growers know
“MANY URBAN FARMS are multi-faceted due to
their restricted sizes. On the same property, there
may be 5,000 square feet of raised production
beds, a limited footprint greenhouse, a bee hive in
the corner, and a few chickens running around.”
obtained cheaply. Sometimes banks also offer vacant lots that
previously had foreclosed homes on them. Other options may
include renting cultivatable space from other businesses or
non-profit organizations. Your county’s cooperative extension
service may be a resource to start with if you are having
difficulty locating land to start your agricultural endeavor.
Once you’ve obtained your urban land, there are a few things
you need to do before starting a farm. Lots, especially those
that previously had houses upon them, must have their soil
tested for a wide range of toxins and contaminants that could
still be lingering from old paint, pipes, and insulation. It is not
uncommon for lead to be found in high levels in urban soils.
However, having lead or other toxins in the soil is not necessar-
ily a non-starter. You could pay to have the contaminated soil
removed and new soil brought in, but there are options to grow
above the soil. A non-permeable barrier could be placed above
the contaminated ground and a planting bed built upon it. It is
imperative that there be no possibility of comingling the new
soil with the existing soil. As time goes on, the existing soil can
be retested at regular intervals to determine if the contami-
nants have left or been reduced to safe levels.
Once you have the land situation figured out and know where
it is safe to plant edible crops, securing water is the next step
of the planning phase. If you grow on land contiguous to your
own home, then there is probably little problem in running
a hose to satisfy your irrigation needs. Farming a vacant lot
several blocks away, however, may prove more problematic.
122
grow cycle
The water or public works department in most cities
allow for obtaining permits to use fire hydrants. For a
fee, a meter is placed on the hydrant so that the amount
of water used can be recorded and charged for. While
not impossible to work with if it is the only option, other
opportunities should probably be explored first. If the land
you’re farming is adjacent to another residence, you may
be able to strike a deal with the homeowner. If they allow
you to use their water, they may agree to be paid with a
portion of your produce or accept a nominal fee to offset
the increased cost on their water bill.
Lastly, if you intend to incorporate animals in any capac-
ity, even just worms for compost or bees for increased polli-
nation, you will probably require a permit of some kind.
Many cities, to their credit, have relaxed rules regard-
ing the raising of livestock within city limits due to the
increased interest and demand for more urban farming.
Cities can place limits such as the number of hens, roost-
ers, rabbits, etc. you may have on your farm. Most restrict
larger mammals, but perhaps you can be granted a vari-
ance if you can demonstrate how having a goat or a sheep
would help your business and the community.