Have you ever thought about growing your own food? Maybe getting a few chickens for fresh eggs? How about planting citrus trees or an herb garden? If you have any of the above, you are already part of one of the newest and fastest growing trends Backyard farming which is also referred to as “urban farming” or “urban homesteading. They are popping up in big cities everywhere.
It has become fashionable to grow you own food and even raise chickens or goats in cities. You wouldn’t know it to look at me but I am a backyard farmer. I live in Kenner, the 8th largest city in Louisiana and grow vegetable, herbs, citrus and raise chickens.
With the rising cost of food and in some cases, the lack of availability, growing your own food make sense. It helps with the grocery bills. An herb garden insures you always have fresh herbs available. Also, because they are still growing, you only harvest what you need and the rest doesn’t spoil. Don’t you hate it when you spend 4 bucks for a bunch of parsley and throw most of it away because you didn’t use it all before it spoils? I know I do. And herbs are relatively easy to grow and usually give a bumper crop.
Another reason to grow your own food is you control the chemicals. You can get heirloom seeds that aren’t genetically modified. Homegrown and chemical free fruits and vegetables also have a higher content of vitamins and minerals. There are also many ways to control insects naturally so you don’t have to use toxins. One way is to plant garlic in with your veggies or herbs. It chases away bugs and you end up with garlic.
Container gardening in the city makes things easier. There is less weeding and watering. While containers can be expensive, I find creative ways to plant my crops. Many of my herbs are planted in old plastic totes, the ones with cracks in them or don’t have lids. Since they are useless, I drill some holes in the bottom, fill them with mud and plant. For my bigger crops like tomatoes and green beans, I buy used food grade plastic drums and cut them in half. I get 2 pots for the price of one. Canvas planting bags are in expensive and are great for planting potatoes and sweet potatoes.
Citrus trees take more room and need plenty of sunshine. Consider dwarf fruit trees as they can grow them in pots though the yield will be smaller. They are easy to grow and don’t require much care.
Include a scrap garden. Green onions, lettuce and celery are 3 vegetables that will regrow easily. Cut off the root end and plant it. As it regrows, cut the regrowth and use it in recipes. This is free. If your onions start to sprout, plant them. I do and in 3 or so months, I have onions.
Where to start? Well, the answer to that is easy. Now listen carefully. START SMALL. Remember, you only have a small space. Make a plan. Choose plants that grow well in your area. Gather the equipment you will need. Keep in mind the amount time you have to care for your garden. As your gardening skills grow, grow your garden.
Chickens are easy to raise and will lay one egg a day until the weather gets cold. When buying chicks be sure to know the store’s return policy and do they guarantee the chicks have been sexed. Most cities have a limit on the number of chickens you can have so you don’t want a rooster. A coop is needed and in spite of living in a city, we still have racoons, hawks and eagles nearby. Chickens are easy prey because when danger approaches, they squat and are easy prey. My chickens are kept in a fenced in area. It is also covered with netting to keep the birds away.
Gardening has so many benefits. In addition to providing food and helping to reduce grocery bills, the backyard famer spends time outdoors and has the added benefit of getting fresh air and much needed Vitamin D. Daily exercise is another benefit. Gardening as a hobby is a great way to reduce stress and is a great way to rejuvenate the mind. There is a sense of satisfaction of a job well done when you bite into a vegetable you grew.
I hope you will consider starting a backyard farm. Gardening is a great activity for the whole family. Children can choose what they want to plant and care for. It helps teach them responsibility. When you combine gardening with cooking, children develop important life skills like teamwork, measuring, following directions and problem solving. When the family spends time in the kitchen cooking, they connect in so many ways.
Growing your own food can benefit you and your family in so many way. Let me know in the comments if you are a farmer in the big city or the country.