Root Vegetables Posh Farming Style

Beets. Image from http://www.mybalconyjungle.com

I will use today to look at growing root vegetables the posh farmer’s way. I am happy to say that if you are interested, there is a lot of information out there about these things. I am surprised that more people are not growing their own food. You don’t need to be an expert to grow at least one thing.

Among the sites from which I found inspiration are http://www.mybalconyjungle.com, http://www.gardeningknowhow.com, http://www.vegetable-garden-guide.com and http://www.grow-it-organically.com. What I’ve come to realise is that growing root vegetables (radish, beets, carrots, etc) in containers is not a particularly challenging task. They all seem pretty easy to grow. Here are some key things I’ve picked up from my research:

• It is important to begin by preparing the soil well. Start with soil that is moist throughout. Pat the soil down evenly across the entire surface of the container and use your finger to make small impressions in the soil to the required depth for the seeds to be planted.
• These vegetables must start from seeds, they do not transplant well.
• Do not to put too any seeds in one container. The growing vegetable will need space for the roots to grow sideways. A 3 inch distance between plants is recommended.
• It is important to be gentle when watering a container with newly planted seeds. After the seeds have been planted add enough water to dampen the seeds. Try using a spray bottle and make sure that the soil is well moistened. This will ensure that the soil does not draw all that moisture away from the seeds. The spray bottle will help to control the watering process. If the soil is heavily watered after the seeds have been planted, the seeds may shift around or be washed further into the soil.

Carrot seedlings. Image from http://www.vegetable-garden-guide.com

• Do not underestimate the size of the roots. As they are root vegetables, they need space to grow. Use adequately sized containers of about 8-12 inch deep at minimum.

Carrots. Image from vegetable-garden-guide.com

• Place the container(s) where it(they) can get as much sunlight as possible (on the patio or by a glass window). With good sunlight the plants should remain low and spread out, resulting in roots that will stay in the ground. Without adequate sunlight, their roots may extend out of the soil (in search of light) and the root vegetables will be under-nourished (tall and flimsy). If the roots extend out of the soil, check the amount of light the container is getting. If it is receiving enough light, gently push the roots further into the ground or add more soil around them to keep the roots buried.

 Happy Posh Farming!

 

 

Small Space Challenge – Farming in a Shoe Bag!

Image from http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

As I am watching my plants grow, I can’t wait to see them transform. Every week brings with it a new level of excitement and I am sure when I am eating from the ‘farm’ I will be even more excited.

Well, as food becomes more expensive and the added chemicals become the norm, I am sure there will be others in this city who would love to have their own ‘farm’. This is a problem for many who are living in the apartments that have replaced single family homes. Many apartments now come with little or no outdoor space. It is at this point that I look to one of my favourite sites for inspiration – http://www.apartmenttherapy.com

I am happy to report that their suggestions extend to ‘farming’ and today I am sharing with you information which I copied from their website (I do hope I am not in breach of their copyrights).

This shoe bag solution was of particular interest. These space saving shoe organizers are sold all over Jamaica and so represents one of the simplest ideas I have ever seen (it’s amazing the things I am now seeing now that I am looking).  It can hang from your patio if you have one or on the outer wall of your apartment. All you need is the space to hang the bag.

Now this solution will not provide you with herbs to feed the neighbourhood, but it will certainly provide a solution for your family. Let’s try this and see what happens!

You can get the soil and the seeds from the farm or hardware store and presto, you have a small ‘farm’. Here is a full list of what you will need:

• Hanging pocket shoe organiser /store.
• Pole and attachments ( curtain pole or pipe fittings, screws).
• Strong utensil hanging hooks
• Compost of a good quality moisture holding type.
• Selection of plants or seeds… e.g. mixed leaf salad, herbs,sorrel, peas, mini tomatoes.
• Piece of wood 2″x2″ as long as the width of the pocket store to keep the base of pockets away from the wall.
• Trough planter to catch water and dirt drippings (you want to maintain the integrity of your floor)

 HAPPY POSH FARMING!