Check out downtown Bham’s new farm + market—opening June 18 [PHOTOS]
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On June 18, Yellow Hammer Farms, a whole new kind of urban farm opens its doors in downtown Birmingham, and it’s not like anything you’ve ever seen before. Keep reading for all the details.
Downtown Birmingham’s first indoor hydroponic farm
What does this mean? Basically, according to Bailey Burgess, farm director, it means growing plants with nutrient-rich water in a dirt-like medium. Lights and a specialized HVAC system create the perfect environment where the plants can grow.
Because everything happens inside in a controlled environment, Yellow Hammer Farms can grow crops nearly twice as fast as a conventional farm can, and year-round.
This kind of farming is a big win on the conservation front. According to the folks at Yellow Hammer Farms, their farm takes 90% less water than a traditional farm. Also, by locating the farm centrally in downtown Birmingham, they’re aiming to cut down on transportation and greenhouse gas emissions.
Meet the people behind Yellow Hammer Farms
- Frank and Jillian Fitts, Founders
- Bailey Burgess, Farm Director
- Meredith Bauer, Director of Sales
Know you want to go?
- Follow Yellow Hammer Farms: Website | Facebook | Instagram
- Grand opening: Friday, June 18, 11AM-6PM
- Normal business hours: Tuesday-Friday, noon-6PM, Saturday 11AM-4PM
- Location: 702 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203
What’s growing at Yellow Hammer Farms right now
Currently, as they get ready for the Grand Opening, they’re growing leafy greens (think kale, lettuces and salad mixes) and herbs (including loads of different varieties of basil) while having fun experimenting with things like radishes and pineapple mint.
To give you an idea of the size of the operation, their grow room is 2000 square feet, which translates roughly to the same size as a 10-to-15 acre farm.
High-end restaurants and regular ole shoppers will be able to come and buy produce
If you’re downtown and want to grab farm-fresh produce, you’ll be able to stop by Tuesdays through Saturdays.
They’ll have a retail space where you can buy produce from the fridges and check out the farm through big windows.
You’ll also be able to buy wares from smaller local artists and artisans on site.
Check out Yellow Hammer Farms’ grand opening June 18, from 11AM-6PM, 702 3rd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203.
