Slippery Slope Farm is a modern sub-irrigated Brooklyn rooftop micro-farm started out of a personal love of food. While planning my micro-farm, I discovered Bob Hyland, urban food innovator and blogger known as “greenscaper” who advocates sub-irrigation planters as the modern way to grow food in the city. The incredible benefits of sub-irrigation not only convinced me to change my planting design, they have inspired an entirely new perspective on growing food in the city.
Sub-irrigated planter systems (known as SIPs) produce higher vegetable yields per square foot than any other method, including in-ground growing! No offense to all the urban gardens that have taken root on rooftops and empty lots all over the city, but given the challenges of urban living and climate change, why are most people farming as if they were still in the country?
SIPs offer a better, more accessible and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional urban gardens. A SIP can be constructed in any container from classic window boxes or garden containers to repurposed storage totes, soda pop bottles or food service buckets. The distinguishing feature is that there is a water and aeration reservoir at the bottom, which is watered via a fill tube, not top watering. The closed loop design of SIPs also conserves water and nutrients. Add portability and flexibility and you have the best in urban food production. Unlike raised beds, you can even move them as the seasons change. Anyone with a fire escape, small backyard, or rooftop can create temporary, portable, nomadic gardens.
One of the most exciting benefits from my personal exploration with Slippery Slope Farm is the development of my urban farm/ garden design service and product design business. I now offer design services that implement modern practices of sub-irrigation systems and nutrient density. I am currently collaborating with designers and architects in design development of the broadest scope of greenscaping products and projects that I will be marketing. Please stay in touch to watch the ideas bloom.
Frieda Lim
Sub-irrigated planter systems (known as SIPs) produce higher vegetable yields per square foot than any other method, including in-ground growing! No offense to all the urban gardens that have taken root on rooftops and empty lots all over the city, but given the challenges of urban living and climate change, why are most people farming as if they were still in the country?
SIPs offer a better, more accessible and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional urban gardens. A SIP can be constructed in any container from classic window boxes or garden containers to repurposed storage totes, soda pop bottles or food service buckets. The distinguishing feature is that there is a water and aeration reservoir at the bottom, which is watered via a fill tube, not top watering. The closed loop design of SIPs also conserves water and nutrients. Add portability and flexibility and you have the best in urban food production. Unlike raised beds, you can even move them as the seasons change. Anyone with a fire escape, small backyard, or rooftop can create temporary, portable, nomadic gardens.
One of the most exciting benefits from my personal exploration with Slippery Slope Farm is the development of my urban farm/ garden design service and product design business. I now offer design services that implement modern practices of sub-irrigation systems and nutrient density. I am currently collaborating with designers and architects in design development of the broadest scope of greenscaping products and projects that I will be marketing. Please stay in touch to watch the ideas bloom.
Frieda Lim
