Vertical farming is growing crops in vertically stacked layers or on vertically mounted surfaces as opposed to the traditional single level surfaces. This is ideal especially for city dwellers who do not have much space but are passionate about farming. Depending on the size of your balcony, you can grow leafy vegetables, strawberries, herbs and spices among others.
The good news with vertical farming is that you are not only able to grow your crops for subsistence use but also commercial purposes depending on the area size. Crops can be grown in troughs, pipes or containers. In Kenya, there are some companies that are offering services such as designing, fabricating, installation and maintenance of different modern day gardens. Some of the common vertical farming techniques include the hanging and tower gardens.
Are ideal for verandahs, balconies as well as a kitchen or backyard gardens. These gardens are usually dangling from the rooftop or a post. Hanging gardens are ideal for growing coriander, leafy vegetables, Capsicum, pepper and herbs.
This type of a garden is ideal for people with small balconies or spaces. Some of the ideal crops to grow on the tower garden include spinach, strawberries, and coriander among other leafy vegetables.
Here are 5 reasons why you should consider vertical farming.
Vertical farming requires a smaller area to grow plants. Land used is much less than when using traditional farming methods since vertical farms can be expanded upwards.
- Organic Crops Production.
Vertical farming is controlled. This allows reduction or total abandonment of the use of chemical pesticides. The organic approach promises fresh and toxin-free produce.
- Weather doesn’t affect the crop
Crops in a field can be adversely affected by natural calamities such as drought and flooding; events which are becoming increasingly common as a result of global warming.
- Increased and maximum crop Production.
This type of farming ensures crop production all year-round. Indoor vertical farms are less likely to feel the brunt of the unfavorable weather, providing greater certainty of harvest output throughout the year.
- Water Conservation
Vertical farming uses very minimal water. It allows the farmer to control water usage hence water losses are very minimal. Vertical farming only uses 10% of the amount of water that traditional farming methods use.