Brooklyn Grange, an alternative rooftop in New York City

You must have heard about the famous rooftops in New York City, such as the 230 Fifth or Skylark where it is nice to have a drink while enjoying the view. But do you know Brooklyn Grange?

What is Brooklyn Grange?

When you think of the United States, high quality food is not the first thing that comes to your mind. For people like Ben Flanner, promoting a healthy and organic diet is a real battle. Michelle Obama supports the idea and has participated in several programs to encourage Americans to eat more vegetables and fruits. That’s why many community gardens are popping up in different New York neighborhoods.
Ben Flanner created Brooklyn Grange in 2010, one of the largest rooftop farm in the world, covering an area of more than 30,000 square meters.

What’s in Brooklyn Grange?

On the roof of the buildings you can find a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce…

Here, traditional agriculture is practiced with innovative methods. The production cycle is 100% organic, the compost used for the land comes from the organic waste of the city.

In the farm shop they sell homemade sauces (spicy, with herbs …), honey because there are beehives on the rooftop too.
All products are seasonal to respect the environment.

Activities that can be done at the farm

You can visit this farm that has a breathtaking view over Manhattan. Several days a year from May to October, it opens to the public. You can request group or private guided tours.
In addition to the visits, you can buy products grown and harvested in the garden.

For those who cannot visit the rooftop, they will find these products in the Long Island City market on Saturday from 11am to 4pm from May to October and at the Greenpoint market in Brooklyn from 11am to 4pm in May-November.

Other events

You can participate in events that they organize especially during the summer.
They propose different workshops on diverse topics such as the culture of the mushrooms, cooking classes to prepare tomato jam for example.

The most surprising thing is that you can participate in yoga classes every Monday at 6:30 pm from June to September. Classes are limited to 30 people, so it is recommended to book ahead.

If you travel to New York for your honeymoon, you could take some very original photos with the sunflowers from the garden and the New York skyline in the background!

Where is Brooklyn Grange?

The photos of the article were taken in the Queens.
The other Brooklyn Grange farm is located near the old harbor of Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Long Island City Queens: 37-18 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY 11101
Brooklyn Navy Yard: 63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Sunset Park: 850 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Website: www.brooklyngrangefarm.com

This is the Brooklyn Grange building in Queens seen from the street.

In fact, it’s a little complicated to find the entrance because it is not well indicated. This is the entrance door:

You have to enter through this door, go up the stairs (with wheelchair access) and go up to the garden using an elevator.

When can you visit and how much does it cost?

The 2 Brooklyn Grange open from May to October, sometimes from mid-May for Queens.
For Queens, admission is free and open every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

The Brooklyn Navy Yard grange opens for guided tours every Wednesday at 10.00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m and Saturdays (11 am and 12.30 pm) at Long Island City. It costs $ 15 per person.
For a private tour, you must book here: www.brooklyngrangefarm.com/private-tours.

Conclusion

If during your trip to New York City you want an activity out of the beaten path, I highly recommend the visit of one of the Brooklyn Grange farms.
If you do not have time to discover this original place, you can have a delicious pizza at Roberta’s, one of the many restaurants that use Brooklyn Grange products.