Amid a summer of foodborne illnesses, intense weather, and ever-rising grocery prices, many Chicagoans are exploring ways to grow their own food, said Sam Koentopp, the Farm Programs Manager at Urban Growers’ Collective.
“Our food system is not set up in a way to support our health and the health of the environment, and more people are seeing that,” Koentopp said.
By operating eight urban farms and teaching people to grow their own food, Urban Growers Collective aims to change that while providing affordable, fresh food on the South and West sides of Chicago.
“We’re all about what happens when we put our hands in the soil and connect with the earth and each other,” Koentopp said.
So, where’s the best place to start?
Start small by planting one or two of your favorite vegetables in a container on your patio or front steps.
“Start with something really simple that you’re going to be excited to eat,” Koentopp said.
Isn’t it kind of late to be planting a garden?
Nope! You still have plenty of time. Some warm-weather crops — like green beans, cucumbers, turnips, and collard greens — grow very quickly and will be ready to harvest before cold weather sets in.
Other plants — like carrots, lettuce, radishes, broccoli, and cauliflower — don’t mind the cold at all! Koentopp said some of them even taste better after they’ve survived a frost.
Where can I find affordable supplies and more information?
All you need to start is some seeds, high-quality potting soil, and a small container. And one of the best things about gardeners is that they love to share!
“Gardening is not a solo endeavor,” Koentopp said. “Just a little bit of curiosity about your neighbors’ gardens can open up pathways for you to reduce costs and connect with your community.”
It’s common for gardeners to trade seeds, share supplies, exchange harvests, and reveal their most effective methods.
Urban Growers Collective regularly hosts gardening workshops. The next one is Sep. 5 from 10 am- 12 pm, and it’s all about the fall growing season.
Stick around after the workshop for their weekly Saturday volunteer session, where you can hit the farm with their experienced gardeners and get some hands-on experience.
