How Urban Farming can Make a Difference In Los Angeles

urban farming

 

If you live in Los Angeles, you can grow healthier and more affordable foods at home. And it doesn’t have to be hard – even with that limited space you have. In this post, we’ll cover how urban farming can make a difference in Los Angeles. And why you should give it a shot.

But first things first.

What is urban farming?

This is the process of growing food in a heavily populated city. Whether you want to set up a personal garden or grow fresh produce, Los Angeles is a sure bet.

Are you curious about the benefits of urban farming?

Read on.

Promoting a healthy community

Urban Farming increases access to healthy and affordable produce. You also get a unique opportunity to learn about nutrition. Also, numerous urban programs help you to engage the locals on the benefits of eating a healthy diet. Growing your food means access to nutritious foods like herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

And with the advancement of technology, you can now grow food where it was previously impossible. This explains why Los Angeles urban farming is a viable option, especially in places where space is limited. It’s not surprising to find that some people have embraced urban agriculture.

The health benefits of producing rich food are almost unbeatable. They include:

  • Vegetables are rich in fiber
  • You get foods rich in folate, potassium, and essential vitamins
  • Vegetables are cholesterol-free

When you go to the local grocery store, you have little control over the food you get. But with urban farming, you get full control of the harvesting time, light exposure, growing conditions, etc. Why go for that heavily a bruised carrot?

Can reduce food insecurity

Urban farming can allow you to grow and harvest healthy food. You not only conserve land but also reduce carbon footprints. While growing food in the city brings sustainable solutions, it also helps to mitigate the challenges.

Think about it – urban farming can be as little as setting up an outdoor rooftop. You can use also use indoor vertical farms or UV lighting to mimic the effects of the sun.

Food insecurity is not a concept that exists in isolation. It can lead to health problems, low wages, poor housing, etc. Some of the tips that can be used to reduce food insecurity include:

  • Reduce food waste
  • Subsurface irrigation
  • Close the yield gap

To bring green spaces to an urban area

Los Angeles hosts many people, which is evident with the less green spaces. There’s always a consensus when people should reclaim nature. It’s no wonder some cities are viewed as places where true nature ends. And it’s within such cities that contemporary solutions of how to live a sustainable life are found. When growing cities put too much pressure on common agricultural practices, it leads to:

  • Costly processing
  • Complex food supply chains
  • Increased food insecurity
  • Prolonged distribution networks

With this in mind, Los Angeles Urban Farming can bring deep connections to the global economy. That’s not all – you get a sense of belonging.

Improves quality of life

Los Angeles urban farming fosters a connection with nature and can lead to better wellbeing. Numerous studies have also shown that cities that practice farming report fewer respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases.

Localized food production means that it travels less from the farm to the table. Farmers also adopt environmentally-friendly fertilizers – no use of chemicals or pesticides.

That’s not all. Urban farming can give you control over the conditions, water, and compost you want to use. You can also grow unique heirloom varieties that may be susceptible to pests and diseases. Of course, you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables as soon as they are ready. You don’t have to worry about shelf life.

urban farming Los Angeles

Grow food all year round

Urban farming gives so many options as long as you have space. You can go for rooftop gardening, hydroponic gardening, or just container gardening. In addition to that, you don’t have to worry about drought and water.

You also have control over the location. It’s up to you to choose what you want to grow, how, and where you wish to grow. It’s worth mentioning that urban farming uses 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

To ensure you have enough food supply, you should keep a few things in mind. The most critical factor in choosing the right plants for urban farming. If you want to grow foods for personal use, you can start with vegetables. The best have a shorter growth period and ensures maximum profit. Some of the foods you can plant during spring include:

  • Lettuce
  • Celery
  • Spinach
  • Beets
  • Cucumbers

If you have a good watering system, you can plant vegetables that extend to the spring season. You can also plant kales, peppers, or beans. Other vegetables you can try during winter are:

  • Turnips
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflowers
  • Cabbage
  • Peas

Don’t be afraid to grow herbs alongside your vegetables. Some of the best herbs to consider are Dill, thyme, lavender, sage, and oregano.

Tips to help you grow more in your garden

Well, you want to grow foods that your family loves to eat. Some of the tips that will prevent your veggies from hogging include:

  • Veggies that occupy a lot of space can be grown vertically
  • You should separate the space hogs – use separate containers to plant veggies and herbs.
  • Create steps to ensure all plants get the same amount of sunshine
  • Use hanging baskets on the porch, deck, and balcony

Can boost the local economy

Local food systems have a positive effect on the economy. In other words, more restaurants and schools will seek local food. This is good news for businesses and entrepreneurs. Even better, Los Angeles urban farming can lead to employment. And as the local activities rise, more money circulates within the city.

Urban farming can help you learn a new skill. Most people who live in urban areas have forgotten where their food comes from. You never know – maybe you can develop a new farming method.

