Urban Microfarming: A Smart Solution For Vacant Lots

Urban farming takes root in Detroit.

1 minute read

August 27, 2007, 11:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"...urban gardening movement has taken hold in backyards and community gardens. The harvest...produced at reasonable cost and in areas where fresh organic produce can be difficult to find."

"When it comes to potential for gardening, Detroit is a land of vast opportunity. The city owns 20,000 vacant parcels that are available free by permit for gardening during one growing season, according to James Canning, deputy press secretary for Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. He says the city is considering creating several community gardens that could be open next spring."

Thanks to ASLA: The Dirt

Friday, July 27, 2007 in The Detroit Free Press

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 14, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Cars driving under automatic congestion pricing toll machines on Broadway next to the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, New York City.

Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off

After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.

October 13, 2026 - Marcelo Remond

A crane lifts a manufactured house, with is rectangular and does not yet have a roof.

HUD modernizes 50-year-old manufactured housing framework

The Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan establishes new energy-efficiency standards for manufactured homes, and new guidelines for anchoring them.

October 8, 2026 - Boston Real Estate Times

Sheep in a field stand next to solar panels.

Trump guts ‘win-win’ solar energy program for rural farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s changes have made virtually all solar power ineligible for funding through the Rural Energy for America Program.

3 seconds ago - Grist

A rendering of one of the district's buildings, which is white with many windows and about four stories tall.

Texas’ $1 billion ‘live-work-play destination’ sees progress

When complete, the project’s plaza will house up to 14 restaurants and lifestyle brands in six buildings.

1 hour ago - Houston Chronicle

Border wall construction. A man in a yellow jacket is in a crane bucket.

As opposition to border wall grows, Texas must choose: the will of its people, or Trump?

The Trump administration wants to build a border wall through beloved state land in Texas, including a state park.

2 hours ago - Inside Climate News