When we first looked into growing our own food, we had the idea that, in order to be successful, you needed acres of land and thousands of dollars. Our research brought up food forests, permaculture, fertilizers, and farm equipment to make gardening more efficient. We had all of these ideas in our heads of what we needed to do in order to create a sustainable lifestyle without the money in our wallets to grow on a large scale.
But the thing is, you don’t need any of that. If you have a market garden or just a windowsill, you can start growing and harvesting your own food. Eating healthy and controlling the quality of your produce is possible wherever you are. After doing some research, we put together some tips on how to get started growing food wherever you live.
Small-Scale Options
Container Gardening
Container gardening is a growing trend for people who want to enjoy the benefits of growing their own food but don’t have the space for a traditional garden. Commonly used by urban farmers or apartment dwellers, container gardens can be placed on patios, balconies, rooftops, and even on a south-facing windowsill. One of the great things about container gardening is that it allows you to grow food without needing a lot of space.
One of the most important aspects of container gardening is making sure you are using the right pots. It’s imperative to choose containers that are large enough to support the plants you want to grow, have drainage holes to prevent rot, and have adequate space for plant roots.
For example, plants like tomatoes thrive when they are planted deep, often needing 12 inches or more of soil depth. Other vegetables, such as lettuce, have more shallow root systems and may be grown in containers that allow for a depth of 10-6 inches of soil.
Common containers used for gardening are 5-gallon buckets, grow bags, barrels, GreenStalks, and even kiddie pools. You can use store-bought potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost. When you use containers to garden, you will need to fertilize frequently (every 2-4 weeks) to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.
When choosing plants for your container garden, be sure to look for varieties that are well-suited for growing in small spaces. Some vegetables that do well in containers include lettuce, spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, herbs, and tomatoes. Plants like pumpkins and squash tend to sprawl, making them difficult to grow in small spaces.
If you are limited on space but want to grow your own food, container gardening is a great way to start. Not only is it easy to grow when you don’t have a yard, but start-up costs are minimal.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are a great way to grow your own food if you lack space. They’re typically managed by a local organization, and anyone can join. This is a great option for those who can’t have their own garden and live in an urban area. They also provide an opportunity to meet other gardeners and learn from their experiences.
Each community garden is different, so it’s important to do your research before joining one. Some gardens require that you pay a fee or work a certain number of hours per week in order to participate. Others may have a waiting list. To find a community garden near you, start by doing an internet search or checking with your local parks and recreation department.
If you don’t have a backyard or are looking to meet like-minded individuals, community gardens are a great way to grow your own food. They provide an opportunity to meet other gardeners, build local supports, and control what you eat.
Vertical Gardening
Another option for those with limited space is vertical gardening. Vertical gardening can be done on porches, in small backyards, and for those who don’t have much green space but do have a fence. This type of gardening allows you to grow up instead of out, giving you the option to grow your own food without needing acres of land. Vertical gardens can be created using trellises, fences, walls, or even recycled materials like rain gutters or old ladders.
Some benefits of vertical gardening are that it can help protect your plants from pests and diseases. When plants are grown vertically, it’s harder for many animals to steal your produce. Additionally, vertical gardens can improve air circulation around your plants, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Harvesting is easy as, instead of bending down and searching through foliage, most of your harvest is going to be at eye level and easy to spot.
If you’re interested in gardening vertically, some plants that do well include cucumbers, peas, beans, tomatoes, and squash. These plants “vine” and typically take up a lot of space when grown on the ground. Melons and pumpkins can also be grown this way but may require additional support to prevent them from falling off your trellis.
If you have a small backyard (or none altogether), vertical gardening is a great way to make the most of your space and grow a variety of food.
Microgreens
Microgreens are a type of sprout that is harvested when the plant is young, typically when it’s about 2-4 inches tall. These are a nutrient-packed option that can be grown indoors and are often used as a garnish or added to salads. Microgreens are easy to grow and require minimal space.
To grow microgreens, you’ll need a shallow container, some potting mix, grow lights and your chosen seeds. Once you have your materials, fill your container with potting mix and lightly moisten it. Then, sprinkle your seeds over the surface of the soil. You can cover it with a humidity dome or a 1020 tray. Mist daily and remove after a few days once your seeds are established.
Place your container under grow lights or in a sunny spot, and keep the soil moist. In about a week, you should see your microgreens start to sprout. Once they reach 2-4 inches tall, they’re ready to harvest. Use sharp scissors to cut the greens at the base of the stem.
You can grow a variety of microgreens, including arugula, radishes, mustard greens, and kale. They make a great addition to salads and sandwiches and can be grown year-round from the comfort of your own home.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a type of gardening that doesn’t use soil. Instead, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution, usually with the addition of grow lights. This can be used to grow a wide variety of plants, including smaller vegetables, such as lettuce, and culinary herbs.
While many people choose to make elaborate hydroponic systems, it can be a great option for those with limited space. Products such as the Areogarden can be bought at most popular retail stores and allow you to garden from the convenience of your kitchen. Most hydroponic systems are set up indoors, making them a great option for gardeners in colder climates or those without an abundant amount of yard space.
To get started with hydroponics, you’ll need a container, some plants, and a nutrient-rich water solution. This solution is typically made up of water and a variety of minerals that are essential for plant growth. Much like with container growing, hydroponic systems require that you fertilize plants every 2-4 weeks. Without soil, plants grown in a hydroponic system will not have access to many of the nutrients they need to survive, so it’s important to be vigilant about fertilizing.
