Dirt Under My Nails

It's the first full day of having completed my graduate school requirements and responsibilities.  I can breathe now....To celebrate, my daughter and I planted our windowsill herb garden with all the edibles we purchased from local farmers at the green market just a few blocks from home.  As we cultivate this mini-farm, we will sow our plans for a bigger farm, with room for chickens, goats, and sheep (and much more homegrown food!).  My little girl and I will nurture our garden daily and pinch off some fresh leaves for meals.  I actually had to ask her to stop eating all the arugula straight from the pot!  Our garden includes parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, lavender, tomatoes (grown from free seeds that came with a gardening catalog), basil (green and purple) , and of course, arugula.  Even though our organic potting soil came in a giant bag we ordered online rather than from digging holes in the yard, we still had a blast getting dirt under our nails.

www.GrowNYC.org lists 5 reasons to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs:
1. Improve your health.
2.  Know your food.
3.  Save money.
4.  Teach your kids about where food comes from.
5.  Have fun!
For more details on any of these great reasons to plant your own garden (no matter the size!) go to www.grownyc.org.

Urban Farming: Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

Who says you can't be a farmer in the city??  I just discovered Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Brooklyn, NY and can't wait to visit when the season opens once again to visitors. Their website describes the farm:  " On the shoreline of the East River and with a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is a 6,000 square foot green roof organic vegetable farm located atop a warehouse rooftop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.During New York City’s growing season, the farmers at Eagle Street Rooftop Farm supply a community supported agriculture (CSA) program, an onsite farm market, and bicycle fresh produce to area restaurants."  All this in New York City!!