There is more grass grown in the United States than the next three most popular crops combined– which are corn, alfalfa, and soybeans. While the Bowery Project, an urban farming initiative, is based out of Toronto, there are a few things us Americans could learn from this northerly neighbor.

The Bowery Project utilizes vacant lots in downtown Toronto to grow vegetables before planned developed begins. All the crops The Bowery Project grows are grown above ground in repurposed milk crates so soil contamination isn’t a problem.

Essentially all the garden consists of are a bunch of crates with square soil liners, the crates are then packed with soil and vegetables are planted. Their simple design makes for easy to create growing environment for the vegetables and lowers production cost. Their mobility is also an added benefit.

Any Bowery Project vegetable garden– up to 5000 milk crates– can be uprooted and moved within 24 hours to make way for construction workers when development on the vacant lot nears.

All the food grown by the bowery project either goes to local charities or is sold to local chefs to bolster the farm–to–table movement. The founders of the Bowery Project, Rachel Kimel and Deena DelZotto, hope that their mobile garden project will educate the local community with farm experience and teach locals about environmental sustainability.

Community gardens are not unique to Canada and are actually popping up in cities across the US and around the world. Check out the American Community Garden Association to find a community garden near you, or start your own by planting some seeds!

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