by Lola Batling

Created on: May 29, 2008

Urban homesteading? Conjures up images of chickens running around broken and burnt out factories or solar powered low-riders? It did for me, but it's nothing at all like that. Although a solar powered car of any sort does sound amazing, don't you think?
In this new "green is good" movement, urban homesteading in on the rise, and it's a good thing.

I am not a country girl by any means but, there is something inherently satisfying about growing your own food. This coming from the most unlikely gardener ever, I'm 23 years old in college and working full time. I can attest no matter how busy you are you can be an urban gardener. It is a bit tricky living in New York City. Chickens and cattle not exactly good for apartment life. However you can grow your own vegetables.

Maybe you have no land and therefore you've never even dreamed of having a garden. You've looked around and there is no community gardens near by, don't give up just yet. There's an option, you can grow in your home. Container gardens aren't just for herbs anymore. You can grow veggies in your kitchen or even in your living room.

First things first, make a list of what you will actually eat. Don't buy Chick Pea seeds if you don't like them. This may sound like a no-brainer, but people get excited and buy all kinds of vegetables they won't eat. Also make sure you can grow everything indoors. After all that butter nut squash seed packet won't help you any if you can't grow it due to lack of space.

A good next step is to the internet, check your list against a container gardening expert. You can find all kinds of growing tips and certain mini or dwarf options you never knew existed before. Join gardening communities, meet knew green minded buddies near you. While you're there pick up your seeds and pots and dirt if you can!

Now that you have your seeds and pots and soil, you are ready to grow. Read all instructions carefully do any seed preparation needed before you open any soil, even though it is tempting to get your hands dirty. Also make sure your beloved plants will be able to get proper sunlight. See if you can't incorporate your garden into your home. Got a barren bookcase near a sunny spot? Place your Tomato plants on it.

Living with plants can be a rewarding experience. Almost as rewarding as living with pets. So, if you have a little garden and a little furry friend, your life is looking just heavenly.

Learn more about this author, Lola Batling.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.