Regarding Urban Farming and How to Do It

Urban farming or gardening in the middle of urban areas has now become a lifestyle trend in major cities in the world. Urban farming is not only economically beneficial, but also health. How to? Check out the following explanation. Urban farming is a term that refers to the activities of farming or raising independently, in urban areas with limited land, which is then processed to be consumed alone or distributed to other places. One of the activities is planting vegetables and fruits. Urban farming activities usually utilize limited land in urban areas, such as in the yard of a house or office.

Benefits of Urban Farming

Urban farming is usually done by growing crops that are often consumed, such as vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, tubers, medicinal plants, or ornamental plants. Urban farming can also be in the form of raising animals, such as poultry, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, to fish. Here are some of the benefits and advantages of urban farming.

• Help meet the needs of quality food

In densely populated areas, urban farming is the right strategy in an effort to help weak economic households improve food security and food consumption that is Diverse, Balanced and Safe (B2SA). Urban farming products are considered more fresh and nutritious, with competitive prices, because they do not go through the process of packaging, storing, and distributing which takes days.

• Creating jobs

Urban farming is not just a trend in urban lifestyle, but can also be a business opportunity, creating jobs and income for people who live in urban areas.

• Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables

Urban farming also allows the surrounding community to consume fresh fruits and vegetables more often because they can be accessed easily and quickly.

• Good for physical and mental health

Urban farming activities can also be used as a means to train physically to be stronger and make the body fitter. Urban farming helps us to get back in touch with nature. This activity can reduce stress levels, and maintain overall mental health.

• Creating a healthy environment

Urban farming is also a form of efforts to revitalize the environment, create green land, reduce heat and air pollution, and reduce the risk of floods and landslides.

• Beautiful scenery

Agricultural landscapes, waters, and decorative buildings, provide many benefits, including for recreational activities while enjoying beautiful scenery and quality air in open spaces.

How to do Urban Farming?

We can create a micro garden by utilizing the small space available to plant trees. The room can be on the balcony, terrace or roof of the house. Here are some things to consider in realizing urban farming.

• Container plant

We can plant trees in the ground directly or use containers in the form of pots, bottles, used buckets, used car tires, or other storage media.

• Planting media

Use garden soil as a planting medium. We can also replace garden soil with substrate objects, such as peanut shells, coconut fiber, rice husks, or soil. If the substrate is also not available, we can use water mixed with fertilizer solution.

• Irrigation

For irrigation or irrigation, we can use rain water or residual water that is still feasible. Relatively little water is needed to water the plants. For one square meter garden, it only requires less than 3 liters of water per day.

• Plant

In the micro garden for urban farming, we can grow a variety of ready-to-eat vegetables, such as cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. As a variation, try planting herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, galangal, and

Although mini, this urban farming park is relatively productive. Studies conducted by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) show that one square meter of micro garden can produce about 100 onions every four months, 10 cabbage every three months, around 200 tomatoes or 30 kg per year, or 36 tubers of lettuce every two months. Even so, it should be remembered that the choice of land or water for irrigation is two important factors. Avoid using soil or water that is contaminated with harmful elements. In addition, avoid using pesticides that can poison the soil and crop yields. Don't forget to always wear gloves, and wash your hands properly after gardening and before eating. Be careful not to bring dirt from the garden into the house. Wash the results of urban farming before storing or eating, and teach children to do it too.