Growing Food Instead of Lawns in California Front Yards
www.seattletimes.com
Front yards transformed to tiny farms in Los Angeles provide vegetables to dozens of families and use a fraction of the water needed by grass.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/21868586

Summary

Front yards transformed to tiny crop farms in Los Angeles provide vegetables to dozens of families and use a fraction of the water needed by grass.

Crop Swap LA, founded by Jamiah Hargins, transforms Los Angeles lawns into microfarms that produce fresh, organic produce for local families while conserving water.

Operating three front-yard farms, the nonprofit serves 80 families within a 1-mile radius, prioritizing those with food insecurity.

Using solar-powered irrigation and recycled water, each farm reduces water use by 98% compared to traditional lawns.

Despite funding challenges, Crop Swap LA sustains itself through produce subscriptions, garden installations, and grants, fostering environmental benefits and community connections in Leimert Park.