My ‘Finding Fresh Food’ Conundrum
When I think back on the nitty-gritty beginnings of my farming journey, it’s clear that it all started with a desire for fresh, wholesome food and the inability to easily procure it locally. Do you remember the story about the slimy old lettuce at the local grocery store?
At the time, I had a baby and a toddler, and the nearest farmer’s markets were in downtown Baltimore—a 30 to 45-minute drive each way. Having just moved from Los Angeles, where I could easily access 3-4 farmers’ markets within 10-15 minutes, this felt overwhelming.
To make matters worse, none of the locals in Freeland seemed to know about local farmer’s markets. Some even told me there weren’t any! It was then that my father-in-law brought over his walk-behind tiller and tilled up a patch for my kitchen garden in June 2006. That small act opened up my passion which would eventually lead me to become a full-time farmer.
I’d always loved growing food. Even during my urban life, I’d managed to grow food in half-barrel gardens. But starting a real garden—an in-the-ground garden—was exciting. Country living at its best, baby!
I’m not sure what I’d do differently if I could start over, I love my winding path, but I’ve made enough mistakes to fill several books. That’s why I’m sharing some thoughts and practical tips for those of you who are dreaming of starting your own farm.
1. Start with a Garden, Not a Farm
It’s easy to dream big, but farming is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re growing food for your family, start with a kitchen garden. It’s manageable, it’s fun, and you’ll learn so much from it. Focus on growing what you love to eat—there’s nothing more rewarding than harvesting your own fresh produce for dinner.
Starting small also allows you to avoid the overwhelm that comes with managing a large-scale operation. You’ll have fewer weeds to battle, fewer plants to tend, and more time to actually enjoy the process. As you gain confidence and experience, you can expand.
2. Keep Up With Your Accounting
This might sound boring, but it’s crucial. Even if you’re just growing food for your family, track your expenses. Make a budget, log your receipts, and keep tabs on what it actually costs you to grow your food. If you’re thinking about selling produce or starting a CSA, it’s time to get serious about financial tracking.
When I started my CSA, I’ll admit I was slow to prioritize bookkeeping—and it’s something I’d do differently. Having an accounting system in place from the start will save you so much stress down the road. Tools like QuickBooks Online or the newer FarmHand software can make it easier to track sales, expenses, and profitability. Of course, you need to learn how to use them, and they cost money.
A simple spreadsheet can work in the beginning. I know farmers who use AirTable with great success—and it’s free.
Pro Tip: Know your “cost of production.” This is the total cost to grow a single crop. It’s eye-opening to see just how much it costs to produce one head of lettuce when you factor in seeds, water, labor, and equipment. Understanding your costs will help you price your produce correctly when you decide to sell.
3. Build a Community
Farming can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Early on, I didn’t know many local farmers. I’d been used to the vibrant farmers’ market scene in LA, and suddenly, I’d moved to a place where no one even knew the markets existed. Looking back, I wish I’d reached out to other farmers sooner.
Visit local farmers’ markets and introduce yourself to farmers. Ask questions and offer to volunteer on their farms for a day. Join local food or farming groups, like a Beginning Farmer Training Program, or follow local farming organizations on social media. If you’re considering starting a CSA, connecting with other CSA farmers can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Find a mentor.
4. Learn From Mistakes (Because You’ll Make a Lot!)
When you’re farming, mistakes aren’t failures—they’re lessons. I’ve made my fair share. I’ve overplanted, underplanted, forgotten to track expenses, and let the weeds get ahead of me. I’ve bought the wrong seeds and had to learn the hard way how to build healthy soil.
Here’s the truth: Every mistake will make you a better farmer. Take notes on what works and what doesn’t. Keep a farm journal to track your experiences. When you look back on your notes, you’ll see just how much you’ve grown. I have had a habit of keeping a simple notebook for years. I have notebooks from 10 years ago that I’ve only recently let go of. Taking note of planting and harvesting dates, watering, and daily weather can go a long way in helping understand what goes right (or wrong) and why. You don’t need an elaborate crop plan to keep track of what you do. Data is your friend.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Whether it’s family, friends, or fellow farmers, don’t be afraid to ask for help. My father-in-law’s simple act of tilling my first kitchen garden was a gift that started it all here at OSF. If you’re starting a larger farm, you’ll need extra hands. Reach out to family, friends, or local community members who might want to learn about farming in exchange for fresh veggies.
You’re also allowed to hire help. But that comes later for most. I’ve come to see the value in investing in farm labor—people who help you plant, harvest, and manage the farm. It’s worth it to prevent burnout and free you up to focus on higher-level farm tasks that only you can do.
6. Get Comfortable With Uncertainty
No two growing seasons are the same. Weather will surprise you. Pests will challenge you. Rain might come too late or too soon, too much or too little. Farming teaches you to be adaptable and humble. The more you’re willing to roll with the punches, the more success you’ll find.
This lesson applies not only to crops but to every aspect of the farm—your schedule, your finances, your relationships. Learning to breathe through uncertainty is a skill that’s just as valuable as knowing how to grow tomatoes.
7. Invest in Your Education
When I moved from being a backyard gardener to a full-time farmer, I enrolled in the Beginner Farmer Training Program through Future Harvest CASA. My friend and neighbor Jess had graduated and told me it would be perfect for me. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Farming requires a diverse skill set—from growing techniques to business operations—and the more you learn, the better equipped you’ll be. That’s where I found my mentor and my network.
I have hired consultants, taken finance and marketing classes, and enrolled in online farming and marketing courses. My most recent courses were to become a Certified Business and Mindset Coach and learn how to build a digital course. Please hear me: You don’t have to go it alone. Look for live and online courses, farming workshops, or mentorships from experienced farmers. As you gain experience, you might even consider offering your own expertise to the next wave of aspiring farmers. Farmers are a generous bunch. We love to share our knowledge and help others. That’s the path I’m heading down now.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of being a farmer, you’re not alone. I started with a baby, a toddler, and a patch of tilled-up soil. I didn’t know what I didn’t know—but I knew I wanted fresh food for my family. That’s still my “why” to this day. The journey from gardener to farmer is a winding road, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Start small. Track your costs. Learn from your mistakes. Build a community. Ask for help. Be ready for uncertainty. And most of all, enjoy the process of growing food. It’s an act of hope and love—for your family, for your community, and for the world.
If you’re ready to start your farm journey, just remember: Every successful farmer started with a single seed.
*Need a consult or a little coaching to help you figure out your right path?
Let’s chat! CLICK HERE to grab a spot on my calendar for a free 15-30 minute consultation.
Follow us on Facebook to see what we’re up to
