Urban gardening to mitigate the "food crisis"?

Question

Food prices are rising recently on the back of inflated oil prices as a result of our over reliance on a centralized industrial food production system. Many people wonder when the government will do something about it. But is the real solution perhaps right in our own backyards? Could this current price increase be the catalyst for a move towards a more decentralized and environmentally sustainable way of keeping everyones table full of healthy foods?

http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=[e-mail]

Answer 1

Permaculture! See this video which shows how a couple used their tiny maisonette garden just outside London. The  garden is very small but it is enormously productive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpOoLYXKF...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtyLzD60D...

Quoted from site below Benefits of Community Gardens:

* Improves the quality of life for people in the garden

* Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community                                                                           development  

* Stimulates Social Interaction

* Encourages Self-Reliance

* Beautifies Neighborhoods

* Produces Nutritious Food

* Reduces Family Food Budgets

* Conserves Resources

* Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education

* Reduces Crime

* Preserves Green Space

* Creates income opportunities and economic development

* Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots

* Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections

Take a look at my profile for a link to my Youtube account to watch more permaculture videos.

Answer 2

Yea, I've heard about that too, and it seems like it's a pretty good way to save some money on the cost of food.  Plus you are in control of what, if any, pesticides you spray your plants with.  

Unfortunately for me, I'd probably starve to death if it was up to me to grow my own food!  I've tried several times to plant stuff in my garden, but haven't had much luck!  This year it's basically just growing over with grass and weeds.  Maybe next year I'll have more time and give it a try!

Answer 3

It's the future.  We won't have a choice.  

I just bought another acre of land and I have two contiguous now.  

When I try to explain to people why it's so important for me to do this, try to explain to my mum to please stop using Scotts c**p to make the grass green because I'm going to be depending on that very soil to sustain my family,

they think I'm nuts.  Oh well, let them.

http://greenroofs.wordpress.com/contact-...

http://www.sustainability.dpc.wa.gov.au/...