If you grow food and you're frustrated, watch this...

Introduction

As of December 6th, we have sold $ 81,000 worth of food from our one-third acre plot of land. Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with that outcome, and I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned about growing food on a small scale. For those who don’t know me, I’m Zach Buckle, and I own this farm in Cody, Wyoming. This is our fourth season growing vegetables here, and we aim to harvest and sell fresh produce year-round. However, there are challenges associated with winter growing and selling that I want to address.

I find myself frustrated because I had hoped to achieve over $ 100,000 in sales this year. I genuinely believe that’s possible, but the reality of growing food and establishing a business seldom aligns with the visions we create in our minds. This applies not only to farming but also to gardening and homesteading. Regardless of which avenue we choose, achieving our envisioned outcome often takes longer than anticipated.

To put things into perspective, during our first three seasons, sales were around $ 40,000 to $ 50,000. Thus, I can’t complain about the growth we’ve achieved; still, I sometimes lack patience. Moreover, I’m learning to embrace the journey of growing food and starting a business.

One pivotal lesson I’ve learned is that the journey is riddled with challenges. This could be due to crop failures, pests, or weather changes. It’s vital to step back and gain perspective when faced with difficulties. This video is as much for my reflection as it is for others because I need reminders about the nature of this journey.

Currently, we are facing a significant problem: voles are threatening our winter carrots. We have approximately 900 to 1,000 pounds of carrots left in the ground. Luckily, voles seem to prefer parsley roots, but the fear of losing those carrots is daunting, especially as my business greatly relies on them for the next couple of months. Unfortunately, this is part of being a grower. The challenges we face often are beyond our control, no matter how many measures we take to protect our crops.

It’s critical to detach ourselves from the end results. The level of emotional investment can be overwhelming, especially when financial stakes are high. But whether you are growing for your family or running a business, your first couple of years will likely involve some considerable challenges. It’s wise not to stretch yourself thin in an attempt to grow all of your food immediately. Instead, gaining experience through trial and error is essential for long-term success.

No matter how rigorous your weed management practices are, struggles with weeds are unavoidable. Even with intensive cultivation, weed growth persists. Hence, rolling with the punches and accepting that problems are an integral part of this process is important.

If you start your journey toward growing food, it’s best to develop a love for the experience itself. I’m not claiming to have mastered this, but I feel I’m getting closer to enjoying the learning process rather than viewing challenges as insurmountable obstacles. Emotional responses can bubble over when faced with multiple issues at once, leading to significant stress. However, stepping back, appreciating the journey, and continuing to grow are essential for moving forward.

When becoming overwhelmed by challenges, reflecting on my "why" is my guiding light. Starting this YouTube channel has been instrumental in helping me connect with viewers who care about growing food. It’s gratifying to engage with people who appreciate high-quality and nutrient-dense food, especially in a region where such appreciation is quite rare.

My goal with this farm and channel is to inspire others to grow their own food. Selling vegetables is a means to an end. It’s the joy of connecting with individuals who understand the value of nutrition that keeps me motivated, especially during challenging times. Finding your personal motivation—be it feeding your family or pushing personal boundaries—can be empowering.

Another driving factor for me is showcasing that growing food can be productive and efficient, even in a short growing season like ours, which spans only about 90-120 frost-free days. I want to demonstrate that if we can achieve significant yields in such challenging climates, people in milder regions should have even greater success.

At our farm, we focus on high yields in small spaces. Generating $ 81,000 from a one-third acre is an impressive figure, and this concept implies that an urban gardener could potentially grow $ 1,200-$ 2,000 worth of food annually from just 200-300 square feet of backyard space if they learn effective gardening principles.

In the end, when facing obstacles like aphids or invasive grass, remember you’re not alone. Explore your feelings about these challenges, but also ensure that they don’t derail your passion for growing. While setbacks can feel overwhelming, it’s crucial not to let them dictate your journey.

Lastly, it’s essential to remember your victories, however small. Celebrate every successful crop, and keep a positive outlook. If you found this article insightful, please express your thoughts in the comments. Share your own challenges, so others who relate can find encouragement in community experiences.

Keyword

• Growing food
• Frustration
• Lessons learned
• Small scale farming
• Emotional struggle
• Seasonal challenges
• Motivation
• High yields

FAQ

Q: What are some common challenges of growing food?
A: Some challenges include crop failures, pests, weeds, and weather changes, which can significantly impact your yield and harvest.

Q: How can I deal with frustration when my crops fail?
A: It’s essential to step back, detach from the end result, and remind yourself that challenges are part of the learning journey. Reflecting on your motivation can also help.

Q: Why should I grow my own food?
A: Growing your food can save money, provide high-quality nutrition, and fulfill a personal or family need. It’s also a rewarding experience that connects you with the growing community.

Q: How can I increase my yields in a small space?
A: Focus on effective planting techniques, crop spacing, and management practices to maximize your yields, even in limited areas.

Q: What’s the importance of community when growing food?
A: Connecting with others who share similar interests can provide encouragement, share strategies, and enhance motivation when facing challenges in growing food.