By Anne Consroe
Rising prices for food and produce coupled with the growing local-food movement, are prompting consumers to grow their own fruits and vegetables in back-yard gardens. But what if your backyard is a small-slab of concrete? A rooftop or a balcony? Or simply a windowsill? Although more of a challenge, even city-dwellers can find ways to grow their own produce.
Potted plants provide an opportunity to grow small quantities of produce, given sufficient light. Herbs grow very well in pots, and supply fresh herbs year-round if kept from inclement weather. Many vegetables can also thrive in pots. With a generously sized container (small containers can stunt plants with large root systems, and can dry out faster than larger pots), good potting soil, and 6 hours of sunshine a day, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers will flourish.
Community gardens offer another opportunity for city-dwellers to grow their own vegetables. There are an estimated 10,000 community gardens in the
Alth
ough not directly growing produce for your consumption, another way to sustainably acquire fresh and local produce in the city is to purchase a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share from a nearby farm. CSA shares can be purchased at the beginning of the growing season, and provide boxes of fresh produce delivered to the supporter on a regular basis. They are growing in popularity, especially in cities. And of course, farmers markets also offer fresh local produce to city-dwellers.
Wherever you live, opportunities exist to grow your own produce and reap the benefits. You will get personal satisfaction from growing your own food and enjoying tastier, fresher produce. You will receive health benefits associated with fresh produce, and environmental benefits from choosing not to buy your tomatoes from across the country.
For more information on community gardens, please visit
http://www.communitygarden.org/
Photos From:
http://www.nccaregina.ca/
http://www.themomentstudio.com/
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