One might think that urban gardens are a recent invention, however, there is evidence that they have existed in Mesopotamia for more than 5,500 years. Highlighting the existence of urban gardens since the time of the Industrial Revolution, the practice has been maintained in modern times, becoming popular in the post-World War I and II developments. Such was the boom that they were called “victory gardens” or “war gardens”, which became a form of subsistence.
Today urban agriculture is becoming increasingly popular in large cities and many people choose to plant and grow their food for health reasons – thus avoiding the use of pesticides – and for environmental, and economic reasons, and as a way of building community. opting for.
Private or community urban gardens allow many benefits to those who live in large cities, surrounded by buildings, cement, noise, and little vegetation. These green areas, when done properly and holistically, generate various ecosystem services such as soil production, habitat and food for pollinator species, educational value, sources of inspiration, recreational Locations, and much more.
It allows people to become familiar with the origins of their food and what is needed to obtain it, raises awareness, and demonstrates that we can all contribute to the production and consumption of food in a sustainable way. It is, of course, a great way to increase food security, capture carbon, reduce the carbon footprint of food transport, reduce rain runoff, and regenerate soil that is often lost under the pavement.
Caring for an urban garden requires effort, ingenuity, love, and teamwork; To understand and feel how connected we are with the planet we live on. as well as the way nutrients are recycled, how much we depend on pollinating insects and valuable microorganisms living in the soil, and how essential green spaces are to the survival and spread of these species.
Through actions that seem so small, such as urban gardens, we can make a positive contribution to the planet we live on and those of us who are a part of it. Looking carefully, we can realize their relevance, their benefits, and the ecological and social interactions they have created. It is important to share and inspire yourself to do such actions as a way of celebrating Earth Day.
