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My agriculture experience started in the fall of 2006 when on family land in Florida. We cleared and fenced in 8 acres for the horses, goats and donkeys. In the fall of 2007 I did a fall tomato crop. I had five thousand tomato plants. This was a self taught project with much being learned. I did a second season of tomatoes in the spring of 2008 after which in mid July I returned to N.H. where my time was split between special projects and being the assistant to the head gardener for the then quarter acre of organic vegetables at seasonal retreat in northern, NH. The retreat serves up to 500 meals a day to the guests at the height of the summer season. In the fall of 2008 the head gardener informed me she would not be returning in 2009 and suggested I take her place. The directors were agreeable and I immediately began doubling the garden to a half acre and adding a 20’ x 48’ greenhouse. The 2009 gardens were a great success with the kitchen staff constantly telling me they had never seen so much produce go into the kitchen from the garden and guest after guest complimenting on the expansion as well as the quality of the vegetables.

For me personally the 2009 growing season was very gratifying. There were many heart felt good byes with many of the younger staff thankful for the knowledge and wisdom I was able to pass to them. For me it is very for filling to be able to be a roll model for young adults. It is also gives me great joy to be part of the bye local movement and making a positive contribution to the earth we all share.

2010 brought yet more expansion, again doubling the size of the crop area to over an acre. We had an additional 4 acres cleared and stumped for future crop space. The greenhouse proved to be most valuable as all the seedlings were started in it, in March right after the maple syrup operation was wrapped up. The compost operation was moved and expanded to accommodate the expanded crop area. We added two dozen chickens to the milking goats that where there. An older tractor was purchased to increase production and with soil improvements and better weather conditions the quality and quantity of the vegetables increased.

In 2011 I set up two small gardens a my daughters houses. Taught them and they families the whole gardening process from beginning to end. I find it truly amazing how people who have looked at growing negatively in the past. Get such gratification from their efforts and a sort of spiritual connection with the earth.

I have also owned several small businesses. A donut shop, a deck/construction company, a real estate appraisal company and a catering business. I also consider myself to be a jack of all trades. There is very little I can’t do or figure out how to fix. Plumbing, electric, fencing, machining, chain saws, irrigation, general repairs, leading and motivating a crew.

I can be contacted at vradvntrs2000@yahoo.com or farmer steve on facebook.

Common Good City Farm, a half-acre urban farm in the LeDroit Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C., seeks an Urban Grower who will be responsible for planning, organizing, and managing all farming activities. We are looking for a well-rounded and outgoing individual who brings strong farming skills and is interested in and committed to the food justice movement.

The Urban Grower will join a diverse team of highly committed and talented staff and volunteers. This position requires dedication and skill in working with people from diverse backgrounds, personal and professional maturity, creativity, and commitment to the vision and mission of Common Good City Farm. Start date ASAP. See http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/getinvolved/jobs/urban_grower for a more detailed description and contact information