What is an urban garden? Why is it important for you and me, and for our planet?
First things first. An urban garden or urban farm is, quite simply, a garden in a city. They can be in house terraces/balconies, back (or front) yards, indoors, windowsills, green roofs, or in community gardens. As long as they are situated within a city or in an urban setting, then yes, that's right you're looking at an urban garden. Needless to say, the reasons why urban gardening is important are aplenty. *Hints: food security, oxygen*
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Apart from the obvious - that vegetable/edible plants provide us with fresh air to breathe and fresh, nutritious food right in our own homes, the positive impact of greens on our immediate environment has been widely studied and scientifically proven. Gardens and vegetation help to reduce "urban heat island effect" in developed and populated cities according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Multiple studies also show that urban gardens are a solution to energy poverty - not to mention a solution to world hunger. Apparently, these urban farms create a phenomenon called "urban green space cooling effect". Read more about this bit of information on the links provided here and here.
Can you earn a living with urban gardening? How?
The short answer is YES. Did you know that in addition to the benefits just mentioned, urban gardening has plenty more to offer? As if food security isn't a big enough reason, urban gardening has become another popular way for non-traditional farmers to make money in today's increasingly modernized world. The pandemic may have had a hand in popularizing the horticultural hobby among the younger generations, and certainly rekindled the interest of the not-so-young ones.
In order to start earning from plants, you have to grow them first. Duh. To get started with your very own urban garden, you need to identify an area in the city that is suitable for plant cultivation. Take note that for community garden projects, you will first need proper assessment and planning to be able to obtain a permit. Make sure to check out the guidelines in your city or locality at the very beginning as this will help you streamline your planning stage. If that sounds intimidating, stop and think of the fun you're going to have once the energy of your whole community goes into full swing. It might help you get back in perspective and get your groove going again.
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When selecting a spot for the garden, consider the amount of sunlight and water available for that area. Some plants require full sunlight while some require a bit of shade. For many apartment and high-rise building dwellers, the terrace and window sills are popular spots to grow a mini herb garden using pots and planters. Additionally, it is important to consider the local climate and soil quality. In some instances, a greenhouse may be a viable option.
Once an ideal spot is found, the next step is to prepare the soil for planting. This includes tilling the soil and adding organic matter, such as compost, to improve the soil's fertility. After the soil is properly prepared, it is now time for you to decide which plants to grow. Store-bought soil is also suitable as they are already formulated for certain plant categories but in some cases, you may need to do some modifications such as adding mulch, bark, or perlite to the soil according to specific plant needs. Depending on the space available, a great variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs can be grown. You can also look into hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical gardening if you want to maximize your space.
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Granting you are blessed with a good harvest, the next step is to market the products from your garden. Farmers' markets, local grocery stores, and online marketplaces are great places to start. Additionally, selling directly to restaurants and other businesses can be a great way to make money. Finally, it is important to ensure the garden is properly maintained. This includes weeding regularly, watering plants, and harvesting the produce when it is ready. By following these steps, you can make money from urban gardening while providing fresh produce for your own table.
As awareness continues to grow in topics concerning sustainability and promoting food security, urban gardening or urban agriculture/horticulture has become a great way for people to earn extra cash while also providing themselves and their local community with fresh, locally-grown produce. This practice not only benefits you but also gives back to the community and the environment. In more ways than one, urban farming is profitable if we put our minds, a bit of our time, and a certain amount of effort into it.
I hope you enjoy your gardening journey and learn from the process as you move along. Cheers!
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