Urban Farming for Beginners
What is Urban Farming?
Urban farming is the practise of growing food in populated areas, such as cities, towns, apartments and flats, anywhere resources or space may be scarce. It enables individuals, families and communities to grow their own fresh, wholesome food.
Urban farming can be more than a hobby providing a number of advantages, such as the possibility to improve food security and self-sufficiency, access to locally sourced and sustainable produce, and the chance to re-establish a connection with nature.
Try joining community gardens, participating in workshops and events or even jumping online and following social media channels or You-Tube tutorials. There are so many channels that can provide valuable guidance, support, and knowledge. It also creates opportunities to collaborate with others and build connections with likeminded individuals.
Where is Urban Farming?
Urban farming is not found in one region or country, as it is driven by the desire to utilise available urban spaces for agriculture and promote sustainable living and healthier lifestyles.
Depending on the resources and area available, urban farming can take many different shapes, from vertical gardens, community gardens, rooftop gardens, balcony or patio gardening, indoor hydroponics, and aquaponics systems.
If you're growing inside or using balconies or patios, make sure your plants get enough sunlight. Place them where they can get several hours of direct sunlight each day, some spaces where natural light is scarce, you might need to supplement with artificial lighting, such as grow lights to ensure optimum growth. Work with what you have and build from there.
Don’t limit your farming to one area, try them all and find what fits for you and your space. Be observant, patient, and adaptable and you will find your fit.
Start small and gradually increase your urban farming endeavours as you gain knowledge, assurance and confidence.
Why Urban Farming is Important?
There are so many fantastic reasons why we believe Urban Farming is important.
Food Security: By growing your own food you increase food security not only for yourself but by providing local communities with access to fresh, nutritious, and affordable food when or if you have more than you can eat…
It also reduces dependence on long-distance transportation and external food sources, assuring a food supply that is more dependable, sustainable and better for the planet.
Sustainable Food: By growing food closer to where it is consumed, it reduces the carbon footprint connected with transportation, decreases the need for chemical preservatives, and minimizes food waste. It also encourages the use of organic and environmentally friendly growing methods.
Environmental Benefits: Urban farming contributes to environmental conservation. By creating green spaces it helps to reduce the urban heat island effect by absorbing heat and improving air quality. Urban farms can also act as carbon sinks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promote biodiversity by providing habitats for plants and animals.
Health and Well-being: Urban farming encourages healthier eating habits, increasing access to a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It also provides opportunities for physical activity and stress reduction through gardening.
Growing Microgreens
You don’t have to go big to be an urban farmer, try growing Microgreens at home. It is a fun and easy way to add fresh and nutrient-rich greens to your meals. You can do this with various methods, Check out our guide to help you through growing your Microgreens in soil.
With a little soil and a sunny spot, you can grow all types of Microgreens.
Microgreens are great for quick nutritious additives to any meals, add to salads, garnish your favourite meals even add to smoothies or protein shakes.
Urban farming is a journey, and every step, no matter how tiny, helps create a city that is greener and more self-sufficient. Grow your own food in the city while having fun, be open to learning, and enjoy the process. Its not for everyone but you won’t know until you try it!!
In general, urban farming is essential for fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities. It tackles issues including community well-being, environmental sustainability, food security, and economic growth, making it a vital part of a healthy urban ecology.
Check out our online Store for your seeds and grow kits
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