How to Start With Urban Farming in Singapore
Urban farming is becoming an increasingly popular method to grow food in Singapore. We’ve already touched up to concept of urban farming, but in this article we will discuss how to get started with urban farming.
Finding a Place to do Urban Farming
There are several places where you can start an urban farm. The nearest and most convenient place is your balcony, if you have one.
But there are many potential spots to do urban farming, including:
- Community gardens
- Rooftops
- Balconies
- School gardens
The type of urban farm varies depending on the location. For example, in smaller spaces like balconies, a vertical farm is probably a good approach. Rooftop gardens can be approached differently as it has a larger exposure to sun than balconies that are mostly in the shade.
8 Steps to Start Urban Farming
We like taking a practical approach to things. Keeping it simple and structured will help you succeed. These are 8 steps on how to start urban farming:
Step 1: Find a good location
What is the best possible location for you to start? Is it a balcony, garden, rooftop or a local, shared community or school garden?
Step 2: Determine type of urban farm
There are different types of urban farms, including vertical farms, hydroponics, aeroponics and traditional soil-based farming. Each of these largely depend on the location you choose.
Step 3: Self-education
There are plenty of great books and online resources to help you get a good understanding of urban farming. Self-education will help you determine the right approach for the upcoming steps.
Step 4: Gather equipment
Lights, water systems and gardening tools are all going to be needed for your urban farm to be a success.
Step 5: Select the right soil
Soil choice is crucial. What are you planning to plant? Composted soil is often preferred, but you may need seed soil as well.
Step 6: Start planting seeds
For the diehards, planting seeds from scratch is a nice way to start your urban farm. Its also possible to buy so-called starters, seeds that have already grown into mini-plants.
Step 7: Patience
An often-overlooked step. Always remain patient with your urban farm. It can take time for it to be success. Some crops may feel, some seeds may never develop. This is all part of the learning curve and the way nature works. Be patient and make sure to follow your plan, and you will succeed.
Step 8: Enjoy your crops
Once your garden starts coming to fruition, it’s time to enjoy the crops with your friends and family.
What Crops Can Your Grow in Urban Farms in Singapore?
Curious to know what plants are suitable for urban farming. Here’s a short list:
- Herbs including mint, cilantro, basil and parsley
- Leafy greens including kale, spinach and lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Microgreens including broccoli and alfalfa
- Strawberries
- Mushrooms
DIY Tips on How to Start Urban Farming
There are some additional success factors that we would like to share with you on your journey of urban farming. Some or all these may be useful for you.
- Community involvement: Join a local community that does urban farming to get inspiration, build a network of contacts and share knowledge.
- Starting small: Many people are too ambitious and go all-in, but sometimes it pays off to start small and take it from there.
- Composting: Set up a composting system to help reduce waste and extract nutrient-rich soil that you can use for your urban farm.
- Experimenting: By experimenting different approaches you will be able to determine what works and what doesn’t.
Pro Tip: By taking the time to plan and prepare, you'll be better equipped to create a successful and sustainable urban farm.
Conclusion
Ready to start an urban farm in Singapore? We hope this article helps inspire you to look into ways to do urban farming yourself. The last tip we would like to share is to have fun, regardless of the outcome. Urban farming, or any type of activity that involves plants or gardening, is a fun thing to do with friends and family. Enjoy the time you spend together!
Author: Soleha Nisaa
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of urban farms that already function well in Singapore include vertical farms, greenhouses, hydroponic systems, indoor farms and backyard farms.
Vertical farming is a method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, using artificial lighting and a controlled environment to optimize plant growth. Vertical farming is a popular and useful way to farm in Singapore when space is very limited.
Hydroponic farming is a type of growing system where plants are cultivated without soil but rather in mineral-enriched water. In Singapore, these are often set up on rooftops.
Some challenges of urban farming in Singapore include the high cost of land and the limited space available for farming, as well as the high humidity and temperature that can make it difficult to grow certain crops. Additionally, urban farmers may face competition from imported produce and may need to educate consumers about the benefits of locally grown food.
Yes, urban farming can be profitable in Singapore, although the profitability of a particular farm will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the farm, the types of crops grown, and the marketing strategy used. You can focus on high-value crops that are in high demand, adopt sustainable and efficient farming practices, or apply for government grants and schemes available to support urban farming in Singapore.
Urban farming can use pesticides, but it is not always necessary or recommended. The use of pesticides in urban farming depends on the type of crop being grown, the location and environment of the farm, and the farmer’s preference and commitment to organic or natural farming methods.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food waste and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil amendments. Composting is important in urban farming because it helps to reduce waste and provides a sustainable source of nutrients for plants.
