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Growing Food God's Way: How Paul Gautschi Takes Us Back to Eden and Beyond
Growing Food God’s Way is a compelling biography of accomplished gardener and arborist Paul Gautschi. Known world-wide for his connection with God’s world of nature, this authorized work explores the man and his wildly successful garden and orchard…while applying revealed principles to guide our daily lives as well.
Home gardeners in 208 countries agree that you can grow better produce with much less cost and less work if you do it God’s way.
CAUTION: this book may rock your worldview!
Home gardeners in 208 countries agree that you can grow better produce with much less cost and less work if you do it God’s way.
CAUTION: this book may rock your worldview!
- GenresGardening
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2015
182 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 14, 2016
Would you like to grow vegetables and fruits without extreme hard work and little if any weeding or watering? If that describes you, "Growing Food God's Way" belongs on your book shelf.
David Devine, educator, trainer and businessman, penned Growing Food God's Way after a 2012 tour of Paul Gautschi's gardens in Sequim, WA. There Paul, also a master arborist, practices faith-centered "earth stewardship from the Judeo-Christian" perspective on five acres of land using God's "basic principles of soil building and healing."
Gardeners have long followed the traditional method of rototilling before planting; a process Paul believes disrupts God's intended design for soil. He believes soil is a "living organism" and compares it to God's use of skin to cover humans, feathers to cover birds and fur to cover animals. When soil is tilled it "becomes vulnerable" to nature's elements and can be blown or washed away destroying God's design for the soil.
David's biographical work explores Paul’s carbon-centric system of gardening that minimizes soil disturbance with the use of what he calls "the covering" made from wood chips. The wood chips come from "a mixture of chipped tree branches" that decomposes into mulch similar to what is found on the forest floor that surrounds his farm…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/growing-...
David Devine, educator, trainer and businessman, penned Growing Food God's Way after a 2012 tour of Paul Gautschi's gardens in Sequim, WA. There Paul, also a master arborist, practices faith-centered "earth stewardship from the Judeo-Christian" perspective on five acres of land using God's "basic principles of soil building and healing."
Gardeners have long followed the traditional method of rototilling before planting; a process Paul believes disrupts God's intended design for soil. He believes soil is a "living organism" and compares it to God's use of skin to cover humans, feathers to cover birds and fur to cover animals. When soil is tilled it "becomes vulnerable" to nature's elements and can be blown or washed away destroying God's design for the soil.
David's biographical work explores Paul’s carbon-centric system of gardening that minimizes soil disturbance with the use of what he calls "the covering" made from wood chips. The wood chips come from "a mixture of chipped tree branches" that decomposes into mulch similar to what is found on the forest floor that surrounds his farm…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/growing-...
August 30, 2024
The audio book is read by a computer-generated voice, and it's obvious, so it's hard to listen to. The chapters are arranged in a strange order. All that aside, I'd still like to read the book in my hands.
THIS IS NOT A GARDENING BOOK.
This is a biography about Paul Gautschi, of the Back to Eden film. (If you haven't watched the film, Google it... it's a full-length free to watch film.) You will glean some gardening advice, but most of the book is about Paul's walk with the LORD, and how that came to play in the development of his gardening techniques; how his personal relationship with & dependence on the LORD results in highly nutritious food. It also includes Q&A and letters of testimony from people who've learned to garden this way, as well as an evangelistic portion. Paul wants everyone to know the LORD like he does.
For a believer, this is an encouraging and challenging look at how we relate with our Master Gardener, and our response to Him.
THIS IS NOT A GARDENING BOOK.
This is a biography about Paul Gautschi, of the Back to Eden film. (If you haven't watched the film, Google it... it's a full-length free to watch film.) You will glean some gardening advice, but most of the book is about Paul's walk with the LORD, and how that came to play in the development of his gardening techniques; how his personal relationship with & dependence on the LORD results in highly nutritious food. It also includes Q&A and letters of testimony from people who've learned to garden this way, as well as an evangelistic portion. Paul wants everyone to know the LORD like he does.
For a believer, this is an encouraging and challenging look at how we relate with our Master Gardener, and our response to Him.
