Many farmers take a break while the fields are frozen. Not Zach Pickens. He’s in the business of saving and selling “Rooftop Ready” seeds that are regionally adapted for New York City gardens.
Tag: urban gardening
Biking home through Brownsville, Nora Painten couldn’t help noticing an overgrown vacant lot on Rockaway Avenue, just across from P.S. 323, soaking up the sun. Lots of paperwork and $24,282 through Kickstarter later, Painten now runs a vibrant school garden in the space, teaching little fingers how to plant garlic and teenagers how to turn compost, among other garden tasks.
A fateful bike route and some Kickstarter seed money yield a vibrant school garden.
In our current issue, Gabrielle Langholtz comments on the new gardening book (no relation to this magazine) Edible Balconies: Growing Fresh Produce in Small Spaces. Read her story and learn more about the book’s DIY ideas for balcony-friendly farming.
If New Yorkers can learn to thrive in small spaces, it only stands to reason our plants can, too. But not just any seeds will do in your window planter.
In our latest issue, Ann Monroe introduces us to BrightFarms, the company planning to grow a million pounds of produce a year in a 2-acre, state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse on a warehouse rooftop in Sunset Park. Read the story for more on the plan to bring hyperlocal veggies to the Borough of Kings.
In our current issue, Rachel Nuwer profiles Paula Segal—a 34-year-old lawyer who’s organization 596 acres is helping aspiring gardeners gain access to that many abandoned city-owned lots.
Why take a tiny apartment? Because the terrace offers room to grow.
The 49-year-old with a curly mop of hair and slightly hippie sensibility was a computer programmer until just three years ago.
The Brownsville Student Farm we wrote about a few months ago is looking for help building planter beds and an outdoor classroom and pavilion. The organizers have had wood donated but need the tools, skilled laborers and also those who will just lift and carry. If you have power tools, construction skills or would just like to help build on one of their March volunteer days (4, 10, 11, 17, 24, 25) please let them know. If you’re nervous, go on the 4th — it’s a site clean-up day. Last but not least, if you’re looking to get rid of a pickup truck, they could use a donation. You can connect with the farm via Twitter @BrownsvilleFarm.
Even if you have brown thumbs and prefer concrete to cultivation, we’re going to bet you’ll agree the 23 heirloom seed packets commissioned by the Hudson Valley Seed Library are real beauties. Starting tonight their Art Packs will be on display until March 2 in Manhattan at The Horticultural Society of New York at 148 West 37th Street in an exhibit called the Art of the Heirloom. (There’s a preview talk from 6 to 8 pm tonight, to attend, RSVP in the comments of this page.)
If you’ve gotten your hands on our current issue, you probably want to a) hit the Bushwick Farmers’ Market’s Winter Solstice Feast and b) encourage the spread of hydroponic gardening by Bushwick master Lee Mandell, who runs Boswyck Farms in the nabe. The Winter Solstice Feast this year–it’s this Friday, December 16; RSVP today–will support all of the above.
