There’s much to be said about growing your own things to eat. A small strip of unused land behind our apartment has become our urban garden and that strip of land has brought large amounts of food and joy to our friends and neighbors.

“Using small parcels of urban land to compost, cultivate, care for and grow food to fortify our lives is a great way to unite people and nature in a wholesome and caring way. ” Peter Pearce aka the Dude of Food.

Peter goes on to say, “By prepared some dried up earth to be growing ready by weeding, watering and naturally fertilized with homemade compost we have created a meeting area for people to chat, have a drink, a smoking section and an abundant garden place to be at peace with nature all in one right in our back yard.” 

“The main thing we have grown so far are tomatoes that are doing really well, but we have also grown potatoes, Lebanese mint, artichokes, white onions and bell peppers. We are trying to get a couple citrus trees going but I think they are stupid GMO controlled seeds that are having troubles getting past budding. We have also started nearly a dozen avocado trees and have donated them all to the community. It’s good fun.”

Peter goes on to say, “Our garden group has grown to include nearly 20 neighbors who all enjoy the space. Sometimes I make sangria and we all pitch in to keep the area maintained. Our group has expanded into a local landscape business where we help clear, care for and maintain other peoples gardens now too. All of our clients are over 70 and most over 80 years old.”

Take a look around your neighborhood and see if you might have some space that gets some sun and could use some plants. The power of watching things grow in nature and sharing with others is incredible and brings folks together.