Humbleweed Farm's mission is to nurture soil, strengthen community, & foster biodiversity.

The Farm

Located in Champaign, Illinois Humbleweed Farm is a micro farm specializing in vegetables culturally significant to Korea, garlic, and luffa sponges. Our fresh produce can be found at local restaurants, small grocers, and co-op farm stands from May - October.

Growing operations are human powered, relying on hand tools and our bodies rather than heavy machinery. We strive to farm ethically & sustainably by thoughtfully incorporating no-till and natural growing methods to our systems. This means the food we grow are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. It means we strive to work with the rhythm of nature. The mission is to nurture soil, strengthen community, and foster biodiversity. 


The Farmer

Thanks for being here. My name is Miky (she/her) and I'm a first generation Korean-American farmer transplanted in Champaign-Urbana from Chicago. I began my agriculture journey in 2019 volunteering at local farms and taking horticulture courses. The 2020 pandemic changed my perception of our food system, helping me realize the power of collaboration as opposed to competition.


Land Recognition

Growing food on land of indigenous tribes: Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. Learn more

Midwest SOARRING Foundation is a "not-for-profit organization whose mission is to work toward repatriation, protect sacred sites, educate the public and promote community building among all people regarding indigenous lifeways". Learn about their Save the Bison Fund.

Native Governance Center is a "Native-led nonprofit dedicated to assisting Native nations in strengthening their governance systems and capacity to exercise sovereignty". Consider supporting their work to build a future where Native nations can thrive on their own terms. 

Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance "supports Native communities nationally with advocacy, education, and networking as they revitalize their indigenous food systems". Their Indigenous Seed Keepers Network program promotes "Indigenous cultural diversity for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants".


Luffa Grow Guide

This smooth luffa gourd variety is a warm season annual. Similar to zucchini, the young tender fruits are edible and often used in Asian cuisines. The flavor absorbing properties make it a great addition in soups, stews, and salads. Fully mature fruits, when left to completely dry, will produce a fibrous sponge-like material for exfoliating skin or for household cleaning. Grown naturally for 2024

Luffa Care Guide

Luffa sponges are natural alternatives to plastic sponges used in your kitchen. Gentle but effective cleaning scrub for most common household items and surfaces. With proper care, sponges last 3-5 months.

To use: Saturate in water to soften fibers. Apply cleaning agent and scrub desired surface. Rinse sponge thoroughly in water and allow it to dry out between each use.

When it's time to replace your luffa sponge, bury it in your backyard, add it to your garden compost, or place it on the bottom of your garden pots to decay naturally. Indicators that your luffa sponges need to be replaced is when they begin to tear easily, they fray at the ends, or the effectiveness of the sponge declines.

Grown & processed naturally, without harmful chemicals, fertilizers, or bleach. Each sponge was hand grown, hand processed, and hand packaged by farmer Miky.

WE HAVEN'T LEARNED HOW TO LIVE HERE YET. WE ARE ALWAYS FIGHTING AGAINST SOMETHING. IF WE KNEW HOW TO PEACEFULLY LIVE WITH INSECTS AND WEEDS, WE WILL ALL BE BETTER FOR IT."  - SEONG HYUN CHOI (AUTHOR, NATURAL FARMER) 

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