Rooted in Community, Urban Farms Flourish in Baltimore

As the 30th largest city in America, Baltimore may not be thought of as a juggernaut of farming. But in the midst of this vibrant cityscape, a green revolution is emerging with the growth of urban farms. These innovative spaces are transforming Baltimore's vacant lots and abandoned land into thriving hubs of agriculture, community, and sustainability. And residents and visitors get to reap the harvests of these farms at city farm markets and local restaurants. Explore what’s growing in Baltimore when you stay with us at Rachael’s Dowry Bed and Breakfast.

Baltimore has around 20 urban farms, each with its own unique personality. Many of these farms are community-driven initiatives, providing job opportunities, educational programs, and fresh food access to residents, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

One of the driving forces behind Baltimore’s urban farming movement is the desire to create a more sustainable and resilient food system. That’s the aim of the Farm Alliance of Baltimore, a collective of urban farms that works to make urban farming viable and increase food access in the city. Members share resources, knowledge, and ideas to grow more locally sourced produce within this urban center. Collectively, the alliance members share a food stand at Waverly 32st Street Farmers Market to maximize profits for each of the farms. The farms also sell their harvests at other neighborhood farm stands, community supported agriculture (CSAs), mobile markets, local restaurants, and more.

One shining example of Baltimore's urban farming success is the Real Food Farm in Clifton Park. Started in 2009, this 6-acre urban sustainable farm is home to eight hoop houses, four outdoor fields, a sensory garden, and 100+ fruit trees. In 2014, the farm expanded its growing space by taking on vacant lots on Perlman Place around the corner from its Clifton Park site. In addition to providing fresh produce to the surrounding community, Real Food Farm offers educational programs for children and adults, teaching valuable skills such as gardening, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. Stop by Govan’s Farmers Market every Wednesday from June through September to sample Real Food Farm’s harvest.

The 6th Branch is a veteran-led nonprofit aimed at revitalizing abandoned land and transforming it into productive green space for the community. It operates the Oliver Community Farm and the Johnston Square Community Farm and Garden. Together, the two farms annually distribute 3,000 pounds of fresh produce to neighbors in East Baltimore. Both sites host a weekly free market night and seasonal festivals.

The Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm prides itself on its commitment to sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. The farm grows high-quality, organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs with the help of beginning farmers they are teaching to nourish themselves from the ground up. You can purchase their produce at the Agrihood Baltimore Farmers Market from June through October at two locations: on Wednesdays at Druid Hill Park and on the first and third Saturdays at Park Heights and Keyworth Avenue.

As Baltimore continues to embrace urban farming, the city is poised to become a model for sustainable agriculture and community development. Make plans to stop by one of the city's urban farms during your next getaway at Rachael's Dowry. They are happy to share not only their produce but their knowledge about nourishing our bodies and our communities one seed at a time, growing a greener, more resilient future for generations to come.