I Bought 3 Acres in the Tropics to Start My Fruit & Vegetable Farm

[@growingyourgreens]

Jump to the Following Parts of this Episode: 00:14 My 3 Acre Farm 02:08 Entering Farm with Ocean View 02:50 House Layout 03:14 Existing Fruit Trees: Mango & Mamey 03:54 Over a dozen Banana Plants 04:14 Bananas Ready to Harvest 04:30 Why Puerto Rico over Hawaii 05:05 Basement of House 05:42 Name of My Farm 06:50 Avocado Trees 07:37 My Largest Fruit Tree 09:06 Noni Fruit Tree 09:45 Prime Vegetable Farm Land 11:32 What I am Planting This Trip 16:32 My Biggest Challenge in Puerto Fruit 17:40 John & Kaelash: Our Vision for the Farm 20:10 Beaches are Nearby 20:50 I am looking for a Farm Manager 23:05 Helping Kaelash with his Farm 25:24 Final thoughts on the farm Want to LIVE on my Farm and Help Me Grow Food? Apply to be the Farm Manager: forms.gle/j9xHKpMYPpnMfNC29

[@TheWickerShireProject]

Wish I was 10 years younger John. Without some sort of machinery it's going to be a hard go on anyone over 35. To those that Practice permaculture, market gardening, soil retention, soil regeneration, Entomology, Microbiology, zoology , marine biology, Diy solar and electrical to code/ non code AC and DC with carpentry, plumbing, mudding, basic engineering knowledge, art of seed saving, artistic perception, clean record, I know I missed my chance. If you have most of these skills and mindset go for it!

[@jim_no_rulers]

Yeah man!! Congratulations!

[@GtJrGrowsItAlaska]

Congratulations on you gaining the land you have talked about for years 🎉🎉. Along for the journey 👍🏾

[@michelesanchez6828]

John, I love your farm❤ I live on the south eastern coast in yabucoa, Puerto Rico... I have katuk cacao and many other fruits and vegetables.. I would be honored if you would like to visit me... I have a suggestion as to you having a manager who knows agriculture... there are a few universities in Puerto Rico that specialize in agriculture, you can also visit in San Juan near the botanical gardens the department of agriculture where you can get many trees and plants. They have a great tour where you can probably get some suggestions as to anyone interested in helping you in your new project. Anyway I will definitely visit you in the future ❤

[@growingyourgreens]

@@michelesanchez6828would love to visit. Please DM me on Instagram @growingyourgreens

[@markpeyton8538]

We are renovating an abandoned coffee farm in PuertoRico. 9 acres overlooking the rio grande de arecibo with lagoons and multiple waterfalls. The hundreds of coffee trees are now blooming. The cacao is starting to fruit with about 15 trees. Plenty of bananas and alot of the fruits you mentioned. Our free range chickens, guineas and peacocks fertilize the land. Bien venidos a Puerto Rico!

[@abraham3901]

Very kind words. Wow this is gonna be great.

[@gilbertocordero9361]

Hola, im farming in manatí pueblo...would love to meet you and learn how to deal with pests and fungi

[@markpeyton8538]

I do not have any pests or fungi..everything is natural but I am growing mostly tree type producers. I had kale and collards that grew for over a year with only a few nibbles but when I introduced peafowl they gobbled them up in no time. I plan on establishing a garden in an area across the street. An area that they have not gone to so far. Their poop is the fertilizer. We can meet up some day.

[@markpeyton8538]

I am in Adjuntas close to Utuado

[@lemurianchick]

My mom is from Puerto Rico. I have been there four times but not since 1982. I remember my maternal grandmother hacking down sugar cane with a machete and giving us slices to chew on. Wild ginger, sweet lime, mangoes rotting on the ground... Coconut water straight from the husk...My grandmother lived in the mountains and had a small "finca" where she grew coffee beans. I saw the whole process: picking the green beans, drying them in the Sun, roasting them in a pan on the stove, and then grinding them. I have never had more delicious coffee in my life. I drank cup after cup that day and at 15 I drank very little coffee back then. I think I have been chasing that cup ever since...

