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[@CityPrepping] How To Grow Unlimited Food In Suburbia

· 5 min read
[@CityPrepping] Summarizer
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@CityPrepping - "How To Grow Unlimited Food In Suburbia"

Link: https://youtu.be/02xxndCTy6c

Short Summary​

DNA Micro Farms in Los Angeles utilizes a teraponic system (20% soil, 80% water) on a residential lot to feed 35 families weekly with nutrient-dense, hyper-local produce. This innovative micro-farming model addresses food security in urban food deserts by maximizing space with vertical integration and water recycling, offering a sustainable and community-focused approach to food production.

Key Quotes​

Here are five direct quotes that I found particularly insightful or interesting from the transcript:

  1. "Our goal as Crop Soft LA is to grow food on unused land. And most people's unused land would be their front yards compared to the backyard." - Highlights an innovative approach to land use in urban environments.

  2. "Teraponics is a system where we're using 20% soil to 80% water... the systems that we have uh there are flooding system from the bottom...each tank holds about anywhere from 100 gallons to about 300 gallons worth of recycled rainwater..." - Explains the key aspects of their teraponic system and its water-saving features.

  3. "Nutrient density, high yields, they kind of worked hand in hand, but the nutrient density is very important to us... we can ensure to them that the plant is from root to plate within 2 to three hours." - Emphasizes the importance of quick delivery and nutrient retention, which is key.

  4. "A lot of the the members in this neighborhood take pride in seeing this in their neighborhood... people also like to see food being grown in the neighborhood cuz normally you don't get to see food grown period." - Shows the positive community impact beyond just providing food.

  5. "I would say the best answer of food desert is lacking of nutrient-rich food grow locally hyperlocally within your area that uh can sustain a community of people here." Defines 'food desert' and explains the importance of local food production.

Detailed Summary​

Here is a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, using bullet points:

Key Topics:

  • Urban Micro Farming: The video focuses on DNA Micro Farms (operated by Crop Swap LA) and their implementation of a small-scale farming model in a residential area of Los Angeles.
  • Teraponics System: A detailed explanation of the teraponics system used by DNA Micro Farms, its advantages, and how it works.
  • Community Food Security: The video highlights the role of micro farms in addressing food deserts and providing nutrient-dense food to local communities.
  • Sustainable Food Production: Emphasis on water conservation, nutrient density, and reducing transportation costs associated with traditional farming.
  • Replicating the Model: The video teases a future video showing viewers how to implement aspects of the DNA Micro Farms system on their own property.

Arguments & Information:

  • Problem: Traditional farming can be inefficient (water usage), transport time reduces nutrient density, and food deserts exist in urban areas.
  • Solution: Micro farms, particularly using teraponics, offer a more sustainable and localized approach to food production.
  • DNA Micro Farms Impact: They are feeding approximately 35 families a week from a standard residential lot (around 8,000 sq ft), primarily utilizing the front yard for growing.
  • What is a micro farm? A smaller version of a farm producing food on a smaller footprint.
  • Teraponics Explained:
    • It's a hybrid system: 20% soil, 80% water.
    • Flooding system from the bottom, allowing soil to wick the water.
    • Uses recycled rainwater collected from the house or directly into tanks.
    • Autonomous, with timers controlling pumps for watering.
    • Water drains back into a reservoir for reuse.
  • Water Conservation: Teraponics drastically reduces water waste compared to traditional gardening where water is often used only once before being lost to evaporation and drainage.
  • Nutrient Density:
    • Shipping and transportation lead to nutrient loss in conventionally grown produce.
    • DNA Micro Farms harvests and delivers food within 1-2 hours, maximizing nutrient content ("root to plate" timeframe).
  • Crop Selection:
    • Takes into account climate, community preferences (surveying members), and the farm's proficiency in growing specific crops.
  • Community Impact:
    • Residents take pride in having a farm in their neighborhood.
    • Provides access to fresh, healthy food in a food desert.
    • Educates community members about the food-growing process.
  • Food Desert Definition: A community lacking nutrient-rich food grown locally.
  • Replication Advice:
    • Starting a farm takes hard work.
    • Consultation is key to assess goals, space capabilities, and how to handle surplus.
  • Future Vision:
    • Micro farms can improve the food infrastructure of cities by localizing production.
    • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model connects consumers directly to the food source.
    • Expansion plans include working with schools to educate children about farming.
  • Common Crops: The video lists a wide variety of root vegetables, herbs, fruiting vegetables, climbing vegetables, lettuces, and greens that they grow. They also grow passion fruit.
  • City Prepping's Plans: They will be creating their own version of the system and providing a step-by-step guide.
  • Contact Info: Crop Swap LA can be found at cropsoftla.org.