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Urban farming taking root in Akron

They're popping up in vacant spaces all over the city, bringing life back to blighted neighborhoods.

AKRON — On the south side of Akron, in the shadow of the long-empty Firestone Rubber Company tire factory, something wonderful is happening.

Photo: Carl Bachtel, WKYC

On vacant land that used to house the local Hells Angels chapter, something is growing.

An urban farm.

It's owned by Miss Julie's Restaurant, a local vegan eatery. They've been growing vegetables there for the last five years, and things are really taking off. The model they use is called permaculture, a sustainable farming practice that uses organisms in the soil, along with mulch and good old fashioned hard work to make things grow.

Looking at the rows and varieties of beautiful vegetables, it's working.

It's not only providing to the restaurant, it's giving back to the community as well through affordable, fresh produce and jobs. Diont'e and D'Andre Franklin are twin brothers that work the farm through a county summer jobs program.

Credit: WKYC
Photos: Carl Bachtel, WKYC

Not only is it a job, but it's teaching them about biology, soil health, the differences between vegetables and how to grow them, plus people skills. They sell the surplus of what they grow at farmer's markets and even straight from the garden.

Credit: WKYC
Photo: Carl Bachtel, WKYC

If you would like to learn more about urban farming in Akron or Summit County, visit the following link:

Miss Julie’s Kitchen

Let’s Grow Akron

Summit Food Coalition

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