The term “farmer” brings tractors, sprawling arable land, country living and a veritable feast of other associations flashing into the mind but what is farming, other than growing and rearing food? Surely farming doesn’t only have a place in the rural world, but in our backyards too, and by simply taking a step back and breaking down the fundamentals it is soon apparent that anyone can be a farmer, even in their own urban jungle.
The World Wars of the 20th century certainly caused many suburban families, caught amidst of turmoil of rations, to look to their gardens as a source of food. Many kept chickens, grew main crops of potatoes, salads and other staple vegetables, all to add to their inadequate ration quota. Though the fast pace modern society has largely deserted this culture, the impending food crisis, and a growing feeling for looking after the planet and ourselves, means that many are now seeking ways to better their lives. Whilst some flee the cities in search of a rural life, others are snapping up those last allotment plots. But you simply need to step out of your back door, start sowing, and become an urban farmer.
Any garden can sustain some form of farming, whether it is directly into the earth or harnessing the use of pots. One of the most important aspects to bear in mind in urban farming is the use of outside sources to fertilize your land. Farming on a large scale in a rural setting, allows for crop rotation, for self fertilization, but on the small scale of city farming the earth on your plot, even if adequate for the first year, will need continuous fertilization. Local stables or city farms can often be a fantastic source of much needed manure and often offer it for free. Keeping chickens will also supply a small amount of manure but it is important to remember that, if feeding with produce from the farming, the nutrient cycle can only last so long without another source.
Ideally, most urban farmers will turn over a large area of their garden space to producing food. Whilst it may not allow self sufficiency it will certainly add pleasure, excitement and tingling to your taste buds. But urban farming works on even the tiniest scale. Perhaps hanging baskets with specialized tomato plants, a planted potato barrel, a deep window box with herbs or carrots. All of this can be considered as urban farming.
The current climate certainly leads to saving the pennies. The world’s consumption of produce far exceeds its long term growing capabilities, and growing your own is definitely in vogue right now. So why not step out your back yard, put in some spuds, scatter some seeds, and release your inner urban farmer.
Become an Urban Farmer In Your Own Garden
Choosing the Right Crops to Plant on Your Urban Farm
Choosing the right crops to plant is crucial in having a thriving urban farm. It is important to choose the right crops so that you can increase the productivity of your mini farm at home. However, choosing the right crops isn’t as simple as it may seem. Some crops only grow in certain weather conditions while some die if forced to grow on a different condition; that is why it is very important to choose your crops well so that your money and effort won’t be put to waste. Here are some tips on how to do so.
Pocket Farming and Urban Areas are growing in Popularity
There is a new term for your Urban Dictionary, one I think you should learn; Pocket Farming. This is where folks who live in the city and urbanized suburbs use up every little space of land to grow food. They often have these little Pocket Farms, where urban residents grow fruit and vegetables in the alley ways. Some sell their produce at street fairs and organic farmers markets, while others trade with neighbors so everyone saves money on produce.
