Farm One grows hundreds of plants for restaurants across Brooklyn
Farm One, located in Prospect Heights, operates without traditional soil, tractors or direct sunlight.
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Farm-to-table dining in Brooklyn is more localized than many residents realize, thanks to innovative hydroponic farming methods.
Farm One, located in Prospect Heights, operates without traditional soil, tractors or direct sunlight.
Instead, plants are cultivated in dark rooms that simulate underground conditions before being transferred to specialized tanks designed to support their growth.
"The plants absorb what they need, and any excess nutrients are returned to the reservoir," said Kate Lodvikov, co-director of farming.
Farm One grows more than 300 plant varieties in its vertical garden, supplying fresh produce to restaurants across Brooklyn.
"A restaurant contacts us, we harvest and then that day, you'll see the greens on the plate," said co-director of farming Dan Hubel.
"Many people assume we only grow large quantities of basil, but our farm is far more diverse," Hubel said.
In addition to supplying restaurants, Farm One integrates its harvest into its neighboring brewery, where ingredients such as mint are infused into specialty beers. One notable offering is a watermelon mint sour ale.
"Approximately half of our beers incorporate fresh infusions from the farm," said Coy Eakes, brewery director.
Since its establishment, Farm One has transformed a warehouse space into a thriving business generating $100,000 in monthly revenue.
"Our diversity is our strength if we had to move only one plant, it would not work but we've found this middle ground where everything kind of grows and we can make things to order," Hubel said.
"Being able to cultivate this wide range of flowers and herbs while supporting chefs and working alongside an excellent team has been a dream come true," Lodvikov said.
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