Comments on: “Waste Equals Food”

By: Shags

Shags — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:28:11 +0000

What about rooftop access and use? The basic build seems like it has a flat roof. That’s usable space for a container garden. Or just more lounging area.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:13:02 +0000

While I’m definitely in favor of localizing the food cycle, it bothers me that a simple concept like composting has to be turned into a product. The main benefit I see of the Nature Mill composter is that it can handle meat and dairy, which is a no-no for a back yard compost pile in the city for pest reasons. Beyond that it seems like just one more appliance to buy. A small closable plastic bin on the counter top emptied weekly into a back yard bin with leaves from the sidewalk stored in garbage bags is a pretty easy-to-implement system and doesn’t require an appliance.

As far as a back yard gardening kit, I would think that permanent, attractive raised beds 3 or 4 feet wide pre-filled with a soil/compost mix would be a simple, useful way to go.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:02:29 +0000

@Ryan,
Plants need two types of nutrients for healthy growth; mineral and non-mineral. Non-mineral nutrients are Oxygen(O), Hydrogen(H), and Carbon (C). CO2 and H20 are changed into the plants food during photosynthesis. Since these nutrients are found in the air and water it’s hard for farmers/gardeners to regulate just how much of these nutrients a plant uses (unless you’re setting up a controlled indoor environment which is a whole other topic).

Mineral nutrients are received via the soil and these are mostly what cause the plants growth. The soils makeup (texture and acidity/pH) determines the amount of nutrients available. This can vary greatly by location. If the soil does not have enough nutrients for healthy plant growth, a form of fertilizer will be needed to supplement or you may need to balance the pH levels.

As for pollution in the urban environment I would imagine most of it would be concentrated in the ground/soil. This is something you should be able to control since you determine where the plant is actually planted. You could dig up your entire garden area and install a form of barrier walls/lining or simply plant your garden in individual pots or a giant potter. The only element you can’t really control is the rain, so just hope that we don’t get any toxic/acid rain.

I’ve been growing small vegetables and herbs in my 10×10 concrete back patio area for the past few years with pretty good success. I’m very far from an expert, but each season I learn a little more, my plants look a little better, and I reap a few more pieces of fruit/vegetables.

By: d_glynn

d_glynn — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:35:09 +0000

Megan,
You may also want to read up on “square foot gardening”, it may be more suited for the smaller space of an urban backyard.
David

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:33:42 +0000

Although the idea of urban agriculture is appealing and makes sense on many levels, I have always wondered if growing our food in a polluted urban environment is really a long-term sustainable idea? Is there a negative effect on the foods chemical composition and nutrients or is it all dependant on the soil?