Urban home farming trends

With a desire to grow their own food and find joy in farming, many urban dwellers have started cultivating vegetables and fruit trees in their home gardens or apartments. People especially make use of foam boxes and plastic trays to create “mini” gardens on balconies or in backyards.

When these mini gardens are well-maintained, they can meet the growers’ needs for clean, safe food products. Popular vegetables and fruits grown in major cities include water spinach, cabbage, squash, chili, tomato, lime, citrus fruits, and aloe vera.

Photo: Jennifer M

Many households with spacious yards or rooftops even build aquaponics systems to grow hydroponic vegetables in combination with raising catfish or tilapia. With advantages such as being homemade and safe, growing food at home is becoming increasingly popular.

However, there are also several concerns related to urban mini agriculture. For example, growers must design proper waterproofing and drainage systems to ensure long-term safety for their homes and utility spaces. Plants—especially leafy vegetables—should be grown away from polluted areas such as roads with heavy traffic. Home gardeners must also avoid causing environmental pollution or spreading diseases from their home farming activities, which could affect neighbors and the surrounding community.

Finally, it’s important to research whether your city requires permits or has specific regulations for growing certain plants or raising certain animals, even if these products are not intended for commercial use.

© Jennifer M. August 2019