Sustainability and education are on display through farming techniques tailored for urban environments.
The smell of the Campus Urban Farm at Dominguez Hills is, in a word, captivating – and in two words, absolutely intoxicating. From the first moment on the verdant grounds, an enticing aroma of fresh herbs and sweet fruits fills the air. The smell of rosemary wafts through the walkways, inviting visitors to take a deep breath and savor their moment in the garden. All the while, the late-winter sun shines over the purple alyssum and bright green nasturtium, an edible flower with a peppery kick. It’s truly a feast for the senses.
Founded in 2018, the farm sits at the southeast corner of campus, at the end of what seems like a labyrinth of winding streets and towering buildings. Visitors will find an array of beautiful plants and luscious produce, including kale, carrots, lettuce, beets, strawberries, tomatoes, thyme, peppermint, basil, and sage.
“The farm is in the best shape yet, and we are excited to continue growing and expanding, no pun intended,” said farm director Jose Avalos during a tour of the facilities.
As director, Avalos said he wants to increase the farm’s efficiency and production capacity as the operation develops. It’s a continuous pursuit of self-improvement.
The farm cultivated 190 pounds of produce last fall, according to Avalos – five times the yield produced in the fall of 2022. “As we grow and become stronger, our goals keep getting checked off month by month,” he said.
At the heart of the farm’s efforts, Avalos added, is its mission to support students and to help provide them with everyday essentials.
All produce cultivated at the farm, including items made from its own plant harvests, is donated to Toro Care, an organization providing students with food and hygiene kits. Mint and chamomile plants, for example, are used to make soaps and shampoos. Still, some Toros are unaware of the idea of “farm to table” – or in this case, “farm to campus” – is a lot closer than they think.
“I didn’t even know we had a farm, and I feel that amazing they provide so much towards my everyday uses,” said Jackson Phillips, a junior psychology student. “I believe that’s amazing, and they deserve to continue growing as a hidden stable here on campus.”
English student Jasmine Myers was also amazed to learn about the farm and its contributions to Toro Care. “They are bringing life to campus, and CSUDH should be more than grateful for their support towards any student in need,” she said.
Avalos feels as though he’s come “full circle” through his work on the farm. Growing up, he said his family faced difficult circumstances and had to make use of food backs. Knowing that he is helping to provide food for people who may be in similar situations gives great meaning to his work.
In addition to growing produce in pots and beds made of cinder block, the farm also utilizes urban vertical farming – a soilless agricultural system by which plants are stacked and grown through artificial means like hydroponics and aquaponics. The process also helps to optimize space and resources for efficient food production.
“We live in an urban environment, and not all of us are going to have access to growing space,” Avalos said. “Instead of growing out, you can grow up.”
Adjacent to the vertical garden sections is the container garden, which consists of more than 20 pots placed atop wooden pallets. Since some people do not have access to ground soil, Avalos said it’s important to “make do with what you have.”
The farm remains committed to promoting support and sustainability at CSUDH, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of a planned surprise on March 25th.
