I spent most of my life in the Greater Philadelphia area,
where I experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of growing food —
starting in narrow row home gardens in the northeast section of the city and
later across larger suburban and rural plots in Pennsylvania (B. Linker,
personal communication, August 1, 1976; V. Giorgi, personal communication,
August 1, 1976; J. Koones & T. Vanim, personal communication, June 1, 1987).
From backyard organic composting with eggshells, coffee grounds, and
biodegradable tea leaves to raising pheasants, tilling soil with many farm
tractors, observing honey bees take off for food sources using the Sun as a
guide, and helping plant rows of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, green
beans, grapes, pumpkins, and watermelon, I learned how food systems work — and
how fragile they become when disrupted.
(This Article is also published on Patch.com in Philadelphia, and Medium: 10 Simple Garden Strategies to Lower Food Costs Now and SubStack: 10 Simple Garden Strategies to Lower Food Costs Now where local readers are already learning the strategies and tips!)
One of my earliest jobs was working with my brother at a local corner mini
market, where he operated a small produce stand during summer breaks from
school. I learned quickly how to sort fruits and vegetables, check for freshness
and imperfections, and arrange items using planogram-style displays to catch the
eye of a potential new customer or an existing one. The produce stand setup was
humble — long, heavy wooden planks balanced on plastic milk crates, bordered by
two old, analog scales with chains and metal baskets. Transactions were made by
punching color-coded keys on a vintage, mechanical cash register and pulling
down the side-mounted handle to sound the ringer and open the till to complete
the sale. Yellow jackets, wasps, and flies hovered nearby, kept in check by a
plastic-and-metal fly swatter that never left our side. We experimented with
pricing strategies, neighborhood discounts, and product placement — all of which
enhanced my work ethic and marketing skills and deepened my respect for food
accessibility and food costs. In addition, I also worked in a supermarket deli
and produce sections and gained even more valuable skills with food sources,
safe food handling, logistics, expiration dates, tare weights, and customer
insights.
Several factors have contributed to the sharp rise in food prices.
COVID-19 disrupted the global supply chain, causing spikes in production and
transportation costs (Mahmood et al., 2024). Fuel prices surged, which increased
farm input expenses, delivery rates, and storage fees (Diab & Karaki, 2023). On
top of that, a widespread outbreak of avian influenza decimated poultry
populations, especially egg-laying hens — turning a simple carton of eggs into a
near luxury (USDA, 2025b). Families aren’t just facing higher grocery bills —
they’re cutting essentials to cope (Feeding America, 2025). In conversations
with family and friends, many say they are buying less meat, skipping
medications, reducing or eliminating entertainment costs, and delaying
retirement savings just to afford groceries.
While global supply chain issues
certainly contribute, we also have opportunities in the United States to ease
the pressure on our food sources and reduce food prices. Across the United
States, outdated and misaligned local and state policies continue to create
unintended burdens for farmers and food growers in both urban and rural
communities. Taxed food staples such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, and milk;
taxed farmland; and taxed farm equipment continue to burden farmers and local
growers. Limited access to affordable energy, outdated land use laws, and zoning
that restricts community gardens and both personal and commercial honey bee
hives — even in low-density neighborhoods — make growing and distributing food
close to the communities that need healthy and accessible food sources far more
difficult (J. Koones & T. Vanim, personal communication, June 1, 1987).
As food
prices rise and household budgets tighten, practical, community-driven
strategies and solutions can help make fresh, healthy food more affordable for
everyone — while moving us closer to achieving long-term food sustainability.
Based on experience in both row home gardens and rural farmlands, here are ten
actionable strategies:
1. Remove sales tax from basic grocery items like eggs,
milk, vegetables, and fruit.
2. Lower or eliminate taxes on farming equipment,
garden tools, and land used for food production.
3. Reduce fuel and utility
costs for agricultural purposes, especially for small-scale and local growers.
4. Expand incentives for solar panels, battery storage, and sustainable
technology in urban and rural farms alike (USDA, 2025a).
5. Fund and protect
pollinator populations, such as honey bees, which are essential to fruit and
vegetable crops (J. Koones & T. Vanim, personal communication, June 1, 1987).
