Urban Farming in Baltimore: Soil & Hydroponic Farms | Sable Greens

Urban farming in Baltimore is growing fast—and it’s transforming the way communities think about food, health, and sustainability. Whether you're exploring urban farms, neighborhood gardens, or sustainable hydroponic farms like Sable Greens, the city’s urban agriculture scene is full of innovation and impact. Across the city, empty lots, rooftops, and warehouses are being transformed into productive spaces where fresh produce thrives.

In this blog, we’ll break down what makes Baltimore’s urban farming landscape unique, from traditional soil farming to modern hydroponic systems and why it matters more than ever.

Vegetables in a traditional soil farm

Soil-Based Urban Farms: Grounded in Community

Many of Baltimore’s urban farms are community-driven and deeply rooted—literally—in the soil. Vacant lots and underutilized land have been turned into thriving farms that provide not only food but also jobs, education, and neighborhood revitalization.

Community-driven farms like Whitelock Community Farm, Filbert Street Garden, and others are transforming parts of Baltimore into vibrant green spaces where fresh, healthy produce is grown and shared.

Many Baltimore farms operate as community hubs—offering CSA memberships, farm stands, and education programs for local youth. While soil contamination can be a concern in urban areas, many Baltimore farms use raised beds or tested soil to ensure food safety.

Fresh greens in a nutrient film technique system

Hydroponic Farming in Baltimore: The Future of Local Food

Baltimore is also home to a growing number of hydroponic and indoor farms that don’t need soil at all. At Sable Greens, we grow fresh, nutrient-dense produce in a controlled environment using use nutrient-rich water to grow crops in stacked systems. This method uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming and allows for faster plant growth and year-round growing something especially valuable in a city climate.

There are even Baltimoreans who are using unconventional growing spaces such as shipping containers, basements, and warehouses, making them highly adaptable to the urban environment.

Hydroponics is perfect for urban areas because it:

• Uses a smaller footprint

• Can operate in a controlled greenhouse or closed space with precise environmental control

• Reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides

• Delivers clean, consistent produce close to where it’s consumed, year round

Baltimore’s hydroponic scene is expanding to bring fresh, locally grown food to markets, restaurants, and residents year-round.

Map of 2024 Baltimore City Healthy Food Priority Areas (HFPA) Source: Baltimore City Department of Planning

Why Urban Agriculture Matters in Baltimore City

Baltimore has long faced challenges with food deserts also called healthy food priority areas or areas with limited access to affordable, fresh produce. Urban farming, in all its forms, plays a key role in providing a solution. It brings healthy food closer to where people live, creates green jobs, supports a stronger local economy, and empowers residents to take part in food production

Whether it’s soil or hydroponic farming, these efforts are helping to improve food access, support public health, reclaim underutilized urban land, and empower local communities.

At Sable Greens, we’re proud to be part of this movement. We believe in growing smarter, cleaner, and more sustainably right here in the heart of Baltimore.

Get Involved with Baltimore’s Urban Farming Community

As more Baltimoreans embrace urban agriculture, we’re likely to see continued innovation in both soil and hydroponic farming methods. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, starting your own garden, or simply buying local, there are plenty of ways to support local farms like Sable Greens and get involved in this vibrant, growing movement

• Buy directly from Baltimore urban farms and farm stands

• Volunteer with community gardens

• Follow local farms on social media to stay updated

• Choose locally grown produce whenever possible

Want to learn more? Visit Sable Greens. We’d love to show you how hydroponic farming is changing the culinary landscape in Baltimore.