Humans Who Grow Food

“One of my favorite moments is Thanksgiving, knowing that so many families in our community are sitting down to meals that include our vegetables. It feels like we get to be part of their memories”.

Jenna Seafield Farm

Support your local farmers ❤️

Meet Leena hellfiregarden from Gotland, Sweden 🇸🇪

“I’m a homesteader living on 2 acres on a small island called Gotland, right outside the Swedish coast.

My passion for growing food started 21 years ago when I moved to my first house. As a young mother I wanted to give my kids the cleanest food available, but the organic produce in the store was too expensive, so the only thing I could do was to grow it myself. I was so motivated that I went from zero knowledge about gardening to growing as much food as possible basically overnight.

What started as a pretty egoistic dream of my garden giving me as much food as possible ended up as a symbiotic relationship where I need the garden and its inhabitants as much as they need me.

The only pest management I use is my Muscovy ducks, chickens, and netting. I always grow sacrificial plants for animals and insects as well as plants intended for my own consumption, because everyone has to eat. I don’t see a pest-free garden as a goal; I’m more interested in creating a sustainable ecosystem and a safe space for all kinds of beings.

I’ve taken the saying “we eat with our eyes first” to heart and find immense pleasure in growing food that’s both colorful and flavorful—although productivity, storability, and local adaptation are important factors too.

By creating colorful displays of vegetables and flowers grown in my garden, I hope to make people aware of how beautiful and fun food can be and inspire everyone to grow their own.

I participate in numerous seed swaps each year with gardeners all over the world, because learning the skill of saving seeds and having the generosity to share them is one of the most important things we can do to build a better future. We, as individuals and as communities, are the stewards of future generations’ soils, food quality and diversity, and cooperation instead of segregation is the only way to go.

Despite all the greed and hatred in today’s societies, we need to support each other so we’ll find the courage to be the change we want to see in this world.”

Meet August Hudson from Buckinghamshire, UK 🇬🇧

“I have colourful enthusiasm through the roof and a deep love of educating others how to grow food.

I love going to horticulture shows meeting incredible people who find new and exciting seeds that I have never heard of. Instagram is also really good to gain inspiration and obviously Raymond Blanc who shares his knowledge on his favourite varieties for his two Michelin star restaurant at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Gardening is the thing that lights me up from inside and then as a teacher when I get to see the face of someone else I have encouraged to get growing and lit their fire for growing food it’s just priceless.

I am lucky to have 3 growing spaces. A small back garden with a 3 meter raised bed where I showcase small space growing. I have just designed my new garden which has 15 raised beds and a greenhouse. I also have a Heritage garden at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons where I grow 156 different varieties of heirloom vegetables from all over the world.

I grow things that have history and will connect with future growers. I believe we have a responsibility to get as many of the next generation growing as possible to ensure future food security. If that’s by growing something weird and wonderful then so be it.

50% of my seeds are from the heritage seed library which protect old historic varieties. 30% from She Grows Veg Ltd who is an expert in edible gardening and Adam Alexander - Saving Rare & Heritage Seeds who is an incredible human himself; he travels all over the world in search of beautiful varieties from families and farms across the globe.

The taste of a freshly picked vegetable is like no other and it is a gift not many of us get to experience. I teach over 2000 people throughout the year about the importance of growing food. I have worked with schools and host workshops for kids.
Don’t worry about making mistakes, the mistakes are there to help us learn more. If we made no mistakes, the lessons wouldn’t be there.”

August Beth

Photo credit Emma | Buckinghamshire Photographer

Meet Jean-Martin Fortier Jean-Martin Fortier from Quebec, Canada 🇨🇦

“Most people call me JM. I’m a farmer, educator, eco-entrepreneur, author, and podcaster dedicated to human-scale ecological agriculture. Over the past two decades, I’ve launched multiple mission-driven projects — from farms to training institutes to ethical businesses — all united by the same purpose: empowering small-scale farmers and building a regenerative food system.

My journey began with a dream to live close to the land in harmony with nature, to feed people, and to build a life of meaning and autonomy. I grow food because I believe it’s the foundation of both personal freedom and collective resilience. Beyond feeding communities, farming is about repairing our relationship with the earth. It’s also the engine that powers everything else I do: education, tool design, media, and entrepreneurial ventures that help others grow food too.

