Urban Farming

Summer’s just around the corner, which means we are fully immersed in the growing season! Our Farmer Joey and her garden volunteers have been busy planting at our 3 urban farm sites and 10 public herb boxes.  

Urban Farm Program 

For the last month, Joey and her Urban Farm team have been busy moving soil and prepping our 3 urban farm sites for planting. Last week we brought back 30 lbs of daikon and beets that overwintered and used it to make veggie soup for 300 of our Food Bank members! 

So far we’ve planted turnips, lettuce, bok choy, flowers, radishes, leeks and a Japanese herb called shungiku (edible chrysanthemum) that is cooked just like spinach. Almost everything we grow comes back to nourish the community in our Community Lunch program. 

Besides taking pride in growing fresh healthy food, our volunteers are also having a great time working in the sun and getting to know each other. We get together every Tuesday at 3pm. If you’re interested in gardening with us, contact Joey at joey@gordonhouse.org.  

Community Herb Box Program 

Our Community Herb Boxes provide a free resource for West Enders to harvest and enjoy fresh herbs. There are 10 garden boxes located throughout the West End filled with sage, oregano, parsley, chives, thyme, and more! Each box is lovingly taken care of by a Gordon House volunteer. 

This program is different from the Urban Farm program, as the boxes are visible and open to the public…so come and harvest a sprig or two for your dinner! 

Click on the map below to see which box is nearest you: 

Not sure how it works? In the next few weeks, we will be attaching new signs to each box, so you’ll know what to look for and how to harvest: