Community Benefit

The greenhouse will serve as a central hub, providing seedlings to community gardens and fostering community pride. It will create a beautiful, vibrant space for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the greenhouse will offer educational opportunities, serving as an ideal environment for learning about gardening and plant care. This initiative aims to enrich the community by promoting sustainable practices and enhancing local green spaces.

Project Goals

The goals for the greenhouse include the following:

  • Providing fresh, local produce in Central Harlem.
  • Offering educational opportunities to youth on urban agriculture and sustainability.
  • Creating a space for community members to connect and collaborate on projects.
  • Providing a source of outdoor activity and recreation.
  • Take advantage of natural resources by using solar energy and rain catchers.


Additionally, the greenhouse could serve as a hub for local community gardens to grow or select their seedlings, further contributing to the local shared economy.

Nursery Registration Certificate

The greenhouse holds a nursery registration certificate from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to guarantee compliance with state regulations for propagating and distributing plant materials. This certification allows the greenhouse to legally grow, sell, and distribute seedlings, ensuring they are free of pests and diseases. It also enables the greenhouse to support community initiatives, such as providing seedlings to local growers and community gardens, and contribute to food security by maintaining high plant health and quality standards.

Project Contributors

Greenhouse Render

Greenhouse Render

Our greenhouse design rendering by Design Advocates captures the transition from a conceptual 2D blueprint. This detailed visualization showcases every aspect of the greenhouse, highlighting its innovative features, sustainable elements, and functional layout. The rendering provides a clear and compelling preview of the space, allowing us to envision its future impact on our community and environment.

Bringing Our Greenhouse Vision to Life in 3D

Thanks to TMC and our dedicated community volunteers for their invaluable support. With their help, we successfully transformed our greenhouse project from a 2D concept into a thriving 3D reality. Their commitment and hard work have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, and we couldn't have done it without them.

Greenhouse build photo 1 Greenhouse build photo 2 Greenhouse build photo 3

Grateful for Rapid Response Fund in Greenhouse Repairs

Thank you, Black Farmer Fund, for your Rapid Response Fund to help repair the greenhouse roof and improve weather resistance. Your support made a tremendous difference in protecting our space. We appreciate your continued support as we strengthen and sustain this necessary resource. Additionally, we enhance our greenhouse’s durability by weatherproofing it with corner guards and other protective techniques. These measures will protect the interior and exterior from environmental wear and tear, ensuring the structure remains resilient against the elements and extends its longevity.

Repair work on greenhouse exterior
Close-up of weatherproofing and siding
Volunteers reinforcing greenhouse roof
Installing metal overhang and guard
Front door area post-repair
Side view showing gutter and siding

Home Depot Bronx Terminal Mall Corporate Volunteer Day

Big thanks The Home Depot team from Bronx Terminal Store for stepping up and helping us launch Phase 1 of our rain-catching system! Together, we built a sturdy rain barrel stand for St Nicholas Miracle Garden Greenhouse’s first move toward sustainable water collection. The system will allow us to conserve water, keep our seedlings thriving, and show the community how simple tools can drive meaningful change. We’re just starting, so stay tuned as we finish the full exterior setup!

Thank you Resist

We thank Resist for their generous support. With their grant assistance, we began building the exterior irrigation system that captures rainwater. This system will connect directly to our interior irrigation setup, allowing us to grow fresh microgreens more sustainably.

Project Task

Rain catcher concept with three barrels on a stand

Install Rain Catcher with Rain Barrel Stand

We are installing a rain-catcher system and building a 3-barrel stand. This setup will collect and store rainwater, reducing water waste and providing a sustainable irrigation solution for our greenhouse. The stand ensures easy access and optimal water flow for all our watering needs.

Learn more: practicallyfunctional.com/diy-rain-barrel-stand-multiple-rain-barrels

Greenhouse interior ready for irrigation

Add Irrigation System

We plan to install a drip irrigation system to provide precise and efficient watering for our greenhouse plants and seedlings. Delivering water directly to the roots will reduce waste and maintain optimal moisture levels for healthy growth.

Curtain French drain alongside a greenhouse

Build a Curtain French Drain

We’re building a curtain French drain around the greenhouse to address severe stormwater runoff and interior flooding. Recurring water has caused cracks in the cement floor and threatens long-term stability. The drain will redirect excess rainwater, protect the foundation, and keep the space safe for community use.

Video: https://youtu.be/miZNk_6CcFc

Community Supported Projects

Your support is essential for the success of this initiative. If financial contributions are not possible, we welcome donations of time, skills, equipment, or supplies to help complete these projects. Whether through direct contributions or volunteer efforts, your involvement will significantly impact and help us create a more sustainable and productive greenhouse. Join us in making this vision a reality and promoting a greener future for our community!

Learn more