By Chris Woolston

Stand in the hanging valley at the mouth of Rattlesnake Canyon north of Missoula, Mont., and you’d never guess that a city of 62,000 lies downhill. Two things dominate: mountains and vegetables. This fertile zone supports the Garden City Harvest (www.gardencityharvest.org), a University of Montana project. The 10-acre farm puts out nearly 10 tons of produce each year, most of it given to low-income residents. Josh Slotnick is the founder and director.

Q When’s the best time to visit the farm?
A Fall is glorious. Everything is booming. The flowers and vegetables are as big and beautiful as they’re going to get. Things take a nosedive after the first killer frost, lately around mid-October.

Q Can you really eat only local foods?
A Some people already do it. We have apples, pears, plums, and many kinds of greens. It could be a sophisticated cuisine. I won’t buy apples from Chile, but I’m not a zealot. You can enjoy the local bounty without making your life difficult.

Q How can people find local produce?
A Try the Missoula Farmer’s Market—Saturdays from 8:30 to noon through the end of October. Wherever you live, a market is nearby (www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets).

Q You’ve set up five in-town gardens for low-income people. What’s the payoff?
A It catalyzes a sense of community. Neighbors work together in a safe, peaceful, productive spot. And they eat really well.

Q You have a philosophy degree? What would a philosopher say about gardening?
A Albert Borgmann, at U of M, would say it’s about being engaged. You can be passionate about it even if your potatoes rot in the ground.