Food is one of the three basic needs all organisms need to survive.  It is a resource that has banded societies together, built empires, and started wars.  Egypt was began by the control of the irrigation system around the Nile, and was made wealthy by their ability to produce food.  Greece expanded their borders with Colonies throughout the Mediterranean because of the limited food stuffs that they could produce in such a rocky penninsula.  Rome was able to expand considerably after controlling the grain fields in Sicily and Egypt, which maintained the Byzantine Empire.  As the ultimate punishment for a city (Namely Carthage) they sowed salt into the soil to make food production impossible, and thereby destroy the economy of the city.  Farming was the basis of economy for literally thousands of years, and remains to this day to be an important cornerstone of civilization.  Because food is so important, it should be taken seriously instead of being an afterthought.

Thinking about food is more than just wondering what's for dinner.  It's a serious committment to your body that you are making.  We always hear, "You are what you eat", but what does it really mean?  People take it different ways, but for me it means your food choices define who you are at a chemical, biological, and cultural way.  Your definitions are your own, but I prefer to focus on the cultural aspects of the food I eat.  Where did this recipe come from?  How common is the food I'm eating?  What are the origins of the cooking method? 

Another aspect that needs to be considered is an appreciation for food.  I have always been of an opinion that appreciation comes from the hard work required to reach the goal.  I respect and appreciate both my degrees because of the work I put into them, and the fact that I paid for them myself.  Apply that to food, and the garden comes into focus as a major avenue of appreciating life.  Growing your own food is relaxing, rewarding, and can be a way to find that bond with your roots.  If you have an ethnic origin, try growing foods common in that cuisine.  I plan on growing some cabbages for Sauerkraut, some leeks for Cock-a-leeky soup, and tomatoes for a number of cultural dishes.  It's a way to connect with who you are, and who you want to be. 

This site will be dedicated to the development, production, and processing of urban farm products at home.  Look for new sections as they become available. 

All images are used with permission from Joseph Hall (blog.josephhall.com)