What is it?
Urban agriculture, also known as urban farming or urban gardening, is the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas. Put simply, it’s about being able to produce food within the limits of urban areas like dense cities or suburbs. Urban farming is an alternative way of growing that differs from traditional agricultural practices by utilizing vast areas with inadequate farmland.
Examples of Urban Agriculture
- Hydroponics: growing plants without soil with mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent.
- Aeroponics: growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium.
- Vertical Farming: farming upwards to reduce the agricultural land footprint and use minimal amounts of space.
- Aquaponics: systems that combine conventional aquaculture (farming fish or other sea life) with hydroponics.
The Benefits of Urban Agriculture
Increased Food Security
Urban areas are sometimes referred to as food deserts due to the difficulty of buying high quality, fresh food. For those who don’t have access to grocery stores nearby or don’t have access to high quality food, urban farms provide fresh food for low-income individuals who need it the most.
Ensures Healthy Living
Urban gardening provides fresh food that is organic and free of pesticides, artificial fertilizers, and herbicides. Gardening is also reported to enhance plant-human relationships that reduce stress, blood pressure, and induce relaxation.
Makes Efficient Use of Land
Hydroponics systems and vertical farming provide the ability to grow within confined spaces. It’s an innovative and efficient technique for growing in dense cities or areas with insufficient farmland suitable for traditional agriculture.
It's also an extremely practical way to make keep the summer benefits of outdoor growing going year-round (here's a great article on other ways to preserve your outdoor spaces in the winter).
Less Food and Water Waste
Urban farms allow you to harvest food only when you need it. Urban agriculture also uses less water than conventional farming. You’re saving food and water all in one!
Just Vertical x Urban Agriculture
Urban agriculture is changing the world! Farms can now grow beyond fields and soil and can be incorporated into dense cities with limited space. These new gardening techniques are helping to increase food security, reduce waste, and make efficient use of land. Just Vertical’s mission and products align with all of these benefits of urban agriculture by producing indoor gardens that incorporate hydroponic and vertical farming technology that allows individuals to eat healthier, use less space, and farm using 95-99% less water. We are changing the indoor farming industry and creating products that will combat food insecurity and provide fresh food from the comfort of your own home.