NYC Agricultural Soil Survey
Sam Anderson, Urban Agriculture Specialist
Harvest New York
Last Modified: February 10, 2020
In order to better understand the unique soils used in New York City's urban farms, Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) urban agriculture program launched the NYC Survey of Agricultural Soils in 2018. After obtaining soil and plant tissue analysis from ten urban farms in NYC, we are expanding the survey in 2019 with the goal of informing best management practices for unique productive urban soils. See the links below for preliminary findings and more information.
For questions about the soil survey, please contact Sam Anderson.
Soil Nutrient Testing for NYC Urban Farmers (pdf; 268KB)
NYC Agricultural Soil Survey - Notes from 2018 (pdf; 135KB)
Upcoming Events
Community Garden Leadership Program Information Session - June 4
June 4, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Community Garden Leadership Program is an online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. You will learn management best practices and operational skills. It is a year-long program requiring participants to meet as a cohort each month and connect with experienced professional, subject matter experts, and faculty to foster a supportive distance learning experience. To learn more about the program, we are offering virtual informational sessions in June!
Intercropping with Mushrooms
June 8, 2025
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Bronx, NY
Join us for an afternoon of hands-on learning at Morning Glory! This free community workshop, led by Urban Agriculture Specialists Karen Guzman and Yolanda Gonzalez from Cornell Cooperative Extension, is perfect for anyone looking to diversify their garden harvest by interplanting with mushrooms. Learn how to maximize your garden space with small-scale techniques to increase productivity. You'll get guidance on growing three different types of mushrooms, from site selection to harvest. A food demo from a local chef will also explore the versatility of cooking with mushrooms! Community Garden Leadership Program Information Session - June 12
June 12, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Community Garden Leadership Program is an online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. You will learn management best practices and operational skills. It is a year-long program requiring participants to meet as a cohort each month and connect with experienced professional, subject matter experts, and faculty to foster a supportive distance learning experience. To learn more about the program, we are offering virtual informational sessions in June!
Announcements
Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.