Weed It and Reap – Amy Brzuchalski farms in the city

Amy Brzuchalski with tomatoes, snow peas, and chives, just some of the vegetables in her backyard. Photo by Jetta Fraser

Findley, Ohio city farmer

By Tahree Lane
Toledo Blade
Aug. 4, 2010

Excerpt

Name: Amy Brzuchalski, stay-at-home mom and urban farmer, living in downtown Findlay.

Garden specs: Urban farming is done in our own and others’ yards. We have around 3,500 square feet of veggie beds in five sites. It’s amazing how many people have let us come into their yards — we have four this year and turned down three others. People want to learn and be part of it! In return for their space, they receive produce.

When did you start gardening?: As a kid I helped my dad and family in East Toledo. About 14 years ago, I started gardening on my own with little rental plots in Findlay and tons of pots. I’ve expanded and experimented each year. My husband, a friend, and I started Urban Dirt and we’ve been selling to individuals through word of mouth. Next year, we plan to sell through a CSA [Community Supported Agriculture, in which people buy a "share" from a farmer and receive weekly bags of produce].

What do you grow?: A little of this and a little of that, depending on what mother nature has in store. Mainly heirloom and organic veggies: herbs and lavender, Polish garlic, sunchokes, asparagus, chard, broccoli raab and broccoli, okra, several varieties of potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, peas, lettuce, spinach, beets, radishes, etc. We have produce each week from May to October. We’ve had the most success with our Avalanche Snow Peas in the spring and will plant them soon for a fall crop.

Complete article here.