urban farming

When you think of sustainable farming the first thing that comes to mind is not a plot on the top of a city building. But things are changing; it seems for the first time in years the idea of being self-sustainable in a city is not just for hippies or activists any more. Rooftops all over our countries cities are turning green in this new movement.
The change is coming from people of all demographics; schools, Chefs and foodies seem to be the most active majority. For children who don’t get a regular chance at seeing carrots be planted and then pulled from the ground, it can be a life altering experience. While they still may go for the cheetoz later that day, they have the information that may help them make healthy choices down the line.
Gardening in the city is not going to solve all of our problems, but when people begin to make a connection to their food, slowly the ideas will spread and foster change and growth. Gardening in an urban environment makes you appreciate the green spaces tucked in the nooks and crannies. It becomes very evident when planting a window box, a terra cotta pot or a roof top garden that plants are incredible adaptable. For restaurant owners, schools, and residents gardening on a rooftop or a park in a city fosters community and breaks the cycle of the constant concrete jungle. It reminds us that our food really did come from plants, and that the taste difference is overwhelming. Many folks love the idea of sustainable farming and gardening but don’t want to leave the city, by adapting and creating their own green spaces, they have the best of both worlds.
As a student living in a small apartment, as well as being an advocate for sustainable farming and gardening. I have found a creative way to garden in whatever space I can find. Old trash barrels cut down, wooden boxes, terra cotta pots. It becomes a big project to achieve a small yield from my miss-matched garden. It is satisfying to be able to watch things grow and enjoy even a sprig of fresh herbs. It is amazing how having this process, reminds me to think about the types and amounts of a product that I use and where it is coming from. I believe it is an important exercise as an aspiring chef to start and foster a garden, especially if you are in an urban environment. A relationship is formed with the process and with foods that are otherwise overlooked.
For me it is just a surrogate for the time when I can actually be farming, but it is a wonderful exercise.