Juniper Gardens Training Farm may be closed for the season, but that doesn't mean New Roots takes a break!
While New Roots farmers attend English for Farming classes, Cultivate KC staff have been busy production planning, lining up farm market application deadlines, and getting ready for Farm Class kick-off in February!
We've also been hard at work building out brand SPANKING new set of walk-in coolers and washstand that will debut in Spring 2026! Mark Gawron, Cultivate KC Farm Operations Manager has spent months, framing, insulating, and sealing the inside of two huge shipping containers. Funded in large part by an Urban Agriculture & Innovative Production grant from the USDA, these two behemoths will be Grade A cold storage, keeping stacks of fresh produce fresh. Below are some pictures of Farmer Trainer, Haley Drake giving Mark a hand.
Cold storage is an important part of any food system that feeds its community with local, sustainably grown veggies. It doesn't take much for a tote full of kale to wilt in the June heat. Whether a farmer is bringing their greens to market, filling out CSA shares with sweet peppers, or delivering a bushel of herbs to local restaurants, cold storage ensures their produce stays safe, tasty and nutritious. Shipping containers like these provide a cost effective and convenient way for urban growers to secure cold storage on their farms.
