The Importance of Urban Farming
Bossy Hen Homestead Fall 2015 |
I am not attempting to be dramatic by claiming that the majority of the worlds ills have to do with poverty. Whether they be financial, spiritual or ethical. I also believe that I would not be overstating a solution to these difficulties if I said that one very important step in the right direction would be empowering people with the ability to control a portion of their own food supply.
There are some very basic requirements for survival. Food , arguably, being the most important. It is easy to forget this in the American fast food culture. Healthy, delicious food is radically important. It is a foundation of survival. It brings family together. It honors guest. There is a reason we "break bread" with those we care about.
We added hens in 2014 |
They were/are vibrant and full of life. I soon realized that food is art in the most intense manner of the word. The taste, the smells, the presentation are not restricted to the overpriced menus of the rich. They are completely obtainable by anyone willing to plant a seed and nurture it. Growing food is one of the most empowering things you will ever do on a regular basis. I promise.
Main Garden @ Bossy Hen Homestead |
One need not own immense amounts of land. They do not need to live alone among a sea of corn or wheat. The truth is that very little space is needed to produce a reasonable amount of your own diet if you are simply willing to be creative and work within the limitations of your property.
Start small. Grow a kitchen garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers and some herbs for your favorite tomato sauce. Gain confidence in your ability. Allow the spark within to grow. The next year expand your plot and add another raised bed or two. Try to grow something new. Go to the library read about gardening, cooking and preserving. Maybe you begin exploring small urban livestock like chickens.
Grow in your front yard too! |
I realize the worlds problems are much larger than one solution. But hunger and poverty are at the root of a lot of them if you take a moment to think about it. Food is one area we do have control over. Take full advantage of it. Grow! Grow! Grow!
Tobias Whitaker blogs
for Mother Earth News and Grit Magazine. Click on the Mother Earth News logo at
the bottom of the page for all of his post. You can also find him on Facebook
at Seed To Harvest: Bossy Hen Homestead https://www.facebook.com/seedtoharvestbossyhenhomestead/
which is a central location for his homesteading blogs and his homeschooling
blog, A Mile In Her Shoes: Tales Of A Stay-At Home Dad found here https://amileinhershoestalesofastayathomedad.wordpress.com/
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