Representatives from Houston Food Bank, Last Organic Outpost, Covenant Community Capital, the Harris County office of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and Foodways Texas met on Friday to discuss some intriguing urban garden opportunities.
There is a 2 acre plot of land beside the parking lot at the Houston Food Bank’s new headquarters on I-10 east and that organization is looking for someone to build a demonstration garden there. Meanwhile, Covenant Community Capital is assisting a group of chefs including Randy Evans from Haven who are looking for a spot for a cooperative restaurant garden. Last Organic Outpost and the Harris County AgriLife extension office are looking for ways to help both groups. One idea under consideration is to turn the Houston Food Bank lot into a composting facility–at least to get that project started. The search for a restaurant garden is focusing on vacant lots in the Fifth Ward.
Foodways Texas is an organization made up of chefs, academics, food writers and farmers (among others) and after listening to our friends in these various communities, we concluded that it might make sense to bring the parties interested in building urban gardens in Houston together. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.
Robb I am a degreed Horticulturist. 5years in greenhouse ranges,4 years retail produce manager,21 years in urban entemology-residential,commercial,and lawn and garden.Grew container herbs for retail for 4 years until work load and family responsibilities pushed me out of the herb business. I live in the Port Neches area and on a disability income. All those years ago in school my specialties were vegetables and bedding. If there is a place for me in Foodways let me know.
rbeckcom@yahoo.com
Of course there is a place for you in Foodways Texas. To join, go to FoodwaysTexas.com.
But I bet some of these groups would love to get your help in the garden. Have you thought about joining the Extension Service’s Master Gardener program?
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/hort/mastergardener.htm