About Harvest Free

Harvest Free was born from hardship—but grew into purpose with vision.

My name is Jeff Sandt, founder of Harvest Free.

In December 2019, I was laid off from my job. Just two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, and what I thought would be a temporary setback turned into eighteen months of unemployment. Like many families during that time, we faced uncertainty, stress, and the challenge of moving forward without knowing what came next.

After months of searching for work, my wife offered a simple suggestion that would unknowingly change my life:
"You need a hobby. Why don’t you start a vegetable garden?"

Using repurposed materials from around my 1.5-acre property, I built my first raised garden bed—just 8 by 10 feet. I filled it with soil from a hill where a tree had fallen and planted whatever I could fit, knowing nothing about gardening. That small plot became more than a garden. It became therapy. It gave me purpose, structure, and hope during one of the most difficult periods of my life.

Over the next few years, the garden—and my passion—grew. I expanded to a 10 by 20 foot section and continued learning through trial and error. I began educating myself on soil chemistry. I found helpful You Tube videos from The Millennial Gardner. In 2025, I realized I wasn’t just gardening anymore. I was building something meaningful for my future and my retirement.

Today, the mission is to operate a 2,000-square-foot fenced-in micro garden, including a dedicated root vegetable section. Every inch represents resilience, growth, and gratitude.

From the beginning, I made a commitment: I would not sell what I grow. I would donate it.

During my period of unemployment, my family and I relied on state and federal assistance. We experienced firsthand the importance of community support. Harvest Free is my way of paying that forward—providing fresh, homegrown food to others who may be facing difficult times.

Harvest Free is more than a garden. It is a mission rooted in generosity, healing, and service.

What began as a hobby became a calling.

Today, I am The Garden Father.