When can I stop by the farm and volunteer?
Our volunteer days change every semester and with the changing seasons. Check our Instagram Page (https://www.instagram.com/kcc_cfg/) for the most up-to-date information. Contact CFG.KCC@kbcc.cuny.edu to find out more about volunteer opportunities for KCC students, faculty, staff, as well as community members.
Where is the farm?
The farm is at Kingsborough Community College (2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn) between T8 and T2. The hydroponics lab is in T6, located next to the T8 building and adjacent to the farm along the water side.
How long has the farm been around?
We broke ground on the farm in April of 2011, and has since expanded in size and programming. In Fall of 2023, we installed a new Hydroponics Learning Lab with support from the USDA. Read more here: https://www1.cuny.edu/mu/forum/2023/08/28/hydroponics-nifa/
Why is there a food garden at Kingsborough Community College?
KCC Urban Farm provides students with urban farming expertise and first-hand experience building a more sustainable food system. Training through credit, non-credit and workforce development programs emphasizes hands-on experience and practical knowledge. Our goals are to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding local food economy, build a greater understanding of food systems through growing fresh fruits and vegetables, and educate students on the benefits of leading healthy lifestyles. We work with departments across campus, including English, Biology, Earth Sciences, Health & Physical Education, Health Sciences, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, Culinary Arts, and Early Childhood Education to incorporate the farm into courses as an outdoor classroom.
What types of produce and herbs do you grow?
KCC Urban Farm grows mostly vegetables, herbs, and flowers, although we’ve started to add fruit as well. Vegetables include salad greens, kale, collard greens, bok choy, mustard greens, summer squash, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, tomatillos, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and more. Herbs include parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, lovage, lavender, nettles, lemongrass, basil, lemon balm, chives, cilantro, bee balm, feverfew, and more.
How big is the farm? How much do you grow?
The farm is almost a third of an acre. Yield depends on what we grow – tomatoes are a lot heavier per square foot than lettuce, for example. Some seasons we can grow over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce.
How do you grow the food on the farm?
We grow using sustainable, organic practices. We promote soil health and biodiversity, making our own sprays out of hot peppers, soap, and/or neem oil if pests get out of hand. We receive compost from the NY Department of Sanitation Compost Program, and we make our own compost to add to the beds for fertility and to feed the microbial life in the soil. We grow a variety of crops and flowers to ensure an active agricultural ecology and rely on nature as much as possible to keep weeds and pests in check.
Can I bring my classes to the farm?
Yes! All Kingsborough classes are welcome to visit. Please schedule your class in advance. CLICK HERE to schedule a class tour.
What is there to be done by people who wish to volunteer on the farm? What skills are acquired?
Students help with a variety of seasonal tasks. They plant seeds, care for seedlings, and bring them to harvest. Students also harvest and cook with the produce. They help us maintain our flower beds (annuals and perennials) and pathways, and do pest management. Students also water the crops and keep our tools and equipment in good shape.
Where does the food go?
Food from KCC CFG goes to the Culinary Arts Program and to students through weekly produce distributions seasonally. During the summer and fall semesters, KCC students can visit the Farm or Access Resource Center on select days to pick up a selection of freshly harvested vegetables for FREE! Follow our Instagram for specific dates @KCC_CGF
Can I do my Service Learning, Internship, or Work Study at the Farm?
Yes! We offer service learning, internships and work study experiences for interested students who meet our requirements. Please email CFG.KCC@kbcc.cuny.edu for more information.
Please note that, at this time, we do not offer paid positions for students directly through the KCC CFG.