[@sureshchiatar9641]

The life, bless Grandma

[@marcialverarodriguez9378]

Hi my name is Marcial and I been working on my farm for the last 6 years here in puerto rico. Long story short been following your chanel for about a year or so. You are great. Will love to have you in my farm and show you all the things I've been working that comes from your chanel. Welcome to PR the enchanting Island

[@TreDogOfficial]

Congratulations! This is what the world needs!

[@alphaomega8373]

Watcha waiting for.

[@thallium200]

Congratulations. Your dream is finally coming to "fruition". LOL. Fruition. I've been watching your vids for many years and am so happy you finally got your land. You truly deserve this and all the rewards that come with it.

[@TBaggingSociety]

I am a disabled veteran. I finally won my fight with the VA and was awarded my veterans benefits. I plan on moving to Puerto Rico in November and doing lots of farming. I'd love to meet you guys, and learn from you.

[@juneramirez8580]

So happy you are living your dream even more now. Your plans for your future sound so exciting!!! Wishing you the best with your future.

[@hunterkrieder6691]

You mean somebody will be building his dream. It sounds unethical to ask somebody to drop their lives to build his farm for: no money no food no housing no transportation nothing. Sleeping outside in a tent... And according to his link, this poor person needs to stay for minimum of.....half a year? Holy bananas!

[@stainedglasschick]

I want to start with a huge thank. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! John I've been watching and learning from you for over a decade. I learned sooo much from you and the people you interviewed. As a women I started growing a full beard and chest hair from 11 years old to now 36. Differences in before pics to now are huge I've changed my diet thanks to your help and I'm finally healing. The facial hair and chest hair are very close to not appearing/growing in at all anymore. I hope to share my journey soon. Thank you soooo much for all your sharing and encouragement!! Good luck with your new endeavors!!

[@letsgrowveganic3889]

John, not sure if I don't comment much but I, like many others have been watching you for years, probably more than a decade easily. Huge congratulations and excited for you. Perhaps my family and I will cross paths with you, been dreaming about at least visiting somewhere tropical for years now, and growing a permaculture food forest is one of my dreams too.

[@nickrichards8516]

go john keep growing those greens

[@avrlind]

Congratulations John, I am SO happy for you. Man, would so love to take you up on your offer to come help you. Being back in nature with a purpose would sure help me get back to being me again. I have been watching you for so long. I always hoped that I would run into you when you lived in Cali then later when I lived in Vegas. I guess I will just have to come visit you in your ‘dream that is finally coming true’. I truly wish you the best in this new adventure. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of have their desires come to life. ~Namaste

[@TonyisToking]

Congratulations! Seems like you’re onto the path to doing great things for the world. Keep it up and it will become more than you expect!

[@plantylvjourney]

You look so happy! Congrats on aquiring your big dreams of food paradise

[@beelove8740]

Congratulations on living your dreams.🥰

[@pnwgardenergal1325]

Finally you have found your dream site on the island. Congrats ! Cannot wait to see this evolve.

[@apuz13]

Congratulations John. I am so happy for you. This has been your dream for a long time. I know you are gonna make it into something very special. Again congratulations.

[@missreg333]

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 is Beautiful! I have not been there for many many years- but when my family lived there, avocados would drop from trees and there were 5 different mangoes planted in their front yard. Three or four different bananas and passion fruit in the back yard❤ I was in Heaven when I visited! And I almost forgot the canapés!

[@ohno248]

Quenepas! I ate them at my grandmother's house during the summer vacations I spent in Puerto Rico growing up. There was always the warning about choking if you let it slide down your throat that was hard to take seriously.

[@junesage7485]

Congratulations!! I am excited for you and the surrounding community!!! Go John!!!! 🌴🙏 The world needs more of this! Thanks for sharing so passionately. I am anxious to be educated and visit for some yoga and fresh produce love!!!

[@RestorationDream]

Congratulations, John! It already has so much food on your land there! You are the nicest guy ever and I hope that you reach all of your dreams. My health has been really bad last year and I am just starting to learn how to grow my own food here in Mississippi. You are such a great teacher and you are so smart. I hope I will be able to do it and change my health for good. Congratulations on your farm! I hope you guys have a ball!

[@tinawindham6958]

Hi I’m in MS,2. Moved last summer . 3 acres in between bayou and lakes. Covered in persimmon and pecans and many other and I brought my own banana trees and loquats. Planting is about all I have the energy for due to arthritis. Got to have a hip replacement so trying to get everything in the ground bf heat of summer. Take care if you see this!

