FOOD FOR NAUGHT

I was semi-stoked to find Judith Sims’ article on backyard horticulture (“Specialist Farmers Get Rich in Own Backyards,” Feb. 1). My mixed feelings sprout from knowing that it is good that people grow food in the smog-belt, but my joy is tempered by the fact that food grown next to a freeway must certainly pick up a few residual pollutants.

Small-time horticultural entrepreneurs should also know that, besides weeding and watering, one must also deal with collections, i.e., unpaid bills, when dealing with the folks in checked pants.

One Los Angeles restaurant owes me $1,401 from invoices of September, 1986.

STEVEN SPRINKEL

Proprietor, Chismahoo Farm

Carpinteria