It might seem counterintuitive for a farmer to encourage people to grow their own food. After all, shouldn’t I want you to keep coming back to buy more food?
But the truth is, I’d love to work myself out of a job.
Imagine a Comox Valley so full of home growers that farmers aren’t needed for staple crops. Imagine backyard gardens so abundant that families trade zucchinis over the fence and swap tomato seeds at park
That’s the future I want. Because growing food is deeply connect to the magic of being alive.
There is something deeply human about planting a seed, nurturing it, and watching it become something real, nourishing, and alive. It’s why I farm. And it’s why I want you to grow, too.
Because growing food isn’t just a skill—it’s part of who we are.
The Meaning of “Human” & Why It Matters
Farming, gardening, and growing food aren’t just practical skills. They are part of what it means to be human.
The etymology of the word “human” points to three powerful ideas that connect directly to why we grow:
1️⃣ We Are One Species, One Community
The word “human” comes from Old French humain, meaning “of or belonging to man.” No matter our backgrounds, we all belong to the same species—homo sapien sapien (which, hilariously, translates to “wise wise human,” but that’s a discussion for another day).
Despite cultural and societal divisions, we all belong to the community of humankind. And what do humans do? We cultivate. We grow. We sustain life.
2️⃣ We Aspire to Be More
In Latin, humanus means not only “of man” but also “humane, philanthropic, kind, gentle, polite, learned, refined, civilized.”
As a species, we strive. This aspiration is why we pass down knowledge, share growing tips, and continue cultivating the land in ways that support both ourselves and future generations.
3️⃣ We Are of the Earth
The word “human” is also connected to humus, meaning “earth.”
We are not separate from the land. We are of it. Every handful of soil, every seed planted, every meal harvested connects us back to what we are made of.
That’s why growing feels so deeply satisfying—it’s a return to ourselves.
You Belong to This Cycle, Too
Maybe one day, Comox Valley, the land of plenty, won’t need farmers because there will be so many home grower that food is just… everywhere. That would be amazing.
Until then, I’ll keep growing seedlings and food. I’ll keep checking every plant. And I’ll keep supporting you in your own growing journey.
Join the Movement
🌱 Curious how growing your own food can save you money?
👉 How to Use Your Garden to Reduce Winter Food Costs
📣 Why do you grow?
