Cultivate Abundance has many local partners that join with us in food solidarity. Some were born and raised in Southwest Florida. But most of us come from other places with names such as Minnesota, Guatemala, Michigan, Mexico, Ohio or Haiti. Some know how to grow their favorite garden crops back home. But most of us have had to adjust to the gardening challenges of Southwest Florida, including poor drainage, the dry months, insects, excessive heat and the occasional frosty

Awareness of community gardening in North America has exploded over the past two decades. Often associated with urban gardening in the food deserts of major cities such as Detroit, New York, Los Angeles and Milwaukee, community gardens can be found throughout the US, including rural locations. And while the concept and practice has gained considerable visibility among Americans, it would be a mistake for those outside of the majority world (what was previously referred to as

Since we moved onto our property over four years ago, we have planted at least 30 types of tropical fruit-producing plants. Many, such as the mango, banana, avocado and starfruit trees, have been yielding over the past year or two. Other trees, including a jackfruit, sugar apple, pomelo and two coconuts are still immature. And I’m not sure if our Marion plum or grumichama will ever bear. Since last week, I’ve been monitoring the starfruit, fig, guava and papaya trees for r

Despite Florida supplying 2/3rds of America’s wintertime tomatoes, Immokalee’s farmworkers – the vast majority being migrants – struggle with poverty and food insecurity. According to 2015 census data, Immokalee’s poverty rate of 43.9 percent is over three times higher than the official US level. Obviously, a high poverty rate goes hand-in-hand with household food insecurity considering the minimal food purchasing power of low-income families. Compounding the effect of inad