What is Urban Farming and How to Start?

The practice of growing food in urban environments, utilizing available spaces to create local food systems within cities.

Growing Spaces

• Rooftop Gardens: Building tops
• Community Plots: Shared spaces
• Balcony Gardens: Private spaces
• Indoor Systems: Interior growing
• Vacant Lots: Temporary use

Growing Methods

Cultivation techniques:

• Container Growing: Portable systems
• Raised Beds: Soil control
• Hydroponic Systems: Soilless production
• Intensive Planting: Space optimization
• Vertical Systems: Wall utilization

Social Benefits

Community impacts:

• Food Access: Local production
• Education: Learning opportunities
• Community Building: Social connections
• Green Spaces: Urban nature
• Food Security: Self-reliance

Common Crops

Popular choices:

• Vegetables: Quick harvest
• Herbs: High value
• Small Fruits: Compact plants
• Microgreens: Indoor production
• Pollinator Plants: Ecosystem support

Infrastructure Needs

Essential elements:

• Water Access: Irrigation systems
• Growing Media: Soil/substrates
• Light Management: Sun exposure
• Tool Storage: Equipment space
• Composting: Waste recycling

Urban Farming transforms city spaces into productive food systems, creating sustainable local food sources while building community connections and improving urban environments.