6.
Create and support community gardens, backyard gardens, and row home gardens in
all neighborhoods, urban and rural (Bieri et al., 2024; B. Linker, personal
communication, August 1, 1976; V. Giorgi, personal communication, August 1,
1976).
7. Modernize local land and zoning laws so people can grow food, raise
chickens, or plant orchards where appropriate.
8. Encourage vertical farming in
urban and suburban communities to bring food closer to consumers (USDA
Agricultural Research Service, 2025a).
9. Promote sustainability by recycling
eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea leaves as natural fertilizers, and use
Biodegradable Plant Containers (Holmes et al., 2011; B. Linker, personal
communication, August 1, 1976).
10. Revitalize vacant land through community
gardens and educational urban agriculture programs, such as the 4-H organization
(4-H, 2023).
Before planting any garden — whether in a backyard, vacant lot, or
urban plot — gardeners must ensure the soil is safe and healthy for growing
food. Prior to starting any digging project — whether for a backyard garden,
fence post, or raised bed — residential, commercial, and industrial property
owners are required to call 811. This national “call before you dig” 811 hotline
connects you to local utility companies who will mark underground lines to
prevent dangerous and costly accidents. The call and service are free and
required by law in many states. Taking this simple step ensures your gardening
plans don’t unintentionally disrupt water, gas, electric, or internet services
beneath the soil.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
advises that before starting a garden, gardeners should assess the site’s
history and conduct soil testing for potential contamination from lead,
asbestos, mercury, oil, PCBs, and other hazardous materials (EPA, 2011c).
Healthy soil is essential for plant growth, as it holds water, contains
beneficial organisms, and provides necessary nutrients.
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) provides specific guidelines for the excavation of
contaminated soil to reduce human exposure to hazardous materials. For
residential areas, the EPA typically recommends removing soil to a depth of 12
inches to minimize direct contact risks, particularly for children who may play
in yards (EPA, 2011b). In areas intended for gardening — especially where edible
plants will be grown — a deeper excavation of 24 inches is advised to prevent
plant roots from reaching contaminated layers (EPA, 2011a). When contamination
extends beyond 24 inches, the EPA may choose not to excavate further but instead
implement engineering controls, such as physical barriers, or institutional
controls like land use restrictions to safely limit exposure without full
removal of deeper contaminated soil (EPA, 2011a).
Natural and bioremediation
strategies can help restore soil health and reduce toxicity. These strategies
include adding organic matter, such as compost, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea
leaves, or manure, which improves soil quality by enhancing nutrient content and
structure. (Holmes et al., 2011; Linker, personal communication, August 1,
1976). Another effective technique is phytoremediation, which uses plants to
absorb, stabilize, or extract contaminants from the soil. Cultivating
hyperaccumulator plants like sunflowers and Indian mustard can extract heavy
metals like lead from the soil (Patil & Chikhalikar, 2023). Biochar can increase
phytoremediation in removing heavy metals from soils (Deka, Patwa, Nair, & Ravi,
2024). Mycoremediation techniques using fungi such as oyster mushrooms help
degrade pollutants and absorb heavy metals (Dinakarkumar, Ramakrishnan, Gujjula,
Vasu, Balamurugan, & Murali, 2024). Adjusting soil pH to near neutral levels can
also increase nutrient availability and support microbial populations (EPA,
2011c).
In addition, deer and other wildlife can damage gardens and crops, often
requiring fencing, netting, or other physical barriers and deterrents. Some
low-cost solutions for wildlife deterrence include the following:
1. Fishing
Line Fence — Stringing fishing line around the perimeter at varying heights can
confuse and deter deer.
2. DIY Netting — Reuse old window screens, mesh fabric,
or bird netting over beds and seedlings.
3. Motion-Activated Sprinklers —
Inexpensive versions start under $30 and harmlessly scare off animals.
4.
Reflective Deterrents — Use pie tins, old CDs, or Mylar tape to reflect light
and deter birds and squirrels, and hang them from the ground.
5. Scent-Based
Repellents — DIY garlic, chili, or soap sprays can discourage nibbling (safe for
plants).
