City Roots

Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina was great- I had great friends, family, things I was involved in were lots of fun: Young Life, theatre.. etc. But as soon as I graduated my mentality was to get out! Not that I don't have incredible things here waiting for me when I come home... I think I just wanted to live differently. So here I am.. awaiting my last year of school, and hanging at home for a couple of weeks before I move back to Savannah. I find myself realizing that Columbia has changed a lot in 3+ years, or else Im just interested in different things and so I'm more aware. So its been my goal in these few short weeks to re-discover what Columbia has to offer.

Obviously I was introduced to the exciting world of farming this summer- so I decided to research different farms that I could go visit and possibly volunteer at. Today I worked at City Roots, Columbia's first urban sustainable/organic farm. Its within city limits- right next to the YMCA fields, and sits on not an enormous amount of land- but a pretty substantial bit for being in town. They grow vegetables.. in season now are: summer squash, cucumbers, okra, eggplant.. etc. But what is most interesting is their variety and amount of sprouts (or "micro-greens") that are available. They grow and harvest them in their large green house and produce types such as: sunflower, arugula, mustard, radish, water crests and snow pea. Basically they broadcast them, let them sprout- and within 7ish days they are ready to harvest. They are great for salads, greens for sandwiches.. etc. and are very rich in proteins and nutrients. They provide restaurants in columbia such as Shag Bistro, Rosso Trattoria Italia, Gervais and Vine, and Saluda's with fresh sprouts. They are also at a number of markets including the All Local Market at 701 Whaley (I got to check it out last weekend, its great!).

I love love love community supported business that in return support the community. I have learned that farms are just such community builders because everyone can relate in one thing: we all eat food.