Some great news: the days of throwing down far too many dollars for a sprig of rosemary are behind you. No more paying through the nose for some limp, wilting and teenage-sulk-looking basil for your pasta, because you can grow those herbs at home. Some recent studies have suggested that transportation of some herbs, fruit and veg can reduce the nutritional value by as much as 40%, which is another incentive!
Read MoreThose of you familiar with previous posts will know that I’ve been critical of the acolytes of hydroponics for claiming it’s so eco-friendly but ignoring the these questions: what about the LED lights and minerals/metals in solution or powder form with are processed and mined as opposed to more naturally present in soils and compost? This is therefore an attempt to keep hydroponics as basic and as ‘green’ as possible. We'll use only some old bottles, maybe some organic liquid fertiliser and some water…
Read MoreSo I’ve written intermittently about hydroponics, and I have raised a few questions about the main claim from acolytes – that it saves water and need for soil and is thereby more eco-friendly – by asking about heating/cooling costs and the carbon footprint of LED lights, along with using synthesised minerals and vitamins, not organic matter as fertiliser. But this post will assume no lights, and maybe a small hydroponic kit...
Read MoreIn this post I’m going to be going old school, or old home at least. A recent question from a friend about what crops offer the most prolific yields sent me into a whirlwind of research. But, then I stopped as I received an email about selling the apartment in London, and it got me thinking about the small yard I had in that home and three crops that staggered me.
This post therefore may not be as relevant to the good folk in Singapore, but I’d welcome input from readers around the world about which plants have been their biggest producers.
Read MoreIn the final instalment of our Eastern epic, we’ll be looking at the challenges associated with ensuring your plants get the right amount of heat and light. I’ve used the Chinese word for fire, (huo, 火) as a somewhat clumsy proxy for all things heat and light producing. But bear with me….
In my experience this can be one of the most challenging areas for an urban farmer, especially one with minimal or no outdoor space. Add in the man-made elements of central heating, air-conditioning and the uneven lighting you might get in a home (e.g. only getting morning sun) and you need to pick your plants and spots wisely.
Read MoreHello there, I've been playing around with some formats showing how you might grow plants. I started with a popular salad staple across the world, arugula (or 'rocket' as we Brits call it). What I need to know is whether the designs below would be of any interest or use to you? If not, could you let me know why? And if you do like them, what else would you like to see?
Read MoreTips, Tricks and Advice on all things urban farming, putting the fun and practicality back into it, in the heart of the city and from the comforts of home.
