Farming full-time for income
Updated Feb 25, 2025
Seeking
- 0-5 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
- 0-5 Acres of pasture
Desired locations
I'm an experienced, local grower looking for more permanent land to expand my operation.
Plan
I currently grow 1/4 ac at home, and 1/2 ac on leased property in Edneyville. I would like to expand my operation if possible.
I grow using no-till, organic practices. My wife is starting a food hub in Laurel Park and I plan on growing for that. Two specific goals are growing local Masa corn to make locally grown tortillas and making salsas from everything I helped grow. Beyond that, I hope to grow native plants and adapt plants I enjoy further to our local climate.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
A strong well with high GPM flow is ideal. I would provide the rest of the infrastructure and equipment.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
I am looking to lease long term.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
I practice No-Till, organic growing.
I focus on using seed that has been adapted (hence "Adaptive Gardens") to grow without heavy fertilizers, pesticides, or much plastic.
I intend to experiment with milpa style growing that includes growing multiple crops under corn, using seed from Oaxaca, and other places that have been growing milpa for a long, long time.
I plan on planting native flowers for seed production and to bring in natural predators to feed on any garden pests.
Production goals
Goals details
I want to grow 2 acres of Masa corn. 1/2 acre of tomatoes and peppers. 1/2 of winter and summer squash. I would create rows of native flowers and forbs in between. Seeds that did really well I would select and sell to the Appalachian Seed Grower's Collective and through my website.
My plan is to sell corn and make Masa at the local Laurel Park food hub. I want to sell at the Hendersonville Farmer's Market (I have applied to vend this year). And sell to Caja Solidaria and other non-profits that feed vulnerable people.
Farm experience
Years of experience
10 total years of experience
2 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
8 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I got a Bachelor of Science in Ecological Agriculture from Evergreen St and interned at their Organic Farm in 2004. I have grown large gardens since then usually around a 1/2 acre. I worked at Tiny Bridge Farm as a part time employee. I helped start the food as medicine non-profit Caja Solidaria that currently supports 300 families in Henderson and Transyslvania Counties. I bought the food for Caja and saw a need for more locally grown food.
I have started Adaptive Gardens this year. I am selling native bare root plants currently (e.g. hazelnuts, serviceberries). I then plan on selling garden starts, native plant starts, and crops later in the Summer.