Author Interview- Lisa Taylor
Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
Lisa Taylor, author of Your Farm in the City: An Urban Dweller’s Guide to Growing Food and Raising Animals, lives in Shoreline, Washington with her partner, son and 3 chickens on their city farm. She is Children’s Education Program Manager for Seattle Tilth and spends most days growing and eating plants with children. She is passionate about teaching children and their parents where their food comes from and how to care for living things. For Lisa, eating is the main reason for growing plants. Organic, local food never tasted better.
In case someone is unfamiliar with your book, can you give us a brief description?
About ”Your Farm in the City”
The most complete book on urban farming, covering everything from growing organic produce and raising chickens, to running a small farm on a city lot or in a suburban backyard.
Created by Lisa Taylor and the gardeners of Seattle Tilth, Your Farm in the City covers all of the essential information specific to gardening and farming in a city or town. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions guide and inspire even the most inexperienced urbanite in how to grow and harvest all types of produce, flowers, herbs, and trees, as well as how to raise livestock like chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, and honeybees. Important information particular to gardening in a city or town is included, such as planning and maximizing limited space, building healthy soil, managing irrigation, understanding zoning laws, outwitting urban pests, and being a considerate farming neighbor.
With 100 two-color instructional illustrations throughout and dozens of vital resources, Your Farm in the City is the most practical, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow guide to the burgeoning trend of urban farming.
What inspired you to write this book?
I want to inspire people to see the potential for growing their own food on non-productive urban land. I wanted to write a book that was comprehensive yet not intimidating nor over-whelming – something that beginning and intermediate gardeners could use to grow some of their own food. I also wanted to present enough information so that people could decide how big a garden they could manage and if they wanted to include farm animals in their operation.
What kind of things do you personally grow or raise?
All kinds of vegetables and fruit. I especially like to grow leeks, kale, collards, salads, berries, beans, peas and tree fruit.
Any advice for someone who wants to start urban farming but doesn't know where to begin?
Start small!
• Plant a small vegetable garden and a few herbs
• Start a compost pile or worm bin
• Harvest and eat what you grow
• Learn as much as you can
Be sure to come by and meet Lisa! There will be an opportunity to get your book signed from 1-2pm on Saturday.
