Info | thewildbloomgarden

What Is Urban Farming and Why?

Urban farming, also known as urban agriculture, refers to the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. This can include backyard gardens, rooftop farms, community plots, vertical farming systems, hydroponics, and even aquaponics. It's a sustainable way to produce fresh food locally, reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains. With urbanization on the rise, urban farming has gained popularity for its potential to enhance food security, promote environmental health, and foster community engagement. As of 2025, it's estimated that urban agriculture could supply up to 10-20% of a city's fresh produce needs in optimized scenarios.

How Can You Get Involved and Support Your Local Urban Farmer?

What is a CSA?

A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a partnership between local farmers and community members. Essentially, you "buy a share" in the farm's harvest upfront, and in return, you receive regular boxes of fresh, seasonal produce, herbs, and sometimes extras like small flower bouquets. This model helps farmers plan and fund their operations while sharing the risks and rewards of farming (like weather impacts) with supporters. At The Wild Bloom Garden, our CSA connects you directly to urban-grown food, supporting sustainable practices and community food access.

Why It's Important to Eat Local

Eating local isn't just a trend—it's a smart choice for your health, the environment, and the economy. Locally grown food is often picked at peak ripeness, meaning it's fresher and more nutrient-dense than produce shipped from far away, which can lose vitamins during long transit. It reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation emissions, supports small-scale farmers like those at urban plots in Memphis, and keeps money circulating in our local economy. Plus, it fosters a sense of community and encourages seasonal eating, which can inspire healthier, more diverse meals with recipes tailored to what's in season.

The Importance for the Memphis Area: Tackling Food Insecurity

Memphis and the surrounding areas, including Shelby County, face significant food insecurity challenges. Approximately 21% of Memphis residents—around 167,000 people in the city and county—are affected, a rate higher than the national average, often due to factors like economic disruptions, limited access to affordable fresh food, and issues with programs like SNAP. This is especially tough in low-income neighborhoods, where "food deserts" make it hard to find nutritious options. Urban farming initiatives like The Wild Bloom Garden directly address this by providing equitable access to seed-to-plate produce, educating on healthy eating, and donating unclaimed shares to local food banks. By participating in our CSA, you're not just getting great food—you're helping combat food insecurity, build resilient neighborhoods, and promote sustainable urban agriculture in a city that needs it.

How Locals Can Get Involved and Support Through The Wild Bloom Garden's CSA

Getting involved is easy and rewarding! Our mission at The Wild Bloom Garden is to empower low-income communities with fresh, nutritious food while enhancing Memphis through education and collaboration. Here's how you can join:

Sign Up for a CSA Share: Choose from seasonal options like Spring (4 weeks, starting early April) or Summer (4 weeks, late June to mid-August). Full shares feed 4-6 people, half shares suit 2-3. Each box (10-15 lbs) includes veggies, herbs, and a bouquet—contents vary with the season for that farm-fresh surprise!
- Pricing: Starts are $25 per week, prepaid. No refunds for missed pick-ups, but we offer credits for any farm-side issues.
- How to Join: Visit thewildbloomgarden.com/pricing-plans/list or email thewildbloomgarden@gmail.com. Deadlines are February 15th for Spring and April 1 for Summer—spots are limited!
Pick-Up or Delivery: Grab your box weekly at the farm or partner spots (e.g., farmers' markets or pre-determined meeting locations . Pick-ups are Saturdays (9 AM–12 PM); Delivery available for some shares within a 20-mile radius (extra fee for farther).
Additional Perks and Ways to Engage: Members get newsletters with recipes, storage tips, and invites to events like cooking demos, farm tours, and u-pick days. We also welcome volunteers—help with planting or harvesting and earn a free 10-lb produce box! Check out our blog for tips on regenerative gardening and more.