The Urban Homesteaders' League

Written by Blake Roberts

The Laurel Street Trading Post is a monthly event held on Laurel Street, between Union and Porter squares, in Somerville. The most recent trading hours were held about a week ago (when the weather was still sunny and dry!) in the back parking lot of our apartment building. About 40 people came from all over town, with one-house-over being the shortest distance traveled by a participant, and the north shore being the farthest (that I know of, at least). The fantastic weather meant the hot chocolate we had wasn’t completely necessary, but definitely still appreciated, not to mention the cookies that someone brought to share.

The Trading Post is an opportunity to trade goods from within the community. People bring their extra potatoes, baked and canned goods, piles of stored apples, etc to trade for items from other participants. There are different items each month, so you never know what gems you might find. The main theme, as well as the original inspiration for the Trading Post, is food and urban homesteading. (To answer many people’s questions, yes, items other than food are definitely welcome! We encourage reusing and recycling of any material, whatever it may be.)

I was so impressed last week with all of the goods people are making/growing at home. I had no idea that the family up the street not only uses vermicompost at home, but that it is going so well they had enough worms to share! This month we also had a table for a seed exchange, which was overflowing with seed packets. I personally came home with a great spread of new seed varieties for our garden. Here is a partial list of things that were recently traded: kimchi, mozzarella, canned peaches, squash, nut butter, house plants, fresh bread, tool kit, books, CSA meat, clothing, and pickles.

The Trading Post was originally inspired by a desire to share our garden harvest and make locally produced food more accessible to the neighborhood. I have also found it to be a very valuable resource to learn about local growing tips and homesteading in and around Somerville, as there is a wealth of information amongst all of the participants.

The next Laurel Street Trading Post will be held Sunday, April 11th from 3:30-5:00pm. We hope you will be able to make it, or maybe start your own trading post in your neighborhood! For more details or to get in touch, visit us at www.laurelstreettradingpost.org Let the bartering begin!

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