Front Yard Food Gardens Defying Conformity and Challenging AuthorityAnna Hunt Is this a benign effort to protect property values and to conform to a certain standard, or is this a sign of a larger conspiracy by mega-food companies to protect their market stronghold by exerting influence over local government? Growing plants that produce food in tandem with plants that support the ecosystem and attract native bugs and pollinating bees is an effective method of creating an edible landscape, and an important part of bringing about an equitable food system. Vegetables and flowers mixed together in geometrically-positioned raised beds, planters and containers, or in-ground lots can make for a very productive and attractive front yard garden. Big-Food Conspiracy Is growing a vegetable garden in your front yard really such a horrible act that we must punish people for doing so? It seems like a ridiculous question, but there are, agencies, enforcement officers and authorities that are willing to do just that. If politicians are susceptible to corruption at the national level, could it be that local city ordinances criminalizing food gardens are a way for the food industry giants to manipulate the food supply chain, ensuring more customers at the grocery store? Even with such speculation aside, it is no secret that industrial food production and retail chains are represented by powerful and wealthy lobbies. Our access to food is being monopolized, the quality of our food is being sabotaged, our options are shrinking, and time is running out. If city governments are willing to prosecute people for opting out of a polluted food system, then it reasons that they are at least unwittingly serving the interests of food corporations. Supporting Food, Not Conformity Planting a front yard food garden, or any type of home garden, even if it starts with only a few pots and planters of tomatoes and herbs, is a great way to take control over what food you are eating. Growing food makes sense because our conventional supply chain is becoming more unreliable and offers decreasing options for affordable nutritious food. When living amidst manicured green lawns, a food garden will stand out and might upset some people. Yet, it is perfectly reasonable to exercise the simple right to grow food, especially on your own property. So dont be afraid of city ordinances and HOA bullies. Instead, embrace your rights and take control over your life, health and liberty. The Helvenstons, from Orlando, Florida, are a great example. When threatened by the City to remove their edible front yard food garden, this young couple, with the aid of a supportive community and world-wide support, fought city hall, and won! PatriotGardens.Blogspot.com It is easy to think that growing your own food is difficult, but the hardest part is the first plant. Once you realize what a joy it is to connect with your food, and just how easy and fun gardening is, youll thank yourself. Spring is right around the corner, so find a sunny space, purchase some starter plants, and get started. There are numerous resources that offer information about home food cultivation; some are provided below. Perhaps youll be faced with some interesting battles with your local government authorities, but you might also start a trend that transforms your home town into an edible town. And youll also be doing your duty to ensure that future generations are able to exercise the basic right to grow nutritious food. Home Gardening Resources: The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre! Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long Getting Started In Permaculture: 50 Practical Projects to Build and Design Productive Gardens Sources: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/08/planting-vegetable-gardens.aspx?e_cid=20120808_DNL_artNew_2 http://www.infowars.com/government-threatens-jail-time-for-growing-produce-in-front-yard-garden/ http://curiouslylocal.com/2012/10/ian-lindsay-front-yard-food-grower/ http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/front-yard-vegetable-garden-zwfz1301zrob.aspx#axzz2LgqT7KGQ 