A short story about my path from small-town farming to home hydroponics and natural, self-grown food.
Soluniva is a word I coined from Sol (sun), Uni (unity, one), and Va (way / life forward) or Niva (fieldы in some cultures). For me, it's a small manifesto about living with the sun, moving as one with nature, and choosing a forward-looking, self-reliant way of life.
From the age of six or seven, I worked in my parents' garden and later helped at the local farm cooperative. I spent years living in a village, caring for goats, cows, and sheep, and learned the everyday skills of milking and animal care.
About ten years ago, I owned a small poultry farm with quails, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys, along with a modest herd of rabbits. Those years deepened my respect for farming as a practical craft and a resilient way of life.
I now live in an apartment but stay close to the land throughhydroponics and home growing. I cultivate cucumbers, tomatoes, leafy greens, microgreens, and sprouts for the table. I also bake at home — focaccia, baguettes, and pizza — using a natural sourdough starter.
As food quality declines and eco-products become harder to buy, I believe that growing healthy food at home is more than a hobby. It can keep the kitchen supplied while letting you eat natural, wholesome food you truly trust.
