Heights of gardening - 1

The heights of farming !

By Varkey Thomas

Is it worth growing your own stuff or rather buy them from the local store ? With a paucity for time and the stress that accompanies it, most city dwellers do not look for an option beyond the local store.

But if one were to step back and explore the various possibilities of growing ones own food at home, time and stress can be managed. Heights of farming, would be focusing on balcony and terrace cultivation , a step by step of how, a do-it-yourself vegetable patch can be brought up, is underlined below. Documentation is essential and it is fun and fulfilling , so grab a a pad and start your jottings.

1. Ascertain the orientation of the balcony or the terrace. ( North -South , East West ) here the sun is your best assistant. Observe the movement of the sun over the day.

2. Determine the amount of sunlight your space would receive over an eight hour day.

3. Verify shadow casting from adjoining building , trees etc.

4. Ascertain the strong wind paths . South west brings winds during the monsoon period , the North East monsoon brings in wind gusts during the October -November periods.

5. Observe the flooring material on which the containers are going to rest, are they clay tiles, skreed concrete , granite or any other tile. This is needed to understand the quantum of heat reflected from the surfaces around the planted areas. Clay tiles , being earthy have a thermal effect and will keep the surfaces cooler. White and light colored surfaces will also reflect the incoming solar radiation. However denser materials like granite and tiles will absorb heat and will need longer periods of time for the the heat to dissipate.

6. Parapet wall heights .

7. Drainage of the floors. Since there would be watering through the whole year , water would be needed to drain of the surface , with out messing up the floor. Saucers, trays etc will be outlined as we go along.

8. The height of the floor on which the activity is planned . This information will help in determining the varieties that can be grown , the logistics of moving material, and working spaces needed. The height of your own farm !

9. Commune gardening is the best and most often a very successful venture. Fellowship, fun and food. So check on your friendly or even unfriendly neighbor

for setting up your farm !

10. Rewind to your last or early interaction with soil and plants, delve into childhood experiences, what did you love the most about soil, apart from building mud castles and throwing dirt, was there a growing experience ? If you have any , start with your favorite vegetable or fruit. If you have never interacted with earth. Nothing like a beginning, make a list of your leafy vegetables, palak etc that you would otherwise stop by to buy from the local store.

11. With a tape , measure up the space available for your farm. Ideally use a graph book to be more accurate .

12. Locate the closest watering point/tap.

13. Locate your closest electric point or socket with any artificial light points in the space.

14. Ascertain the presence of birds, cats, squirrels and rodents in and around the area. Is the area out of bounds for your pet ?

If you have documented the above information, you have reached one height in your climb, the next climb will throw light on materials , the how to and where to ! So get set to dirty your hands as we embark on this amazing climb to the heights of farming !

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