Individual urban and suburban gardens where water is an expensive commodity as well as a rationed resource, are the equivalent of throwing money down a rathole. I say that as an avid and experienced gardener who has stopped growing anything edible except for a small cool weather salad garden, when irrigation is not necessary.

Container gardens are a nice touch, and anytime one eats what one grows, it is a satisfying and fulfilling experience. However, it will not put a dent in the annual grocery bill.

Community gardens may be economically viable, if one has the time to travel to them and stay on top of them while working full-time, keeping house and transporting kids to and from school, lacrosse practice, and play dates.

CSA's may make economic sense and are probably the most efficient use of of monetary and natural resources in many parts of the USA at the present time.