"Heroes of the Soil: The Champs of Regenerative Ag” #2
Greetings to the No Lack Family!
Today blog is a very uplifting one full of encouragement!
You know, no calving season is complete unless you have a late bloomer or two. But that is nothing to complain about, as the painter Bob Ross would say they are “happy accidents”. We got home from church yesterday with just such a blessing waiting on us. A very pretty, healthy and energetic little dexter bull calf. He is pictured below with mom.
“Erin” red dexter cow with black bull calf.
Well as the title mentions today I will be highlighting another “Hero of the Soil” who for all of us old school permaculturists is very well know, but to some of you that are newer to permaculture, you might not have heard of Paul Gautschi.
Paul Gautschi is a master arborist and visionary gardener whose work has sparked a global movement in regenerative agriculture. He’s best known for pioneering the Back to Eden gardening method, a radically simple yet profoundly effective approach to growing food that mimics the natural forest floor.
The following was taken from the website https://schooloftraditionalskills.com/classes/back-to-eden-garden/
“For over 40 years, I’ve been a gardener and master arborist.
I was raised by parents who involved me in their gardening. I’ve always lived with nutrient-rich foods my entire life, save for the two years I was in the military.
In 1979, my family and I moved to the Northern Peninsula of Washington. I wanted to grow a garden but it was August and everything around me was dead. The well I dug had barely half a gallon of water per minute.
God revealed to me the Back to Eden method of growing a regenerative organic garden that doesn’t require synthetic fertilizers, laborious tilling, or battling with weeds and pests.
Now I can’t wait to help you grow your own abundant garden from scratch using Back to Eden gardening so you can successfully grow organic veggies with less work!”
Paul Gautschi
Paul’s journey began on his homestead in Washington State. Facing poor water access and harsh growing conditions, he turned to lots of prayer, he refers to it as “talking to Dad to find out what to do”. He noticed that the soil beneath the forest cover was moist and rich, even during dry spells. Inspired, he began layering wood chips in his orchard and garden—and the results were astonishing.
His method gained worldwide attention through the 2011 documentary Back to Eden, which has been viewed over 50 million times. The film showcases Paul’s garden and philosophy, emphasizing how regenerative organic practices can restore soil health and reduce climate impact.
If you look hard enough you can find it for free or you can purchase it inexpensively here: https://www.backtoedenfilm.com/#/
Back to Eden gardening isn’t just a technique—it’s a philosophy rooted in faith, stewardship, and harmony with nature. It’s especially appealing to those seeking low-maintenance, sustainable ways to grow food, and it’s adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil types.
Paul’s approach, ideology and methods have had a massive impact on me over the years as I too have tried to emulate the methods of “The Master Gardener” - The Creator God. It is Not the easiest method for producing food and managing the landscape, but by far it is the most rewarding!
The first time that I discovered Paul was through a YouTube channel called “Learn to Survive”. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA3DFF63E16876307&si=oA8T9WncR3nEokML
You can find tons of information from Paul on this playlist including a 3.5 hr. tour of his permaculture homestead. It is well worth the time to watch all these videos.
I am currently listening to an autobiography of sorts written about him titled “Growing Food God’s Way” by David Devine and I highly recommend it.
So, What Is Back to Eden Gardening?
Well. Back to Eden Gardening is about Cultivating Soil, Spirit, and Stewardship
In a world obsessed with control by way of tilling, fertilizing, and irrigating, Paul Gautschi dared to ask: What if we let nature lead? His Back to Eden method doesn’t just grow food; it grows reverence towards God. I want to briefly explore how a simple layer of wood chips can restore not only soil health, but our relationship with the land.
The Method: Mimicking the Forest Floor
No tilling: Soil structure remains intact, preserving microbial life.
Wood chip mulch: Acts as a moisture-retaining, weed-suppressing blanket.
Natural fertility: Organic matter breaks down slowly, feeding plants over time.
Minimal irrigation: The mulch holds water like a sponge, even in drought.
“God doesn’t till the forest, and yet it flourishes.” Paul Gautschi
Why It Resonates: Faith Meets Function
Back to Eden gardening is more than technique; it’s theology in practice. Gautschi’s approach reflects a belief in divine design, where abundance flows from trust, not toil. For rural advocates and spiritual agrarians, this method offers a living metaphor for grace and provision.
Back to Eden gardening invites us to slow down, observe, and participate in creation... not dominate it. In a time when rural voices are often drowned out, this method offers a quiet revolution rooted in humility and hope.
If you’re drawn to storytelling through soil and spiritual undertones in agriculture, Paul’s work is a rich wellspring.
Until next time, stay strong in your faith, love your family, and support your local community farmers!
Kevin
