Bringing outdoors in: Why you should start an indoor garden

Bringing outdoors in: Why you should start an indoor garden

I recently had a friend visit who asked, “Why so many plants indoors, isn’t it messy and annoying?” That prompted a bit of a think about something I’d not thought much about – as I’ve been doing it so long – growing indoors. Why do it? My reasons are partly practical (climatic conditions), partly aesthetic (nice to look at), partly optimizing space, and partly therapy. 

But why do other people do it? 

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5 urban farming ideas using repurposed items

5 urban farming ideas using repurposed items

For most apartment and city dwellers, having any sort of garden space is hard to come by. While some lucky few may have a patio or balcony, most are left with flower boxes, windowsills and maybe a small space outside the front door (or a fire escape). With little work and very little money, you can grow a garden even in the tiniest of spaces. If a windowsill or small balcony is the only space you have, look to these genius space-savvy gardens for inspiration. 

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Five of the best: vertical farming

Five of the best: vertical farming

Seemingly little or no room or space? No problem. From Chicago to Singapore, picking fresh cucumbers and lettuce is as easy as looking up. Vertical farms make growing crops possible in places where traditional farming is impossible. Think crowded New York City where the only backyard you have is a five feet by two feet balcony. In our last post we looked at recycling and re-purposing to use space creatively, so, in the interests of balance, this will look at the ready-made offerings in the vertical farming space. Both options help solve the "no space” problem but also produce less waste and are therefore usually better for the environment...

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Purposeful repurposing, urban farming style

Purposeful repurposing, urban farming style

Whether you have a pot of soil on your barely-there balcony or a fire escape by your window, your own urban garden can provide you with plenty of vegetables and herbs. Many city-dwellers grumble that they can’t grow their own food because they lack the garden space. Truth is, you can actually grow more than you think in compact spaces with the proper light....

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Internationalising tastes

Internationalising tastes

I recently received an interesting email from a reader asking what to grow in Philadelphia if you like Asian food. This points to something prevalent in our generation, internationalising tastes. Whether because of new citizens bringing their cuisine to your country, or dishes you sampled on your travels, many of us want to recreate and grow those flavours at home. 

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