Grow what you eat!

How to grow food in the city.

Grow what you eat even when you live in the city without a yard. Grow foods like lettuce, greens, and herbs in containers. It's easy, healthy, and saves money. All you need are seeds, soil, and a container. Add water and sunshine, then eat!

seeds

Get seeds of what you want to eat. Mixtures add variety for the same price and work well in small spaces. They grow and mature at different times and add variety to your life. Look online.

Last year's seeds still germinate and grow. Buy extra seeds at the end of the season when they're on sale. Ask to borrow some from other gardeners. Remember to share what you have with others.

soil

Get dirt. It's everywhere. Try construction sites or vacant lots. Seek out other gardeners and community gardens. Who has a compost pile? Parks are a no-no but park staff can be verrrrry helpful. Buy it if you have to. Save it, compost it, re-use it.

When you find worms on the sidewalk when it rains, bring some home to add to your garden. Get two or three so they don't get lonely.

container

Pots or recycled, it really don't matter. Do you already have pots? Great you're ready to get started. craigslist, yard sales, second hand stores, or brand new store bought. Better yet recycle a plastic food tub or discarded packaging. Be creative.

The important things to consider are the size and drainage. If you're going to grow carrots you need a deep container with good drainage. If you're growing lettuce you can use a shallower container because the roots are shorter. Read about how to grow something and adapt it to your growing conditions. Be creative.

water + sunshine

You're old enough to know that one needs water and sun to grow plants. So I'm assuming you've thought about where you'd like to put your new garden.

Well, where are your other house plants? Are they doing well? Is there room next to them?

Windows are obvious but what about balconies, rooftops, and patios? Do you have access to an area that's sunny and undisturbed? Use it!

Grow more of what you eat. It's healthy, easy, and saves money. Teach your children how to grow their own food. Let them taste what they've grown. Learn as you go, do it with others, consider a community garden. Enjoy!

This effort was inspired by Bucket Brigade, a project of the Urban Land Army.

Our childrens' children will thank you.

I highly recommend The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems by Van Jones