St Joseph is a century farm and Certified Naturally Grown.

The Century Old Farm

When St. Joseph Home was established, it was situated on a 720-acre farm that provided sustenance for the children and nuns living there. Today, we still care for the remaining 63 acres, which include community gardens, various animals, and our Growing Urban Farmers Program.

Community Garden Plots

SJCA is a member of the NLR Community Garden Program with the North Little Rock Neighborhood Services Department. We have a total of 50 raised garden plots that are privately leased to the community. Plots are leased in March/April once a year. There is a small annual lease fee that covers water usage and a lawn maintenance fee. Lease fees are subject to change. Garden members are encouraged to only grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers for their families. The use of pesticides, and herbicides are strictly prohibited.

Per the NLR Community Garden Program, each gardener will be responsible for tracking all hours spent working in their plot as well as weighing all vegetables grown. Resources provided to all garden members include a member’s only Facebook group for education and events, the use of tools, free organic pest control, free soil amendments, free compost and mulch, plus access to compost bins, and a greenhouse to start seeds. There is an existing wait list for this program. Please make sure to include accurate contact information during sign up.

Current wait time on beds is 24 months.

Garden Plot

Urban Farm

Help on the farm

Visit the farm stand to purchase

The St. Joseph Urban Farm produces vegetables and fruit in an environmentally sustainable way, using both high tunnel and field production methods. Food produced on the farm is sold in the Farm Stand as well as to other local outlets in Central Arkansas, or donated to local pantries. We are proud to work with local businesses and the city of North Little Rock to reduce landfill waste through our composting and mulching programs. This year we are excited to begin our U-Pick program for strawberries and blackberries, as well as engaging the public through field trips, tours, and classes. We are a Certified Naturally Grown and a Century Farm.

Crops

Strawberries: March - May
Blackberries: June - July
Tomatoes: June - September
Leaf lettuce: November - March
Spinach: November - March
Cantaloupes: July - August
Cucumbers: June - July
Hardneck Garlic: May
Kale and other greens: November - March
Okra: July - August
Onions: May
Scallions: January - March
Peppers: July - September
Radishes: November - March
Summer and Winter Squash
May - June (Summer)
September - November (Winter)

Trails

With the help of NCCC and CAMN we now have tow trails for you to enjoy. Trails are open during business hours. Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash and picked up after. children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check-in at the farm stand before you begin your hike.