Thoughts, feeling, comments… Indoor hydroponics, hot or not?

Thoughts, feeling, comments… Indoor hydroponics, hot or not?

The market for more visually appealing indoor hydroponic (and aquaponics) kits is growing. This isn’t a new topic, and one I’ve covered a few times before. But with the marketing splash made by IKEA recently and some of the innovations as products are tweaked, it’s time to have a look again. And please do let me know your thoughts on the visual/décor aspects, cost and general efficiency of these growing kits! 

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More beans for your buck

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!

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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Welcome to the farmerly

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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