The demand for organic food is growing at a record pace. People are becoming health conscious and in doing so are paying more attention to what they eat and where it comes from. The best way to ensure the quality of your produce is to grow it yourself. After harvesting a crop of spicy jalapeno peppers that you watched grow from seed; homemade salsa will take on a whole new meaning. This can seem a daunting task but with the help of experienced growers you can be very successful in a short period of time. Biodynamics and whole system concepts are changing the way people are setting up gardens. Tilapia ponds and aquaculture is an ancient technique that is being adapted to modern urban settings.
Urban gardening and mini farming has become a great way for people to take back control of the food supply. Most areas of the planet can support some kind of growing operation although various techniques such as greenhouses, heaters, and cooling systems can be used to extend growing seasons.
Growing and farming is a great way to get kids interested in nature and science. They can better understand the connection we have with the earth and the complex systems of life involved. Ecosystems in neighborhoods have also been shown to benefit from increased plant diversity. Mini farming and especially planting fruit trees helps provide for wild bee populations.
New construction projects should be designed to include landscape features that include spaces for grow boxes. Raised planter beds and trellises make the actual physical work in the garden much easier by bringing the plants up to waist level for ease. With a drip irrigation system installed the maintenance can be greatly reduced, new technology is allowing wireless control and remote monitoring of your crops.
When starting construction of a garden or new landscaping feature it is a good idea to talk to a designer or Landscape Architect. These industry professionals can help steer you in the right direction when making important decisions about what crops to grow, how to set up the garden.
Once you have tasted a fresh carrot grow in your own backyard no store bought alternative will ever be the same.
