DOSSIER

When spring continues to act like winter, all we can do is hope for summer. This means planning our summer Fridays, our weekend getaways and finding the source of our summer fresh produce in NYC. Whether you want to grow your own vegetables and herbs or get them from a local farmer, there are many fresh produce sources in NYC.

Grow Your Own Produce

Growing a full vegetable garden is a dream, but not necessarily a reality in New York. If you don’t have any outdoor space of your own, you can join a community garden in your neighborhood. Many community gardens offer individual plots where you can grow flowers, vegetables and herbs. Find your nearest community garden through Grow NYC or Green Thumb.

PROS: Gardens don’t charge a fee for your plot, you just have to help maintain your individual plot and the communal garden. It is also a great way to meet new people in your area.

CONS: Being that we live in a city, the soil quality might not be suitable for planting edible vegetables. Most gardens are only open on the weekends, limiting your time in the garden.

Grow Your Own Herbs

If you don’t have the time and energy to maintain your own plot of land, you can always opt for a simple herb garden. All you need is a windowsill and natural light. Adding fresh herbs  is a great way to brighten up any meal. We especially love this chandelier that doubles as an herb garden.

PROS: This is a low-maintenance option and easily attainable.

CONS: There are no cons to having fresh herbs!

If you plan to grow your own vegetables or herbs, our favorite source for Non-GMO, Heirloom seeds is The Living Seed Company, based in California where they are hand picked and packed.

Join a CSA

If you want fresh produce but don’t have time for gardening, joining a CSA is a great alternative. CSA allows city residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers. When you become a member of a CSA, you’re purchasing a “share” of vegetables from a regional farmer. Weekly or bi-weekly, from June until October or November, your farmer will deliver that share of produce to a convenient drop-off location in your neighborhood. Find a CSA near you with Just Food.

PROS: It is convenient to pick up and cheaper that the farmer’s market. For example, we pay around $20 for 6-10 types of vegetables and three to six pounds of fruit each week. For the same amount of produce at the farmer’s market, it would cost at least $40 or more.

CONS: Some might say it’s a negative that you don’t get to choose the vegetables you get each week. Instead you get what produce is in season. We think it makes for more adventurous meals.

Go to the Farmer’s Market

You can always rely on the farmer’s market for seasonal, local vegetables. This is a great place to get exactly what you are looking for. Most farmer’s markets also collect compost, which is a major bonus. Find your nearest Farmer’s Market here.