*PCTH was awarded the Urban Farm development from our partners The Terrace Foundation in 2024*
Our Urban Farm Consists of:
Aeroponic Tower Farm
At Pilgrim Terrace, we utilize aeroponic towers to grow our living produce! We have 120 aeroponic towers on-site that represent the future of sustainable agriculture, combining innovation with a commitment to environmental responsibility. These vertical farming systems allow us to grow fresh, nutrient-dense produce while conserving resources and reducing our environmental impact.
Why Aeroponic Towers Are Sustainable
- Water Efficiency: Aeroponic towers use up to 98% less water than traditional farming, thanks to their closed-loop irrigation system that recycles water and nutrients.
- Land Conservation: Vertical farming requires 90% less land, preserving open spaces and reducing the need for large-scale agricultural land.
- Chemical-Free Farming: Our nutrient solution produces strong, healthy plants without the need for pesticides or herbicides, protecting the environment from harmful runoff.
- Energy Efficiency: By growing produce locally, we reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, storage, and food waste.
Benefits for Produce
- Faster Growth: Plants in aeroponic towers grow up to three times faster than in traditional soil farming.
- Higher Yields: Our towers produce 30% more food on average compared to conventional methods.
- Nutrient-Rich: The precision of the nutrient delivery system ensures every plant gets the vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.
- Superior Freshness: By harvesting with roots intact, the produce stays alive and fresh longer, offering exceptional flavor and shelf life.
How the Aeroponic Towers Work
- Seedling Stage:
- Seeds are planted in rockwool, a volcanic-based soilless medium that provides stability for young plants.
- For two weeks, the seedlings are watered daily and nurtured in controlled conditions to ensure healthy growth.
- Transition to Flood Tables:
- Once established, the plants are moved to flood tables. These tables are connected to a reservoir that pumps nutrient-rich water to flood and drain the trays automatically.
- This process strengthens the plants and prepares them for the aeroponic towers.
- Aeroponic Tower Stage:
- Plants are transferred to vertical towers, where their roots are suspended in the air.
- Every 15 minutes, a pump circulates a nutrient-rich water solution through a “drip-down system” to feed the plants.
- The solution is delivered via a Dosatron system, which mixes essential nutrients like nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium for optimal growth.
- Daily Care:
- Plants are monitored, pruned, and maintained daily to remove any dead material and ensure healthy growth.
- Harvesting:
- When the plants are ready, they are carefully removed from the towers, their roots wrapped to maintain freshness, and rinsed before delivery.
- This “Harvest to Plate” approach ensures the produce remains alive, fresh, and packed with nutrients.
- Post-Harvest Cleaning:
- After each harvest, the towers and equipment are thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the next cycle, maintaining a hygienic and efficient system.
Regenerative Soil Farm
At Pilgrim Terrace, we implement regenerative soil practices through a carefully balanced hot composting method. By maintaining an optimal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, we cultivate beneficial microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi that enhance plant immune systems and improve nutrient availability. This process enables plants to absorb essential nutrients more efficiently, resulting in healthier, tastier, more resilient crops
By mimicking the natural symbiotic ecosystems found in nature, our approach fosters sustainable plant growth while enriching soil health. Over time, this method has the potential to increase our harvests by up to 50% annually. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, helping to reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to a healthier planet. This healthy soil serves as the foundation for growing a variety of fresh produce, including vegetables, herbs, and greens, for our residents and CSA members.
Why Regenerative Soil Farming Is Sustainable
Soil Health:
Our regenerative farming techniques improve soil health over time, creating a fertile environment for crops while preserving the soil’s ability to sustain future growth.
Water Conservation:
By utilizing efficient watering methods, we reduce the water usage compared to conventional farming, making the most out of every drop.
Chemical-Free:
We prioritize chemical-free farming, using only natural fertilizers and pest control. This not only protects the environment but also ensures that our produce is clean and safe for our community.
Local and Fresh:
All our produce is grown locally, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and providing fresh, high-quality food for the community.
Benefits for Produce
Nutrient-Rich:
Our organic practices lead to nutrient-dense crops, providing vitamins and minerals to support healthy living.
Flavorful and Fresh:
Our produce is harvested at the peak of ripeness, ensuring exceptional flavor and freshness with every bite.
Sustainable Growth:
Through our regenerative farming practices, we maintain the long-term health of the soil, supporting a sustainable and healthy food system for the future.