October 3, 2018
Wow, should have finished this book sooner. This was written by a friend of mine, about somebody I have not met. Great book. It gives many perspectives on how to garden and arbor naturally. I hope to implement some of his methods someday. I think people with health issues should pay attention to his methods, and those who want to avoid health issues should pay attention to his methods. He offers very wise counsel.
I disagree with some of the associations of certain of his methods to various scripture passages, but that is a good discussion for Christians to have. For example, but he did not use this example, one could argue that we should be vegetarians because meat was not eaten in the Garden of Eden and it was only due from the sin of Adam that we eat meat. On the other hand, there is no prohibition to eating meat (although there are some guidelines) as fallen man. After all, it was Jesus who did the miracle with the fish and loaves of bread to feed the 5000. The author and gardener tend to use this type of biblical proofs to restrict certain Christian behavior when it comes to types of gardening. It concerns me, but is an opportunity for good discussion among Christians.
Definitely pick up a copy and read the book. It will change your view on gardening for the better and likely solve some of the problems you have in your garden.
I disagree with some of the associations of certain of his methods to various scripture passages, but that is a good discussion for Christians to have. For example, but he did not use this example, one could argue that we should be vegetarians because meat was not eaten in the Garden of Eden and it was only due from the sin of Adam that we eat meat. On the other hand, there is no prohibition to eating meat (although there are some guidelines) as fallen man. After all, it was Jesus who did the miracle with the fish and loaves of bread to feed the 5000. The author and gardener tend to use this type of biblical proofs to restrict certain Christian behavior when it comes to types of gardening. It concerns me, but is an opportunity for good discussion among Christians.
Definitely pick up a copy and read the book. It will change your view on gardening for the better and likely solve some of the problems you have in your garden.
July 21, 2018
Loved it!
I loved every chapter even the deleted chapters!
I discovered Paul last year and got my first load of wood chips in the fall. My garden this year is amazing! I love the fact I don’t need to water. Have few weeds to pull and fewer bugs. I give all praise to my Lord who let me to Back to Eden gardening.
I loved every chapter even the deleted chapters!
I discovered Paul last year and got my first load of wood chips in the fall. My garden this year is amazing! I love the fact I don’t need to water. Have few weeds to pull and fewer bugs. I give all praise to my Lord who let me to Back to Eden gardening.
August 17, 2021
God created the Heaven and the Garden
Paul listens to and God and trusts His design of nature to produce healthy and bountiful food. Without tilling (worm chopping) he keeps the ground covered with wood chips to promote a healthy biosphere for worms, Nematodes, and beneficial bacteria. And of course no pesticides or herbicides are applied.
Paul listens to and God and trusts His design of nature to produce healthy and bountiful food. Without tilling (worm chopping) he keeps the ground covered with wood chips to promote a healthy biosphere for worms, Nematodes, and beneficial bacteria. And of course no pesticides or herbicides are applied.
August 18, 2025
This book is amazing! If you know anything about Paul Gautschi, you probably know that he has an incredible relationship with God. This book is encouraging in both your gardening journey, and your walk with God.
Even though this is a biography about Paul written by David, you can see Paul’s heart to bless others.
Even though this is a biography about Paul written by David, you can see Paul’s heart to bless others.
February 10, 2018
Helpful and informative!
Fabulous well written look at the life and innovative gardening and orcharding methods of Paul Gautschi. The book is Rich with details, pictures, quotes and the faith that inspires and drives the man.
Fabulous well written look at the life and innovative gardening and orcharding methods of Paul Gautschi. The book is Rich with details, pictures, quotes and the faith that inspires and drives the man.
December 28, 2020
Brilliant, such an amazing testimony. God is real and you can see how he works through Paul’s wood chip garden. Loved the experiences, fills you with hope. Can’t wait to try it at home! Recommend the read.
April 11, 2025
I really appreciated how the author tied scripture and gardening throughout the entire book. I never felt as though the book leaned more towards gardening or more towards the Word. It was truly a great blend of both.
September 8, 2017
Inspiring
I have never been extremely successful with gardening but this book makes sense and makes me want to try again.
I have never been extremely successful with gardening but this book makes sense and makes me want to try again.
June 6, 2018
Highly recomended.
I saw the film and became interested. I have watched many of the short videos. The book answered a lot of the questions I had. I would highly recommend this book.
