March 8, 2026
At Asawana Farms, one of our greatest joys is welcoming people who are curious about learning how to grow their own food. On March 8, 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting three motivated young ladies who came to the farm eager to gain hands-on knowledge as the growing season approaches here in Maryland.
Their visit began with a guided tour of the farm, where we shared the story of what we do at Asawana Farms and how we grow food using natural and sustainable methods. One of the first stops on the tour was our compost-making area. Compost is the heart of healthy soil, and we explained how we create our own nutrient-rich compost using materials such as wood chips, kitchen scraps, leaves, and other organic matter.
The visitors were surprised to learn how everyday waste can be transformed into valuable soil nutrients that help plants grow stronger and healthier. This moment sparked great conversation about sustainability, reducing waste, and how anyone can start composting at home.
Next, we visited the greenhouse, where we nurse and protect young seedlings before they are transplanted into the farm beds. Because Maryland experiences cold temperatures in the early part of the year, starting seeds in a greenhouse allows plants to grow strong before they face outdoor conditions. We discussed when to start different types of seeds, how to care for young seedlings, and why timing is important for a successful harvest.
Of course, no visit to Asawana Farms is complete without experiencing one of our signature crops — bitter leaf. The young visitors had the opportunity to taste it and learn about its many health benefits. Bitter leaf is widely known for its medicinal properties and plays an important role in traditional diets that emphasize food as medicine. This conversation opened the door to discussing the powerful connection between agriculture, nutrition, and health.
After learning about the farm, it was time for the most exciting part of the visit — getting their hands dirty. The young ladies helped carry compost to the growing areas and assisted in filling grow bags with rich, natural compost. These grow bags will soon be used to plant moringa, one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world, as part of our upcoming growing season.
Moments like these are what make community farming so meaningful. Seeing young people excited about agriculture, sustainability, and healthy food gives us hope for the future. Knowledge about growing food is a powerful skill that strengthens communities, improves health, and reconnects people with the land.
At Asawana Farms, our mission goes beyond simply growing crops. We are committed to education, community empowerment, and helping people rediscover the value of growing their own food. Every visit like this helps plant a seed of knowledge that can grow for years to come.
We look forward to welcoming more members of the community to the farm as the season continues. The future of farming is bright, and it is inspiring to see the next generation stepping forward to learn.
Asawana Farms — Growing Food, Growing Knowledge, Growing Community