Urban agriculture is the activity of growing food (whether that is vegetables, fruit, or livestock) in an urban area. There are additional terms that can be used to further describe the type of growing practices used (like permaculture, organic, regenerative, etc.). While urban agriculture can also refer to the activities of processing and distributing food, we are referring to the act of growing food. So how can you grow your own food from home? Get started by checking out the following guides and resources:
Backyard Gardening 
- Whether you are a new or experienced backyard gardener, London Community Resource Centre’s gardening resources are a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about gardening in the forest city. From planning to harvesting to preparing your garden beds for winter, it’s all there! Learn more here.
- London Middlesex Master Gardeners’ blog has tons of garden tips and resources for growing vegetables and native plants, check it out here!
Container Gardening
- Watch this video for 5 Container Gardening Options for Apartment Gardeners.
- Gardening in containers is the preferred method for those with limited space, balconies, or no outdoor space to work with. VegetableGardening Online has a round-up of container gardening tips, techniques, and design ideas:
- Do you have low light in your home, but still want to grow food? No problem! Watch this short introduction to hydroponics. Hydroponic kits are available from many home and garden stores.
Regrowing Food Scraps (kid-friendly!)
Make a garden with your kitchen scraps! This is a great family-friendly activity to watch your food grow in water! Depending on the vegetable, the sprouts can be planted in containers or outside. Works perfect with onions, carrots, greens, ginger, and more.
Make Your Own Seedling Pots
Try this low-cost, recycled, and kid-friendly activity to make your own seedling pots! Not only will you be able to start your own seedlings at home, but you’ll be giving recycled materials a second life.
Seed Saving 101
For the ambitious gardeners, learn how to save seeds from your peppers, tomatoes, beans, and peas to use in next year’s garden!
London, ON Resources:
- Community Gardens in London - how to get a plot, COVID-19 guidelines, and more.
- Urban Agriculture Inventory - an interactive map to find existing and potential sites for food distribution, training, growing, and processing.
- London Urban Agriculture Strategy (2017)
- Middlesex-London Local Food Guide (via Middlesex London Food Policy Council)
- Friends of Urban Agriculture London - website and active Facebook group for urban agriculture discussions and support.