Some people don't want to refer to themselves as anything other than people; supreme beings that are mutually exclusive to the things that lie beneath, above, and beside us. What about the natural ecosystem? We're just like all of the creepy crawling, slimy, and freaky looking insects, right? No way, heck no, we are no way like that.

A heuristic thought may be: people are way too handsome, athletic, smart, and free willed to be like those insects. Those sacks of DNA are stomping and munching along to the beat of the most intricate system that we, as humans, are aware of. This intricate system is the soil itself and the microbial (and macro) life that supports it, which in turn supports us.

Every living thing that makes the soil flourish survives on the exudates (droppings) or the life of another living creature. Like a well-oiled machine, plant roots feed the bacteria. the bacteria feeds the nematodes, which in turn feeds the smaller arthropods, then the larger insects get fed, and then so on and so forth.

I want to make the argument that Here We Grow is the human evidence that we are in fact very much mutually a part of the system, and we too benefit from certain exudates. A very important exudate that we have implemented onto our plots comes from the coffee industry. And the exudate is the burlap bags. These ever-so-effective and biodegradable bags have gone through a couple hands before getting to Here We Grow. From the coffee farmers (end to all exploitation), to the wholesalers, to the coffee roasters, then to Here We Grow. We tore them in half, cut pre-determined holes for the seeds, and laid them down onto the beds for unwanted plant suppressions. The job isn't done when the bags are laid down onto the soil beds - we must lay mulch or compost on top and around the crops to further add weight and aid in suppression.

The burlap has worked wonderfully for us and all it took was a few phone calls to local coffee shops. And the best part, the bags were completely free. Getting to know the local coffee shops proved vital for Here We Grow, as we made a connection to a local CSA that is looking for other organic growers in the region to provide more produce. So it seems that by simply asking and keeping our selves on task, people we willing to give. Community is a powerful force for good when it is given a chance to be itself.

Here We Grow Team