How to be a farmer
The term "farmer" brings tractors, sprawling arable land, country
living and a veritable feast of other associations flashing into the
mind but what is farming, other than growing and rearing food? Surely
farming doesn't only have a place in the rural world, but in our
backyards too, and by simply taking a step back and breaking down the
fundamentals it is soon apparent that anyone can be a farmer, even in
their own urban jungle.
How to be a farmer
The World Wars of the 20th century certainly caused many suburban
families, caught amidst of turmoil of rations, to look to their
gardens as a source of food. Many kept chickens, grew main crops of
potatoes, salads and other staple vegetables, all to add to their
inadequate ration quota. Though the fast pace modern society has
largely deserted this culture, the impending food crisis, and a
growing feeling for looking after the planet and ourselves, means
that many are now seeking ways to better their lives. Whilst some
flee the cities in search of a rural life, others are snapping up
those last allotment plots. But you simply need to step out of your
back door, start sowing, and become an urban farmer.
Any garden can sustain some form of farming, whether it is directly
into the earth or harnessing the use of pots. One of the most
important aspects to bear in mind in urban farming is the use of
outside sources to fertilise your land. Farming on a large scale in a
rural setting, allows for crop rotation, for self fertilisation, but
on the small scale of city farming the earth on your plot, even if
adequate for the first year, will need continuous fertilisation.
Local stables or city farms can often be a fantastic source of much
needed manure and often offer it for free. Keeping chickens will also
supply a small amount of manure but it is important to remember that,
if feeding with produce from the farming, the nutrient cycle can only
last so long without another source.
Ideally, most urban farmers will turn over a large area of their
garden space to producing food. Whilst it may not allow self
sufficiency it will certainly add pleasure, excitement and tingling
to your taste buds. But urban farming works on even the tiniest
scale. Perhaps hanging baskets with specialised tomato plants, a
planted potato barrel, a deep window box with herbs or carrots. All
of this can be considered as urban farming.
The current climate certainly leads to saving the pennies. The
world's consumption of produce far exceeds its long term growing
capabilities, and growing your own is definitely in vogue right now.
So why not step out your back yard, put in some spuds, scatter some
seeds, and release your inner urban farmer.
How to be a farmer
living and a veritable feast of other associations flashing into the
mind but what is farming, other than growing and rearing food? Surely
farming doesn't only have a place in the rural world, but in our
backyards too, and by simply taking a step back and breaking down the
fundamentals it is soon apparent that anyone can be a farmer, even in
their own urban jungle.
How to be a farmer
The World Wars of the 20th century certainly caused many suburban
families, caught amidst of turmoil of rations, to look to their
gardens as a source of food. Many kept chickens, grew main crops of
potatoes, salads and other staple vegetables, all to add to their
inadequate ration quota. Though the fast pace modern society has
largely deserted this culture, the impending food crisis, and a
growing feeling for looking after the planet and ourselves, means
that many are now seeking ways to better their lives. Whilst some
flee the cities in search of a rural life, others are snapping up
those last allotment plots. But you simply need to step out of your
back door, start sowing, and become an urban farmer.
Any garden can sustain some form of farming, whether it is directly
into the earth or harnessing the use of pots. One of the most
important aspects to bear in mind in urban farming is the use of
outside sources to fertilise your land. Farming on a large scale in a
rural setting, allows for crop rotation, for self fertilisation, but
on the small scale of city farming the earth on your plot, even if
adequate for the first year, will need continuous fertilisation.
Local stables or city farms can often be a fantastic source of much
needed manure and often offer it for free. Keeping chickens will also
supply a small amount of manure but it is important to remember that,
if feeding with produce from the farming, the nutrient cycle can only
last so long without another source.
Ideally, most urban farmers will turn over a large area of their
garden space to producing food. Whilst it may not allow self
sufficiency it will certainly add pleasure, excitement and tingling
to your taste buds. But urban farming works on even the tiniest
scale. Perhaps hanging baskets with specialised tomato plants, a
planted potato barrel, a deep window box with herbs or carrots. All
of this can be considered as urban farming.
The current climate certainly leads to saving the pennies. The
world's consumption of produce far exceeds its long term growing
capabilities, and growing your own is definitely in vogue right now.
So why not step out your back yard, put in some spuds, scatter some
seeds, and release your inner urban farmer.
How to be a farmer