Pollution is another often cited reason for NOT growing food inside the city limits.  Cities are definitely suffering from various forms of pollution. The contamination of the air, water, and soil in the city should always be taken into consideration.  That holds true for any edible crops and the environment in which they are cultivated whether it be rural or urban.

Most forms of pollution are fairly easy to deal with. 
>Soil pollution can be dealt with by bringing in new soil, building raised beds or simply amending the soil with additives. 
>Air pollution has little impact on the quality of crops or the nutritional value.  It CAN impact how prolific the plant is with regard to fruit production.  This is a small price to pay for your part in filtering air pollution and improving the environment in your immediate area. The more plant material we raise in those environments, the more air pollution we alleviate. 
>Water pollution is really only an issue if you are getting your water from an unfiltered non-municipal source.  The best way to find out if your water and soil is contaminated is to have them tested at your local county extension agency.  Most of these agencies offer that service free of charge. 

Urban environments benefit greatly from the greenspace a garden provides and all the more if you garden organically.  Cities benefit from the air filtering properties, soil building practices and water conservation efforts of organic gardens.  They also reap the psychological benefits of a more visually pleasing landscape and the multiple economic benefits, not the least of which are the increased property values for properties nearest shared urban greenspace. 
Other benefits include providing space for individuals to grow fresh, healthy, culturally appropriate foods for themselves as well as establish a venue for intergenerational sharing of knowledge as well as a strong sense of "place" and ownership in your community.

The basics of gardening apply in the city as they do anywhere else.  You need to choose a site, determine available sunlight, assess the location's access to water, consider ownership and land use issues, zoning, city ordinances, and fencing. 

Site planning:  Choosing a site for your garden can be a simple matter of picking a sunny location in your back yard, or a the more complicated task of finding a location that is either privately or publicly owned and getting permission from the property owner and neighbors. 

After locating a site you think may be suitable, you first need to consider the orientation of the sun.  You may have to  visit the site at different times throughout the day to determine the amount of sun the site receives.  

Next, you should determine the water source and consider how to transfer the water from its source to your site.  It is preferable to have a water source that is connected directly to the water main on the property.  In many cities this is called a sprinkler meter.  This allows you to utilize the city water source without having to pay for sewage.  I also recommend a rain barrel system that catches water on the site and stores it for use in irrigation.  Rain Barrels are an efficient way to reuse rain water.  Be sure to check your city's local water collection codes. 

If you are renting a home or you have found a location that does not belong to you, the next step is to obtain the permission of the land owner in order to move ahead with your plans.  If you know the owner speak to him/her directly about your garden, how it will be used, who will have access to it
and your responsibilities for maintenance, utilities and security.  If you do not know the owner, you can find that information at your local County Tax Assessors Office. 
Some details to consider are security for participants, tools and produce, fencing, local property owners association rules, city ordinances and access for vehicles and disabled participants. 

Many cities are allowing private groups and individuals to utilize public property for community gardens.  Do not hesitate to approach your local alderman, Parks and Recreation Director or Mayor to ask about a collaboration. 

Cities have to pay for the upkeep on vacant city properties.  Many times they will allow community gardens to use the space in return for upkeep and maintenance on the property.   City governments are always worried about liability and expense.  Those are their first two concerns. The third concern is public image.  Keep all of those things in mind when approaching your local government about using public property. One last tip, approaching them as a community group, rather than an individual has always been more effective for me.

Thank You,
Sylvia Blain
Spokesperson for ALF