Why Seasonal Eating and Supporting True Local Food Matters

It’s important to eat seasonally and support local farmers and agriculture. With that in mind, we need to be thoughtful about what we buy and eat based on what actually grows in our area.

That’s why I don’t start my CSA until April. I know my harvest won’t begin until then, and I also know I won’t be offering items like apples or oranges in the spring—because (A) I don’t grow them, and (B) they’re not local to Memphis at that time.

To be an urban farmer is to be honest. My mission is to feed my community with transparency and truth. If you have questions, get to know your farmers. Ask to see the farm. Ask how much of what they sell is actually grown on-site versus purchased elsewhere. One red flag for me is when farms advertise as “organic” but resell produce they didn’t grow—often with the original stickers still on. Those stickers matter by the way: they tell you exactly where the food came from and what pesticides or practices are allowed in that region. Education is key.

I have a real problem with so-called “urban farms” that hide behind the guise of urban agriculture and community sustainability to secure funding or grants, while the true delivery of fresh, farm-grown food simply isn’t there.

I work hard to provide real knowledge, guidance, and authentic seasonal eating. It’s important to support farmers who have actual hands-in-the-soil experience—knowledgeable people who give you the same respect and honesty in return.

At The Wild Bloom Garden in Memphis, our mission is to cultivate thriving urban agriculture systems that empower low-income communities with equitable, seed-to-plate food access. We are dedicated to delivering fresh, nutritious produce and enhancing city vitality through education, community collaboration, and sustainable practices. We are committed to combating food insecurity and fostering resilient neighborhoods.

And I actually deliver on that promise.

So if you’re local to Memphis and want to get to know your farmer while receiving fresh produce that is truly grown on-site—not purchased and resold like at a grocery store—you can have it delivered straight to you!

Until Next Time,

Serena - The Wild Bloom Garden