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Growing Food Instead of Lawns in California Front Yards: In Los Angeles, front yards that have been turned into tiny farms grow veggies for dozens of families and use a small amount of the water that grass does.
Nestled on a corner lot in Leimert Park in South Los Angeles, a unique structure stands out amongst the traditional green lawns in the neighborhood. This unconventional front yard resembles a mix of rural farmland and whimsical Dr. Seuss-inspired design.
Amidst tangled vines, clusters of grapes and blackberries thrive. Raised garden beds boast rows of basil, sweet potatoes, and mesclun greens. But what truly catches the eye are the vertical four-level pots stacked like bunk beds, bursting with kale, cabbage, arugula, various lettuces, eggplants, tatsoi, and collard greens.
The mastermind behind this innovative urban farm is Jamiah Hargins, a gardening enthusiast who saw the potential of transforming front yards into productive patches of land that could benefit the community. Through his organization, Crop Swap LA, Mr. Hargins and his team have converted several front yards into microfarms, providing fresh produce to those in need while conserving water resources.
Spanning a modest 2,500 square feet, Mr. Hargins’ home farm serves as the headquarters of Crop Swap LA, catering to 45 local families with organic fruits and vegetables. The success of this initiative has spurred a growing interest among residents, with a waiting list of over 300 individuals eager to convert their yards into sustainable microfarms.
Mr. Hargins, a former options trader and headhunter, stumbled into farming in 2018 out of a desire to provide nutritious food for his newborn daughter. Armed with limited experience but boundless enthusiasm, he experimented with creating a garden and discovered a passion for cultivating fresh, organic produce.
As Mr. Hargins toiled in his backyard, cultivating Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, and callaloo, his surplus harvest led to the inception of Crop Swap LA. This grassroots organization has since expanded to encompass three front yard microfarms, serving 80 recipients within a one-mile radius with weekly deliveries of farm-fresh produce.
One of the key principles guiding Crop Swap LA is the belief that everyone can grow their own food, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency and community resilience. By engaging local volunteers and providing agricultural education, the organization empowers individuals to take ownership of their food sources and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
In addition to promoting sustainable urban agriculture, Crop Swap LA emphasizes the importance of water conservation and eco-friendly practices. Mr. Hargins has designed his microfarm to operate with minimal water usage, utilizing a solar-powered irrigation system and nutrient-rich soil blends to nurture healthy crops.
Despite the initial investment required to establish these microfarms, Mr. Hargins remains dedicated to his mission, leveraging governmental grants and community support to sustain Crop Swap LA’s operations. With a team of 13 staff members and volunteers, he oversees the day-to-day management of the farms, ensuring that they continue to thrive and serve the community.
The success of Crop Swap LA has inspired other residents to embrace the concept of growing food instead of lawns. Mychal Creer, a local teacher, collaborated with Mr. Hargins to transform his grassy front yard into a productive urban farm. With funding from a charitable grant, they installed rainwater catchment systems and solar-powered irrigation to support a variety of crops, creating a vibrant food oasis in the heart of the city.
Asante, as the Creers’ farm is affectionately named, has become a focal point for community engagement, attracting curious passersby and wildlife alike. The sight of flourishing vegetable gardens and fruit-bearing trees has sparked a newfound appreciation for urban agriculture and sustainable living among residents.
Similarly, Beverly Lofton, a retiree with a passion for gardening, enlisted the help of Crop Swap LA to convert her backyard into a mini-farm. Embracing the principles of water conservation and organic farming, Ms. Lofton transformed her property into LaSalle, a bustling hub of produce that provides nourishment for 15 individuals in the community.
The commitment of individuals like Mr. Hargins, Mr. Creer, and Ms. Lofton underscores the transformative power of urban agriculture in revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting environmental stewardship. By repurposing front yards as productive gardens, these microfarmers are not only providing healthy food for local residents but also fostering a sense of community pride and resilience.
Despite the challenges of maintaining and funding these microfarms, the impact of Crop Swap LA extends far beyond the boundaries of individual properties. Through outreach programs, educational workshops, and community partnerships, Mr. Hargins and his team are working to create a sustainable food system that prioritizes health, equity, and environmental sustainability.
As the urban farming movement continues to gain momentum in Los Angeles and beyond, Crop Swap LA stands as a shining example of what is possible when individuals come together to cultivate positive change. By growing food instead of lawns, these dedicated farmers are sowing the seeds of a healthier, more resilient future for their communities.
