Hey sweet people! It’s been a long time coming.. and by a long time I mean quite possibly forever since I started journaling my thoughts into ratty old notebooks as a little girl. And so here we are, finally sharing my little doses of unhinged “wisdom” with whoever cares to read along. And who am I? Christina 🦋, Founder and currently solo farmer of Pura Farms. I grow specialty vegetables, herbs and edible flowers on a little less than an acre for Chefs in the NJ/NY area. Having previously worked in the kitchen, and with many Chef friends in my circle, it’s safe to say I’ve got the inside scoop on marketing and building relationships in the ever-finicky restaurant industry.
I’m referring to this blog as my “journal” or “diary” because, well, it’s quite personal… If you spend any time at all with me you’ll find I’m always carrying something to scribble my rambling thoughts into, whether that’s my actual journal, my tiny farming notebook (moleskine of course), a book I’m reading, or the notes app in my phone. The point is, I’m CONSTANTLY writing. But it never goes anywhere. Never reaches anyone. My thoughts are never strung together into something greater that can really make people feel connected, and so I hope to share that story here. To tie together all of the realities and toughness that come with being a beginner farmer, and also celebrate the little joys along the way that keep me going.
Yes, I’ll write about farming, mostly, but this isn’t just an educational blog or a space for agricultural resources. Sure, there will be plenty of those, but I hope you stick around to feel this greater connection to the complex web of food, fauna, land, and the beautiful people weaving it all together. We get so wrapped up in the aesthetically beautiful farms, tidy rows and clean vegetable beds, but let’s not forget that nature is just as wild and untamed as we are. I’m here to embrace it.
Beyond that, there’s a whole lot more that makes me who I am than just this occupation of mine, and same for you, whoever you are. Hopefully you enjoy this peek into my little world and feel more comfortable and less alone in your own journey of life and connectivity to the land.
And even though this thing feels one sided, I hope you have the courage to reach out and discuss all the ways it makes you feel too. Ideas that spark, nostalgic memories that strike, or just your train of thought. I’d sincerely love to hear from you.
An Update on the Farm
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you may notice things have been a bit quieter than usual on my end. I’m moving through some profound life transitions and slowing down to be present with the blessings in front of me. This year that came with the tough decision to slow the farm down earlier than usual to focus my time and attention on the things that mean the most to me. And yes, the farm means a whole lot, but there is so much more we’re living for, and I’m grateful for the strength to recognize and decide when the “otherness” needs my undivided attention, energy, and devotion. This longer form expressive writing feels like the perfect little escape.
Needless to say, we’ll be back at it growing all the veggies, herbs & edible flowers in the spring. Let’s keep in touch until then, yeah? Thanks so much for being here.
With love,
CC 🤎
Here are some topics I plan on discussing in the coming months, stay tuned.
🍴 Tips for selling produce to the restaurant industry
🥾 Favorite farming gear and outerwear
📋 Crop planning for Spring 2025
🛠 Placing seed/supplies orders
💸 Funding a small farm business
🚜 How to get started in agriculture / farming
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