Urban Farming

Urban Farming is also known as Urban agriculture. It refers to the process of creating food within the limits of the city. It comes with many benefits for humans beings as well as the environment.

This article will look at the types of Urban Farming and their benefits.

Types of Urban Farming

• Vertical Farming

Vertical Farming is a type of Urban Farming that refers to the practice of growing food on vertically inclined surfaces.

Vertical farming companies use this method to produce food vertically stacked layers commonly integrated into other structures such as a shipping container or a skyscraper.

There are four phases of Vertical Farming:

1. Lightning
2. Growing medium
3. Sustainability features
4. Physical layout

• Aquaponics

Another type of Urban Farming is Aquaponics. It refers to the system of combining conventional forms of aquaculture with hydroponics. This will create a connection between plants and fishes.

Fishes produce ammonia. The bacteria break down this ammonia into useful nutrients for the plants in the water.

• Rooftop Farming

Under this type of Urban Farming, the rooftops of skyscrapers can be used as the area for Farming. Raised beds and greenhouses or raising animals like chickens can be made on a rooftop.

It all depends on the need and comfort of the building owner.

• Backyard Gardens

You can transform your drab balcony into a lovely tiny garden through this type of Urban Farming.

All you need to do is add the right plants to your balcony. When looking for plants, make sure they require little maintenance and are simple to maintain. If you want to make a full-time income with your farming skills, you can use your backyard as a market garden.

The best part about Farming in the backyard garden is that you don't need to buy a separate land.

• Animal husbandry

Animal Husbandry refers to the practice of rearing animals for food in urban areas. You can choose a small location according to your choice and keep animals like goats, rabbits, or sheep.

Keep in mind that some cities limit the number of animals one person can keep.

• Forest gardening

Forest gardening refers to the process of growing gardens in an urban forest. You can grow various fruits and vegetables in the urban settings of your garden. Forests are a perfect way to create a favourable environment for crop growth.

You can also promote afforestation by practising forest gardening.

• Greenhouses

Greenhouses refer to agriculture in the commercial, residential, and communal urban spaces in protected areas called greenhouses. A greenhouse requires a specific amount of land, which depends on the type of crop you want to grow.

Greenhouses give the ability to produce crops throughout the year with the help of a controlled environment.

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Benefits of Urban Farming

Major benefits of Urban Farming include:

• Increased Food Security
• Creates Fresher, Healthier Foods
• Urban Regeneration
• Use of Under-Utilised Spaces
• Involvement of the Community
• Less Investment Required
• Makes Efficient Use of Land
• Job Creation
• Less Food Waste

From what we have discussed in the article about Urban Farming, it can be understood that even if one lives in a city, one can pursue Farming differently. Crops like microgreens and mushrooms need less space and can be grown easily on an Urban Farm.

FAQs on Urban Farming

Q.1. What is Urban Farming?

Urban Farming, also known as urban agriculture, refers to creating food within the limits of the city.

Q.2. What are some major advantages of Urban Farming?

Major benefits of Urban Farming include:

• Increased Food Security
• Creates Fresher, Healthier Foods
• Urban Regeneration
• Use of Under-Utilised Spaces

Q.3. Which crops can you easily grow in Urban Farming?

Crops like microgreens and mushrooms need less space and can be grown easily in Urban Farming.

Q.What are the four phases of Vertical Urban Farming?

The four phases of Vertical Urban Farming are:

• Lightning
• Growing medium
• Sustainability features
• Physical layout

Q.5. How can you use the backyard in Urban Farming?

If you want to make a full-time income with your farming skills, you can use your backyard as a market garden. The best thing about Urban Farming in the backyard garden is that you don't need to buy a separate land.