Last summer, 462 Halsey participated in a soil testing study and we were not happy with the results. We learned that our soil was not healthy, in fact, we faced toxins all around – from passing buses to lead-filled soil on the ground. Because healthy soil equals healthy food, we implemented an ambitious plan last fall. We are growing a living wall of decorative perennials at the front of our garden to capture pollution from the street.

We adopted a communal model, replacing our small beds with 4’x24’ rows that are 30” deep. We added organic material to the soil, to keep toxic soil out and to prevent heavy metals from leaching into the water. The remodel gives us much more space to work with. Our garden is shadier than is ideal and the communal planting plan will maximize our sunlight.

Once we have our water system in place, we will be able to maximize our food production. The expanded compost system will continue to produce healthy soil for us to grow in and the hoop house will expand our season. All of this will expand the role that 462 Halsey already plays as a source of healthy food for the neighborhood.