6. Repurposed Fencing — Old wooden pallets, wire mesh, or leftover
lattice panels can be upcycled into barriers.
7. Companion Planting — Plant
strong-scented herbs like mint or chives along garden borders to repel pests.
With some research and preparation, gardens can be safely and easily grown in
urban areas. Neighbors have transformed tiny backyards into vibrant gardens
filled with vegetables and fruits. A few compost bins, recycled rain barrels,
and some maintenance can lead to seasonal harvests that lower grocery bills and
provide families with immediate access to fresh, healthy food. In rural towns
across the United States, families often produced enough to feed relatives,
store food for the winter, and share the surplus with neighbors. Sometimes, that
extra produce even created opportunities for children to set up produce stands —
just like the one my brother and I ran during summer breaks.
Philadelphia is
home to thousands of vacant lots, which present opportunities for urban
agriculture and community development. Programs like FarmPhilly, operated by
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, support urban farming projects on city land,
including community gardens and youth education gardens (City of Philadelphia,
n.d.). These initiatives help residents grow food, share gardening skills, and
strengthen community ties. Additionally, the USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) provides funding to support community gardens in
Philadelphia, enhancing local food systems and promoting sustainable land use
(USDA NRCS Pennsylvania, 2023). By transforming vacant lots into productive
green spaces, these programs contribute to food security, neighborhood
revitalization, and food sustainability.
Gardens offer far more than food — they
can help build healthier, safer communities and may even increase nearby
property values over time. Growing high-quality fruits and vegetables at home or
in community plots increases access to fresh, nutritious food, often improving
dietary habits and long-term health. The physical activity involved in planting,
watering, and harvesting supports exercise and cardiovascular well-being, while
the calming nature of gardening contributes to reduced stress and improved
mental health (Soga et al., 2017). Community gardens also help strengthen
neighborhood identity by bringing people together with a shared purpose,
creating spaces that are greener, safer, and more welcoming. They offer hands-on
education for both children and adults — teaching skills in biology,
sustainability, and self-reliance. For youth, gardens can provide structure,
mentorship, and positive engagement, all of which help deter crime and support
emotional development. In some cases, families can generate modest income from
surplus produce or farmers’ markets. And over time, well-kept garden spaces have
even been shown to increase nearby property values, turning underused land into
sources of beauty, growth, and economic opportunity (Draper & Freedman, 2010).
Food affordability will not solve itself. The answers already grow in backyards,
on vacant lots, and in the hands of people who care about their neighborhoods.
Based on firsthand experience tilling both urban and rural soil, the potential
is clear. When policies and outdated regulations that make growing and sharing
food harder for families are changed, we will be one big step closer to building
stronger, healthier communities — together.
Let’s get growing, because planting
a garden can save you money, provide you with exercise, stimulate your brain,
and bring your family together.
“Sun, soil, seeds, and sweat — the original
supply chain.” quote by Jon Barrett
Do you Know a Family Member, friend, or
neighbor growing food locally? Pass this article along and let’s grow together!
About the Author: Jon Barrett is a Google Scholar Author and a technical content
writer with over a decade of experience in SEO content copywriting, technical
content writing, and digital marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree
from Temple University, along with MicroBachelors academic credentials in both
Marketing and Academic and Professional Writing (Thomas Edison State University,
2025).
His professional technical writing covers industrial hygiene, real
estate, construction, and property insurance hazards and has been featured in
the Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Industrial Safety &
Hygiene News, the American Society of Safety Professionals, EHS Daily Advisor,
and Facilities Management Advisor.
Google Scholar Author:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=BcLad_kAAAAJ
Linkedin Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-barrett-129bb9b/
Personal Website: SEO Technical
Content Writer | Jon Barrett Website | Google Certified Digital Marketer
(This
Article is also published on
Patch.com in Philadelphia, and Medium:
10 Simple Garden Strategies to Lower Food Costs Now
and SubStack:
10 Simple Garden Strategies to Lower Food Costs Now
where local readers are already learning the strategies and tips!)
