ON THE FARM

keep your friends close and your farmers closer

As an organization whose mission is rooted in food justice, The Bulb is committed to supporting the work of local farms. We do this through the ongoing purchase of seasonal produce, as well as through the development and management of donated plots in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties. Through sustainable farming practices, this land will grow nutritious and high-quality produce for the communities we serve.

 

URBAN FARM AT GARINGER HIGH SCHOOL

LOMAX RESEARCH & EDUCATION FARM

In June of 2021, The Bulb officially partnered with CMS to occupy the Urban Farm at Garinger High School!! The Farm consists of just over one acre of farmland and a full size greenhouse that’s outfitted with the key bells and whistles needed to keep the seedlings watered and appropriately temped under the hot summer sun. There are 16, 50ft x 45ft plots in the field that include an herb garden, cut flower bed and multiple vegetable gardens.

Over 700 plants have been planted since spring of 2021, including collards, cabbage, broccoli, beets, kale and spinach which were harvested and brought to market in the fall and winter. And in the spring of 2022, tomatoes, peppers, squash and watermelons all went in the ground for an anticipated hearty summer haul! FUN FACT - in May we harvested 93 lb of Asian cabbage!

The Elma C. Lomax Research and Education Farm (Lomax) is a certified organic farm located in Concord, NC. Lomax was launched in 2009 by the Cabarrus County government and Cooperative Extension as a training ground for new farmers. The farm has evolved into a research and education farm managed by CFSA. The Bulb manages a donated plot (~110 ftX40 ft) that produces a variety of seasonal produce, including tomatoes, collards and cucumbers for the markets.

This year at Lomax there are nine garden beds in production, with the remaining garden space dedicated to cover crops to improve the soil for next year. Andrew is excited to grow okra and carrots this year. Summer crops will include: beans, squash, cucumbers, okra, and tomatoes!

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

STAY TUNED - UPDATES COMING!

 
 

MEET THE FARMERS!

Since beginning his journey into farming through an organic farm’s CSA program over 15 years ago, Eddie has been growing vegetables for friends and family in his and his wife’s small urban farm.

He started at the Urban Farm at Garinger through a work-based learning class for his Horticulture degree, and officially became a Farm Mentor for the organization in August 2021.

Andrew's interest in farming and food justice started in earnest when he served in AmeriCorps VISTA for three years and was involved in numerous garden based learning projects and community gardens.

He has 4 full seasons of growing experience at various farms in NC and VA. He started working with The Bulb in February, 2021.