And so we begin.

Back in the summer of 2010, lowernine.org, a nonprofit rebuild organization in, you guessed it, the lower ninth ward, received some news: a dear friend of many of the folks here secured funds, permits, etc to rebuild a house in the neighborhood. Where specifically? On the site of the Villere Farm! Sacre-bleu!

Nevertheless, we found a new property, much larger, and began clearing out land, collecting soil samples, working sand into the hard clay soil-- all the while preparing for a much larger operation. We rent the plot of land from two different individuals; Lamanche Community Farm (2124 Lamanche) sits on about three lots, or 1/2 acre in the lower ninth. We are very fortunate that NOLA residents are so open to let people grow on their family's land.

But why grow here at all? Well, not only does the ninth ward have a history of folks growing everything from satsumas to cucumber, corn to tangerines, but it's also one of the few places on the US mainland where one can grow all year! For instance, at LCF, we have had brassicas growing all winter with no hoophouses or straw. They are thriving and delicious!

Back to the point: so now we are growing in a much larger space. About 1/3 of it is cultivated and growing, the remainder is in the process. This blog is being started to keep people updated on the activities of the farm, to let folks know about different events, to plug our partners and to feel out suggestions and comments. Immediately coming are outlines of missions and goals plus photos!!! We just finished framing our first hoop greenhouse as well. Stay tuned!