[@LGP1971]

YOU GO BOY!!!! I've been watching for years and learned soooo much from you!! Congrats to you and God bless!!

[@rosewoodfarms]

As a long time fan of your show, I was so happy to see that you finally got your dream garden. You set a goal and you made it happen. Good for you John

[@rosannaburgess714]

❤beautiful! Thanks for sharing your joy!😊

[@redherringbone]

John. I've been watching you forever. This is my dream as well. I'm ready YESTERDAY to come to Puerto Rico and help develop the retreat, learn from you, and have a creative outlet. Filling out the application right now.

[@tinawindham6958]

Awesome…knowledge is wealth 👍🏻

[@Peppersfirst]

Hey congrats John! Super happy for you brother. ❤️

[@christieogren607]

Congratulations! So very happy 😊 for you in your new acquisition! ❤️

[@davecadena5537]

Woohoo ! Congratulations Jon. Your excitement is intoxicating. Cheers !!

[@vee_grave]

I’m from Puerto Rico! I dream of the island becoming an entire food forest. Happy to see what you guys are doing.

[@boardcertifiable]

Hey John, you should consider selling the banana leaves along with the bananas if they're organic, they would probably make great wrappers for steaming food.

[@TheIslandHomestead]

Congrats brother, I know you've been wanting this for a long time!

[@danmeagher9190]

John been watching you for years and am so happy to see you achieving your goals!!!

[@kenmcrae8591]

Wow, that's awesome! A huge congrats on your new homestead. Amazing!!

[@pistachioboy6565]

Amazing, I'm so happy for you Jon

[@pietermeyer9740]

So excited for you John. Have been watching your channel since 2013. Always learning something new and I'm truly thankfull for everything you shared your life with. Will be praying for your future family to come.

[@cptbutt3571]

Dude, John, this rocks so hard.

[@carmelwine7610]

I’ve been watching you for years. I’m very happy for you! ☺️

[@StacksUrbanHarvest]

Congratulations! So happy for you John! I look forward to seeing how you develop the new property.

[@freshkoolaid]

an inspiration for us all! happy to see you taking things to another level!

[@rafajuice3228]

Welcome to our island, glad that you’re planting many trees! Always help you’re elderly neighbors! Bienevenido amigo

[@MichaelJVanecekWrites]

You're living my dream. I currently grow coffee, vanilla, chocolate, avocado, bananas, taro, etc... in containers in Texas. I hope one day to have a few acres on PR to get all this growing in the ground.

[@ElsaDiazTorres-r4m]

Congratulations. Blessings.

[@GardeningwithDave]

John you have inspired me to start eating healthier and I feel great! Congratulations on your new property and I can’t wait to see your upcoming garden. Hopefully we can meet in person down the road. Love from California brother!

[@MusicalGhostHunter]

This makes m want to go and get land their now as well tht retreat sounds amazing

[@KathyW-u5v]

Congratulations John!!! Way to go!!! YAY!!!

[@kmaynor16]

Congratulations, John! I'm glad you'll have your own farm in a great topical area.

[@osdias]

So happy for you John : D I've been following you for about 1 decade and I remember this was your dream for a long time. I'm super happy that you're finally there and can't wait to see what's to come from this new chapter in your life. Please keep the farm updates regular. Best wishes.

[@elpatrondelpaisaje]

Congratulations! This is super exciting!!!

[@rockyusa2012]

Congratulations great location

[@abraham3901]

This is great news . Can’t wait to visit in the future .

[@Keyspoet27]

Congratulations on your new farm! I've had the same dream since I was a teen, and my husband and I bought our current place in Tennessee with the plan to do effectively what you're beginning to do . . . an organic permaculture food forest, with half a dozen or so small offgrid cabins above the river that forms our eastern border, and make it a retreat offering meditation, Reiki and energy work, yoga, and herbal and natural healing methods. We're on 16.5 acres, which came with an existing home and an older mobile we're using for storage, though the original plan was for it to be an art studio on one side, with a music studio on the other. About twelve or thirteen acres are unimproved woods, with producing black walnuts, native blackberries and raspberries, and lots of native mushrooms and herbs in the woods. We also have about an acre barnyard, with a decent barn, and the rest is mostly the fields surrounding the main house. Unfortunately, our health took a nosedive, and so combined with a lack of gealth and investment capital, while the place is absolutely gorgeous, it's not really a productive farm. Glad you have the help I lacked help to bring this into being, and become a blessing to your part of Puerto Rico. I LOVE Puerto Rico, and have tried to talk my husband into buying a winter property there, but so far he's not interested; I may have to hogtie him to get him there on vacation, to see it in all its glory. Blessings and best of luck to you all!!!

