Centennial Center Garden Spring ‘26 Update
We’re thrilled to be back on the seventh floor of 3030 Potomac Ave where landscaping and crop production are seamlessly intertwined, showcasing the natural and often unseen beauty of market favorites like kale and peppers. We’ve kicked off this season by adding even more growing space, allowing us to bring cucumber production to the farm, and of course more of what everyone loves- peppers, eggplant, greens, and herbs. Be sure to check out the pick-your-own herb planters to bring some fresh zest to your evening meal prep, and say hi to your farmer if you find yourself enjoying the space while they work!
Meet Your 2026 Farmer-
Hunter!
I grew up in Southern California, where I enjoyed picking tangerines from the trees in my yard. My journey with agriculture started over 10 years ago when I was in the Peace Corps in Zambia, where I helped start and maintain gardens to fill nutritional gaps. This is the beginning of my fifth season with Up Top Acres, so you can rest assured your crops are in good hands! From eggplant to collards, I love growing it all, but my favorite can be found in my backyard here in the city: the passion fruit!
In This Spring
KALE
One of the most beloved crops in our gardens, kale thrives in cool weather and is planted before the last frost, giving it a head start on the season and making it one of the first crops ready for harvest.
Fun Facts About Kale
Taste & Texture: Flavor ranges from mild and sweet in young leaves to earthy and slightly bitter in mature ones- a quick massage with olive oil softens both the leaves and the bite.
Nutrition & Calories: Just one cup of raw kale delivers over 100% of the daily value for Vitamins K, A, and C, all for around 33 calories. It's also a surprising plant-based source of calcium.
Culinary Uses: Very versatile- can be eaten raw in salads, blended into smoothies, roasted into chips, or sautéed as a side. It holds up better to heat than most leafy greens.
Harvest: Kale is a "cut and come again" crop meaning that harvesting outer leaves regularly actually encourages the plant to keep producing all season long!