Just because we live in a city doesn't mean we can't grow some of our own fresh produce. From allotments to community gardens to balconies, it's extraordinary how productive a small urban space can be.
The beginnings of my edible balcony
Imagine yourself harvesting fresh produce and herbs just a few steps from your kitchen or living area in the centre of a crowded city. Sprouting in cities worldwide, rooftop farms, edible balconies, and community gardens are adding a bit of green to the grey, drab concrete of our packed urban jungle.
As the world’s cities expand rapidly, demand for fresh, local produce increases. Urban gardening is being seen as the new source of food and more than a hobby for the green-thumbed apartment dwellers and homeowners. Urban gardening refers to overcoming the restrictions of the city and creating a food oasis in your home, no matter the size or lack of “natural space.” It can take the form of a backyard, rooftop, balcony, and even vacant lots and parks.
Growing dill and Italian oregano
We are slowly breaking down the stereotypes of who can grow food. It is not necessarily just for the farmer, the hipster, the grandmothers, or retirees. Growing food is something we all can do and these kinds of initiatives are reconnecting city dwellers with nature and teaching consumers about homegrown food. It’s offering a glimpse of a more sustainable, secure, and accessible food supply by raising consciousness linking to what we eat and to the health of the environment.
Just because you live in a concrete city doesn’t mean you can’t have your own homegrown food source in a small space. No matter how much space you own, there’s nothing more local than growing your own fruits, herbs, and vegetables in your garden, balcony, or window box.
Many admit that they would love to have plants or grow food in their house but they fear they have a black thumb. And I was one of them. I couldn’t even grow or let alone take care of cacti. I’ve been known as a serial killer of plants. But I was determined to turn over a new leaf (pun intended) and started my own edible balcony a year ago. With a little patience, ingenuity, and sun exposure, I was able to grow a surprising amount of food in a limited space from tomatoes to herbs. Trust me, I’ve had my share of hits and misses. If you don’t get things exactly right the first year you garden, one of the advantages is that they are easy to change from year to year, making experimentation a breeze. Eventually you’ll find the mix that works for you, and you’ll be rewarded with fresh, hand-sown (not to mention pesticide-free) edibles all year round.
Growing tomatoes in a pot
The benefit of growing your own food has its upsides. When using organic methods, there is confidence in knowing the produce you eat are free of harmful chemicals and residues from commercial fertilizers. You also reap the added benefit of reducing your food’s carbon footprint since it travels by foot from garden to kitchen, not miles by truck or ship to the store. It will also give you a chance to experience the pleasure of raiding your mini veggie patch for the night's dinner.
Whatever your motivation for breaking ground in your own backyard or balcony, getting your hands dirty can help you understand the story of your food from ground up.
Whether you’re a veteran or a novice gardener, here are some ideas to get you digging.
• Find your spot – a windowsill, balcony, backyard, or patch. Observe your space and determine how much direct light it receives.
• Read up and research.
• Plant what you like to eat. For example, if you love pesto, plant lots of basil. Choose the right plants that love the sun or can thrive in the shade. Tomatoes need full sun and a deep pot. They don't like lots of rain or over-watering. Arugula does better in cool areas than most herbs or vegetables. It works well on a shadier porch, but it still needs some full sun every day. Easy-to-grow herbs include mint, basil, and sage. You can start from seeds or seedlings from your organic farmer or trusted source.
• Choose your container – Ensure you use the right size pot. If floor space is limited on your balcony, think vertical. Hanging baskets make vertical space green, and provide room for plants with a spreading or trailing habit. Be creative, any container from wine crates to recyclable tin cans can work well.
• Water regularly, prune, wait for the harvest, and enjoy.