UK: Covent Garden returns to its roots with new urban farm
The name Covent Garden dates back to the early 13th century, when the estate was a walled Convent Garden attached to a Benedictine monastery.
Evening Standard
Feb 15, 2022
Square Mile Farms, who help install urban farms in offices and residential spaces, will launch the installation in the heart of London’s West End as part of efforts to grow sustainable produce for locals.
To launch the scheme, Covent Garden is installing the pop-up farm on Floral Street where over 120 edible plants will be grown using hydroponic systems, which can produce plants without using soil by feeding them on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water.
Plants include herbs, salad and leafy greens such as basil, coriander, parsley, thyme, mint and lettuce. Each of the plants will be ready to harvest every 3-4 weeks, providing ultra-fresh produce which will be ready for local communities and charities.
As part of the partnership, Square Mile farms will be offering harvesting sessions to Covent Garden office workers, residential tenants and local schools. Attendees will be given lessons on urban farming and will be table to take home the produce they harvest.
