Sand n straw COMMUNITY farm
Vista, california
THE STORY
We are the Viles, the heart and soul of Sand n’ Straw Community Farm. We came up with the name Sand n’ Straw Community Farm as we wanted to keep our beach roots while venturing out into country life.
When we first decided to start a garden, we bought boysenberry, raspberry and blueberry plants. Not knowing any better, we put them together only to learn that they required different planting methods. While we failed on our first gardening attempt, the important thing is we started. Rich’s brother was subsequently diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. We watched helplessly as he suffered, radically sparking a desire to research our diet. We had been that competitive sports family, eating out far too much, constantly on the go, not paying much attention to our diet or what it was doing to our family.
A change had to be made. Rich left his employment to attend farm school and we both enrolled in permaculture design courses. Our house became our gardening training ground. During this time, we visited farms throughout California and Oregon talking to farmers, learning ideas that worked or didn’t work as we continued to look for our niche in the world of hobby farms.
About the farm
Sand n Straw Community Farm is a family run farm nestled on six acres in the Heart of Vista, California. They provide our community with an abundance of naturally grown local fruit and vegetables throughout the year. They utilize permaculture, regenerative, and organic farming principles surrounding our vegetables gardens you will find fruit trees, bush fruits and grape vines.
Activities on the farm include a full pre-k through high school enrichment program, weekly farm stand and CSA program, workshops & events as well as weekly story time and animal visits.
WHAT THEY GROW
Apples • Apricots • Arugula • Avocados • Basil • Beets • Blackberries • Blueberries • Broccoli • Brussel Sprouts • Butternut Squash • Cabbage • Cantaloupe • Carrots • Cauliflower • Celery • Cherries • Cherry Tomatoes• Cilantro • Collards • Corbaci Peppers • Corn • Cucumbers • Dragon Beans • Dragon Fruit •Eggplant • Eight Ball Squash • Grapefruit • Green Beans • Green Onions • Jalapeño Peppers • Kale • Leeks • Lemons • Limes • Loquats• Mizuna • Okra • Onions • Oranges • Oregano • Parsley • Parsnips • Patty Pan Squash • Peaches• Pears • Peas • Persimmons • Plums • Poblano • Peppers • Pomegranates • Prickly Pears • Pumpkins • Radishes • Raspberries • Red Mustard Greens • Rutabaga • Serrano Peppers • Shallots • Shishito Peppers • Spaghetti Squash • Spinach • Summer Squash • Swiss Chard • Tangelos • Tatsoi • Tomatillos • Tomatoes • Turnips • Watermelon • Zucchini
Currently funding:
The farm is in need of a new Kabota cart. They use these carts for everything: to harvest, transport materials, clean up the gardens and groves, etc.
“General Farm Fund” Donations go toward kids scholarships, farm projects & supplies, adult & kids community activities, and farm animal food & supplies.
Tierra De Mis Sueños is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization supported through the generosity of individuals and businesses. All donations are tax-deductible.