By Vanessa Richins

As gas prices soar, raising the cost of food along the way, a new breed of enthusiasts has been born.

Dubbed ‘localvores,” these people strive to only eat food that has been grown or produced locally.

Where can you get local food?

Obviously, the first place you could try is your own backyard or patio. If you have the space, this is the absolute best way! You know exactly how your produce was grown.

If you don’t have the space, try your local farmers’ markets and stands. You could also try a CSA - a Community Supported Agriculture organization.

I belong to a food co-op. Once a month, I place an order for shares of food. For example, I can pay $23 and get 4 different kinds of Read the rest of this entry »

By Vanessa Richins

One easy way that urban dwellers can participate in gardening is through a community garden.

In a community garden, a group of people share plots in one common piece of land.

This is a great way for those with no space to still enjoy the wonders of gardening. You can look at the American Community Garden Association’s website, to see if there is one near you.

If there is not one nearby, you could consider starting your own. There are several steps involved in starting a community garden.

1. Planning: As with any project, you must first Read the rest of this entry »

By Michael Nolan

So, you think you know a thing or two about urban gardening?

I did too until I was directed to the website of the Dervaes family.

What this family has accomplished on a small lot in Pasadena, California makes my minute efforts pale in comparison.

Jules Dervaes started working on transforming his ordinary lot in the city back in the mid-80s with the help of his three children, Anais, Justin & Jordanne. Bringing the concept of urban gardening to new heights, they have not only Read the rest of this entry »

By Michael Nolan

“Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Living in the South, I had somehow taken for granted that most people live somewhere with enough land around them to have at least a small garden.

I mean this is the South! Doesn’t everyone grow something here?

Turns out that I was wrong. Birmingham has a large urban population, much of it in lackluster apartment complexes and Section 8 housing.

Even before the economy tanked, thousands of people in my county were going without food, and Read the rest of this entry »