Pennsylvania native Stefan Horbonis was surprised by the concept of zero-lot lines upon moving to South Florida, but the true game-changing moment came when his son asked what a farm was. After using modern farming techniques to grow greens in their garage and sharing them with neighbors, Horbonis and his wife purchased an overgrown dirt lot in Loxahatchee in 2016. The result: You Farm, an agricultural destination focused on providing families with healthy, sustainable, local food.
For some, the most exciting part of You Farm is housed in its 8-by-16-foot plots. For two growing seasons each year (fall into winter and winter into spring), gardeners of any skill level can purchase their own plot and become a part of You Farm’s community garden. The farm handles the watering of each plot through the season, with each gardener responsible for preparing the plot, putting in the plants of their choice, and maintaining it. Anything harvested may be kept or the excess may be purchased by You Farm for sale at one of its events.
To underscore the “community” in its community gardens, You Farm has created its own chat room where the gardeners can virtually meet and have questions answered by master gardeners from Mounts Botanical Garden. Community gardeners can also pick fresh eggs, learn about beekeeping, or use the picnic space.
“You Farm is not just about our family—it’s about community and what you want to put into and make out of your garden,” Horbonis says.
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