About this project
We think one of the best ways to grow plants in small spaces and on rooftops is through hydroponics, which is simply growing without soil. Nutritionally there is no difference between vegetables and fruits grown hydroponically and those grown in soil. But there is a huge difference in the amount of resources each uses. Hydroponics is efficient. It uses 70-90% less water than soil based growing and produces larger crop yields. It has an extremely small carbon footprint. It can be done in spaces large and small, indoors and outdoors. And last but not least, it's a really fun way to grow plants.
Our mission is two-fold: to build affordable and attractive systems for private residences, non-profit organizations and businesses and to use those same systems in our school-based science programs and community workshops.
The farm, currently located in a loft in Bushwick, is a design and research lab. We build and refine a variety of hydroponic systems in this space. We are focused on using repurposed building materials and/or sustainable materials that enable us to create innovative designs that are efficient and low-impact. We are also beginning to explore avenues of how to collect rainwater and run our systems with solar and wind power. Our goal is to provide people with hydroponic systems that are affordable and easy to maintain; enabling them to grow the vegetables, fruits and flowers they love. Funding would allow us to continue our work.
Funding would help us achieve another goal that is extremely important to us and crucial to the urban sustainability movement: education. We're developing curriculum for elementary through high school students to teach them about botany, sustainability and nutrition through hydroponics. We piloted our first science program at P.S. 3 this year and will be expanding to several other schools this summer and fall. We also run adult workshops on hydroponics at Bug Labs, in NYC, as well as at the farm itself. To continue with our program(s) development, we need funding for research and teaching materials.
FAQ
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47
Backers
$1,498
pledged of $12,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on October 22, 2010.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
You'll be added to the Supporters of Boswyck Farms page on our website and receive a Boswyck Farms pin!
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
You'll be added to the Supporters of Boswyck Farms page on our website and you'll receive our fabulous pesto recipe and a Boswyck Farms pin!
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
You'll receive all of the above plus a hydroponic recycled soda bottle kits that contains directions, grow medium, heirloom seeds and nutrients.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
You'll receive a 5 gallon drip system and starter kit that contains grow medium, heirloom seeds and nutrients, not to mention our fabulous pesto recipe and a Boswyck Farms pin! You'll also be added to the Supporters of Boswyck Farms page on our website.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Joanna will knit you your very own, limited-edition Boswyck the Sheep! You'll also be added to the Supporters of Boswyck Farms page on our website.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
You'll receive a hand-knitted Boswyck the Sheep and a 5 gallon drip system and starter kit that contains grow medium, heirloom seeds and nutrients not to mention our fabulous pesto recipe and a Boswyck Farms pin! You'll also be added to the Supporters of Boswyck Farms page on our website.
Project By
Connected as Lee Mandell (322 friends)
Boswyck Farms, a hydroponic farm located in Bushwick Brooklyn, was founded in 2008 by Lee Mandell. It began with the idea of bringing fresh food to the surrounding community. Over the past two years, Boswyck Farms has grown, expanding our vision of food production to include educational programs and workshops as well as a consultation service for hydroponic systems. In addition to our rotating cast of mascots, we have three core team members: Lee Mandell (Chief Hydroponicist), Joanna Burgess (Curriculum Specialist), and Chloë Bass (Communications & Outreach Specialist).
