What Is the Future of Urban Farming? - University of Toronto Magazine
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Two students wearing baseballs caps take measurements from a plant, with one student standing and working on a laptop and the other crouched over a box of plants.
Photo by Don Campbell

What Is the Future of Urban Farming?

Researchers at U of T Scarborough are testing which crops fare best on city roofs Read More

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Toronto has one of the most progressive green roof policies in North America – and was the first city on the continent to make them mandatory for new construction. Green roofs help cool buildings, leading to lower energy costs.

There are currently more than 700 dotting the city but most use shallow substrates (a mix of organic material, crushed bricks and some minerals such as sand and shale) instead of soil – and little to no irrigation. They require minimal maintenance and have not been designed with farming in mind.

“Growing food in these conditions is not easy,” says Marney Isaac, a professor in the department of physical and environmental sciences at U of T Scarborough who is co-leading a project with Scott MacIvor, an assistant professor in UTSC’s department of biological sciences, to test whether these roofs can become food-growing gardens.

Isaac, who is an expert on plant-soil interactions and sustainable agriculture, says a major challenge is making sure the crops get enough nutrients. Since the typical green-roof substrate is not as nutrient-rich as soil – and dumping loads of fertilizer on the tops of buildings isn’t possible – the team is testing a type of organic fertilizer.

Heat (too much) and moisture (not enough) are also concerns. Most Toronto green roofs are planted with sedum, a durable and drought-tolerant type of succulent that is efficient at storing water and cooling the soil. The researchers are looking at how different species of sedum might help more sensitive plants, such as crops, grow in harsh conditions.

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Bird's eye view of rows of boxes containing plants on the rooftop of UTSC's Highland Hall, and several students taking measurements
Researchers planted dozens of boxes atop UTSC’s Highland Hall with a mix of crops and sedum. The team provides varying levels of water and nutrients to simulate stress on the plants. All photos by Don Campbell
A student crouched over a box of plants, using a scissor to cut the end of a green bean from the plant
The research team measures leaves and vegetables to track plant growth. Here, a researcher cuts a vine with scissors to harvest a bean.
Close up of a leaf being examined under a cylindrical device shining a magenta-coloured light on the leaf
This machine detects how well the plant is breathing.
Two students wearing baseballs caps in discussion while taking measurements from a plant, with one student standing and holding a laptop and the other crouched over a box of plants, holding a device
Another device helps determine how well the plants perform photosynthesis. When taking measurements, the researchers use remote sensing to avoid harming the plants.
A pair of hands holding green beans
At the end of the season, crops are picked, dried and weighed.

The researchers are currently growing a variety of crops in 400 individual modules – boxes measuring 60 centimetres by 40 centimetres – on the roof of Highland Hall at U of T Scarborough. The goal is to see how certain plants interact with each other – a tried-and-true farming process known as intercropping. For example, planting legumes contributes nitrogen to the soil, which supports the growth of other crops.

It’s possible that one day your local grocery store will be able to grow food on its roof. Or people living in condos and apartments will be able to ascend a few floors to harvest their own fruits, vegetables and herbs, including ones not commonly stocked in stores. “It could give people living in cities an opportunity to grow the types of culturally important foods they can’t easily get,” says Isaac.

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Prof. Kristen Bos wearing a long-sleeved, black and white flower patterned dress and large purple clover-shaped earrings, facing off camera, with a glass and concrete building and a grassy hill in the background
Prof. Kristen Bos wearing a long-sleeved, black and white flower patterned dress and large purple clover-shaped earrings, facing off camera, with a glass and concrete building and a grassy hill in the background

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About The Author

Author image: Don Campbell

Don Campbell

Staff Reporter, U of T Scarborough

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  1. No Responses to “ What Is the Future of Urban Farming? ”

  2. University of Toronto Magazine says:

    Shiri Rosenberg (MBA 2004) writes:

    I thought your readers might be interested in a complementary article about an urban farming project we at Colliers Real Estate Management Services have launched at many commercial office towers in Toronto, including at Royal Bank Plaza and 150 Bloor Street West, at Avenue Road.

  3. University of Toronto Magazine says:

    Gwen Farrow (BA Victoria 1959) writes:

    Our roof in Scarborough is 21 storeys high, so subject to wind challenges. But we have learned what crops do best. We are lucky that our roof can support raised beds with wooden sides and real soil. Two hoses are available and gardeners supply their own tools and crops. I have many flowers plus strawberries, peas, radishes, carrots and tomatoes. Other gardeners have had successful projects, too. Green roofs can work; we've proved it for over 40 years!

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