If you’re interested in gardening but live in the city, don’t worry! Urban Farming is here to show you that you can grow plants even in a small space at home. This article will guide you through the basics of urban gardening at home and the types and advantages of urban farming, making it easy for you to start your own garden right in the heart of the city. Let us know how to start urban agriculture in India and what are some of the major plants planted in urban farming.
What Is Urban Farming?
Urban farming also known as urban agriculture and urban gardening is the practice of growing plants and rearing animals within urban environments. It’s all about using vacant plots, rooftops/terraces, and even indoor spaces to produce fresh and locally-sourced produce. The benefits are clear – urban farming can help solve problems related to food security, resource efficiency, and community connection. Plus, it’s a great way to add some greenery to urban areas and get fresh food.
7 Main Types of Urban Farming
These different types of urban gardening allow you to get creative. From containers to vertical gardens, there are lots of options to choose from. So let’s get started and get to know the main types of urban farming at home.
1) Community Gardens:
Community gardens are a great way for people to come together and cultivate a plot of land. It’s like your own mini-farm where you can grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers. The popular idea is to learn from each other and build a sense of community through this shared space. Plus, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while doing something productive.
2) Vertical Gardening:
Vertical gardening is a great way to make the most of your space. It is all about using walls, fences, or specially designed-structures to grow plants in a space-saving way. Not only is it stunning to look at, but it can also help purify the air and provide some much-needed comfort to your space. Plus, it’s perfect for people who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space.
3) Rooftop Gardening:
Transforming rooftops into gardens is known as rooftop gardening or terrace gardening. It’s a wonderful way to create a beautiful garden on top of a building where plants can flourish and thrive. This not only adds greenery but also helps with insulation.
4) Raised Beds:
Gardening in raised beds is like raising a mini-garden off the ground and they make it much easier to control soil quality and prevent weeds from growing. Plus, they’re much easier to manage than traditional plant beds grown in the ground.
5) Container Gardens:
Gardening in containers is perfect for those who have limited space. It’s like creating mini-gardens in pots, grow bags, buckets, or any containers. You can place them on balconies, patios, or even windowsills.
(Read More: Optimal Grow Bag Sizes for Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits…)
6) Indoor Gardening:
Indoor gardening is like bringing the outdoors in! It’s all about growing plants inside your home. This is a simple type of urban farming where we can create a mini forest in your living room and grow herbs, small vegetables, or ornamental plants.
7) Hydroponic or Aquaponic Gardening:
Hydroponic or aquaponic gardening is a great concept where plants can grow without soil, they’re nourished by water with added nutrients. But it gets even better with aquaponics, which combines plant growth with fish farming. Fish waste actually provides nutrients for the plants, and in turn, the plants clean the water for the fish. This is a great way to set up a sustainable and eco-friendly garden.
(Read More: Top Gardening Tools and Their Uses in Home Gardening…)
How to Start Urban Farming
Urban agriculture offers a profitable and eco-friendly way to grow your own fresh fruits and vegetables at home, even if you have limited space. Here is a simple guide to help you get started on your urban farming journey:
Set Your Approach:
First, think about how you want to do urban gardening. Do you want to use containers, raised beds, or vertical structures? The choice depends on how much space you have and what resources are available.
Choose your plants:
Consider your local climate, how much sunlight your location gets, and how much space you have. Choose plants that can thrive in these conditions. To start, choose easy-to-grow options like herbs, leafy greens, and common vegetables.
Prepare Soil:
If you are using pots/grow bags or raised beds, get good quality potting soil. Make sure it is well-drained and has enough nutrients. You can also use a ready-to-use potting soil mix to get your plants flourishing with little effort.
Find the right location:
Find the sunniest spot nearby. Mainly vegetables and herbs need about 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you’re growing plants indoors, find a sunny spot or consider using artificial light.
Plant your seeds or seedlings:
Get seeds or small plants (seedlings) from a local nursery or online. Follow the directions on the seed packet as to how deep to plant them and how much space is needed. Water them gently after planting.
