By Matthew P. Moll
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Crop rotation, pest management and compost are topics that tend to be of little concern in cities. But in East New York, a group of teens are preoccupied with these issues as they tend to their harvest in an atypical place – a former abandoned lot in the shadow of a subway overpass.
“We are in charge of over 70 varieties of plants,” said Sakinah Adbul, a sophomore in high school. “It is my job to make sure the supervisors know what needs to be done in the garden or if anything needs to be planted.”
The United Community Center Youth Garden is run by East New York Farms. Between the screeches from No. 3 trains, young people are instructed on mulching and seeding.
Each spring 25 interns from the neighborhood, many recruited from high school, are hired to cultivate the half-acre plot of land, assist other community gardens in the area and work the youth stand at the farmers market.
“My science teacher thought I would be interested in the position because I did well in her class,” said Abdul who is working her second summer. “It has been mostly good so far. I have learned a lot and have gotten close with the other interns.”
Last year the farm yielded about 4,000 pounds of food and grossed approximately $6,000.
At the farmer’s market, the youth stand is the most lively; several interns dance to Justin Timberlake and Frankie J while trying to corral buyers. Once in the tent, buyers are met with eager assistance. The teens bag produce and explain how to prepare bitter melon.
Last year the 10-year-old program attracted over 50 applicants for 12 available spots.
“I think this shows young people really want to work,” said Debhorah Greig, the Agricultural Coordinator at East New York Farms. “But they also want to do something meaningful with their time and for their community.”
East New York Farms was conceived, in part, to provide jobs for teenagers in the under-served area.
“It keeps me active and out of trouble,” said Vladimir Nathaniel, who will be a freshman this fall. “I am learning what it is like to run a business and how a real job works.”
Nathaniel added that he is also learning what is good for his body. He said he encourages friends to visit the market.
Adbul said she too started to pay attention to her diet since working in the urban garden, even if she does not always enjoy the food.
“I am actually eating much better than I did,” Abdul said. “I was like every other kid and didn’t like to eat my vegetables. I try new things and eat vegetables more often, but they still taste the same.”
