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Growing Food Instead of Lawns in California Front Yards
California is known for its sunny weather and outdoor lifestyle, but one thing that has been changing in recent years is the way people think about their front yards. Instead of the traditional lawn that requires lots of water and maintenance, many Californians are opting to turn their front yards into small farms that grow fresh produce for their families and neighbors.
One such example is in Los Angeles, where front yards have been transformed into tiny farms by a gardening genius named Jamiah Hargins. His small farm in Leimert Park has become the hub of his charity, Crop Swap LA, which aims to provide fresh food to families while using a fraction of the water that traditional lawns require.
Hargins, who started the project in 2018 after struggling to find fresh food for his newborn daughter, has turned his small 2,500-square-foot farm into a thriving operation that now serves 80 people within a mile of each other. His front yard microfarms have become a model for sustainable agriculture in urban settings, and have inspired many others to follow suit.
With rows of basil, sweet potatoes, kale, cabbage, and more growing in high garden tubs and stacked pots, Hargins’ farm is a testament to what can be achieved with ingenuity and hard work. Solar panels power the house and watering system, which uses a fraction of the water of a traditional lawn. The crops are grown in soil mixed with organic matter, creating a healthy and sustainable growing environment.
But creating a microfarm is not without its challenges. Hargins spent $150,000 to build his farm and grow the nonprofit, relying on grants and donations to fund his work. He now runs the charity full time with a team of 13, and the three front yard microfarms require constant care and attention. However, Hargins believes that the benefits far outweigh the costs, both financially and environmentally.
One of the key goals of Crop Swap LA is to provide fresh, organic food to underserved communities. Priority is given to veterans with disabilities, single parents, people living below the poverty level, and newcomers to the area. Members pay for a weekly bag of fruits, herbs, and veggies, which helps cover the costs of running the farms and provides a source of income for the charity.
In addition to providing fresh food to families, Crop Swap LA also aims to educate the community about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. Volunteers and members help with the weekly harvest, learning about different types of produce and how to grow their own food. The charity also offers workshops and classes on gardening, composting, and other sustainable practices.
One of the success stories of Crop Swap LA is the Asante farm, which was created by a teacher named Mychal Creer and his wife. Using a $50,000 grant from the charity LA2050, they transformed their front yard into a small food garden with underground rainwater catchments and a solar-powered watering system. The farm now provides fresh produce to the community, while also serving as a model for sustainable urban agriculture.
Another example is Beverly Lofton, a retiree who turned her back yard into a small food garden with the help of Crop Swap LA. Her front yard microfarm, named LaSalle after her late husband, now provides food for 15 people and serves as a hub for community gathering and education. Ms. Lofton is proud of her farm and the impact it has had on her neighborhood.
The success of Crop Swap LA has not been without its challenges, but Hargins remains optimistic about the future. He continues to work tirelessly to secure funding and support for the charity, while also expanding its reach and impact. With a growing waiting list of people wanting to turn their yards into microfarms, Hargins believes that the future of sustainable agriculture in California is bright.
In conclusion, turning front yards into small farms is a creative and sustainable way to provide fresh, organic food to communities while conserving water and promoting healthy eating. Crop Swap LA is leading the way in this new form of urban agriculture, inspiring others to follow suit and make a positive impact on their neighborhoods and the environment. By working together and supporting initiatives like Crop Swap LA, Californians can create a more sustainable and food-resilient future for themselves and future generations.
