Urban farming takes root
Edible gardens continue to sprout across the Klang Valley as more individuals and communities turn to urban farming for a healthier lifestyle, writes
SILENTLY but surely, droplets descend from the cloudy sky one evening prompting a reassessment of my next move. The light shower means two things. One, destiny is telling me not to attempt jogging outdoors around my condominium to burn those calorific Chinese New Year goodies (which disappoints me for a long two seconds as I console myself with a pineapple tart).
Secondly, the drizzles have zapped my motivation to drive down the road to get some much-needed groceries.
The idea of changing, taking the lift down, hopping into my car, driving in wet weather, finding parking and queuing up to pay for a few fresh items, has worn me out already.
In that half hour, I could have whipped up a meal if only I could have strolled to my balcony to pick some fresh produce from my miniature “farm”.
If it could speak, my balcony would mock me, having witnessed my horticultural struggles. It would remind me of the two victims still sitting pitifully in their pots on the balcony, shrivelled and shrunken from inadvertent neglect. And let’s not even mention the hardy succulents that I thought would be surefire successes.
But one must never lose hope and even for a guilt-ridden plant killer and city dweller like me, growing and harvesting my own herbs, fruits or vegetables at home is entirely possible. All one needs is professional help and expertise. couple first shared an interest in non-edible and decorative plants which later evolved into a passion for edible gardens and urban home farming, a concept that isn’t new in some countries but is taking root now in Malaysia.
In many cities across the world, there have been inspiring stories of rooftops, backyards, balconies and unused spaces being transformed into sustainable little farms that can feed not just one family, but can even cater to a community.
In the Klang Valley, urban community farms have mushroomed for at least a few years now, some initiated by residents’ associations and some by housing developers.
Just recently in January, Sime Darby Property Bhd launched a community edible garden at the township, City of Elmina, where over 100 plots of land were made available to residents to grow their own produce.
I’m reminded of Britain where such plots are called allotments, referring to small fruit and vegetable patches near homes.
A popular pastime and a common sight in their city suburbs, you can catch sight of these flourishing gardens in housing areas, particularly when looking out of a moving train window.
For urbanites who are interested to grow healthy, clean food, it’s not essential to have a patch of grass or earth at home; even a tiled space would suffice.
Mun and her family live in a terrace house with limited outdoor space yet maintain many thriving edible plants — even fruit trees such as mango, lemon, guava, pomegranate, all in pots.
They’re the “Hobbit” versions — much smaller but just as productive, beneficial and cute. This also means that living in an