Urban Farm

From Fancy Publications, the people who are known for Hobby Farm Magazine, comes a new publication. Its called, "Urban Farm, Sustainable City Living," and as the title and tag line suggest it is all about the city farmer. There have only been two issues published to date with three more planned for 2010.

I came across the premier issue late last fall while scanning the gardening section of the News stand in the Lonesdale Quay Market in North Vancouver. I have been keeping an eye out for the next issue and have finally found it.

Each issue so far has been jam packed with stories and editorials about many different aspects of Urban farming from produce and livestock to container and community gardens. Advice for any urban gardening in any situation. Following is a review of some from the Spring 2010 installment.

In "Pushing City Limits," fellow garden blogger Erik Knutzen takes us along as some Urban Farmer share the tribulations with city bylaws, including Tara Kalla of Silver Lake Farms in Los Angeles, California. She grows organic cut flowers to sell at farmers markets. Sometimes I can understand why people might have issues with someone having chickens in their yard, or even a large produce garden in the front yard. But you would think a large flower garden in your neighborhood wouldn't ruffle too many feathers. This is not the case with Tara Kalla and others. Learn how see and others have over come outdated laws.

Debbie Moors introduces us to Will Allen and Growing Power in the article, "P is for Prosper." The once professional basketball player turned gardener created the ultimate community gardening experience in Milwaukee 17 years ago. I won't get into much description, the article says it all.

In "Power to the People," Carol Ekarius gives an overview of the many different options for "greening" up and lowering your electric bill with options ranging from on and off grid.

These as well as articles about Gardening on a rental property, square foot gardening from its creator Mel Bartholomew, or how to use grey water from your washing machine to water your garden, make this issue a must read.

Subscriptions are not yet available so search the shelves of your favourite magazine rack, or check out their website.