Growing something awesome with Mike Plante

Meet Mike Plante, Coeur d’Alene’s first urban farmer, a native who is blooming where he was planted. He is the co-founder of Plante Family Farm and can be reached at mike-plante@hotmail.com.

Generation: Even though technically I’m a millennial, I have a hard time identifying with that title. I’m not into technology or the newest things. I’m more about rediscovering older, better ways of doing things.

Career and community involvement: Before I began farming in 2014, I was a line cook, an electrician and a metal fabricator. I also gave time to the Special Olympics in my 20s.

Parental status: I have a 5-year-old son named Joby who will be starting kindergarten this year.

1. What's something new and/or fascinating in the world of urban farming?

I think the most fascinating thing about urban farming is the fact that it exists. It seems like it’s a new thing, but it’s actually the oldest type of farming. All through history food was grown close to where it would be eaten, and I’m just trying to reintroduce that tradition. It is a really positive thing because it strengthens the local economy while providing better, fresher, more nutritious food for people.

2. Why are family farms still an important part of our culture?

Family farms are a very important part of our culture because conventional big agriculture has failed as a system. There has to be an alternative to cheaply grown, mass-produced, low quality food, and I really believe that urban farming is one of the solutions.

3. What are some of your favorite things to grow and eat and why?

These past couple of seasons, I’ve focused on reintroducing mustard greens to the culinary offerings around here. They’re one of the most delicious, beautiful and versatile crops out there. When they’re harvested small, they are wonderful as a part of a salad mix or a stand-alone salad ingredient. When they’re mature they can be chopped and sautéed Southern style, and even if they begin to flower, the flowers taste like spicy broccoli. Just an all-around winner.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

You may be surprised to learn that I’m an amateur microbiologist. I’m fascinated by fermentation and all the wonderful foods and drinks that exist as a result of billions of microorganisms silently doing their thing. I make a lot of kraut and kimchi, and I’m really looking forward to the cucumber harvest so I can make a ton of pickles to eat and give to folks I really like.

5. What part of urban farming is the most fun for you?

The best thing about urban farming is the gratitude I get from everyone who eats my special food. Each time someone tells me how awesome something was or how much they enjoyed it, it’s a big pat on the back. In my previous careers, like electrical for instance, nobody notices your work unless there’s something wrong with it. Another cool thing about it is that it uses my entire skillset and challenges me to learn even more because in everything I learn, there’s a hidden lesson that applies to farming.