If you don’t have the skills to start urban farming, you can get assistance from the local garden community council. A mentor can also help with all matters that relate to managing a garden.

Improves thermal insulation in buildings

Just like other cities in the Western world, most buildings in Los Angeles have rooftops and are a contributor to the urban plight. If you plant vegetables on the rooftop, you’ll notice colder temperatures in summer months and greater warmth in cold months. From a statistical standpoint, it’s estimated that urban farming reduces energy consumption in winter by 10%, and 25% in summer.

Another technique used is vertical farming. It involves the use of small trays where crops are stacked in LEDs. You could have a large number of crops enclosed all year round. And thanks to the constant supply of light, growing such plants require less water.

You may also have heard of floating farms. While this can be a headache in the cities, some people consider it part of their Los Angeles urban farming. They require more room than vegetables.

Saves money

It’s expensive to live in a city. And the large portion of the money you use is usually on food. Did you know that healthy fruits and vegetables cost less than readily available junk food? Just imagine if you can manage to grow lots of food for your family. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? This will not only help to create jobs for other people in the neighborhood but also saves money in the long run.

Maybe you’re worried about the limited space. If you’re thinking about urban farming, you should pay attention to the seasons and planting schedules. Also, you should select the right plants and cycles that best suit your area.

Can help the local demand

If there’s a high demand for local food, you can supply the demand. Perhaps. The best approach is to focus on trendy food. But, the key to success is proper planning. What do you want to accomplish? If you want to make a profit, you should focus on plants that give high yields.

Similarly, if you want to plant crops that meet the local demand and still earn a high profit, you should consider personal taste.

The location also matters. The way you position your plants will determine how much sunlight gets to the plants. If you’re in an area that receives lots of sunlight, you should erect a shade. A better approach is to learn about the gardens in the neighborhood and find one with the right fit.

How about the planting method? If you want to plant on the deck or patio, you should select the right containers.

Don’t forget to gather the supplies – potting soil, fertilizers, and containers to grow the herbs. You also need a trowel. After that, you should decide on the population you want to feed. This information will help you decide on the number of seedlings to plant.

Can bring social benefits

There are many social benefits of urban farming. There’s indeed some evidence that this type of farming increases social bonds. It also enhances integration to otherwise segregated groups.

Los Angeles has programs that teach people about environmental stewardship. Besides community cohesion, you get improved neighborhood aesthetics and increased property values.

When people spend their time farming, the crime rate goes lower – this can be a safe environment for kids. Urban farming also allows you to create a bigger picture. It’s all about making a better world and developing larger cities.

Ecological benefits

Urban agriculture helps to protect scarce species of plants, flowers, and vegetables. On top of that, green spaces can provide a pleasant smell in the city. Another benefit of Los Angeles urban farming is that it can reduce pollutants to boost air quality.

To boost international business

Urban farming can be beneficial to all people involved. If you pursue large scale farming, you should take advantage of the technology. And when urban families become self-reliant, international investors come in, just be careful and make sure you have a good ADR Attorney Los Angeles on your side before taking on investors. This also leads to the creation of jobs and increased taxes for urban development.

Future food security

Los Angeles urban farming helps to boost future food security. In recent years, many diseases have affected the urban environment. This has further led to an increase in water-borne diseases, allergies, diabetes, etc. Urban agriculture has also lead to the provision of healthy and safe food.

Sustainable water management

When it rains, the water is retained in the cities. If you can embrace Los Angeles urban farming, green roofs can absorb rainwater to reduce the collapse of the sewer systems. This also eliminates pathogens that can lead to diseases.

To mitigate the effects of global warming

Let’s face it: global warming is a catastrophic threat. Through Los Angeles urban farming, people can mitigate the effects of gases trapped in the atmosphere. Plus farming operations like crop rotation, use of cover crops, and crop production systems can improve soil health. You may be curious why most farmers continue to use traditional agricultural practices even in the city.

LA urban farm

What are the common approaches to urban farming?

Los Angeles Urban farming can be done in almost any part of the city. It can also be practiced in:

  • Schools
  • Public parks
  • Restaurants
  • And anywhere else you think of

If the weather outside is not conducive, you can still create a stable pest-free environment. For example, you can use container farms. And because they take up small space, you can use them anywhere. Also, they come with special systems that can help with climate control, lighting, etc.

In the heart of the city, rooftop space comes at a premium. If you spot such an area, it’s a largely underused resource. You must talk to the owner of the building to see what he can allow you to use. You have to be careful about the kind of load the rooftop can support.

Other farming techniques that can help you engage in a successful venture include:

  • Hydroponics – the plants are grown in water without soil. The essential nutrients must be added before you immerse the plants in water.
  • Vertical farming
  • Backyard gardens

Final thoughts

If you live in a city – growing food doesn’t have to be expensive. Los Angeles urban farming can help you to sustainably grow your fruits and vegetable. It’s a way of living a healthier lifestyle and generating profit.

We all deserve to be happy, and so should you.