Sustainable Food Grows in Strip Mall Parking Lot
Holland Town Center Urban Farm
As one would imagine, there were significant challenges to overcome just in getting the soil ready for planting. After stripping off the asphalt, the top 2 feet of soil were removed and replaced with quality topsoil. Irrigation had to be completely established, compost worked into the soil, fencing built, beds planned and made before planting could even be thought of. They were starting a lot further back than just vacant land.
The Holland Town Center location is much larger than their other property, allowing them to expand the amount of food they can grow and reach many more people that do not otherwise have reasonable access to fresh and healthy food. In reaching this new market segment, people will have the opportunity not only to visit the farm when buying food at the farmstand, but participate in learning how and where some of their food is grown including picking their own food. There has been incredible community interest and support in the early stages of the new project.
Strip Mall Parking Lot Torn Up to Make Way for Sustainable Urban Farm Oasis in Food Desert
Sounds great, but where do you get enough affordable “QUALITY” topsoil to replace the
“2 feet of soil ( which was to be ) removed and replaced” on 1.3 Acres?
I agree, Paul. It is great to see this type of project happening, but the costs do need to be examined. There are many aspects of this project that we don’t have information on, though.