Facade Farming Prototype - 05.11.11
We began planting the Vertical Farm prototype at the New York City Parks Department on Randall’s Island with the assistance of Lee Mandell of Boswick Farms, an expert hydroponicist. We are very thankful to Artie Rollins at the Parks Department for assisting in making this project real!
We are installing for testing both a hydroponic and soil system for the farm unit. Currently, we are growing lettuce seedlings across the board to test which system will provide the best outcome for the plants. We are also looking into soil toxicity testing.
Prototype installed on the roof of the New York City Parks Department Building on Randall's Island. Lee is planting some of the seedlings into the system.
Shoveling soil mix into custom planter on unit. Notice that the space is sufficient to comfortably plant and move around within the prototype.
Lettuce seedlings planted into hydroponic system for testing.
Planter with soil system.
The water reservoir was leaking when first installed. We needed to reseal with silicon, and will replace the temporary trash bin reservoir when dry.
These are the seedlings in their growing incubator prior to planting into the system.
Lettuce seedlings in planting medium with surrounding baskets for the root structure. These baskets sit into openings in the hydroponic system