Crisis Gardening

Crisis Gardening

Gardening during times of crisis can have significant benefits to individuals and populations in terms of health, well-being, social and economic outcomes. So-called ‘crisis gardening’ can even be linked to transformative change in food systems through socio-ecological aspects of agroecology. In this book, crisis gardening is explored to better define, describe and provide recommendations about this activity globally. Diverse perspectives are offered from scholars around the world, providing an overview of gardening during crises with ties to agroecology. Such a perspective is critical as we grapple with food system crises, pandemics, climate change, biodiversity loss, mental health issues and political conflict globally. • The first section defines and explains crisis gardening in relation to agroecology, transformative change in food systems and public health. • The second section describes case studies from around the world of crisis gardening from various social-ecological perspectives. • The third section provides policy and practice recommendations and how to scale up the lessons from crisis gardening to transform food systems, public health systems, and policy and landscape planning processes. Bringing together leaders and experts (academics, policy makers and practitioners) from around the world, the book provides case studies of crisis gardening and develops recommendations to harness the lessons from this practice.

Building sustainable city region food systems to increase resilience and cope with crises

From Garden to Market Stand

Unlock the door to profitable market gardening with "From Garden to Market Stand," the ultimate guide for transforming your garden into a thriving business. This essential resource delves into every step of the journey, providing you with practical, actionable strategies to succeed in selling at local markets. Begin by understanding the fundamentals of market gardening and discover the unique advantages of selling to local audiences. Whether you’re transitioning from a gardening hobbyist to a market professional or simply want to enhance your current operations, you’ll find valuable insights ready to elevate your gardening venture. Careful planning is the cornerstone of success. Learn to align your goals, assess available resources, and implement effective seasonal plans and crop rotations. Make informed choices on high-value crops that fulfill market demand and maximize your profits. Dive into the cultivation of specialty crops, starting with an in-depth exploration of lettuce varieties. With techniques covering soil preparation and pest management to harvest and post-harvest handling, you'll ensure the highest quality produce reaches your market stand. Embrace sustainable practices by building robust soil health, managing water resources efficiently, and employing integrated pest management to maintain a productive and eco-friendly garden. Harvest with confidence using the best tools and techniques to guarantee market-quality fruits and vegetables. Achieve stunning presentations with smart packaging selections, attractive displays, and strong branding strategies. Navigate the intricacies of farmers markets with ease, from understanding regulations to engaging and building relationships with customers. Discover how to price your produce effectively, creating strategies that enhance value perception while encouraging repeat business. Expand your reach beyond the market with tips on leveraging social media, local partnerships, and community events. Overcome common challenges with proven solutions, and stay ahead with insights into future trends in sustainable agriculture. Reflect on your journey with stories from successful market gardeners, inspiring the next chapter of your market gardening adventure. Transform your garden passion into a flourishing market stand today!