Different countries, regions, and cities are promoting gardening and sustainable living through policies and incentives. In Belgium, the policy of "bebloemingsacties" (literally: planting action), provides economic incentives as follows:

-31 euros ($40) are paid per square meter for growing succulent mosses, grasses and herbs for a green roof. The program pays a maximum of 5,000 euros ($6,500); the minimum is 6 square meters.

-250 euros ($325) are paid for collecting and reusing rain water. The money goes to fund a collecting system and pump.

-Each household can get as many as three chickens which will consume kitchen waste and add fertilizer to the garden.

Countries less well-heeled than Belgium grow 90 percent of their fresh produce out of necessity. Two cities known for their urban gardens are Accra, Ghana, and Havana, Cuba.

Venezuelan leaders, inspired by Cuba's small urban farms, have started a socialist farming cooperative called "Interior economy." Premier Hugo Chavez started Organoponicos (urban gardens) to aim for 20 percent food production from urban gardens. Tools and land are subsidized through this program.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle