J A R E D   J A F F E

Founder & Lead Horticulturist 

Jared began his journey into the world of horticulture through his interest in nutrition. Being an advocate for a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, he visited the largest rooftop farm in New York City, the Brooklyn Grange, to learn how these foods are grown. Amazed by how such tiny seeds could grow into such nutritious plants, he decided to embark on a life long adventure exploring the world of horticulture. 

Jared is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the New York Botanical Garden's School of Professional Horticulture. Over the years he has worked in a variety of industries within the multifaceted field of horticulture. He worked in urban agriculture at the Randall's Island Urban Farm, where he deepened his understanding of sustainable food production and food systems. He worked at Etain Health, one of the five licensed producers of medical marijuana for New York State, where he gained significant experience working in greenhouse production. Ultimately he wanted to dedicate his life to New York City's green industry where he could work with thousands of different plants and embrace the amazing diversity of the plant kingdom.

Jared founded Harlem Horticulture in 2017 with the endeavor of integrating nature's benefits and beauty into people's everyday lives. Having lived in Harlem since 2013, and a native New Yorker, he hopes to grow and develop more green spaces to support both the environment and the city he loves.