How to Grow Food in the City

The first and most important step in urban farming is finding land.

Land is easier to find than you think. There's lots of arable land in the city, you just have to train your eyes to see it. For instance, are there any abandoned lots in your city? What about strangely shaped patches of earth between roads or buildings. Even front and back lawns are options.

Finding land can get tricky if real estate is at a premium, so think creatively. Land doesn't always have to be on the ground. Some folks claim abandoned cars for planters, sewing seeds in an open trunk and planting perennials in the front and back seats. Other folks make do with old tires.

You can go even more guerrilla by squatting on an empty lot. It's always best to look for the owner(s) first. If you can't find her or him or them, break the lock, clean up the lot, and plant your seeds with good soil and a prayer.

Next step: soil...