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Category Archives: Soil
Manhattan Rooftop Terroir
Today I enjoyed the first rooftop asparagus of the season, which of course raised the knotty question of Manhattan rooftop terroir. Let’s start with the question of what terroir is: the unique, organoleptic qualities associated with food and drink from … Continue reading
The Rooftop Growing Guide
Since the 18th century the country’s heartland has sprouted a hardy crop of farmer philosophers. The 21st century Brooklyn-based example of this great American type is Annie Novak. Her new book, The Rooftop Growing Guide (Ten Speed Press, available February … Continue reading
Posted in Photos, Soil, Structure, Urban Agriculture and Food Policy, Vegetables, Wildlife
1 Comment
Breaking News: Urban Fruit is Better
A few years ago, I told an environmentalist friend of mine, who is also a medical doctor, about my green roof and plan to grow food. She looked at me strangely, obviously torn between disapproval and an instinct to be … Continue reading
How to eat blueberries . . .
The answer is one at a time: That’s right. No bowls. No spoons. No popping two in your mouth at once to save time (this is slow food, after all, and who wouldn’t want to extend the exquisite pleasure of … Continue reading
Posted in Berries, Blueberries, Cooking and Eating, Photos, Soil
3 Comments
Bugs on the Roof: Pollinator Diversity
Visitors to BRTG could be forgiven for thinking that some late-night fresh-mint-mojito-fueled madness had resulted in the plastic drinks cups scattered across the garden, curiously half-buried in the soil: But they would be wrong. One of the arguments for urban green roofs is … Continue reading
Posted in Biodiversity, Design, Soil, Urban Agriculture and Food Policy, Wildlife
4 Comments
It’s spring, and a middle-aged man’s thoughts turn to . . .
Compost, of course. Here at BRTG, we are trying to provide the nutrients needed by our voracious vegetables by composting both kitchen waste and the excess organic matter put out by the ornamental part of the garden. We have not … Continue reading
Over-winter
This morning I picked some baby kale leaves from the enormous over-wintered kale shrub and some older leaves from the over-wintered sorrel, gave them two stirs in hot oil, and added two fresh eggs. The result was so outstanding that your … Continue reading
Posted in Carrots, Cooking and Eating, Herbs, Kale, Soil, Weather
2 Comments
Spring Planting 2011
Having considered the many lessons of our first season, the Battery Rooftop Garden is now implementing its second season planting plan. Among the main things learned in 2010: the richness and depth of our soil allows us to achieve varieties … Continue reading
Extensive vs. Intensive
An “extensive” green roof is one with relatively thin soils, most typically 3-4″, and thus planted with a limited mixture of plant materials, mostly those that are extremely drought tolerant, such as sedums. An “intensive” green roof is one with … Continue reading
Posted in Design, Soil, Structure
2 Comments
Battery Rooftop Garden Blog 