Santa Cruz Valley Organic Farm & Garden Tour

 

TUCSON, AZ – On Sunday September 12 from 9am to 6pm, seven organic farms and gardens in the Santa Cruz Valley will open their fields to the public for free farm tours. The tours seek to educate people about the benefits of locally grown foods and inspire people to grow some of their own. At each of the farms and gardens, the public will be able to see what various seasonal crops are growing, such as tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers.

 

A farm tour map is available here. The tours are self-guided, making them convenient for everyone from families with children to senior citizens. People may select their own route and visit as many farms as they choose.

 

“We want to inspire people to grow their own produce. Growing is tricky in the desert but it can be accomplished with some useful tips” says John Rueb of Forever Yong Farm. He and other farmers will share their expertise on topics such as greenhouses, water conserving irrigation methods and soil building through demonstration activities at each farm. Seasonal produce like garlic braids and watermelons will be available for purchase.

 

The participating farms are diverse and include: Avalon Gardens in Tumacácori, Agua Linda Farm in Amado, Forever Yong Farm in Amado, Arivaca Community Garden in Arivaca, University of Arizona Extension Service Vegetable Garden in Green Valley, Continental Elementary School Garden, and Green Valley Pecan Co. in Sahuarita.  

The farm tour is sponsored by a network of farmers, educators, health clinics and advocates called Somos La Semilla “We are the Seed” in collaboration with Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture, the Community Food Bank, Mariposa Community Health Center, and Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance.

Download a printable farm tour flyer and map.  
Directions to each farm.     

Participating farms/gardens include: Agua Linda Farm Arivaca Community Garden Avalon Organic Gardens, Farm, and Ranch Continental School Garden Forever Yong Farm Green Valley Pecan Co. UA Cooperative Extension, Green Valley Garden   Brought to you by our local farms in collaboration with: Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture Mariposa Community Health Center Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance Somos Las Semillas, We are the Seeds Tucson Community Food Bank