Hello Urban Farm Hub readers. I am a college kid currently on a summer hiatus. Growing up my role in urban farming was one primarily based on watching and eating. It wasn’t until this past year that I began to take an active interest in farming, sustainability, and what it means in respects to community. This interest has manifested in the form of a small garden planted in the backyard of my Bellingham home, and the planning of a cross the nation trip.
Here’s our little garden.
This was originally just grass. My roommate and I were surprised to find fairly good soil underneath. Since this was my first hands on experience, I yielded to his guidance and wisdom. Many of the plants were given to us by friends, bought at the local coop, found in garbage cans, and collected at the Bellingham Food Bank.
It’s growing well.
Our plants get lots of love and attention and here are pictures on how they are doing now. It looks like we planted the tomatoes a little close to the zucchinis, since they seem to be having a small war over the space. I have no idea whats going on with the sunflowers. After a small stint of aphids treated with a soap water spray, they still appear to be growing erratically and slow.
Go tomatoes!
Stay tuned for more urban farming stories as we do our cross country trip!
Richard Vinh is a senior at Fairhaven College in Bellingham Washington. This summer he is staying at his parent’s home in Seattle. He is spending his time working as a barista at a bakery on Capitol Hill, working on a music project, and hanging out with our dog Leo.
I'd love to hear from you!