Growing Simple

     Growing Simple is the inspiring story of how one career couple used their passion for Gardening, Cooking and all things DIY to slow down and create a simple space to enjoy a more meaningful life. 

     Each and every day, more and more people from every walk of life want to simplify, de-clutter and live a healthier lifestyle. They want to plant their first garden, preserve their own food, and maybe even raise a few chickens for fresh eggs. They want to eat healthier, cut out preservatives - and learn to be responsible for their own food and life choices. The only problem - they don't know where to begin. This book is a great place to start!

     Growing Simple serves to teach, inspire and share the tips, hints and tricks that Jim and Mary Competti learned throughout the process of creating their own little slice of heaven aptly named Old World Garden Farms. From gardening, cooking, canning and preserving much of their own food - to using recycled materials like pallets and reclaimed barn wood to create much of the farm's structures - Jim and Mary turned an overgrown field into the homestead of their dreams. 

     In 2010, seeking a way to become responsible for the food on their table and to simplify the typical life of 2 full time professionals balancing careers and a blended family of four children, Jim and Mary Competti set out to create Old World Garden Farms. 

     Starting from scratch, they worked together to convert an overgrown 3 acre field into a self-sustaining farm that could feed their family and their soul. Their only requirements were to build the farm using recycled materials when possible, grow their food without the use of chemicals or pesticides, and create it all without incurring debt. Most important of all – was the mantra to always have fun in the process.

     They now grow nearly 75% of their own food, while raising chickens, keeping bees and maintaining a fledgling orchard and vineyard planted in 2013. In the process they have used reclaimed and recycled materials to build everything from their barn, chicken coop, compost bins and more.

     In early 2012, they created the website oldworldgardenfarms.com to document the entire process for others looking to do the same. The website has grown in just 3 short years to over 16,000,000 visitors and 125,000 followers from over 223 countries around the globe.

     Jim and Mary Competti are the co-owners of Old World Garden Farms, the website oldworldgardenfarms.com, and co-authors of the book Growing Simple.   

     In addition to their work at the farm, Mary holds a degree from The Ohio State University and works as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Jim is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and is a Marketing Director for a regional firm based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.

      You can find out more about Old World Garden Farms and Jim and Mary Competti at oldworldgardenfarms.com