Farms
When the farms open
PP: 2017 - it was the first farm at Boston Medical Center in response to the need for more fresh, local produce for the community
NM: 2024 - the second farm at BMC. Located in the Newmarket district of Boston, a historical food packing and distribution hub
Where do we meet the group
NM- on the first floor at the security desk
Tell me about water capture
plants capture water and slow the runoff of water so it doesn't rush into the sewer system.
How much produce do we grow annually?
10,000 lbs!
What are the two growing systems we use and why is it good they are different?
Power Plant Farm - Milk crates
Newmarket Farm - Open raised bed
Good to have contrast to show different systems and show that you don't need land in the ground to grow your own veggies.
What crops do we grow and at which sites?
sun-loving crops
tomatoes, peas, kale, collards, plants that need to be trellised
Tell me about the Power Plant
Introduce the Power Plant, this is the building that holds all of the machines for heating and cooling the hospital as well as the supply operations
We will walk in and snake through the supply operations and go into the freight elevator
Tell me about heat capture
Reduce urban heat island effect - plants capture heat and cool the air around the farm
Where in the hospital does our food go?
Food pantry, kitchens/cafeterias, teaching kitchen, farmers market, educational programming
What fertilizers do we use and why
Organic fertilizers - fish, seed, chicken manure
add nutrients into the soil
fertigation
Beehives!
Peach tree
Pollinator garden
Edible flowers
Standing beds with medicinal herbs
What do you make a note of before you start the tour
We have two bees hives on site
At PP - there is a camera at the back corner of the farm that livestreams into the teaching kitchen.
What agroecological practices do we use
Intercropping
companion planting
What are some classes/events we host on the farm?
Farm to Table Kids, Gardening 101, Yoga on the Farm, tour, volunteer events, etc.
What is the name of the company we create our soil with?
Tell me about the soil
NatureCycle
Urban Ag blend - lighter weight, just enough water holding capacity, not a lot of organic matter
How much growing space do we have
a little under 1/4th of an acre
How do we wrap up the tour
direct everyone where to put their gloves, knives, bins, etc.
Want a picture? offer to take a picture for the group
Walk them out
Benefits of farm to building
extends life of roof
insulation
Where does our food go besides the hospital?
Rosies Place - a womens shelter around the corner
Tell me about our irrigation
drip
conserving water
fertigation
grants, philanthropy, donors
close relationship with the City of Boston - Office of Food Justice and GrowBoston (office of urban agriculture)
What are the days, times, and locations of our market?
Thursday - 12-1:30pm 960 Cafe
Benefits of greenroofs and greenspaces
Sustainability
visual green space
community gathering space
connection to food/ ecosystem
Tell me about Nourishing our Communities
3 pillars - Farm, Pantry, Teaching Kitchen
Pantry started 25 years ago - choice model, low in salt, sugar, and fat - prescription from provider
Teaching Kitchen - nutritionists and dietitians, classes for patients and community members
Tell me about our experimental beds
four types of soil - urban ag, omni (perlite), rocky, compost
partner with BU soil scientists
measure growth of plant, size of harvest, taste