FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Where is Hayes Valley Farm?
   We are located in San Francisco's Hayes Valley neighborhood, in the city block formed between Oak, Octavia, Fell, and Laguna Streets. Our main entrance is located at 450 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. View a map. We're accessible from BART Civic Center Station and bus lines 6, 21, 22, and 71.
   
   
2. What are your hours of operation?
   Sundays and Wednesdays
   12:00pm - 5:00pm
   
   We are also open the farm for classes and events, please check our Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information.
   
   
3. What goes on at Hayes Valley Farm?
   We host open volunteer days at Sunday and Wednesday afternoons, which involve building beds, planting vegetables, flowers, and other beneficial plants, composting and worm care and other farm activities. There are workshops and classes for all ages, from our youth education program to classes and workshops in urban gardening, beekeeping, fruit tree care, and urban permaculture. We've also hosted community events such as outdoor film screenings and photo adventure clubs. Many of these activities are free and don't require signing up. View our Calendar to see what events and classes are coming up.
   
   
4. How can I get involved?
   Show up for our regular volunteer days on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons. No need to sign up in advance. You don't need any gardening experience or tools. You can also check out our Calendar for upcoming events and classes. If you're not interested in getting dirty, there are other ways get involved with the farm, such as taking photos, painting murals, greeting visitors, organizing events, wrangling resources, you name it. Just stop by the farm and let us know what you'd like to do.
   
   
5. What should I bring to volunteer on the farm?
   Please bring warm clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty, sturdy shoes, a water bottle, snacks (if you'll get hungry), and a positive attitude. We have tools on site, but we can always use extras, so if you happen to have them, please bring wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, tarps, cardboard, and heavy working gloves.
   
   
6. Why are you creating an urban farm in Hayes Valley?
   There are many reasons, such as building community, advancing Mayor Gavin Newson's Directive for Healthy and Sustainable Food for San Francisco, raising awareness around sustainability and urban agriculture, offering educational opportunities for children and adults, reviving a vacant lot, learning about growing food in the city, beautifying the neighborhood, and having fun.
   
   
7. How did the project get started?
   The Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development came up with the idea to activate the site for temporary (interim-use) green space development. Please check out our History page for details on how the project developed.
   
   
8. Who's funding the project?
   With a startup grant from the City and fiscal sponsorship from the San Francisco Parks Trust, the gates were opened on Jaunary 24, 2010. Hayes Valley Farm is a nonprofit project that depends on the support of the community, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, and the City. Learn how you can help support the farm.
   
   
9. Is the farm really built on a former freeway?
   Yes. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake compromised the Central Freeway spur where Hayes Valley Farm now stands. The farm is the first community use of this city block in more than 20 years.
   
   
10. Who operates the farm?
    The farm is currently operated by the Hayes Valley Farm Team, a community of volunteers.
    
    
11. What does the farm grow?
    Right now, we're growing fava beans and clover to fix nitrogen in the soil. We're starting to plant food crops, such as squash, leafy greens, potatoes, and herbs, focusing on plants that will thrive in San Francisco's cool, coastal climate. We also have a large container garden called the Freeway Food Forest, which includes 150 potted fruit trees and 1,500 vegetable seedlings.
    
    
12. What happens to all of the food grown on the farm?
    Hayes Valley Farm is a nonprofit, noncommericial farm. The farm's plan is to share food with the volunteers who maintain the farm and the surrounding community.
    
    
13. I heard the lot is zoned for residential development. What will happen to the farm?
    Hayes Valley Farm is founded on an interim-use agreement with the City's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, until the City moves forward with plans for developing the lot. The project's organizers have designed the farm with transience in mind, and believe that it provides an enormous opportunity to launch garden projects around the city and sow seeds for a more sustainable future.
14. What's with all the cardboard?
    The cardboard is used to sheet-mulch the site. Sheet-mulching is a technique to build new, fertile soil. Cardboard is laid down to cover ivy and weeds and suppress their growth. It also prevents soil disturbance, absorbs water, and retains moisture. We then add layers of manure and mulch 3 or 4 feet high. Lastly, we plant fava beans and clover to fix nitrogen in the soil, to balance out the carbon-rich cardboard and mulch. As the manure and mulch transform into new soil, the cardboard and breaks down. The cardboard, mulch, and manure are local waste materials donated by Hayes Valley Farm sponsors.
    
    Read our detailed blog post for a longer explanation of our soil building strategy.
    
    
15. I have some old gardening pots and tools that I don't need. Can I bring them to Hayes Valley Farm?
    Yes! We're always in need of tools and materials at the farm. Please check out our Wish List, or contact us and let us know what you would like to donate. Thanks for thinking of us.