A Unique Urban Farm in Leimert Park
On a vibrant corner lot nestled in the heart of Leimert Park, South Los Angeles, near the bustling intersection of Obama and Crenshaw Boulevards, lies a remarkable urban oasis that stands in stark contrast to the typical grassy yards of the neighborhood. This enchanting space resembles a whimsical blend of a pastoral paradise and a creation straight out of a Dr. Seuss tale.
In this captivating garden, clusters of grapes and blackberries intertwine gracefully along a sturdy trellis. Lush rows of aromatic basil, sweet potatoes, and a medley of mesclun greens flourish in carefully constructed raised garden beds. What truly captures the eye are the innovative, multilevel planters that rise four tiers high, reminiscent of bunk beds, overflowing with an array of vibrant produce including kale, cabbage, arugula, various lettuces, eggplants, tatsoi, and hearty collard greens.
This little farm is the brainchild of Jamiah Hargins, a passionate gardening enthusiast whose vision has transformed his front yard into a source of fresh sustenance for 45 local families. Remarkably, this microfarm operates on a fraction of the water typically needed for traditional lawns, embodying a sustainable approach to urban agriculture.
Occupying just 2,500 square feet, this thriving green space is the cornerstone of Mr. Hargins’s nonprofit organization, Crop Swap LA. The initiative is dedicated to converting underutilized yards and vacant spaces into productive microfarms, effectively addressing food insecurity in the area. Currently, Crop Swap LA manages three front yard farms that supply organic fruits and vegetables each week to 80 families living within a one-mile radius, many of whom struggle to access healthy food options. The program has gained traction, with an impressive waitlist of 300 residents eager to transform their own yards into flourishing microfarms.
The inception of this innovative project was somewhat serendipitous. In 2018, Mr. Hargins, who spent his formative years on military bases and transitioned through careers as an options trader and headhunter, felt compelled to grow his own food. Lacking extensive gardening experience, he was nonetheless driven by a profound motivation: the desire to provide fresh, nutritious produce for his young daughter, especially in an area where such options were limited.
With determination, Mr. Hargins constructed a garden bed from reclaimed wood, filled it with nutrient-rich soil, and embarked on a journey of experimentation. He dedicated countless hours to observing the growth patterns of his seedlings, carefully noting how they thrived in various locations throughout his yard. As his wife, Ginnia Hargins, reflects, “He invested time to truly pay attention to the needs of each plant.”
