Fred's Farm

Fred Price has been stewarding a North Hill Rd community plot on lease from the City of Baltimore through the Adopt-A-Lot program since 2002. Fred grew up on a robust vegetable, fruit, and animal farm in Virginia, where, in his words, they grew “just a bit of everything.” Now at the ripe age of 85, Fred remains eager to share his farming expertise with our neighborhood. He has so much to teach, and we are deeply excited to learn and grow alongside him.

Affectionately known as Fred’s Farm, this space has long provided fresh fruits and vegetables for neighbors, families, and friends a true gift of generosity and care. 

This year, our Ednor Gardens Lakeside Civic Association reached out to Fred to offer additional support in realizing his vision of a thriving farm space. Fred graciously welcomed our partnership, and together we are working to guide the farm into its next stage of growth and community development.

Fred’s hopes for the farm include:

• Much-needed funds for infrastructure and improvements

• Community volunteers to assist with planting, weeding, and harvesting

• Amenities such as benches, gathering spaces, and tool storage

• Infrastructure upgrades, such as a water access point and a secure storage shed

Our Green Committee is committed to supporting Fred and ensuring that his farm continues to serve as a source of nourishment, connection, and pride for the community.

Recent Progress

• In partnership with the Church of Latter-day Saints Community Outreach group, we hosted a Community Action Day where 15 volunteers helped clean up the property, removing over 740 pounds of trash.

• With city support, we successfully removed two large dead trees that were shading the growing area and creating safety concerns. This work was completed in the past two weeks and has already improved sunlight access for crops.

Our Next Step: Installing a Protective Fence

Our immediate priority is to support Fred with the installation of a wooden hog-tie fence around the main growing area. The fence will measure 28 feet by 34 feet, with swinging gates on both sides for easy access. This will protect the crops when Fred or volunteers are not present, while still leaving other portions of the property open for community enjoyment, including picnicking, sitting, and simply admiring the plants.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, the Green Committee is working to secure grants and funding for additional improvements, including:

• A metal hoop house frame to extend the growing season and allow for year-round cultivation

• A pollinator garden to support biodiversity and align with neighborhood beautification goals

• An enclosed shed for safe storage of community tools and supplies

All of these improve

ments are possible with the combined efforts of our community, and we are excited to continue building on the foundation Fred has nurtured for so many years.

Together, we can ensure that Fred’s Farm remains a space of growth, beauty, and shared joy for generations to come.

Aaron Pitsenberger

Greening Committee Chair