Growing your greens can be a good way to save money; Let’s learn about Urban Homesteading

BY NIKITA YOUNG

Urban homesteading is the hot new thing in the self-sustainable movement. As people lose their jobs and start to realize that they may get shut out of society (if they do not take the jab), there seems to be an uprising in those who plan to grow food this year. The term “Urban Homesteading” refers to growing food and processing it at home in the city. Spring is approaching and the seasoned growers are already planting their seeds for this year’s crops indoors so that they will have a head start. At times, you may need to be a little creative to grow food in a concrete jungle, but where there’s a will there is a way.

In city dwellings, it can be hard to find a space to grow your food especially if you want to grow fruit and vegetables that require a lot of sun. Those with limited space for growing outside could use containers or grow bags. Almost anything you plant in the ground can be planted and grown in containers. Grow walls have also been popular amongst urban homesteaders, grow walls are made with small pockets that hang on the wall that usually are used to grow different types of lettuces and herbs. Another option for anyone looking for space to grow food this year is in a community garden. Many parks and private organizations offer growing space for rent in community gardens.

If you are limited to growing only indoors, microgreens and lettuces are a good option to work with. Growing your greens can be a good way to save money and eat more nutrient-filled food. Here in Ontario, our summers are bountiful, many fruits and vegetables are grown in the province. Vegetables that can be grown from early in the season are things like bell peppers, broccoli, and kale, if the seeds are started indoors then transplanted outside when things warm up by the end of April you will be able to start harvesting some things by mid-May.

It’s rewarding growing your food but not everyone has a green thumb. The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to grow your food to be an urban homesteader. There are ways to get fresh organic produce from farmers such as: visiting local farms, from friends that grow, or by going to local farmers’ markets. The idea behind homesteading is to have more control over where your food supply comes from and to process and store your food so that you have a long-term supply. Preserving food you ensures that there aren’t any added synthetic preservatives. Your food will be healthier overall. Ways to preserve your food: canning, dehydrating, and freezing your foods. Over the summer these food preservation methods can be used to keep foods well into winter.

If you are new to growing and preserving food it can be a fun and useful thing to learn. Organic, locally grown produce is better for both you and the environment overall. Less transportation is needed and you get the food freshly picked so more nutrients are retained. Creating food security for yourself and your family is important these days when things are so uncertain. Getting to know local farmers that provide the foods you like is a huge asset.

Every choice we make has a direct impact on our lives. By supporting local farmers you are ensuring the preservation of our resources and keeping money flowing in the local economy rather than supporting corporations that do not source produce from small sustainable farms. In turn, you will be eating healthier and living better overall.