ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Pamela Reese Smith is the definition of having a green thumb. She transformed her backyard in the city of Rochester into an urban oasis.
For 30 years, Resse Smith has tested new methods and new techniques for growing in her garden. Before retiring, Reese Smith worked as the community garden coordinator for the city of Rochester. She worked to set up community gardens in vacant lots across the city, but realized the problems that some of these lots were facing.
“I thought about getting a big vacant lot and growing in an underserved area, hoping the neighbors would come out,” said Reese Smith. “But then I thought about it and there’s a problem with finding ways to water those plants. They need to be nourished.”
Another major issue Reese Smith found was the soil quality. Many lots used to be gas stations or other businesses, where waste seeped into the ground.
“I have dug up lots where it was so toxic and so contaminated,” said Reese Smith.
If you want to test the quality of your soil, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Monroe County can help.
“There’s a process. You call them and they give you a bag to put your soil in,” said Reese Smith.
Many of these vacant lots are in food deserts. To help communities get fresh and healthy food, Reese Smith started the Facebook page Inner City Agriculture.
She uses her garden to test and show others how to grow in non-traditional spaces. One of her most popular ideas was planting seeds directly in a bag of soil.
“On your patio, driveway, you can grow anywhere. Anyone can grow,” said Reese Smith.
It’s her love of gardening and the desire to help others discover it, that keeps Reese Smith and her green thumb going.