One of the challenges is cultural: convincing society to value small-scale, ecological farming in a world dominated by industrial models. This is why I’ve expanded beyond farming itself into education, media, and business — to shift perception and give farmers the tools and knowledge to succeed.

The tangible reward is food: vibrant, nutrient-rich vegetables. The deeper reward is the ripple effect. Seeing students, peers, and communities thrive because of what we’ve built — that’s the true return on investment.

Farming is not just about growing vegetables. It’s about cultivating a better way of life — one that is ecological, profitable, and deeply human. Every seed planted, every bed flipped, every market stand set up is part of a much larger story of regeneration. We all have a role in writing that story.”

Market Gardener Institute

“We're Kelly and Bruce from Mountain Folk Farm - a diverse, regenerative micro farm in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.

Six months ago, we moved across South Africa - from managing a blueberry farm in the Western Cape to starting our own micro farm in the Kwazulu Natal Midlands.

It was a huge move for us and our sheep, ducks, cats, dog and chickens (and our seed bank!) but it has been one of the best decisions we've ever made! We deeply love and resonate with the land and the climate where we live now (we are originally from Kwazulu Natal) and we have the most wonderful friends here.

We've started our micro-farm on rental land as we do not have the capital to buy land - but we needed to make a start on this dream that we've had for so long. Going from part-time homestead to full-time micro farm. We've cultivated a small space for now - for vegetables, herbs and flowers - of 16x 11m garden beds but we want to expand as soon as we can. It is Winter here - so we planted kale, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, chinese cabbage and some cut flower varieties into good quality compost with mulch.

Our aim is to create a farm stand with a diverse offering that is all grown and raised in a regenerative manner in order to give folks in our local area the option to support better farming practices. We grow mostly heirloom plant varieties and keep Heritage breed animals, we try to combine the old ways with a bit of new technology in order to create a farm space that has a net positive impact on people, animals and Earth.

We've been learning more about Regenerative Agriculture over the past few years and have become inspired to aim for a far larger farm than before - so we can have the biggest possible positive impact on the land, while hiring and upskilling as many local people as possible, creating a space for teaching and gathering and providing a whole lot of great food to our local community!

New information about far greater nutrient density in food that is grown in healthy soil is coming out and we really think that, combined with the soil building, chemical-free, better worker health and better animal welfare (even on vegetable farms) effects - regenerative and organic agriculture can solve so many of our problems as a society.

One amazing thing we've learned is to stop spraying for pests and diseases (even organic sprays) - instead we focus on soil health in order to grow strong and healthy plants that naturally resist disease - this one shift in thinking has completely changed the game for us! We now view pests as indicators of small nutrient deficiencies, pruning needs and management issues that we can tweak to create a better growing environment over the long term.

We encourage anyone passionate about agriculture to learn as much as they can, grow as much as they can, and don't be afraid to take some risks. We need at least 2-3 small, organic farms in every community to make a big change!”

“We are Brett & Nici Cooper Limestone Permaculture and along with our daughter Bronte, garden our piece of earth known as Limestone Permaculture!
We are earth stewards, natural growers, permaculture principled homesteaders, changemakers, resilience educators, smart technique demonstrators & community supporters!

Our inspiration for growing food goes back to Brett’s childhood helping his father grow in their sub-urban gardens amongst the chickens & ducks. A deeper inspiration evolved later in life when Nici fell ill with an immune-related illness & chronic gut issues.

Our one-acre homestead is located in Stroud, New South Wales, Australia where we specialise in ‘Permaculture Principled’ spatial land management, making use of every square metre of our property to offer multifunctional outputs and high productivity.

We grow around 500 fruit & nut trees (many edible natives!), shrubs & plants via free-range orchards, espaliered orchards, a micro-food forest & multiple citrus groves. Medicinal plants, Edible flowers & animal fodder to round it off.

I think those that are already doing this would agree the rewards are numerous and usually involves all our senses…tasting, feeling, hearing, seeing, smelling etc and so the real reward is Sensory Immersion!
From sunrise to sundown and everything in between, the connective outcomes of Gardening & Homesteading work to stimulate our health of mind & body!

As part of our permaculture lifestyle, we believe in community connection at every level & are involved in many community initiatives & events around our greater region and across the state.

