Regenerative Urban Farming in Rochester’s 19th Ward.
Thoughtful Growth facilitates the growth of nutrient-dense lettuce, greens, tomatoes, and root crops while using a fully organic, regenerative, no-till approach.
Our Mission
Our mission at Thoughtful Growth is to empower individuals and families to confidently grow their own food abundantly in small spaces.
We believe in regenerative no-till style growing methods as these have allowed our family to grow our own food while working full-time jobs and raising children.
Workshops
Sharing our story, experiences and knowledge is something that brings us great joy. If you know folks that are interested in learning more about urban farming, making their own potting soil, growing seedlings, no-till methods, pruning, or high production in small spaces please let us know. We custom build workshops for schools, garden clubs, and community centers.
Thoughtful Growth was created to share our hard-earned knowledge with the community at large. Contact Farmer Ben if you know of a group that might benefit from a workshop hosted by Thoughtful Growth.
Giveaways
Every year as the growing season begins we host community giveaway events at our little farm here in the 19th ward of Rochester, NY. We have given away thousands of seeds, plants, and many yards of organic well-screened gardening soil.
These events are designed to empower our community to grow their own food despite possible economic barriers. We know the fulfillment that comes with supplying our family with healthy, homegrown foods. Our goal is to share that power with our community. Giveaways help us accomplish just that.
Garden Consultation
Our experience over the last decade growing nutrient-dense foods for ourselves and our neighbors has provided us with the wisdom to grow thoughtfully. Each season brings a myriad of lessons. If you are interested in a consultation, please let us know.
Who We Are
Farmer Ben
Ben is the founder of Thoughtful Growth. and Regenerative Agriculture Advocate. Ben became interested in local food as a result of his passion for cooking.
Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Communication from SUNY Geneseo and is currently focus on addressing food aparthied through direct action in Rochester, NY.
Farmer Kelly
Kelly is the Lead Designer of Thoughtful Growth. She has spent much of her adult life empowering youth in the City of Rochester. Kelly is passionate about food justice and community health.
A Licensed Masters of Social Work and graduate from Nazareth University, Kelly supports students and their families through the Rochester City School District during the school year.
“I found Thoughtful Growth through one of their community programs and their enthusiasm for urban farming and education was inspiring. Farmer Ben answered all of my questions and made me thrilled to begin my own gardening adventure!”
-Alana Connolly
“Ben & Kelly are so fun and very knowledgeable on everything gardening-related! Thank you for hosting this event, for the info, and for the plants, seeds, worm castings, soil, etc! Doug and I love how you have utilized your space and it has us thinking creatively about how to make the most of ours.”
— Janet Zink Dalke
Contribute to Our Mission.
The work we do at Thoughtful Growth depends on community support. Please join forces with us and support our mission by contributing.