Grow Food In Any Sized Space: Save Money and Improve Your Health

Join the grow your own food movement and increase your connection to food

I don’t got to the grocery store very often but recently I walked past the fruit and veg section and was gob-smacked at the price of a single punnet of cherry tomatoes at nearly $7. Looking further, broccoli was at about $13p/kg! This is when I realised, I have been growing my own food for so long that I never considered how much these basic, essentials have gone up in price.  For me, the combination of saving money and the superior quality produce, coupled with a yearning for something more is what started me on my journey. These days the need for a sense of control in an increasingly uncertain world, and a desire to create resilience, no matter what comes my way is the cornerstone of what I do.  

Maybe your dream of home grown food is perpetually stuck in planning purgatory. But you don’t need masses of space to grow what you eat.  Look at the incredible work of Charles Dowding, the No-Dig Garden champion, as a great example. He recently reminded me that his space isn’t your average sprawling farm "my cropped area is currently 1,550 m², which includes the pathways and polytunnels, but not any grassy surrounds. Homeacres total area is 1.75 acres or 3,600 m². That includes house, drive, trees, ponds and everything" – this blew my mind considering he produces over a tonne of food each year. It re-ignited a spark, a realisation that growing food wasn't about vast mono-cultures, but about resourcefulness and maximising whatever space you have, be it a tiny balcony, a neglected corner of your backyard, or quarter acre yard.

In early 2000 my journey started with a couple of small garden beds from Bunnings, repurposed planters, and heaps of enthusiasm.

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I knew nothing, but I started with leafy greens, herbs, and fruit tree, (with a couple of marigold thrown in). I was amazed at how much I could harvest from such a small space. Not only did it save me money at the shops, but wholly guacamole did it take like sunshine!

So why should you, someone with limited space, little time and possibly zero experience, consider joining the "grow your own food" movement?

Here are just a few reasons:

 1. Freshness and Flavour: There's nothing quite like the taste of a sun-ripened tomato you picked mere minutes ago. Home grown produce is bursting with flavour and nutrients. Supermarket veggies travel hundreds of miles, losing nutrients and flavour along the way. Homegrown produce is bursting with vibrancy, packed with vitamins the moment you pick it.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Let's face it, the cost of living is no joke. Growing your own food, even in a small space can significantly reduce your grocery bill. Imagine the savings from a steady supply of herbs, salad greens, and even small fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens can be pretty much grown year round. Kale to the rescue. Every homegrown meal becomes a victory lap against rising food costs.

3. Grow What You Love, Eat What You Grow: Ever get tired of the limited selection at the shop? Growing your own lets you choose what thrives in your space and climate. Craving those exotic herbs or heirloom varieties? Go for it! Tailor your mini-farm to your taste buds, ensuring your meals are always exciting and delicious.

4. Resilience and Self-Sufficiency: We're facing uncertain times, and relying solely on external systems for food can feel precarious. Growing your own, even a small amount, empowers you and fosters self-reliance. It's a step towards building resilience, knowing you can nurture some of your own food needs, no matter what the future holds. Even a small harvest can make a big difference, especially when combined with other preparedness measures. Harvesting fresh basil to accompany a plain garlic butter spaghetti takes it up a notch.

5. Connection and Community: Growing food isn't just about the harvest; it's about the journey. You'll learn valuable skills, connect with nature, and maybe even find a supportive community of fellow food growers. Nothing says resilience like a tribe. Get your family involved! Kids love getting dirty. They might not be expert helpers but building that connection to food when they are young will set them up for life.

For those of you thinking: "But I don't have a garden, my space is tiny!" Fear not, space-savvy friend. There are endless possibilities for growing food in any space:

Vertical gardens: Utilise walls, fences, and even trellises to create vertical gardens with hanging planters, fabric pockets, or even repurposed containers.

Container gardening: From pots and tubs to raised beds and grow bags, the options for container gardening are endless. Choose varieties suited to your container size and sunlight conditions and sha-bang! fooood.

Hydroponics: This water-based system allows you to grow food indoors, even without soil! It's perfect for herbs, leafy greens, and even small fruits. Think windowsills and on counters.

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Remember, even a small harvest can make a big difference. Start with something simple, like a pot of herbs on your windowsill, and gradually expand as you gain confidence and experience.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! Resources like community gardens and my own Doomsters' Guide series of sustainable living events are here to help. I offer courses, workshops, and a supportive community to guide you on your journey to self-sufficiency, even in the smallest of spaces.

So, are you ready to transform your balcony, shed, or even windowsill into a mini-oasis of fresh food and self-reliance? With a little planning, creativity, and a willingness to learn, you can join the growing movement and discover the joy and abundance that awaits, even in the most unexpected places. What edible adventure will you start today?

Want to learn more about growing your own food and building a self-sufficient lifestyle? Check out these featured articles and events!

Pantry Audit & Garden Planning Workshop

How To Start A Self-Sufficient Lifestyle

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