5 Ways to Grow Your Own Food (No Garden Required!)

By Kelly Morgan, Ph.D., M.B.A.
Chair, Fundraising and Marketing Committee

Even if you don't have a yard or balcony to grow your food, there are other creative ideas you can use to make sure you're getting fresh produce regularly. No garden required. 

If you'd love to save money on groceries and have fresh food ready for the pickin' any time, here are five ways to grow it yourself without having your own garden to weed through.

1. Create an indoor growing situation

Perhaps you won't be able to grow everything, but a sunny kitchen windowsill is a great place to grow smaller things. Think herbs, scallions, or tomatoes! Some great options that are easy to regrow from a windowsill include celery, lettuce, onion, green onion, bell pepper, and herbs.  

2. Become a member of a community-supported agriculture program

Also known as CSA, it's a great way to get local food for a great deal. It works by taking in members that purchase shares of produce from local farmers. You get your share every week or even biweekly during the growing season. And not only do you always get the freshest local foods without getting your hands dirty, but you also get the opportunity to help your local farmers, which boosts your community.

3. Strike up a symbiotic deal with friends or family

If your parents or a good friend have space to spare, you might be able to talk them into letting you garden on it. You could negotiate the area by offering to care for and cultivate it while sharing the bounty. It never hurts to ask!

4. Work with a local farm

Live near the farms? Another way you can get growing on your food is to volunteer at your local farm. If you're willing to roll up your sleeves to gain experience and a few fruits and veggies in return, they might be willing to let you help out. The worst thing they can say is "no," so give it a try!

5. Become a member of your community garden

In most communities today, community gardens are popping up in abundance. Look online near you, and you should find them. Don't be afraid if you've got a brown thumb…they'll show you the ropes. You'll make new friends, learn something new, and get fresh and tasty produce without having to maintain your own garden yourself.

In a community that doesn't have a community garden? Talk to your neighbors and see about starting one. It could be the next big thing, and it will do so much good for everyone.