Green living enthusiasts and beginners alike love the idea of controlling what goes into their bodies. With the high count of pesticides and chemicals used in and on our food the concept of growing our own is becoming increasingly popular. Small living environments, such as apartments and townhomes, cause people to shy away from the concept of gardening. The truth is that through the use of a concept, called Window Farming, apartment and urban dwellers can now grow their own food without ever leaving the apartment.

How does Window Farming Work?

Window farming become popular a few years ago when the site Windowfarms.org launched. Their concept was simple. Recycle plastic water bottles into planters. Combine those planters into a hanging window sized “farm.” Water the farm with the use of drip irrigation by using a simple aquarium water and air pump. What this combination creates is a hanging garden that will grow greens, small fruits, vegetables and a variety of plant life.

Why Window Farming?

There are several reasons that people may choose to window farm. Space is a large factor in the choice. Another factor is the rising cost of fresh fruits and vegetables. A single person living in an urban environment like Chicago or New York City can expect to pay double or even triple for things like fresh greens and vegetables during off seasons. With window farming that same person can cut their food bills by over half and have fresh vegetables, some fruits and greens throughout the year.

How to Start Window Farming

Window farming can be as inexpensive or as costly as you want it to be. The most popular method for creating a window farm is by using recycled water bottles and following the directions listed here. If you are not the DIY type then you can also order a window farm kit. These kits are a bit more expensive but are ready to assemble out of the box with little to no technology required. You can start window farming any time of year but it is encouraged that you begin with small plants rather than seeds. The reason is because small plants will begin to flourish earlier than seedlings. However, you can also opt to start a separate window farm for seedlings to rotating your new window farm crops is easier throughout the year.