Another intersting article on urban gardening.

[wildeyed]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/dining/07urban.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087&em&en=3f45ca39a536f8a7&ex=1210392000

Urban Farmers’ Crops Go From Vacant Lot to Market

IN the shadows of the elevated tracks toward the end of the No. 3 line in East New York, Brooklyn, with an April chill still in the air, Denniston and Marlene Wilks gently pulled clusters of slender green shoots from the earth, revealing a blush of tiny red shallots at the base.

“Dennis used to keep them big, and people didn’t buy them,” Mrs. Wilks said. “They love to buy scallions.”

Growing up in rural Jamaica, the Wilkses helped their families raise crops like sugar cane, coffee and yams, and take them to market. Now, in Brooklyn, they are farmers once again, catering to their neighbors’ tastes: for scallions, for bitter melons like those from the West Indies and East Asia and for cilantro for Latin-American dinner tables.

“We never dreamed of it,” said Mr. Wilks, nor did his relatives in Jamaica. “They are totally astonished when you tell them that you farm and go to the market.”

For years, New Yorkers have grown basil, tomatoes and greens in window boxes, backyard plots and community gardens. But more and more New Yorkers like the Wilkses are raising fruits and vegetables, and not just to feed their families but to sell to people on their block.

This urban agriculture movement has grown even more vigorously elsewhere. Hundreds of farmers are at work in Detroit, Milwaukee, Oakland and other areas that, like East New York, have low-income residents, high rates of obesity and diabetes, limited sources of fresh produce and available, undeveloped land.

[crispini]

1. Wonderful, wonderful!

May the gardening movement grow like a weed! Hee!

[wildeyed]

2. I emailed a friend who is very active in local environmental issues

and he gave me info about local urban gardens. I may start volunteering at one with my kids. I think it would be a great way for them to learn about gardening and about community service at the same time.

[crispini]

3. There is so much to learn!

As food gets higher we have to learn this stuff now. I have been gardening for four years and I learn a LOT every year. Some spectacular failures, a few successes. The thing it has taught me most is persistence. That is key.

[wildeyed]

4. And consistency is not my forte.

I tend to start off well with big plans, then lose steam as the summer progresses. This year I have vowed to do better. If I spend a short amount of time everyday caring for my garden, then it does well. Problem is, I tend to put in hours on the weekend, then forget about it for the rest of the week.

So far, so good. I have lots of broccoli, lettuce and kale. The tomatoes, eggplant and peppers are looking good. Only failure so far, something keeps eating my beans, driving me nuts! I sprayed them today with the oil/garlic/hot pepper/soap mixture, but it was already too late for most. Oh well, guess I will replant this weekend, add some sort of bug screen this time.

[crispini]

5. Consistentcy has been hard for me as well in previous years.

Put things in, then forget about it.

My new habit is to go out into the garden immediately, the first thing that I do when I get up. I mean, even in my jammies (which are mostly t-shirts and shorts, so it's not THAT weird). I can put in half an hour so messing around and then go in and take my morning shower. Here's hoping it continues! :)

[wildeyed]

6. Or put things in, then get involved in a crazy campaign project.

We just finished the NC primary. Although I was extremely busy, I did get out at least once a day to water and weed, so the garden is in pretty good shape. Now if I can just keep it up through mosquito season, all will be well :toast:

[crispini]

7. Ah yes -- but aren't primaries FUN!?

I am so glad we have had a long one this year. We're going to blow the doors off 'em in the fall. Yeehaw!

[wildeyed]

8. That would be lovely!

:hi: