Growing fresh produce in your NYC apartment

[strawberryanise]

Originally Posted by on-wheels

I know it sounds crazy, but I know of people who grow herbs, and other small type of edible plants.

so that brings me to the question.
what are some of the easier things you can grow in your apartment?

I got a rooftop that is basically empty, so I could probably get some plants up there that will get a whole lot of sun.

any suggestions?

Before you start planting stuff, you should consider the load-bearing capability of your roof (so stuff won't fall through it) and whether you have permission to garden on your roof. (Some landlords aren't cool with it.) Also, how will you get water to the plants? Being able to run a hose would make things easier.

I vote for trying to grow tomatoes (Next year), especially if the roof gets at least 6 hours of sun. The taste of a homegrown tomato >>>>>> the taste of a supermarket tomato.

You can find transplants probably some time in April through June at the latest. You can start seeds inside probably in February or March before transplanting them.

You can grow herbs as well. Chives are easy to cultivate and a reliably perennial in this climate. Rosemary will probably need to be brought in for the winter.

You may also want to consider the microclimate of the roof-it might be windier than in a regular, in-ground garden. You'd also want to secure your pots/containers so that they don't blow away!