As the weather begins to warm, the garden beds at Graymoor’s San Damiano Farm will soon spring to life. Farm manager Bob Conboy notes that this year the 246 raised beds will include lettuce, sugar snap peas, tomatoes and other vegetables as well as flowers and herbs.

Assisting Bob with planting and caring for the crops are the residents of the San Damiano Farm House, men who have completed their addiction recovery program at St. Christopher’s Inn. In this transitional housing program, the residents continue to receive counseling as they tend to the gardens and give back to others. Produce raised on the farm is shared with the Inn, local food pantries and a portion sold to local restaurants and at a weekly farmers market. Proceeds from sales help purchase seeds and other materials for next year.

“This year’s tomato crop should be larger than other years thanks to the addition of a second hoop house where more plants can be started sooner and grow longer,” said Bob. The new hoop house was donated by a generous benefactor and is expected to be ready in early May.

Learn more about San Damiano Farms here.