Grow your own food. Farm Plot. Growing your own fruit and veg is one of the most rewarding things you can do in the garden. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, the minimum amount of land needed for self-sustainable food in North America or Western Europe is 17 acres per person. This number assumes absolutely no land degradation, crop failures, or waste. Rent garden plots from local homeowners, community gardens, farms, schools, churches, and businesses. Discover available plots of land and gardeners or farmers and start growing food together. Garden plots are rented annually from January 1st through October 31.