Stagnant water is not well-oxygenated and may lead to a buildup of algae. To help your plants, your hydroponic system needs to have air flowing through it. Many growers will use a pump, which will help your plant’s roots then use oxygen to absorb nutrients better.
Hydroponics is a great way to grow plants in a limited space. With hydroponics, you can grow food indoors or outdoors, making it a versatile option for gardeners of all levels.
Large-Scale Options
In-Ground Garden
If you have a yard, it is possible to create an in-ground garden. This type of garden is easy to set up and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance if you are starting with ideal conditions. Many gardeners with adequate space chose to begin with this method as startup costs are generally minimal.
When choosing a spot, look for an area in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. Your soil needs to be a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. You can take a sample to your local cooperative extension office, and they will be able to tell you what type of soil you have and make suggestions on how to improve it. If your ground is rocky, however, your best option may be to bring in raised beds and fill with compost.
If you need to, add compost or manure to the soil to improve its quality. While some people choose to till their space, the best method to use when trying to replenish your soil is the Back to Eden method. This uses a no-till gardening technique that involves covering the ground with biodegradable material, such as cardboard or wood chips, then adding compost. The wood chips will help to improve drainage, smother weeds, and provide your plants with essential nutrients.
After prepping your soil, you are ready to plant. You can either start your own plants from seed, buy them from a nursery, or direct sow. If you are starting from scratch, it is best to start your plants indoors 6-8 weeks before your first or last frost date. Once your plants are ready to be transplanted, space them according to their needs. This can typically be found on your seed packet or with a quick internet search.
In-ground gardens are a great option for those with some space to spare. They’re easy to set up, have a low start-up cost, and enable you to grow a variety of food.
Greenhouse growing
Greenhouses are a great way to start seeds and grow food. They provide protection from the elements and can extend your growing season if you live in an area with harsh winters.
Greenhouses can be both purchased and built. When purchasing, costs can range anywhere from $50 for a small, plastic portable greenhouse to $20,000 for a commercially built wooden structure. If you’re handy, you can build your own for a fraction of the cost, and there are many free plans available online.
Greenhouses allow you to regulate your humidity as well as heat your growing area. Depending on your needs, you may want to purchase or build a greenhouse with automatic vents that open and close based on the temperature. Heating can be done with a variety of methods, including electric heaters, wood stoves, and solar heat. Walipini, or sunken greenhouses, even use the earth’s mass to regulate temperature.
Greenhouses can be a great option for those who want to grow food year-round or start their plants early. They provide protection from the elements and offer the flexibility to extend your growing season.
High tunnel growing
High tunnels, also known as hoop houses, are a type of greenhouse that can be used to grow food year-round. They provide protection from the elements and can help extend your growing season.
Frequently used by market farmers and gardeners, kits can be purchased online. Companies such as Growers Solution offer sizes ranging from 16×16 to 16×96. High tunnels offer the flexibility of lowering and raising your sidewalls. While greenhouses may be unusable during the summer due to the “greenhouse effect” where heat is trapped inside, high tunnels can be vented to regulate temperature.
When setting up your high tunnel, make sure that it is in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. The location should also be level and have good drainage. If you’re concerned about wind damage, you can anchor your structure in the ground or with concrete blocks. Shade cloths can also be utilized during the high heat of summer.
High tunnels are a great option for those who want to grow food year-round. They’re easy to set up and maintain, and they provide protection from all elements.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a type of gardening that combines both fish and plants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish.
Aquaponics can be done on a small or large scale. There are many commercial aquaponics farms, but it is also possible to set up a system in your backyard. If you’re interested in starting your own aquaponic system, there are many resources available online.
When setting up an aquaponic system, you’ll need to consider the size of your tank, the number of fish, and the type of plants you want to grow. It’s important to have a balance between the number of fish and the amount of plants in your system. Too many fish will result in water that is too polluted for the plants, and too few fish will not provide enough nutrients.
Aquaponics is a great option for those who want to grow food year-round or for those who want to grow food efficiently. They provide a sustainable way to produce food and offer the flexibility to extend your growing season.
Raised Beds
Raised bed gardens are a great option for those with back problems or if you have rocky ground. While start-up costs may be considerable depending on the size of your space, many people find that raised beds are worth the investment. They also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing and easier to weed than in-ground gardens.
Raised beds can be bought or made and come in a variety of sizes. Methods, such as the hügelkultur method, use logs, branches, leaves, and grass clippings placed in the bottom of the beds to reduce the cost of bringing in compost. This method allows you to fill up your beds with 50% of organic matter and 50% compost. Common materials to build raised beds include wood, galvanized metal, and stone. When choosing materials, be sure to select something that will last for several years and won’t rot or rust.
Much like in-ground gardens, make sure that it gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. Depending on the material you use to build your raised garden beds, you may need to line the bottom with hardware cloth or chicken wire to prevent animals from digging in.
Raised beds are a great option for those with less than ideal soil conditions or mobility issues. They’re easy to set up, maintain, and allow you to grow hundreds of pounds of food.
Growing your own food
Growing your own food is a great way to save money and eat healthy locally-grown produce. There are many different ways, and the best option for you will depend on your needs and resources. Small-scale options, such as container and vertical gardening, can be done anywhere, while larger-scale options, such as in-ground gardening and high tunnel growing, may require more space. Aquaponics is a great option for those who are looking to grow their food sustainably and efficiently.
No matter what option you choose, growing your own food is a rewarding experience that can provide you and your family with delicious, healthy produce.
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