix of vegetables, herbs, flowers, tropical fruits, and a thriving bee colony, all surrounding his greenhouse that houses specialty mushrooms and various plant species. Michael continues contributing to community gardening projects and advises on ecological farming initiatives, promoting a holistic approach to modern agriculture.