Urban Gardening Empowers Everyone
There’s a green revolution happening even in the concrete jungle. With urban gardening, the less space available, the more possible creative uses for that space. Gardens can be spotted sprouting up on rooftops, in empty lots, building-side planter boxes, re-claimed tires and even sidewalk medians.
In West Oakland, City Slicker Farms (www.cityslickerfarms.org) was started in 2001 by community members in response to the total lack of healthy food available in the neighborhood. They began with a small farm on one empty lot and a weekly farm stand. Today there are seven community market farms (open to the public), over one hundred backyard gardens, a weekly farm stand, greenhouse, and urban farming education programs, all with the goal of empowering community members to meet the basic and immediate need for healthy, organic food.
City Slicker Farms is one of many Oakland organizations that contribute to a global effort to feed folks in cities. Half the world’s population is urban based, and, according to the RUAF Foundation (Resource Centres on Urban Agriculture and Food Security)(www.ruaf.org), for a city of 10 million people (26 exist currently worldwide), 6000 tons of food must be imported each day. Millions of people in cities don’t have access to fresh, healthy, organic food at all.
So many issues are at stake here. With population growth, over-dependence on petroleum, and rising food prices (to name but a few), growing food close to home just makes sense, in urban and suburban areas alike. It also beautifies and builds community, and no price tag can be placed on the value of growing something green.
With urban gardening, there are no limits. The goal is reclaiming resources--use what’s already on hand--Worn out pair of shoes? Fill them with dirt and plant some herbs. Lunch boxes, buckets, baskets, watering cans–-these can all be used as garden containers. Get the kids involved and have them paint containers with bright colors. When choosing containers, make sure there is adequate drainage and room for roots to grow. Check out The Container Gardening Guide (http://www.containergardeningtips.com/) for all you need to know.
For larger raised beds, wood, stones, hay bales, old wine barrels, bathtubs, wheelbarrows and even plastic wading pools will do the trick. If you live in an apartment building, talk to the landlord about rooftop container gardens. No outdoor space at all? Lettuces and herbs can be grown in window-side containers. Find out if there are any community gardens where you live. Benicia now has two. For those interested in getting involved, contact Marylin Bardet at mjbardet@sbcglobal.net.
Water, sunlight, drainage, and soil conditions are all important factors to think about when designing a garden. Many city dumps are now selling compost at a good price. In Benicia, Organic Solutions (www.cclorganics.com) sells soil blends, mulches, and compost mixes. Ace Hardware sells organic seeds, and heirloom seeds can be purchased online through the Sustainable Seed Co. (www.sustainableseedco.com) in Petaluma. With a little research, planning, and creativity, homegrown edibles and fragrant flowers can enhance everyone’s existence.