Microgreens
At Pilgrim Terrace, we grow a variety of microgreens as part of our commitment to providing fresh, healthy, and sustainable produce for our community. These tiny greens are packed with nutrients and offer a quick and efficient way to grow highly nutritious food without the need for soil. Grown in our greenhouse, our microgreens help reduce water consumption and maximize space while promoting healthy eating.
Why Microgreens Are Sustainable
Water Efficiency:
Our microgreens are grown using a soil-less system, which minimizes water use compared to traditional farming. This efficient watering system ensures we use only what is necessary for optimal growth, reducing overall water consumption.
Space Saving:
Since microgreens are grown vertically in our greenhouse, they require significantly less space than traditional crops. This helps us maximize the use of our available land, producing a high yield in a compact area.
Nutrient-Dense:
Microgreens, depending on the variety, can contain up to 40 times more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they provide a healthy, vibrant addition to any meal.
No Chemicals:
We grow our microgreens without the use of pesticides or herbicides. The natural, chemical-free environment ensures the highest-quality greens for our community.
Benefits for Produce
Health Benefits (According to BlueCart.com):
- Gut Health: Microgreens contain prebiotics, which are a type of fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These bacteria play a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut and immune system
- Inflammation: Some studies have shown that microgreens may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Chronic Diseases: Due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content, some studies have suggested that consuming microgreens may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Immune System: Microgreens contain high levels of vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy immune system. Some studies have also shown that certain microgreens, such as broccoli and radish microgreens, may have specific immune-boosting properties.
- Digestion: Microgreens are rich in fiber, which is essential for good digestion. Fiber helps move food through the digestive system and keeps the gut healthy. Microgreens are also a good source of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients.
- Weight Management: Microgreens are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them an excellent addition to any weight loss or weight management plan. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.
Quick Growth:
Microgreens grow quickly—often within 1 to 3 weeks—making them a great option for fast, sustainable harvests.
Fresh and Flavorful:
Microgreens are known for their intense flavors, from spicy radish microgreens to mild, sweet basil. They add a fresh, vibrant touch to salads, sandwiches, and more.
Sustainably Grown:
By growing microgreens with minimal water, land, and resources, we’re able to provide a highly sustainable crop for our community.
How to Incorporate Microgreens into Your Diet (BlueCart.com)
- Add them to salads: Microgreens are a great way to add texture and flavor to your salads. Simply sprinkle a handful of microgreens over your greens and toss
- Use them as a garnish: Microgreens make a beautiful garnish for any dish. Use them to top soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
- Blend them into smoothies: Microgreens can be easily blended into smoothies for an added nutritional boost.
- Use them in sandwiches: Microgreens add a nice crunch and flavor to sandwiches. Try adding them to your next sandwich.
- Mix them into scrambled eggs: Add a handful of microgreens to your eggs for a quick and easy breakfast.
Apiary
At Pilgrim Terrace’s Urban Farm, our apiary plays a vital role in fostering a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. The honeybees in our Langstroth hives not only produce delicious, raw honey but also serve as crucial pollinators for our Urban Farm’s diverse crops. The bees benefit from both our soil farm and aeroponic tower farm, creating a harmonious cycle that supports a healthy, holistic ecosystem. This interconnectedness helps our farm thrive, as the bees pollinate crops, and the crops in turn support the bees and the rest of the farm’s biodiversity.
We prioritize the health and well-being of our bees by using gentle harvesting practices, such as applying light smoke to calm the hive. This ensures minimal stress while promoting productivity, as bees eagerly pollinate more flowers and rebuild their honeycombs after each harvest.
The Importance of Our Apiary:
- Environmental Impact: Bees are essential for pollination, which supports biodiversity and higher crop yields across our farm.
- Sustainable Harvesting: Our methods respect the natural rhythms of the hive, ensuring healthy colonies and ethical honey production.
- Community Support: The honey harvested is made available to our CSA members, offering them a sweet taste of local sustainability.
- Ecosystem Health: The bees, the soil farm, and the aeroponic tower farm all work together in a self-sustaining cycle. The bees pollinate crops, which flourish with the aid of our farm’s diverse systems, and in return, the crops support the bees by providing nectar, pollen, and a healthy environment. This interdependence strengthens the overall ecosystem, creating a continuous, harmonious circle.
Water Source for Bee Health: To ensure a thriving apiary, our tower farm keeps our bees hydrated, supporting their health and productivity. Bees require consistent access to water, which is just as important as the nectar they gather.
By maintaining a healthy apiary, we not only enhance the productivity of our farm but also educate the community on the importance of pollinators in sustainable agriculture. Every jar of honey represents the harmony between nature and nourishment that we strive to achieve at Pilgrim Terrace.