How We Grow
When it comes to growing, we choose to go beyond organic farming. Our produce is grown without any chemical fertilizers nor do we use any chemical-based or non-organic treatments, herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides of any kind. We practice no-till farming and only purchase non-GMO, organic seeds from small seed producers. Our philosophy is that a healthy, living soil produces healthy plants that are resilient to pest and disease. We use the principles of permaculture and biodynamic agriculture, but we aren’t really about the labels, just growing the healthiest food possible without sacrificing our environment. Our use of low-cost hoop houses help us control growing conditions, giving us the opportunity to grow year-round. This approach to growing is not reliant on purchased farm inputs such as nutrients or pesticides, and has shown, in other successful urban farms, to provide an abundant and safe supply of high quality and high value products.
Intensive Food Production
With 1.5 acres, we maximize productivity on our farm by utilizing every available space and growing food all year long. Using simple hoop houses allows us to intensively produce a high volume of food in a very small space. We cultivate dozens of varieties of greens, lettuces, herbs, root vegetables, shoots and other crops.
Composting and Vermiculture
Composting and vermiculture form the foundation of our farm. We divert organic matter from the waste stream and turn it into soil additives that support the production of a nutrient-rich vegetables, fruit and herbs. To learn more about our composting operations, click here.
Microgreens
With funding from a Maryland Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, ECO City Farms set out to develop a microgreens growing system that would work in small settings, such as urban farms or for farmers looking to create additional crops and sources of revenue to supplement their other growing operations. Over the course of two years, we researched microgreen operations around the country, tested seeds and growing media, and experimented with growing structures. With some ideas of what worked for the setup, we built out a microgreens growing area in a large hoophouse which could be expanded as market and customers grow. Learn more about ECO’s best practices from our Guidelines for Growing Microgreens.
People Power
People power is what makes the farm possible and is the key ingredient to community farming. Working hands replace tractors and expertise and ideas come from engaged minds of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers contribute hours of effort, alongside our small and dedicated staff.
Stewardship
Urban agriculture is about feeding people and nurturing communities, but it is also about regeneration and healing marginalized landscapes. Our commitment to protect and restore the environment is evident in all facets of our works; reusing materials and applying permaculture methods to build our hoophouses and FoodShed kitchens, and practicing gray water recycling, energy conservation and composting. We implement strategies for healing our soil, cleaning our water and promoting biodiversity as important roles our farm plays in the larger urban ecosystem.
Urban Agriculture Research & Development
If we are to transition to a local food system, we need constant development of methods and strategies for growing the most abundant and healthiest food possible in small urban parcels. ECO City farms is dedicated to regenerating urban spaces into productive food oases. We develop and apply many experimental strategies for urban agriculture including innovative composting methods, soil and nutrient management for small spaces, hoop house design and passive solar, specialty crops for urban settings, modular processing kitchens for value added products and more.
