Vetagro Multistorey Garden Paper

multi-storey gardens in Kenya are a vertical farming system popular with urban vegetable farmers. Growing herbs on a multi-storey garden in Kenya is now a common practice in limited spaces in densely populated locations. A grower will choose to have the multi-storey farming system out in the open, or enclosed in a greenhouse or shade house. This multi-storey cropping is determined by the crop grown, or other factors such as crop destruction by pests or disturbance from pets. A grower will choose to have a shade net or dam liner as the supporting basis of this pyramid farming in Kenya. 

A multistorey garden is an innovative and space-efficient farming technique that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers. This method is particularly beneficial in urban areas or regions with limited land availability, as it maximizes productivity in small spaces. Here's an overview of multistorey gardening and its key aspects:

What is a Multistorey Garden?

A multistorey garden is a vertical farming system where crops are cultivated in layers, often supported by structures like plastic liners, wooden frames, or metal stands. This approach is ideal for growing vegetables, fruits, and herbs, making it a popular choice for kitchen gardens and urban farming.

Key Features

Space Efficiency: Utilizes vertical space, allowing more plants to be grown in a smaller footprint compared to traditional farming.

Water Conservation: Reduces water usage by minimizing evaporation and enabling targeted irrigation methods like drip systems.

Customizable Design: Can be tailored to fit balconies, backyards, or greenhouses, depending on the available space and crop requirements.

Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly practices by reducing land use and supporting organic farming methods.

How to Construct a Multistorey Garden

Choose a Location: Identify a well-lit area with access to water. This could be a backyard, balcony, or rooftop.

Prepare the Soil: Mix soil with organic manure in a 2:1 ratio to ensure proper aeration and nutrient availability.

Build the Structure: Use materials like HDPE liners, wooden planks, or metal frames to create layers. Each layer should be sturdy enough to hold soil and plants.

Plant Crops: Select crops based on their growth habits and compatibility. For example, leafy greens like spinach can be grown on the top layer, while root vegetables like carrots can be planted in the lower layers.

Irrigation: Install drip irrigation or use watering cans to ensure even moisture distribution across all layers.

Ideal Crops for Multistorey Gardens

Vegetables: Spinach, kale, carrots, onions, and capsicum.

Fruits: Strawberries and small citrus varieties.

Herbs: Coriander, mint, rosemary, and lemongrass.

Benefits

Increased Productivity: Produces more crops per square meter compared to conventional farming.

Reduced Labor: Requires less weeding and maintenance due to the compact design.

Accessibility: Easier to manage and harvest, especially for individuals with mobility challenges.

Environmental Impact: Reduces the carbon footprint by promoting local food production and minimizing transportation.

Applications

Urban Farming: Ideal for city dwellers with limited outdoor space.

Food Security: Supports households and communities in growing their own food sustainably.

Educational Projects: Serves as a practical tool for teaching sustainable agriculture and gardening techniques.