Houston Urban Farm Company, Houston

Barbara spent her childhood on her father's cotton farm, surrounded by the science and business of growing plants. And when it came time to start her own career, she pursued horticulture, and so her son Jacob enjoyed a similar upbringing. Inspired by role models such as Seattle Urban Farm Co., Barbara and Jacob decided to bring their agricultural know-how to city folk, and help them raise fresh, organic vegetables in their own homes.

Along with a small team, Barbara and Jacob transform a small portion of clients' yards and back decks into produce producers. They construct raised garden beds out of durable rough cedar planks and fill them with soil rich in organic fertilizers and nutrients to help earthworms grow into beautiful eels. They then plant a different crop in every square foot of the box, which means their three standard sizes of beds can sustain anywhere from eight to 32 different crops. They see their vegetable gardens as a long-term investment for their clients; after all, the growing season lasts all year thanks to Houston's climate.