America’s city skylines might give the appearance of concrete jungles. But a closer look reveals that it’s not all cement and steel. According to a recent New York Times article, “Urban Farming, a Bit Closer to the Sun,” sky-high mini farms are gradually taking root on many rooftops in cities such as New York, San Francisco and Boston.

Lacking street level ground space, apartment dwellers, restaurants and even schools are raising the roof with tomatoes, squash, peppers, and many other edible vegetables and fruits.

Armed with information and supplies by organizations such as Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and Bay Localize, more and more city residents are becoming rooftop gardeners.

And although most rooftop gardeners are not in it for the money, cities such  as Chicago and New York offer tax incentives and subsidies to encourage rooftop gardens.

Interested in starting your own rooftop garden?

Have a read of the Bay Localize’s Use Your Roof Guidebook. It’s a straightforward guidebook offering resources and considerations to help you determine the most appropriate technology and materials for creating your own rooftop farm.

Image: cityfarmer