(Read More: The Ultimate Vegetable Planting Calendar Chart for Home Garden…)
Watering and Care:
Keep the soil moist, but don’t keep it wet. Water in the morning or in the afternoon to dry out the leaves of the plant. Check regularly for pests and remove any weeds you see.
Feed Them:
Feed your plants a slow-release organic fertilizer such as vermicompost, cow manure, mustard cake, bone meal, bio npk fertilizer, etc. Follow the directions on the packaging.
Keep Pests Away:
Keep an eye out for insects like aphids, caterpillars or snails. You can use natural solutions like neem oil or special soaps to keep them away. Good spacing and fresh air also help deter pests.
Harvest time:
When your plants are ready, it’s time to harvest them. Different plants show different signs of ripeness. For example, tomatoes should be red and slightly soft, while lettuce is ready when the leaves are large enough. So know the harvesting days of your urban garden plants and cut them within the right time.
(Read More: Tips for Growing Plants in Small Spaces: Maximizing Greenery in Limited Areas..)
Major Crops Planted in Urban Farming
Plants Category |
Plants Name |
Where to Buy |
Green Leafy Vegetables |
Spinach |
|
Coriander |
||
Kale |
||
Lettuce |
||
Herbs |
Curry Leaves |
N/A |
Basil |
||
Mint |
||
Watercress |
||
Fruits |
Strawberries |
|
Guava |
N/A |
|
Avocado |
N/A |
|
Sapota (Chikoo) |
N/A |
|
Mangoes |
N/A |
|
Banana |
N/A |
|
Citrus (Lemon, Orange, etc.) |
N/A |
|
Cherry |
N/A |
|
Common Vegetables |
Tomato |
|
Brinjal (Eggplant) |
||
Chili |
||
Capsicum (Bell Pepper) |
||
Beans |
||
Pea |
||
Gourd Vegetables |
Bottle Gourd |
|
Sponge Gourd |
||
Bitter Gourd |
||
Cruciferous Vegetable |
Cauliflower |
|
Cabbage |
||
Pok Choi |
||
Root Vegetables |
Potato |
N/A |
Sweet Potato |
N/A |
|
Radish |
||
Beetroot |
||
Turmeric |
||
Ginger |
||
Carrot |
||
Non-Food Plants |
Medicinal Plants |
N/A |
Aromatic Plants |
N/A |
|
Decorative Plants |
N/A |
Tips for Starting Urban Farming
- Know Your Climate: Knowing your climate is important when it comes to choosing the crops that will thrive in your area.
- Start Simple: It’s always best to start small with a few crops that are easy to grow and maintain.
- Consistent Care: Regular watering, proper nutrition, and pest control are important.
- Learn and Adapt: Be prepared to learn from both successes and challenges and adapt your strategies as needed.
Benefits of Urban Gardening
Certainly! Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of the advantages of urban farming:
Improves Overall Health:
Urban farming is a fantastic way to promote physical and mental well-being. Growing your own fresh fruits and veggies not only provides your body with essential vitamins and nutrients, but it can also be a fun and rewarding hobby. Tending to our plants and being outside in the fresh air can have a significant impact on our mood and overall happiness. It’s like exercise for our body and mind!
Provides Food Security:
Urban gardening at home helps us to become more self-reliant when it comes to food. Instead of completely depending on stores, you can grow your own food. This means you have a source of fresh and healthy food right at your doorstep.
Reduces Food Waste:
Growing your own food is a great way to make sure you always have fresh produce that’s perfectly ripe and ready to eat. Plus, when you have your own mini market, you don’t have to worry about buying a lot of food from the store, and food doesn’t get wasted.
Preserve Green Spaces:
Creating small gardens is a great idea in urban spaces. It is important to have more greenery in the city, as it helps in keeping the air clean and fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to add some beauty to your surroundings!
(Read More: Create a Beautiful Balcony Garden: Ideal Plants for Home Decoration…)
Urban farming isn’t just a trend; It is a transformative movement to get fresh and healthy food and be around nature. By understanding its essence, advantages, types, methods, and steps to start urban agriculture at home, one can embark on this green journey.