We’ve been getting a lot of questions from folks asking about growing their own food during this scary and uncertain time. This virus has made us all realize how dependent we have become on convenience and how many of us have lost many of the self-reliance skills our grandparents and previous generations had.  

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We have started the Urban Exodus blog where myself, and my friend and colleague Simone Leon, and some wonderful people we've featured on the site, will be contributing helpful articles every couple of days. I always feel like every year I learn something new, so I certainly don’t consider myself an expert (no gardener does, I think), but I’m happy to share any and all the knowledge I’ve acquired to help you on your journey. This is from a person who previously couldn’t keep a Traders Joes basil plant alive! Anyone can learn to grow their own food, even if it’s just a closet full of micro greens. Your technique will never be perfect but that is partially why it is so magic - you will always be evolving and learning new things. Do I think people are overreacting wanting to start growing their own food? Heck no! Best case scenario, supply chains are not effected and you have some fresh produce to offset your family and your local community’s food needs. Worst case scenario, you have fresh produce to help support your family and local community’s food needs. It’s a win win either way. 

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First, before tearing up your yard or cleaning out your new growing closet, I would recommend reaching out to your friends, neighbors, and local community to see if anyone has any resources that they can share for free or for trade. New Jersey farmer and activist Nate Kleinman, has set up a call to action for communities all across the country to get in touch, to share supplies and seeds in order to grow "Corona Victory Gardens."

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We have compiled some excellent growing video tutorials below. Feel free to email us your growing, self-sufficiency, rural living, small business questions and we will be happy to address them on the blog. We are all in this together. 

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-Alissa Hessler