Welcome to Raleigh City Farm!

The high tunnel provides a nursery-like environment allowing RCF's Farm Manager to get a jump on starting crops from seed in spring, extending the life of summer veggies well into fall and even growing through winter.

This 30' x 72' greenhouse started as a hydroponic growing space and is now transformed for indoor, in-ground, all season growing. In addition to a 50' bed, the greenhouse design includes a nursery for plant germination and transplanting, ample space for workshops and tours, and collaboration with RCF partners.

A food forest is a Permaculture (permanent + agriculture) concept that uses forest ecosystems as a model for food production. Food forests provide a range of foraging opportunities by stacking plants in layers the same way that a forest does to maximize diversity. Low-growing herbs and vegetables are nestled around the bases of fruiting shrubs, which are grown below nut-bearing trees. All of this vegetation provides support to food-bearing vines.

RCF collects and stores unused plant material where it can be broken down by microorganisms. The final product is a rich, sweet-smelling material called “compost” that enriches the soil by providing nutrients, retaining moisture, and improving soil structure for increased root growth. Compost increases crop yield and reduces our need to irrigate and fertilize, helping manage production costs and resource use.

Apiaries are a collection of beehives providing pollination services that enhance crop yield and honey for human-use. Bees enjoy near year-round access to nectar and pollen that the farm provides. Bees are not aggressive by nature and can tolerate respectful human activity close to their hive.

Plants growing around the perimeter of the Farmscape provide a range of services including beauty, stormwater management, and resources for wildlife. The most important job of the buffer is to attract insects and birds that pollinate crops and prey on pests that reduce production. Throughout the buffer visitors will also find a range of herbs that are useful as food and medicine.

This multi-purpose space provides a place for the farm team and volunteers to inspect, wash, weigh and package harvested produce ensuring the highest safety standards with easy access to cold storage. Additionally, the Farm Stage Pavilion creates a place to celebrate the food and community-building that is central to our mission.

Rain water is collected from Person Street Plaza buildings next to the Farm, which is then filtered and pumped up to the two cisterns. Stored rainwater is then used on the Farm in production areas, thereby promoting sustainable watering practices by reducing the Farm’s sole dependence on the use of City water.

These shallow depressions manage stormwater by slowing the movement of surface water, reducing erosion, and allowing the water to infiltrate the soil. Plant roots and microorganisms within the rain garens break down and store pollutants found in the storm water before it can reach food production areas.