Starting over wasn’t just about clearing weeds. It was about learning patience, discovering new ways to work with the land, and trusting the process. Reclaiming our farm has reminded us that growth doesn’t come from perfection, but from persistence. Even after setbacks, the land continues to respond when we show up, work hard, and keep moving forward. From the toughest soils, something meaningful is taking root again.

Exhausted with a newborn on my hip, I watched our garden disappear beneath weeds. Blackberries towered over ten feet high, deer roamed freely, and every seedling I planted seemed to vanish overnight. Starting over wasn’t just about clearing land—it was about learning patience, embracing mistakes, and finding joy in the small victories. Each day, I discovered that resilience grows like any plant: slowly, persistently, and with unexpected beauty."

Four years ago, I started farming with absolutely no experience—and plenty of mistakes. Looking back, those failures became some of my most important lessons. Here’s what the first year taught me.