Does anyone have recommendations on how to measure these contaminants accurately? Are there specific testing kits or services you’d recommend? Also, is it worth testing for multiple heavy metals, or should I focus on lead specifically?

Hey everyone what do you think? I'm coming up with a knowledge sharing platform for a climate solution competition based in Southeast Asia

Hello urban farmers, I recently closed my business and would like to convert my space to growing. This is in the 1st few days of planning and I have zero grow experience, but it has always interested me. I know its a longshot but I was curious if anyone had any advise or just places to point me to, as growing food is one the oldest past times but I am very inexperienced and would like to skip the trial and error stage but its very hard too find consistent information. Here are the details I have so far.

Any information or communities to get information from would be useful, as I have an extremely hard time navigating the web for information these days. Also curious if due to the the growing zone if this is something I should stay away from (water usage etc)

Growing Zone: 10a (chino,California,USA)

I was thinking Raised beds (I might have to build them due to the pricing): https://shop.epicgardening.com/collections/birdies-original/products/29-tall-birdies-large-bundle

I have found these people very helpful since they are local to my area and tell there experiences: https://sandiegoseedcompany.com

https://preview.redd.it/tchsd4wnx5xd1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9411145c9e2ef9fddd0a8e620666896be95d148c

https://preview.redd.it/94x51tjpx5xd1.jpg?width=2783&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f3b63e1ff4d59c8a6c28b91e8c1d8ab4c7305142

i have a garden at home, i haven't measured the exact size yet and i would like to grow some sweet potatoes. how do you step-by-step grow sweet potatoes in the simplest way possible?

Hey everyone,

I just found out about the new IDOlocal food website, and it's perfect for urban farmers and gardeners! This site is a great platform where we can connect with each other, share our experiences, and learn new techniques for soil management, pest control, and more.

The site also features committees and programs that focus on different aspects of urban farming and gardening, providing valuable insights and support. Whether you're managing a rooftop garden, community plot, or small balcony garden, you'll find useful information and a supportive community.

There's also a marketplace section where we can discuss market trends, share pricing strategies, and find potential buyers for our products. This can be especially helpful for those looking to expand their reach and find new opportunities in the urban market.

It's a fantastic community for anyone involved in urban farming or gardening. Check it out and let's take advantage of this resource to learn and grow together! That's why I have decided to share

Hello! I am trying my hand at urban gardening for a plethora of reasons. Mainly to have some fun and enjoy fresh produce but also to potentially scale. Any and all tips are welcome. I have a decent sized balcony, plan to use big plastic tubs with wholes drilled in the bottom for drainage, and live in Florida. Good chunk of direct sunlight 4-6 hours very hot climate. Open to suggestion! TYIA

I am growing Rosemary and Chayote near my house where I've heard can have more lead levels due to paint from the structure. I've also read conflicting information about the ability of plants to draw up the lead. Some people are super hardcore about testing the levels, other people are like don't even bother it's not an accurate reflection of what the plant absorbs - just don't grow root veggies and it's fine. I'm also growing Kale and Fava beans on my sidewalk strip. I would love to be eat my food worry free. It seems a waste to have all this amazing soil and then to just rely on raised beds you know? So tell me, how bad is it realllllly.

I got a rice seeds few years ago. and raise them in small submerged plastic boxs for years. But, today after a day later plant rice sprouts, I found a lot of tiny larvas swiming in my Plastic pot. I consider Pesticide to kill them but my father told me fly larvas are very Resilient against any kind of chemicals. So, I consider import predator insects from somewhere(Edit:import from countryside not from other nations. Don't worry about) but if I buy from web market it will cost a lot. I consider collect insects like lady bugs from local park but don't know how to catch or found these little things. any advice for collecting insects? or should I buy from web?