The concept of “Vertical Gardens” is not new. The Good Book tells us of king Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon who made “the Hanging Gardens” as a gift to his wife, Amytis. The gardens gained deserved fame for adorning the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
Well, the actual existence of hanging gardens is disputed by
some historians, but not in dispute is the fact that urban dwellers are
increasingly reaping from this concept. This is enabling them to lay at the
dinner table well-balanced meals, with some of the ingredients sourced from
vertical gardens that beat the disadvantages of environments characterised by
congestion and unpredictable weather patterns.
Vertical farming involves growing crops in vertically piled
layers. More and more, farmers are incorporating controlled-environment
agriculture which aims to optimize plant growth, and soilless farming
techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics.
The plants mostly grown in vertical farms are vegetables. This
is because the crop is resilient in conditions with little water and space. The
plants also need fewer pesticides as they rarely get affected by pests and
diseases.
Growing plants vertically even in compact spaces like
windowsills, balconies, front entrances and hanging in aerial space is thus
gaining traction and making a difference in closing the gaps of nutritional
needs.
Which are the most common methods of vertical farming?
Arranging containers on the wall
This is perhaps the easiest way to create a vertical garden.
By using either standard gardening pots or reusing plastic containers like water
bottles, one can easily have a functional kitchen garden right at their doorstep.
In addition, containers hung close together in a symmetrical arrangement with
coordinating colours and plants can be a super green eye candy.
Vertical gardens Built from PVC Pipes
PVC pipes standing either straight or laid horizontally against
a wall or fence are another method that one can create a thriving vertical
garden. One simply drills holes into the pipe for the plants to grow out of.
With a vertical standing pipe, you can plant 360 degrees around the pipe.
Green wall
A green wall is what has drawn many people to vertical gardening. It can be free-standing or attached to the wall of a building and be designed for either indoor or outdoor use. The vegetation can completely cover the entire structure or be enclosed in a shallow frame.
Pocket planters
Another way to grow plants vertically is with “pockets”. While locally farmers are using gunny bags with holes to achieve this, there is a line of products which is designed for easily creating a vertical garden. The pocket is crafted from a breathable fabric so that plants grow better. Another less expensive way to do this is to use a hanging fabric shoe organizer.
Vertical farming ca be done in any area. These gardens can be set in either urban or rural areas. They can be done on small plots of land, on roof top of buildings and in informal settlements. This type of farming is good for health, is environmentally friendly and can sustain any kind of weather especially in this era of climate change.
