More beans for your buck

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More beans for your buck

In 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. 

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Huo 火, it’s hot!

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Huo 火, it’s hot!

In 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. 

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Bird and the Bees (and vibrating toothbrushes)

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Bird and the Bees (and vibrating toothbrushes)

Despite the title, this isn’t an urban legend about college initiation ceremonies, but it does get a little fruity! Today children, we’re going to talk about reproduction… in this case fruit and veg.

One of the challenges for many urban farmers is ensuring the flowers that will turn to fruits or veg pollinate. Insects are our friends here, with bees first amongst equals. 

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Welcome to the farmerly

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Welcome to the farmerly

Urban Farming means different things to different people. My definition is simple: growing food in an urban or confined setting.  I’ve done this in various locations with diverse conditions. Throughout this process I’ve experimented and made plenty of mistakes, and enjoyed some successes. One of the reasons I make mistakes is because farming can be hard. As Brian Breet put it, “Farming is a profession of hope”. But people with hope are good people to be around.

The other reason I make mistakes is I’m a man, and therefore not given to reading instructions properly. In my defence I would argue they’re often quite dry and dull. I will endeavour to not go down that (garden) path. 

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