5 Edible Items To Grow On Your New York Rooftop This Summer
Living in New York City can certainly have its ups and downs. While most stores remain open around the clock, many corner markets have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. As a result, more New York residents have decided to take up gardening in an effort to have more accessibility to fresher produce. If you are new to gardening, try growing low maintenance vegetables and herbs that are resilient to the season's changing climates.
1. Herbs
Nothing adds flavor to your meals quite like herbs. Easy-to-grow herbs (e.g. basil and cilantro) require a sunny location and little water. The Urban Garden Center has all of the seed and supplies you could ever need. Grow your herbs in an herb bed or large bowls for a decorative touch.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a commonly used fruit that yields tasty salsa, pasta sauces and other edibles. Did you know you can grow tomatoes in hanging baskets, wire cares and other containers? For those living in tiny spaces, try hydroponic gardening that requires no digging, soil or massive space to grow a garden. It's also perfect for indoors.
3. Radish
If you are new to gardening, start with the radish. Radishes are an ideal veggie because they can tolerate most conditions including frost and mild temperatures. Plant seeds in your garden or a container if you find yourself short on space.
4. Spinach
If you have been looking for a vegetable to grow that is compatible with cooler weather, try spinach. Perfect for cooking and delicious salads, spinach is a frost-hardy plant that can survive colder climates when others are unable. As warmer weather triggers a faster growing rate, new gardeners can enjoy spinach during the fall, winter, spring and early summer.
5. Carrots
As you continue to garden, you may notice some vegetables may require a particular mix of supplies to properly grow. Carrots, while a simple veggie to harvest, do require more attention to detail as they grow over an extended period of time. Once long frosts are gone, it is important to ready your seeds in a moist soil for harvesting.
Urban Garden Center
1640 Park Avenue at 116th Street
New York, NY 10035
(646) 872-3991
www.urbangardennyc.com
As one of New York City's largest garden suppliers, the Urban Garden Center contains limitless resources for your rooftop garden.
The Green Box Hydroponics
495 9th Ave.
New York, NY 10018
(212) 967-4777
www.thegreenboxhydro.com
Affordable and best known for its efficiency, this style of gardening can yield higher productivity. The Green Box Hydroponics not only sells products needed for hydroponic methods, but also has a knowledgeable staff to help educate gardeners.
Saifee Hardware, Inc.
114 First Ave.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 979-6396
www.saifeehardware.com
Hours: Mon to Sat – 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.; Sun – 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saifee Hardware is a lower Manhattan resource that offers the needed gardening supplies to help get you started. With your pots and soil handy, watch your radishes quickly grow as they take an average of three to four weeks to mature.
Jamali Garden
149 West 28th St. (between 6th and 7th Aves)
New York, NY 10001
(212) 244-4025
www.jamaligarden.com
Hours: Mon to Sat – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jamali Garden is a trusted New York City supplier of garden products to make your project stress-free. Choose from a selection of planters and soil mixes to help ensure your tomatoes grow to their full potential.
Green Depot
222 Bowery
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-0444
www.greendepot.com
Hours: Mon to Fri – 10: a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Head over to the Green Depot for gardening supplies to keep your carrots growing. A one-stop shop for eco-friendly products, Green Depot is an affordable resource that will enhance your rooftop garden.
Related: A Guide to New York City Farmers' Markets
For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSNewYork.com/YourHome.
Tanvier Lee is a freelance contributor and lifestyle decorating expert. Her work can be found here.
