Growth Potential

For a city surrounded by fertile farmlands, D.C. has far too many "food deserts"--that is, neighborhoods without access to healthy, fresh food.

Common Good City Farm is working to fix that problem. This Ledroit Park garden grows fruit, vegetables and herbs for low-income District residents. Besides serving as a food source, the nonprofit, volunteer-driven plot is also an eco-oriented classroom and working space for aspiring gardeners.

The half-acre farm opens for the season next Saturday and fully launches the following week. This weekend, they're welcoming volunteers to ready the plots by weeding, planting and organizing the grounds.

Gardening workshops ($10 suggested donation) launch next month. Themes change monthly and include tips on garden design, composting, and growing plants in apartments and other small spaces. The staff also hosts regular cooking classes to utilize the bounty.

To get involved, attend one of the monthly volunteer orientations. Tasks involve planting, harvesting, and keeping the farm in order, as well as off-farm duties like grant writing and outreach. This season, the group hopes to expand the garden to make more room for future green thumbs.

Common Good City Farm, 3rd and V sts. NW; 202-330-5945 or commongoodcityfarm.org