Farms
When did 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 a group when they arrive? What is step one when they arrive?
On the first floor outside the front door
Have them sign in at security
Tell me about water capture on the farm
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? What is the difference in growing at each site
high succession crop, continuous harvest crops, culturally significant crops, flowers and medicinals
growing system at PP = milk crates
growing system at NM = open beds
Tell me about the 960 building.
960 is a BMC building where non-clinical offices operate, like legal, social media, etc. and some case workers see patients here
Located in Newmarket district which has a long history of food packing and distribution
Tell me about heat capture on the farm
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
What else do we have at the farms besides vegetables?
Beehives!
Peach tree
Pollinator garden
Edible flowers
Standing beds with medicinal herbs
What happens if someone needs to use the bathroom or get something inside?
Someone will bring them in since there is badge access needed.
If it is a regular volunteer - you can give your badge to let them go in themselves. Make sure to get your badge back
What agroecological practices do we use
Integrated pest management
Intercropping
Companion planting
Living pathways
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
8,000 sq.ft.
a little under 1/4th of an acre
How do we wrap up the tour or volunteer session?
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 that has their own food pantry and kitchen
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)
Tell me about our farmers market.
Wednesday - 12-1:30pm Shapiro Cafe
Arrive early because there will be a line.
We will give receipt and they will pay at the cafe check out.
4 items per person this season
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 26 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 living pathways
clover pathways
keep shape of the beds, capture water and heat, flowers for pollinators, attract beneficial insects, more green space.