You are currently viewing Farming in a Pandemic: Urban Farming

April 15, 2021

by Kimberly Deaño

At the beginning of the pandemic, each city and province announced lockdown one by one in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  As the country was in chaos with this threat, numerous establishments were also affected and closed such as schools, businesses, hotels, restaurants, malls, and even the local vendors. With the occurrence of this invisible enemy, each family and individual were affected and one of it their concerns was where will they be getting their food. Though the national and local governments distribute food supplies for each family, it is still not enough. However, with the creative minds of people, they thought about urban farming.

What is urban farming? Urban farming is about growing food in a city or populated area, hence the word “urban”. During the first wave of the pandemic, collecting plants by the plantitos and plantitas were popular, it is still different from growing your own vegetables to eat. Though urban agriculture is not new, it suddenly boomed the entire world when the CoVID-19 hit. Growing your own food is not only satisfying but also contributes to the production of food during emergencies.

What should we do with urban farming? First, we need to consider the space where we will grow the plants. Some houses have their own garden, some do not have space. Those with gardens can fully tend to their plants and plant them in soil, with regards to those who do not have, pots may be useful as their growing ground. Second, your choice of plant. Every plant has its own characteristics in growing. We should be fully aware of how our choice of the plant will grow. Does it need full sunlight? Can it be grown inside the house? Does it need constant watering or not? Third, soil and sunlight. Like the previous, we need to think about how our plants will grow. Does your plant need constant sunlight? Does your plant grow in muddy soil or sandy soil? So, before starting with urban farming, be considerate to your choice of plant and the environment it is to be grown. It will not only save your time but also the cost.

What are the benefits of urban farming? With urban agriculture, of course, first things first, if you are successful to grow it, you will have food security. Having your own nutritious food is overwhelming and leads to a healthier lifestyle. In times of crisis, you are safe from starvation because you have your own herbs, vegetables, or fruits. Being in an urban area, sometimes you will buy stale vegetables unlike growing your own, you can be sure that is fresh and free from toxic chemicals. The urban farm will also give you an opportunity to learn various growing techniques such as being careful with sunlight and temperature and giving nutrients to your plants. Among the previous benefits, urban farming will make you use your space efficiently – from rooftops to gardens to planting in pots indoors.

As you keep growing your own urban farm, you can also contribute to the community. Be it by selling your crops or giving them to those in need. Isn’t it heart whelming? Well, hopefully, may it be for trading or for personal use, each with the urban farm is happy to live healthily and eat those nutritious and fresh grown plants.