I saw the film and became interested. I have watched many of the short videos. The book answered a lot of the questions I had. I would highly recommend this book.
November 2, 2025
Absolutely enjoyed this book. I think everyone who wants to form a closer relationship with God should read this but also those looking to grow their own food would benefit greatly as well
September 18, 2015
I loved this book! I should say that I loved the "Back to Eden" documentary and all the videos on youtube about Paul Gautschi and his garden. Paul's views on gardening have really changed my life. I never was a gardener. It always seemed like such hard work that would get harder and harder with age. I had helped plenty in families gardens to know what it took, but so much of what had to be done, didn't even make sense to me. Then I happened across the documentary a few years ago and everything this man said, just made sense to me. I thought for the first time, I can do this. So at 40 years of age, I started gardening. I am now growing nutrient dense, healthy food for my family! David's book just adds so much to the documentary and youtube videos. It gives much more insight into Paul's world in a way that only written word can do. Trying to do things the way God does, IS the best way! It will be a book that I read again!
January 21, 2016
An odd book. Obviously marketed to Christians (who else is going to read a book by this title?) yet a vast amount of the book is devoted to proving God's existance and how to be saved. Good stuff, but probably not what the reader of this particular book needs. Also, the gardening content, while also good, is just a fanfic rehash of Back to Eden by Paul Gautschi. Nothing new here. Just go watch Paul's excellent documentary (free on his website): http://www.backtoedenfilm.com/
The only part of this book really worth it is Joel Salatin's foreword.
The only part of this book really worth it is Joel Salatin's foreword.
October 28, 2016
too much of it was authors religious opinions, argument against evolution, quotes from the Bible that may or may not apply. . .would rather read just about Paul Gautschi's philosophy rather than this guy's (whoever he is? book says an "educator and businessman"- sounds legit). I guess Paul G is so generous he'll let anybody interview him/write book about him.
January 12, 2016
It get's pretty preachy in some spots and the author enjoys cramming biblical scripture into places it may or may not necessarily fit, but the agricultural practices were fantastic to read about. I skipped through some of the sermons.
June 9, 2016
Growing Food God's Way
I liked the information provided but felt that at times I was lost by the made up terms of scientific approaches.
I liked the information provided but felt that at times I was lost by the made up terms of scientific approaches.
August 8, 2016
Just enjoyable. A must read.
Just enjoyable although very convicting. It has encouraged me to live as God has intended. Thanks for the extra in site the you tube videos do not tell.
Just enjoyable although very convicting. It has encouraged me to live as God has intended. Thanks for the extra in site the you tube videos do not tell.
March 31, 2017
Having recently acquired a large parcel of land, I have been wavering on "just how" I wanted to set up the vegetable garden. I was practically giddy when I viewed Paul Gautschi's video www.backtoedenfilm.com
I spent years using a rototiller, weeding, weeding and more weeding. It almost took the fun out of vegetable gardening for me. Faced with creating a vegetable garden that will be almost 3 times the size I have had before, I was (and am still) a bit daunted.
I believe this film came to me for a reason, which compelled me to watch all of the videos on youtube, and then finally this book. Nothing new is revealed in this book, however. You can obtain the basics of Paul's system by watching the documentary.
Paul's unwaivering belief in God is inspiring to me. This book focus's more on that aspect of his life. It also teaches you his method of gardening.
I'm completely sold. I have started chipping my own wood ( I am surrounded by forest!) and have slowly started transforming my unspoiled patch of earth into what will be my new vegetable garden!
I spent years using a rototiller, weeding, weeding and more weeding. It almost took the fun out of vegetable gardening for me. Faced with creating a vegetable garden that will be almost 3 times the size I have had before, I was (and am still) a bit daunted.
I believe this film came to me for a reason, which compelled me to watch all of the videos on youtube, and then finally this book. Nothing new is revealed in this book, however. You can obtain the basics of Paul's system by watching the documentary.
Paul's unwaivering belief in God is inspiring to me. This book focus's more on that aspect of his life. It also teaches you his method of gardening.
I'm completely sold. I have started chipping my own wood ( I am surrounded by forest!) and have slowly started transforming my unspoiled patch of earth into what will be my new vegetable garden!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews