Start up the tractor; plowing in Royal Oak

When you hear about urban agriculture these days, Detroit usually follows, or precedes it – depending on the story. But not in this one. This time, it’s Royal Oak. And they’ll be plowing this week. Excerpt: The non-profit group Royal Oak Forward, which will manage farm operations and organic practices, is borrowing a tractor to start plowing later this week. Then, Johnson will plant about 25 kinds of herbs and vegetables that will be ready to eat from late May through October. “We know the land is good to grow,” Johnson said of environmental tests. “Now I’m checking for nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous so I’ll know how much compost to add.” Volunteers will help tend the field and in about eight weeks they will have baskets of fresh produce ready for shareholders to pick up and to sell to the public at the market, which is less than a mile away. Community-sponsored agriculture (CSA) is a growing trend in the United States as more people go green to cut waste, such as transportation fuel, and improve taste. “You hear about the 100-mile diet challenge some food co-ops put out,” Johnson said. “We’re talking about the few-feet diet.” Read the entire article here.