ALopez: Neighborhood Farm #1

January 10, 2017  by Abby Lopez

As the new year begins, the rain sets in after to what seems to be a long period of drought in sunny southern California.  Luckily, I had a chance to visit the Martin’s neighborhood farm last month and hosted by Jeremy and JD. I was amazed at what can be done in an suburban environment and even more amazed of how quickly vegetable leaves were able to regenerate for the following weekly harvest. I saw rows and rows of a variety of vegetables and it made me believe and understand of what is possible. Just like how I thought of myself as a blank slate when it comes to gardening.. but full of potential! While I was visiting the farm, I learned about composting, weeding and preparing a garden bed upon my visit.

During my visit, I participated in turning over a new pile of compost. I learned that this was done in order for the bacteria to proliferate and further the decomposition process. This decomposition process can even be felt when placing hands inside the compost as it increases the temperature due to the byproduct of microbial activity.

Also, I then had the chance to remove some weeds that were growing around the plants. This was tricky since pulling them can snap off the stem to only grow back again and still deprive the plants of nutrition.  These tenacious weeds had sprouted by the dozens which I and a family had helped removed. One of the family members gave me advise on how to remove them properly which was by the roots in a slow maneuvering of the wrist which allows the roots to detach. He said this as we curiously observed a bee resting on his leg whom he called a friend.

While we were preparing a garden bed, I encountered some insects and learned to differentiate between what are pests in relationship with the plant. I quickly learned, in the call of the wild, the natural order of the beetle larvae who were fed to the chickens next door. The pillbugs were also found but were welcomed to nestle in the soil below as they did not disturb the plants growth. While preparing the garden bed, I learned the technique to level the soil using a tool attached by strings. The tool served as a guide to level the surface of the soil to prepare for cultivation.

Thus begins my preparation for my personal cultivation as a farmer in trainee, to not just learn about farming and the tools used but also enhancing community wellness.