Knowing Your Neigbourhood.

How much is enough? Do you ever stop to ask yourself that question? For example, how much land do we need for human food production? Is it wise to use land to only produce food for people and ignore all the other lifeforms that need the same space? Think bout these three questions the next time you have to go shopping. Take some time to consider them in urban agricultural context. If we are to achieve food security in our community then we need to develop a local food production system.

Last week I mentioned the importance of microclimates, well like so much else here at Suite101. This will give you a good background on what a microclimate is and what creating them can do for your ability to grow food.

If you are going to become serious about local food production you need to develop your knowledge concerning the within which you live. This knowledge will help you make the crucial decisions that make the difference between success and failure. Take some time and go for a walk around your neighbourhood. Confine yourself, at first, to a three block perimeter. Carry a notebook, but test your powers of observation. Observation is an important part of effective design. What are people growing? What is thriving? What weeds do you notice? Develop the habit of thinking of a weed as a plant you do not yet know and the get to know it. A regional plant, tree and shrub guide will come in handy. Make this trip three times a week for three weeks. When you are done, compile and compare your observations. Did you discover any native plants that you could incorporate into your design?

Once you have made a decision about native plants, it is time to consider if there are any perennial vegetables that you can add. The use of perennial vegetables will reduce the amount of work you will have to do to provide food for you and your family. You are seeking to reduce the amount of human input into the garden while increasing the food output. It will take a few years to get it all working smoothly and there will always be adjustments but a time will come when your land is in harmony and you have created a safe and healthy space for human and beast.

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