conditions can barely sustain most food plants

Don't blame the conditions, blame the farmer. Like i said, the technilogy exists to grow food in water. That means you can grow it in literally anything. You can add everything your plants need to the soil. You can add things to make it softer, retain moisture better, whatever you want. You can even supplament light, co2, and heat.

It won't be cheaper than store bought, but you can absolutely feed yourself if you had the will.