Ever since I was a little girl watching "Little House on the Prairie," I’ve dreamed of having a farm. Years later, with a family of my own, this dream began to take shape. Our journey from backyard gardening to establishing our farm, Manifesta Farms, has been a story of learning, faith, and research. In this post, I’ll share how our farm started, the lessons we learned along the way, and how we incorporated a unique method called Farming God’s Way.
The First Steps: From Virginia Tomatoes to California Dreams
It all started in Virginia, where our first attempt at gardening was planting tomatoes in our backyard. We didn’t know what we were doing, and the tomatoes grew alongside weeds, leaving us with a jungle to find our fruit! But instead of getting discouraged, I took a friend’s advice and began helping her on her farm. This experience was invaluable—not only did it teach me the basics of planting and harvesting, but it also brought joy to our family. My children loved being involved, whether it was picking carrots or gathering eggs alongside their new friends. This time on the farm ignited a deeper desire in me to have a farm of our own.
A New Beginning: Manifesta Farms
After four years in Virginia, we moved back to California, where the dream of having our own farm became more tangible. Even before we had the land, we bought a goat, driven by our desire to provide raw milk for our family. When the opportunity arose, we couldn’t pass it up, and soon after, we found the perfect property—2.5 acres we now call Manifesta Farms. I was eager to plant everything and everywhere, but I remembered the wisdom from my Virginia friend: start small, learn, and grow with each season. We began by planting fruit trees and transforming our backyard pool into a garden.
Finding Direction: Farming God’s Way
Starting our farm felt overwhelming at times, and I often prayed for guidance. One day, while searching online, I stumbled upon Farming God’s Way, a method that immediately resonated with me. The concept is rooted in biblical principles, emphasizing minimal soil disturbance, keeping a protective cover on the soil, and practicing crop rotation. The method is not just about agriculture; it’s about building a relationship with God through tending to the land. The idea that gardening can be a time of communion with God was beautiful to me. It was designed for the poor and those in need to grow their own food for their families survival, with an emphasis on teaching the basics to beginners. This method was truly a God send.
Implementing the Vision: Small Steps to Success
We began by reading the free manual from Farming God’s Way and watching some of their videos. The principles were simple but profound: no plowing, maintaining a 2.5 cm blanket of mulch on the soil, and rotating crops to ensure soil health. The emphasis on doing things with excellence and in God’s timing was a powerful reminder that this journey was not just about farming, but about faith. We started small, creating a garden in the space where our pool once was, and followed the guidelines for crop rotation and mulching. To our amazement, the garden flourished, with little to no weeds and healthy vegetables. It was clear that this method was not only effective but also sustainable for our growing farm.
Growing with the Farm: Expanding and Learning
As our confidence grew, so did our ambitions. We decided to expand the garden and include more crops like squash and pumpkins. We also began using manure from our goats and chickens, as well as wood chips from local tree trimmers, to enrich the soil. The principles of Farming God’s Way continued to guide us, helping us maintain healthy soil and a productive garden. The method’s focus on using what you have, without needing expensive tools or inputs, was particularly empowering. It made farming accessible and achievable, even for beginners like us.
The Journey of Faith and Farming
Our journey from dreaming of a farm to building Manifesta Farms has been one of faith, learning, and community. By starting small, seeking wisdom, and embracing Farming God’s Way, we’ve been able to create a growing farm that nourishes both our family and our spirits. Whether you have a small backyard or a large plot of land, I encourage you to start where you are and grow with what you have. Farming, like faith, is a journey—one that brings you closer to the land, your family, and God.
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