“This is the community’s garden. They can walk up, hey man, interested in anything? Help yourself,” Ahmad Houston said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — For Ahmad Houston, growing fresh food is about much more than gardening — it’s about helping people.

Houston oversees a community garden in Southeast Fort Worth where residents can pick fresh produce, like Roman tomatoes, orange mint and Brussels sprouts, at no cost. The garden sits behind the At The Six Community Center in the Stop Six neighborhood and serves as both a food source and an educational space.

“This is the community’s garden. They can walk up, hey man, interested in anything? Help yourself,” Houston said.

Rows of vegetables, herbs and flowers fill the garden beds.

“We have green beans, right under the green beans, we have a yellow bell pepper. Right behind the bell pepper, we have forget-me-not, which is our pollinated flower,” Houston said.

Houston’s journey to becoming a master gardener began during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

“I was homeless at one point in 2020,” Houston said.

While working to rebuild his life, Houston requested raised garden beds to grow his own fresh produce. What started as a personal effort eventually led to a position with Fort Worth Housing Solutions and a permanent place to live.

“The streets were my home. I feel like the world is our home. You have to find a place to live. You have to find a place,” Houston said.

Today, Houston uses the garden as a living classroom, teaching students about planting, soil management and harvesting. He also helps deliver fresh produce to seniors living at the Hughes House complex next door through partnerships that include the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

Houston’s work has become part of the broader revitalization taking place in the Stop Six community. Through urban agriculture, he is helping improve access to healthy food while creating opportunities for residents to learn and connect with one another.

“It feels good, giving and growing; that’s what life is,” Houston said.

For Houston, the garden represents more than a source of fresh vegetables.

“This is my passion. It’s what I love to do,” Houston said.