Exploring the Differences Between Urban Gardening and Farming

When I first moved here to assist my mother, one of the first tasks I undertook was to create a small, cool-season vegetable garden on the sunny side of the house. Can't live without it! Early on, when I picked an abundance of leafy greens like dinosaur kale, collards, and green onions, and offered them to a couple of neighbors, their reactions were overwhelming. “Oh no, I don’t eat that stuff.”

This story is common as many people associate urban gardens with farmers, and it made me reflect on the differences between those who garden and those who farm. Even with a limited plot of land, you can still grow an abundance of vegetables, greens, and herbs in containers. Many communities offer communal garden plots available to residents for a small annual fee. Who knows, you might even find yourself involved in “guerilla gardening,” cleaning out abandoned urban lots for a good cause!

Leafy Greens and Fruiting Vegetables

What do I grow in my garden? While I garden for the simple pleasure of it, I happen to grow a lot of leafy greens and some fruiting vegetables:

My daughter, who lives in San Francisco, grows flowers and spends a lot of time ‘guerilla gardening’. She cleans out abandoned lots in the city, beautifying urban spaces. Though she finds these urban gardening adventures fulfilling, it’s important to note that even those who garden in the city don’t necessarily feel like farmers.

Why I’m Not a Farmer

When I grow things, it’s primarily for the pleasure of it. I tend to my garden when I can, and I don’t worry if it isn’t watered or weeded sometimes. I already have a job, and it takes a lot of my time. Gardening is more of a pleasant hobby to me, something I do for enjoyment rather than necessity.

True farmers, on the other hand, work incredibly hard to tend their crops. They watch the weather and the markets, plan far ahead, and sometimes still face losses beyond their control. Their crops are not just an occupation but their livelihood. Without that income, they and their families would suffer. They possess a vast experience in managing crises that are often beyond the scope of a hobby gardener.

As someone who gardens, I understand the satisfaction that comes with nurturing plants and the joy of harvesting fresh produce. But it would be impractical to say that I feel like a farmer. It’s more accurate to say that I feel like someone who enjoys the hobby of gardening.

Conclusion

Whether your garden is rural or urban, the enjoyment and satisfaction of gardening come from nurturing life and reaping the rewards of your efforts. While farmers face the challenges of their livelihood, hobby gardeners find fulfillment in the hobby of cultivation. So, don’t be surprised if you offer your fresh veggies to a neighbor who thinks you’ve landed from another planet—just embrace the joy and curiosity of gardening!