In our world of crazy, Permaculture Principled Homesteading & Gardening can bring you peace, happiness, good health, abundant food, life resilience and a community to embrace!”

Larissa Leath, also known as the San Antonio Soil Sister, is a sustainable gardener dedicated to growing as much food as possible right in her front yard. Based in San Antonio, Texas, she cultivates an approximately 2,200 sq ft space, transforming it into a thriving, productive landscape. With a deep love for fig trees and tomatoes, her garden is both a passion and a purpose.

Inspired first by her parents and later reignited during the COVID pandemic, Larissa’s journey into growing food has become a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, environmental care, and supporting pollinators. For her, gardening is not only essential, it’s joyful, fulfilling, and something she has truly mastered.

Her garden includes fig trees, tomatoes, beans, peppers, eggplant, asparagus, and a variety of herbs. She prioritizes organic practices, enriching her soil with compost, mulch, and by burying food scraps directly into the ground. By creating a balanced ecosystem and incorporating plants that attract beneficial insects, she allows nature to handle pest control, proving that “if you build it, they will come.”

While she feels confident in her gardening journey, her biggest wish is simple; more space to grow. The greatest reward, however, is being able to provide fresh, homegrown food to her family and friends.

Beyond her own garden, Larissa is deeply rooted in community work. She founded South Texas Figs, a group dedicated to educating others, sharing knowledge, trading cuttings, and even giving away free fig trees. With a rich but fading history of fig cultivation in South Texas, she is passionate about preserving that legacy and inspiring others to explore the incredible diversity of fig varieties.

Her message to the community:
Gardening is more than growing food, it’s about reclaiming connection. Connection to the earth, to our roots, and to each other. Start where you are, use what you have, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Every seed planted is a step toward resilience, abundance, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Please see the comments section for Larissa’s social media links.

Meet Troy from Virginia, USA 🇺🇸

“My PaPa was a gardener, my Dad was a gardener, so I guess it was only natural that I’d become one too. Some of my best times were with them in the garden. I want to pass that on to my children and grandchildren.

I’ve seen shelves sit empty before, and I don’t ever want my family to wonder where the next meal is coming from. Growing my own means I can provide healthy food I trust, straight from the garden. It keeps us self-supportive and prepared, but it also gives me something just as important—a place of serenity. The garden is where I find peace in the middle of all the noise.

My family has been in Virginia since 1635. What started as a small patch has somehow kept expanding, and now my growing space is about a half-acre.

My channel isn’t just about me handing out advice. More often than not, it turns into a real conversation with like-minded folks. I’ll share something I’ve learned, and before I know it, the comments are rolling in with tricks, tips, and old-time wisdom I’d never heard of. Half the time I walk away with more knowledge and wisdom than I gave out, and that’s what makes this community so powerful.

I’d say this, don’t underestimate the power of a seed, whether it’s one you plant in the ground, one you plant in someone’s mind, or one you plant in someone’s heart. Every little effort, whether it’s tending a garden, sharing knowledge, or just lending a hand to a neighbor, grows into something bigger than you ever imagined. I spent 30 years as an educator, and even now in retirement, I see that teaching and learning never stops.

So my message is simple: keep learning, keep sharing, keep caring, and keep growing, because together we create something that lasts longer than any harvest”.

My name is Noah, and I’m the founder of Pineal Trade Stations.

What started as a simple idea—to make plant sharing easier—has grown into a community movement focused on connection, generosity, and local resilience. We created Pineal Trade Stations as neighborhood hubs where people can freely trade plants, seeds, cuttings, garden harvests, and gardening knowledge.

In a world where many people feel disconnected from their neighbors, we believe plants can bring people together. Every trade station becomes more than a place to exchange plants—it becomes a place where conversations start, friendships form, and communities grow stronger.

Today, Pineal Trade Stations can be found in 15 states across the United States. Each host who opens a station helps create a small but meaningful space for sharing abundance and inspiring others to grow.

Our mission is simple: connect communities through plants and the act of giving. We believe everyone has something valuable to share, whether it’s a tomato seedling, a pollinator plant, gardening advice, or simply encouragement.

As we move through 2026, our goal is to expand into all 50 states and begin establishing stations in other countries, creating a worldwide network of people growing food, growing plants, and growing community.

Because when we share what we grow, we cultivate much more than gardens—we cultivate connection. 🌎💚🌱