Backyard farming is a rewarding practice that goes beyond just growing our own food. It is an opportunity to enhance our health and nutrition while cultivating a deeper connection to nature and the food we consume.
Firstly, backyard farming is a deliberate way of growing food by utilising any kind of space around your home. For example, it can be at your balcony or kitchen garden at your compound in case you have a field.
A backyard farm at Synnefa office's balcony
In this article, we will explore the various ways in which backyard farming can positively impact our well-being, supported by research and evidence. We will also cover some of the ways you can start your backyard farming while working closely with our team of professionals at Synnefa.
1. Empowering Food Choices
One of the significant advantages of backyard farming is the control it gives us over the food we eat. By growing our own produce, we have the freedom to choose the seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides used, allowing us to prioritize organic practices. This ensures that our food is free from harmful chemicals and promotes a healthier diet.
A farmer at her backyard greenhouse
Research shows that organically grown fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus compared to conventionally grown counterparts. Get that backyard flourishing with food that will add nutritional value to your diet.
2. Freshness and Nutritional Value
The freshness of homegrown produce is unparalleled. Supermarket vegetables and fruits often travel long distances and spend significant time in storage, which can result in nutrient degradation. In contrast, backyard farming provides immediate access to freshly harvested produce at its peak ripeness and nutritional content.
Everyone loves freshly picked vegetables from their backyard farm or greenhouse
According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, certain nutrients, such as Vitamin C, folate, and carotenoids, can degrade over time due to exposure to light, heat, and air. By growing our own food, we can ensure a higher intake of these essential nutrients, leading to improved overall health and vitality.
3. Diverse Diet and Culinary Exploration
Backyard farming offers an incredible opportunity to diversify our diet. For instance, my mum has a kitchen garden where she grows a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Such mix of foods grown enable her to explore different recipes and diverse diets.
Consuming a variety of plant-based foods has been associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and certain types of cancers. Backyard farming empowers us to enrich our diets with an abundance of fresh, nutrient-rich foods.
4. Physical Activity and Exercise
Every time my mum visits Nairobi, she will claim that the city makes her lazy and she 'feels congested.' If you have parents who live in up country, you can relate to this. For my mum, she loves the physical activities and exercise she can do in her kitchen garden. She claims this keeps her health in shape.
There's no brainer that backyard farming requires physical labor, including digging, planting, weeding and harvesting. These activities provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate exercise into our daily routine which can contribute to weight management, improved cardiovascular health and increased muscular strength.
5. Mental Well-being and Nature Therapy
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology suggests that spending time in green spaces and engaging in horticultural activities can significantly reduce stress levels. Backyard farming offers a tangible and immersive experience with nature, promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and overall mental well-being.
6. Cultivating Sustainable Living
Backyard farming fosters a sense of connection to our food and the environment. By witnessing the growth process firsthand, we develop a deeper appreciation for the effort it takes to produce what we consume. This connection to our food promotes sustainable living practices.
Backyard farming encourages self-sufficiency and reduces our reliance on industrial agriculture, which often contributes to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. By growing our own food, we can reduce food miles, minimize packaging waste, and decrease the need for chemical inputs. This promotes sustainable practices such as composting, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation.
Edward Kibicho, a farmer, whose goal is to farm to provide food to urban population
Research published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology demonstrates that home gardens play a vital role in urban sustainability. They provide habitat for beneficial insects, promote pollination, and contribute to urban cooling and air quality improvement. Backyard farming empowers individuals to become active participants in the global movement toward a more sustainable and resilient food system.
Conclusion
Backyard farming is more than just a hobby; it is a transformative practice that improves our health and nutrition while fostering a deeper connection to nature. By growing our own food, we gain control over our diet, ensuring organic and fresh produce rich in essential nutrients. Backyard farming encourages physical activity, enhances mental well-being, and promotes sustainable living practices.
What's Next? Speak to a consultant!
Let our team help you kick start your journey to happy gardening! We install greenhouses customised to your preference and plastic troughs to help you start your urban backyard farming!
