Urban Agriculture Resources
Local Growing
Salem Community Gardens
Salem Community Gardens is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that rents raised beds and gardening plots at four gardens across the city, each with their own personality and style of gardening. All four gardens also include Donation Plots that are harvested by members and donated to The Salem Pantry.
Salem Farmers’ Market
The Salem Farmer’s Market is a tradition that dates back to 1634. The Salem Farmers’ Market typically runs from early June through mid-October every Thursday from 3 to 7 pm in Derby Square.
Mack Park Farm
The Mack Park Farm is a municipal farm at a city park that grows thousands of pounds of produce every season using organic practices. Managed by farmers contracted by the city and with help from community volunteers, the Mack Park Farm provides fresh, local food to the community through its partnership with The Salem Pantry and by hosting free farmers markets at the farm during the growing season.
Farm Direct Coop
The Farm Direct Coop is a woman-led organization that is part CSA and part food hub, bringing super fresh and organic produce from local farms to our communities. Their CSA features all local food and products like grains, meats, soaps & pantry items, in addition to weekly add-on options for fruits, veggies, mushrooms, cheese & more.
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
New Entry aims to foster resilience in local, regional, and national food systems by training a new generation of farmers to produce food that is nutritious, culturally connected, and accessible to all individuals.
Northeast Organic Farming Association
Through education and advocacy NOFA/Mass promotes organic agriculture to expand the production and availability of nutritious food from living soil for the health of individuals, communities and the planet.
UMass Extension Center for Agriculture, Food, & the Environment
Nutrition Education Program (NEP)
The UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program (NEP) provides individuals, families, and communities with the knowledge for healthier eating through nutrition education. With field offices throughout Massachusetts, NEP helps low-income individuals and families make the most of their limited food resources.
Guide to Growing
Here’s the link to the extensive all-things- growing guide.
Guía Para Crecer
Aquí está el enlace a la extensa guía sobre todo lo relacionado con el cultivo.
Soil & Nutrient Testing Laboratory
Here’s the link to see the importance of soil testing.
Beekeeping
Essex County Beekeepers Association
The Essex County Beekeepers Association (ECBA) is a non-profit educational organization. Run by members, ECBA consists of all levels of beekeepers—beginners to expert—interested in sharing their experiences. Join to learn about honey and beeswax, and engage in friendly, active participation.
Massachusetts Beekeepers Association Best Practices
MDAR Apiary Program
MDAR’s Apiary Program’s mission is to sustain honey bee health and promote the apicultural (bee keeping) industry by providing support to beekeepers, pesticide applicators, farmers, land managers, educators, students, municipalities, and the public.
UMass Extension Beekeeping
Here’s the link to some resources supporting responsible bee stewardship.
Backyard Poultry
Humane Society
Aiding the process of getting a chicken as a backyard pet and the aftercare essentials.
Keeping Chickens in Cold Weather
MDAR
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has developed this resource guide to aid residential poultry producers in the methods of caring for poultry and of handling the waste products.
Best Poultry Practices
Safe Egg Handling
Salem State Park and Trees Dashboard
Salem YMCA GreenSpace
The Salem YMCA GreenSpace is a public garden at Palmer Cove Park run by the Salem YMCA. GreenSpace hires local teens to work with volunteers to maintain the garden and provide free local produce to the community at weekly free farmers’ markets.