October 26, 2025 – Last Sunday, the autumn air was crisp and the wind carried that unmistakable chill of late October — but that didn’t stop four amazing volunteers from showing up at Asawana Farms with open hearts and eager hands, ready to learn how to grow organic vegetables. Their dedication and curiosity warmed the farm more than any sunshine could!
We began the morning with a tour of the farm, sharing our mission of cultivating healthy soil, nutritious food, and strong community connections. The tour’s highlight, as always, was a stop at our Bitter Leaf Sanctuary, home to our signature crop — Vernonia amygdalina, better known as bitter leaf.
Each volunteer had the chance to taste the fresh bitter leaf right from the plant — an experience both earthy and invigorating. We shared stories about this remarkable African medicinal plant, celebrated for its powerful health benefits. Bitter leaf is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, known to help detoxify the liver, boost the immune system, lower blood sugar, aid digestion, and reduce inflammation. Many cultures use it as both food and medicine — a true example of “Food is Medicine” in action!
After the tour, our volunteers got hands-on experience by cleaning and preparing one of our salvaged raised-bed grow bags. Working together, they planted garlic and onion, two of nature’s strongest natural healers. Despite the cold, there was so much laughter, curiosity, and excitement in the air. They asked thoughtful questions about soil health, composting, pest management, and organic growing techniques — the kind of curiosity that keeps our mission alive and thriving.
Next, we visited our composting station, where they learned how Asawana Farms creates its own compost from farm and food waste. We explained how composting turns scraps, woodchips, leaves and farm waste into nutrient-rich soil that sustains our crops — a full circle of life that keeps our farming sustainable and regenerative.
By the end of the morning, everyone’s hands were a little dirtier, but their smiles were a lot brighter. It was a beautiful reminder that farming isn’t just about growing food — it’s about growing community, knowledge, and resilience.
We are deeply grateful to these volunteers who braved the cold to learn, help, and share in our journey toward a healthier, more sustainable food system. Thank you for believing in what we grow — from the soil to the soul.