Urban Farmer

What is an urban farmer?

An urban farmer is someone who grows and cultivates plants, vegetables, and fruits in urban areas like cities and towns.

What does an urban farmer do?

Usually, an urban farmer does the following:

• Plants and maintains crops in small spaces like rooftops, balconies, or community gardens
• Monitors and cares for the plants by watering, fertilizing, and controlling pests
• Harvests and sells the produce at local farmer's markets or directly to local restaurants and residents
• Provides education and workshops to the community on urban farming and sustainable gardening practices

What does the day-to-day life of an urban farmer look like?

An urban farmer typically spends their days growing and caring for plants. This can involve tasks such as planting seeds or seedlings, watering the plants, applying fertilizers, and monitoring for any signs of disease or pests. Urban farmers usually work during daylight hours, but specific hours can vary depending on the season and the needs of the crops.

Where does an urban farmer work?

Urban farmers work in urban areas, such as cities and towns. They can have their own small plots of land, whether it's a rooftop garden, a balcony garden, or a small community garden. Some urban farmers may also collaborate with local restaurants or organizations to grow specific crops for their needs. Urban farming can be done in both residential and commercial spaces.

What tools/software/hardware does an urban farmer use?

An urban farmer may use a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Basic gardening tools like shovels, rakes, and pruners
• Watering cans or hoses for watering the plants
• Soil testing kits for analyzing the soil's fertility and pH levels
• Protective gear such as gloves and hats for sun protection

What do I need to become an urban farmer?

There are several ways to become an urban farmer, including:

• Hands-on experience: Gaining hands-on experience by volunteering or interning at urban farms or community gardens can provide valuable knowledge and skills.
• Courses or workshops: Taking courses or workshops on urban farming, sustainable agriculture, and gardening can help develop the necessary knowledge and techniques.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting your own small urban farm business can be a viable path, but it requires understanding of business operations and marketing.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to an urban farmer, including:

• Farm Manager/Owner: With experience and knowledge, you can start your own urban farm or become a manager of a larger urban farming operation.
• Sustainable Agriculture Educator: You can teach others about urban farming and sustainable gardening practices through workshops, community outreach, or educational programs.
• Food Justice Advocate: By advocating for food justice and working to provide access to fresh, healthy food in underserved communities, you can make a difference in addressing food inequalities.

What jobs are similar to an urban farmer? (Include those with transferable skills that an urban farmer usually has)

• Garden Designer/Consultant: Creating and managing garden spaces for residential or commercial clients.
• Permaculturist: Designing and implementing sustainable agricultural systems that follow permaculture principles.
• Farm-to-Table Chef: Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their culinary creations.

What made you want to become an urban farmer?

How did you get your first urban farmer job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an urban farmer?

Are you an urban farmer? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to urban farming. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.