Urban farming changes communities, and is a movement sweeping across urban America.
As a result, fresh vegetables and fruit, often virtually inaccessible in many inner city neighborhoods, become available.
Community cooperation emerges from "ownership" in such endeavors that serve as community development and organizing labs.
The gardens can even serve as solar energy classrooms, crime watch tools and opportunities for residents to take hold of more control over their environments.
Watch this CNN video. Then, share your impressions. Anyone out there had experience with an urban garden or farm?
We turned our whole backyard into a garden in north city St. Louis. It has been an interesting conversation piece with neighbors. I know our church pastor and another couple have gardens as well.
ReplyDeleteI think there are several benefits to gardening in urban settings: Our communal food budget is cheaper. It promotes healthy nutrition. It helps to follow the rhythms and cycle of nature by eating in season and depending on God/land. It's an interesting way to engage neighbors. And since the gospel account is rooted in agriculture, its amazing how much the stories and parables come alive with new understanding.
This is our first year, but we did pretty well with minimal watering and no fertilizer/pesticide. Urban soils are completely untapped. We're beginning to get excited about planting some fall/winter crops and doing even better next year.