[@dylanjones7798]

Yo, that STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPOST shirt goes hard

[@fibi8346]

This is beautiful news john!! i'm so happy this land has you to create on it. The world needs more of you!

[@trytobetheballpeople]

Oh man I'm so happy for you! Living the dream now! You won't want to go back to the mainland. Ha Congratulations

[@Anythingforfreedom]

I hope you get the best farm manager on the island!

[@African_Adoptee]

Awesome! Congratulations! In your long term planning please consider accommodations for people with various disabilities. Just a few spaces they can access some parts of the gardens and have opportunities to also participate in some classes. That would be awesome for people who need it most. Love, from Los Angeles County.

[@hunterkrieder6691]

Maybe before that, he should consider PAYING this poor person who he wants to do his farm labor for free. With no food. And no safe housing. Just outside in a tent. Promising to share half of the sales of selling sugar juice at a local market... the heck is wrong with him?

[@bradleymaples950]

Congratulations! Been watching you for I don't know how many years. New chapter. You rock.

[@benscottbongiben]

Well done John. Long time viewer. u are an inspiration to me. I did 6 years growing in Italy got really good at it. A lot down to you. Thanks

[@sandytexasgarden2433]

Congratulations I am so happy you got tropical land to grow. I can not wait to see what you grow. My parent enjoy garden too like me

[@PanamaLiveGoodonaFarm]

Finally you moved to the tropics! I've been watching you for so long and even met you in Pennsylvania at the Vegan fest one year. Congratulations and would love to visit.

[@imkrane]

Congratulations John, this is awesome news!!!

[@ejames4477]

Hi, happy to see you here. I live close to water in a converted commmercial mixed use space off 115 near your farm and look forward to seeing your progress. I can see the Wigmore facility from my back door.

[@sixrod3055]

The beauty of having fruit trees to air layer and multiply ❤

[@person01123]

I’m super stoked for you! It’s going to be great.

[@timeparticles]

Congrats. You had this dream for many years, as I remember you saying how much you wanted this.

[@judyalexander]

John, I have been watching you for years and I have learned so much from you. I am so thrilled for you about your purchase of the farm and your new adventure. I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@mclovin2232]

That's really awesome, John! We're really happy for you!

[@northtustinsteamworks5172]

Congratulations John!! Can't wait to see how your property evolves!!

[@dougduhaime2829]

Congratulations! When the time comes for you to expand your farm empire I hope you'll try Big Island. You wouldn't even need to export, the farmers' markets get lots of love!

[@katzgarden636]

Congratulations John this has been your dream for a while I’m so excited to see what you do with it.

[@Nggrngr]

Much love from South Florida! Cant wait to follow the journey and one day visit!

[@sekougetrouw6828]

Congratulations Jon on you new property.

[@kieranstyx3633]

John, your one of the few tried and true raw foodists that's still around. Im not raw myself, but if I was, you'd be the one I'd listen to. Excited to see how this new adventure of yours pans out. 👍

[@hedykarim3614]

I can’t wait to see it in the rainy season

[@sandysi72]

Felicidades, Juan! Congratulations, John! On getting the land that will allow your dream to grow! I am so happy for you! I have been a fan of your videos for a while. So , I know you are happy to be there and I am really happy you chose Puerto Rico. I know you will create an excellent space to recharge and reconnect people back with nature and its healing ways. My favorite video of yours is when you visited Costa Rica and you were so excited with all the innovative ways the property owner managed it to be mostly off grid(He uses his family human waste to make gas!). I remember how you loved how he was growing his passionfruit on a horizontal fence where you have easy access to the fruits. I am a Puerto Rico native. So , to see you choose my native place of birth to see one of your dreams come true makes me so happy. I already feel you are part of my family. I only have good wishes of success and bountiful harvests on your farm. I currently live in New York but, Oh boy! I know I would love to visit Finca Zona Azul. You make me wish I was 20 years old and take that farm managing position. God bless your land and your pro active being.

