Urban Farming: A Simple Guide to Big Ideas

Urban Farming: A Simple Guide to Big Ideas opens the door to the transformative world of city-based agriculture, equipping readers with both foundational knowledge and cutting-edge practices. Beginning with a comprehensive exploration of the history, evolution, and global perspectives of urban farming, the book demystifies persistent myths and offers a compelling look at current innovations shaping the field. Whether you are curious about the key differences between urban and traditional farming or eager to understand emerging trends, this guide lays a sturdy groundwork for approaching agriculture in a modern urban context. Moving beyond theory, this book provides a hands-on approach to planning, launching, and sustaining your own urban farm. Detailed chapters demystify essential steps such as space assessment, understanding plant needs, choosing between soil-based and hydroponic systems, and optimizing small or unconventional spaces like rooftops and balconies. Readers are supported through every phase, from budgeting and basic tool selection to soil and water management, pest control, and harvesting best practices. Innovative topics, including smart farming technologies, upcycling solutions, and community-oriented gardening, ensure that both novice and experienced growers can cultivate success. More than just a how-to manual, Urban Farming: A Simple Guide to Big Ideas emphasizes the broader impact of urban agriculture on food security, social cohesion, education, and local economies. Readers will gain insights on navigating urban policies, fostering equity and sustainability, and scaling their projects from hobby plots to thriving small businesses. With a wealth of step-by-step guides, real-world case studies, and resources for ongoing support, this book empowers individuals and communities to shape a greener, healthier, and more resilient city landscape—one garden at a time.