Ranchito Milkyway

Founded in 2021 by Christian and Alyssa, Ranchito Milkyway has become a beacon of sustainable agriculture in San Diego. Christian, originally aiming for a career in the Marines and later nursing, found his calling in horticulture through various jobs, including a stint at Sea World and the Department of Food and Agriculture. Alyssa, despite her agricultural upbringing in Illinois, initially pursued business before falling in love with farming during a WWOOFing experience in France. Together, they transitioned from managing a small plot at Sweetwater Community Garden to leasing a quarter-acre plot in Chula Vista, where they now operate full-time.

The farm employs methods such as low-till farming, organic practices, and Korean Natural Farming (KNF). They use broadforking to break up compacted soil while minimizing disturbance and experiment with homemade organic pesticide soaps and fermented fertilizers to balance microbial life in the soil.

Ranchito Milkyway offers a well-subscribed CSA service and a popular Sunday farm stand (open from 10-2), selling produce and value-added products like homemade salad dressings and locally caught fish. They host events and cooking classes on-site, covering topics like sourdough making and fermentation. Visitors should contact the farm before their first visit for directions. Maps usually take you to the wrong gate, so when you cross over the 125 bridge (as you're getting close) take a RIGHT down the hill and the gate will be on your left. The adjacent nature preserve offers excellent trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.