[@kimhicks4781]

Great video. Happy for you that you finally have your piece of paradise so you can complete your dreams. Looking forward to watching your adventure. I know it will be amazing.👍🎉🎉🎉😊🙏💞

[@catherinegrace2366]

Less government is ALWAYS the better way of life. Congratulations John!!! 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@jamesgould9457]

Do u no if they are imposing individual farm restrictions like the rest of USA???

[@RestorationDream]

I would just heavily arm myself.

[@ThePhilotherianist]

@@jamesgould9457 An island territory, with a significant portion of endangered, and critical wildlife and vegetation? You can bet your ass there will be regulations up the wazoo for running a farm.

[@fubufb420]

That's soo rad... Dudes got his own rain forest. 😂😂😂 I'll be there someday 😂

[@gardenoftwitty]

Had noo idea you are soo close with Kaelash?!?! Love the dishes Kaelash does. I'm sure y'all will find someone very bright to be the manager. Soo exciting!!! Peace N Love y'all

[@karenmerhalski9406]

John, I am sooo happy for you!! You have mentioned that you wanted to buy a farm in Puerto Rico for some time now. I will definitely continue to watch your videos as you work and grow there! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@lindabonomi7274]

WOW!!!!!!! Oh my goodness!!!!! How incredibly exciting!!!!!

[@amykru]

Congratulations! I have been watching you for years and waiting for this moment for you! God Bless You, John!

[@thomasreto2997]

Very nice John🤙

[@DMalok]

im very happy for both of you!

[@Leo1903able]

Maybe also consider launching your own annual 'fruit festival'?

[@puravida809]

Noni is the miracle fruit, really. In Costa Rica, we have it on both coasts, Pacific and Atlantic, in abundance. The fruit, although stinks horribly (only till you love the smell), should be fermented before consumed. It literally rejuvenates the body cells. Definitely, one of the most beneficial plants known to us so far.

[@Funstuff13613]

Congratulations, that’s really cool 🎉

[@willblake72]

That's awesome man, I'm really happy for you 😊

[@mikewagemann4129]

Way to stick to your dream, your hard work towards your goal has been inspiring to follow over the years!

[@drawingmomentum]

A massive congrats to u and ur new adventures! I've watched u for for years, and it's so awesome to see this come to fruition 😉 for u, for us all! ❤ 🌻 I have learned so much from ur videos and been inspired. I now have most of my yard turned into organic gardens and composting. 🤗 hugs from debeque colorado!

[@purplethumb7887]

Congrats on this property and new project! This sounds beyond amazing! You are living my dream. Excited to see how the project will evolve in the coming years.

[@OrsonFlemming]

I Also cross 90 mile on the ocean from the virginislands every year to Puerto Rico with my 26 foot mako boat to relax ,pretty nice island

[@rvboondocker2559]

Congratulations on the property, John!

[@OraMoor-usa]

Congratulation So exciting are you here in Puerto Rico I’m here for 2 1/2 man I’m trying to blow vegetable and herb. And I like to watch your channel I watch your channel about 15 year I just moved from California to Puerto Rico

[@w7834]

Hi, If I am not mistaken… There was, or is, an organization called WWOOFers, a group of farms worldwide who would take on travelers in exchange for farm work. I always wanted to be a willing worker on an organic farm. Your dream is awesome !!!

[@joysmith1213]

I'm so happy for you to be able to grow year round now! Can't wait to see it all happen!

[@kellyrobin718]

So Happy for you John!🎉 been watching for years and knew this was a big dream of yours. Congratulations..looking forward to your land cleanup and rebuild videos, also the home rebuild too.. ❤️🌴🌴🌴

[@tonyrobbinsrhodes8207]

I have been following you for years. I am so excited for you guys!

[@michaelboom7704]

Your really pumped up with this property and I don't blame you to have these big dreams. I enjoy seeing your video for entertainment as I live in a totally different climate. This is sooo different from the desert which will be a big adjustment. Glad for you as you have the passion for this!

[@LauraKristen83]

I’d love to hear more on your vision of your healing center. I’ve had a very similar dream for years!

[@YunaOrganics]

that giant passion fruit makes great milkshakes