by Max Lindegger

The Integrated Urban House (by the Farallones Institute, 1979, ISBN 0-87156-213-8) has an excellent analysis of food needs per person and how much space would be needed to grow that food.

They suggest that an area of about 250m2 is required to supply the total vegetable requirements of a family. This is less than the average suburban backyard, and you would have some room for some fruit trees, too.

The book also gives excellent advice (biased generally towards a cooler climate) on keeping livestock in small areas, and how to grow all your favourite vegetables.

Small gardens in inner city areas can be very productive. Even balconies and window boxes can produce a surprising amount of food. Many foods can be grown ‘vertically’ by using uprights such as trellises, pergolas, stakes and fences. An amazing variety of vegetables will also grow quite happily in pots on a sunny balcony, and most herbs actually like it tough so something can be grown even in the most harsh environment! Even roofs can be used, provided proper attention is paid to drainage and weight issues.