A Farm in the Sky
In a city where rooftop bars reign supreme, Brooklyn Grange defies expectations: a sprawling 2.5-acre organic farm perched atop an industrial warehouse in the Navy Yard. Founded in 2010, this sky-high sanctuary grows over 50,000 pounds of vegetables annually—kale, tomatoes, peppers, and even honey from its rooftop apiaries. It’s a testament to NYC’s green revolution, proving concrete jungles can bloom.
From Parking Lot to Produce
Brooklyn Grange’s founders, Ben Flanner and Anastasia Plakias, saw potential where others saw asphalt. They hauled 1.2 million pounds of soil to the roof, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that now supplies farm-to-table restaurants like Roberta’s and Marlow & Sons. But this isn’t just a farm—it’s a community hub.
On summer evenings, the roof transforms into a yoga studio with sweeping views of Manhattan. In fall, “Pizza Nights” feature wood-fired pies topped with rooftop-grown basil. And every Saturday, locals barter seedlings and heirloom seeds at the Skyline Swap Meet.
The Bees’ Knees (Literally)
The farm’s unsung heroes? Its 500,000 rooftop bees. Brooklyn Grange’s apiaries produce hyperlocal honey, harvested twice a year and sold at farmers’ markets. Join a “Bee Tour” (offered May–September) to don a beekeeper suit and taste honeycomb straight from the hive.
“People think NYC is all noise and chaos,” says farmer Gwen Schantz. “But up here, it’s just wind, sun, and the hum of bees.”
How to Visit (Without Getting Dirty)
Public Hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10 AM–4 PM (April–November).
Volunteer: Sign up for “Weed & Reap” days—pull weeds, harvest veggies, and take home a basket of greens.
Events: Book ahead for sunset yoga ($25) or the annual “Tomato Tasting” (August), where chefs rate 50+ heirloom varieties.
Pro Tips from a Rooftop Regular
Sunset Secret: Stay past closing time during summer volunteer shifts—farmers often let helpers linger for golden-hour views.
Photo Op: The Navy Yard’s rooftop rows of rainbow chard make a stunning contrast against the Manhattan skyline.
Hidden Gem: Their Sunset Park location (also a rooftop!) has a flower field perfect for Instagram poets.
Why Urban Farming Matters
Brooklyn Grange isn’t just about lettuce—it’s a climate action warrior. The farm absorbs over 1 million gallons of stormwater annually, reducing sewer overflows. It also cools the building below, slashing AC costs by 30%. As Plakias puts it: “We’re growing food and a greener future.”
Visitor Intel
📍 Navy Yard Address: 63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn (Enter via Building 3)
🕒 Season: April–November (Closed winters)
💸 Entry: Free (Tours 15–40)
🚇 Closest Subway: York St (F line)
Ready to Dig In?
Swap your rooftop cocktail for a handful of sun-warmed cherry tomatoes. Trust us—the view tastes better this way.
Next up: Step inside a freight elevator-turned-museum in TriBeCa…
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