References
Bieri, D., Joshi, N., Wende, W., & Kleinschroth, F. (2024). Increasing demand
for urban community gardening before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 92, 128206.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2024.128206
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025,
March 12). Consumer Price Index — Northeast Region.
https://www.bls.gov/regions/mi...
City of Philadelphia. (n.d.). Gardening —
FarmPhilly. https://www.phila.gov/programs...
Deka, D., Patwa, D., Nair, A. M.,
& Ravi, K. (2024). Influence of biochar amendment on removal of heavy metal from
soils using phytoremediation by Catharanthus roseus L. and Chrysopogon
zizanioides L. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
31(40), 53552–53569. Influence of biochar amendment on removal of heavy metal
from soils using phytoremediation by Catharanthus roseus L. and Chrysopogon
zizanioides L. - Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Diab, S., &
Karaki, M. (2023). Do increases in gasoline prices cause higher food prices?
Energy Economics, Volume 127, Part B, 2023, 107066, ISSN 0140–9883.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2023.107066 Dinakarkumar, Y., Ramakrishnan, G.,
Gujjula, K. R., Vasu, V., Balamurugan, P., & Murali, G. (2024). Fungal
bioremediation: An overview of the mechanisms, applications and future
perspectives. Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 6, 293–302.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enceco.2024.07.002
Draper, C., & Freedman, D. (2010).
Review and analysis of the benefits, purposes, and motivations associated with
community gardening in the United States. Journal of Community Practice, 18(4),
458–492. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2010.519682 Feeding America. (2025).
Hunger in America.https://www.feedingamerica.org...
Giorgi, V. (1976, August 1).
Personal communication.
Holmes, J. D., Sawyer, J. E., Kassel, P., & Ruiz Diaz,
D. (2011, November 29). Using ground eggshells as a liming material in corn and
soybean production. Crop Management. https://doi.org/10.1094/CM-2011-1129-01-RS
Koones, J., & Vanim, T. (1987, June 1). Personal communication.
Linker, B.
(1976, August 1). Personal communication.
Mahmood, H., Furqan, M., Meraj, G., &
Hassan, M. S. (2024). The effects of COVID-19 on agriculture supply chain, food
security, and environment: A review. PeerJ, 12: e17281. The effects of COVID-19
on agriculture supply chain, food security, and environment: a review
Patil, V.
V., & Chikhalikar, K. K. (2023). Phytoremediation potential of sunflowers and
mustard in lead-contaminated soils: A case study. International Research Journal
of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 10(9), 475–479.
https://www.irjet.net/archives/V10/i9/IRJET-V10I9100.pdf
Soga, M., Gaston, K.
J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis.
Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92–99.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.007
United States Department of
Agriculture. (Updated 2025, January 10). Agricultural Research Service: Vertical
Farming – No Longer A Futuristic Concept.
https://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/utm/vertical-farming-no-longer-a-futuristic-concept/
United States Department of Agriculture. (2025, April 4). AMS Livestock &
Poultry Program, Livestock, Poultry, and Grain Market News Division: Egg Markets
Overview. https://www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/ams_3725.pdf
United States
Department of Agriculture NRCS Pennsylvania. (2023). NRCS funds community
gardens in Philadelphia.
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/pennsylvania/news/nrcs-funds-community-gardens-in
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2011). Brownfields and urban
agriculture: Interim guidelines for safe gardening practices.
https://semspub.epa.gov/work/05/940518.pdf
United States Environmental
Protection Agency. (2011). Urban Gardening: Assessing soil contamination and
improving safety. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-
03/documents/urban_gardening_fina_fact_sheet.pdf
United States Environmental
Protection Agency. (2011). Urban Gardening: Tips for Safe Gardening in Urban
Areas.
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-03/documents/urban_gardening_fina_fact_sheet.pdf
4-H. (2023).
National 4-H Council. https://4-h.org/
Intellectual Property
Notice: This submission and all accompanying materials, including the article and cited research, are the original intellectual property of the author, Jon Barrett. These materials are submitted exclusively by Jon Barrett. They are not authorized for publication, distribution, or derivative use without written permission from the author. Copyright 2025. All rights remain fully reserved.
