How to be a farmer
 | The term "farmer" brings tractors, sprawling arable land, country
living and a veritable feast of other associations flashing into the mind but what is farming, other than growing and rearing food? Surely farming doesn't only have a place in the rural world, but in our backyards too, and by simply taking a step back and breaking down the fundamentals it is soon apparent that anyone can be a farmer, even in their own urban jungle. How to be a farmer The World Wars of the 20th century certainly caused many suburban families, caught amidst of turmoil of rations, to look to their gardens as a source of food. Many kept chickens, grew main crops of potatoes, salads and other staple vegetables, all to add to their inadequate ration quota. Though the fast pace modern society has largely deserted this culture, the impending food crisis, and a growing feeling for looking after the planet and ourselves, means that many are now seeking ways to better their lives. Whilst some flee the cities in search of a rural life, others are snapping up those last allotment plots. But you simply need to step out of your back door, start sowing, and become an urban farmer. Any garden can sustain some form of farming, whether it is directly into the earth or harnessing the use of pots. One of the most important aspects to bear in mind in urban farming is the use of outside sources to fertilise your land. Farming on a large scale in a rural setting, allows for crop rotation, for self fertilisation, but on the small scale of city farming the earth on your plot, even if adequate for the first year, will need continuous fertilisation. Local stables or city farms can often be a fantastic source of much needed manure and often offer it for free. Keeping chickens will also supply a small amount of manure but it is important to remember that, if feeding with produce from the farming, the nutrient cycle can only last so long without another source. Ideally, most urban farmers will turn over a large area of their garden space to producing food. Whilst it may not allow self sufficiency it will certainly add pleasure, excitement and tingling to your taste buds. But urban farming works on even the tiniest scale. Perhaps hanging baskets with specialised tomato plants, a planted potato barrel, a deep window box with herbs or carrots. All of this can be considered as urban farming. The current climate certainly leads to saving the pennies. The world's consumption of produce far exceeds its long term growing capabilities, and growing your own is definitely in vogue right now. So why not step out your back yard, put in some spuds, scatter some seeds, and release your inner urban farmer. How to be a farmer |
