Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are a type of architectural feature that involves growing plants on a vertical surface, often using a trellis or other support system.

They can be used to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, making them a popular choice for sustainable and environmentally conscious design.

Vertical gardens can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and can be designed to meet specific needs and goals, such as reducing noise pollution or improving indoor air quality.

The benefits of vertical gardens include reducing wall temperature by up to 5°C, providing fresh vegetables for household consumption, and improving air quality, making them a valuable addition to urban areas.

They can also help to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce energy consumption, and promote biodiversity, making them a key component of sustainable urban design.

In addition to their environmental benefits, vertical gardens can also have a positive impact on human health and wellbeing, by reducing stress and improving mental health, and can be used to create peaceful and calming environments.

The cost of installing a vertical garden can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter, depending on the design and materials used, and they can last up to 25 years with minimal watering and maintenance required.

Vertical gardens can be designed to be ultra-low maintenance, and quick installation is possible due to modular systems, making them a practical option for busy urban areas.

They can also be used to grow a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries, and can be integrated into existing buildings or used as a standalone feature.

Overall, vertical gardens are a versatile and sustainable design feature that can be used to improve the environmental and aesthetic quality of a building, while also promoting human health and wellbeing.

Vertical farming, which involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using hydroponic or aeroponic systems, can be used to increase crop yields and reduce water consumption, making it a highly efficient and sustainable method of food production.

It can be used to grow a variety of crops, including leafy greens, fruits, and herbs, and can be integrated into urban areas, reducing transportation costs and increasing food security.

The benefits of vertical farming include reducing water consumption by up to 90%, increasing crop yields, and reducing labor costs, making it a valuable component of sustainable agriculture.

However, vertical farming also has some challenges, including high energy costs and limited crop selection, making it essential to carefully consider the design and implementation of vertical farming systems.

The use of advanced technologies, such as LED lighting and climate control systems, can help to optimize growing conditions and reduce energy consumption, making vertical farming a more sustainable and efficient method of food production.

Overall, vertical farming is a highly efficient and sustainable method of food production that can be used to increase crop yields, reduce water consumption, and promote food security, making it a valuable component of sustainable agriculture.

In terms of maintenance, vertical gardens require regular watering, fertilization, and pruning to ensure optimal growth and health, and can be prone to pests and diseases if not properly maintained.

The choice of plants for vertical gardens is also crucial, as some plants are better suited to vertical growing conditions than others, and can require more frequent watering and maintenance.

The use of automated irrigation systems and sensors can help to optimize watering and reduce maintenance needs, making vertical gardens a more practical and sustainable option for busy urban areas.

Overall, vertical gardens require careful planning, design, and maintenance to ensure optimal growth and health, but can be a valuable addition to urban areas, promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing.

In conclusion, vertical gardens and vertical farming are highly efficient and sustainable methods of food production and urban design that can be used to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing.

They can be used to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, making them a popular choice for sustainable and environmentally conscious design.

However, they also require careful planning, design, and maintenance to ensure optimal growth and health, and can be prone to pests and diseases if not properly maintained.

Overall, vertical gardens and vertical farming are valuable components of sustainable agriculture and urban design, and can be used to promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Vertical gardens, also known as green walls, are a type of architectural feature that involves growing plants on a vertical surface, often using a trellis or other support system.

Title:

Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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They can be used to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building, making them a popular choice for sustainable and environmentally conscious design.

Vertical gardens can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, and can be designed to meet specific needs and goals, such as reducing noise pollution or improving indoor air quality.

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Content: Invite nature into your home by creating a verdant "living wall" display

Humans need plants to survive.

We eat them, drink them, use them as medicine, and even decorate with them in order to bring joy to our daily lives.

Once you start caring for a couple of houseplants, it's easy to spiral into an obsession with our magnificent, leafy friends. If your collection of 20-plus houseplants isn't enough to satiate your need for greenery in your home anymore, why not take it to the next level with a full-blown living wall?

Living walls, or vertical gardens as they're sometimes called, are made up of an array of live plants that are planted vertically and can range in size from just a few square feet to entire walls in large atrium spaces.

However, larger installations can cost upwards of $125-$225 per square foot of wall and aren't exactly feasible for renters or homeowners who are on a strict budget or have limited space.

While you can certainly contract a company to install a living wall in your home, there are also local and handcrafted options to consider depending on your budget, your lifestyle and what look you're going for.

click to enlarge
Chiana McInelly photo
Dominic Villareal in front of A Modern Plantsman's living wall display.

Dominic Villareal, the owner of A Modern Plantsman, weighed his own options when expanding his Colfax plant store to downtown Spokane in late 2021.

"My partner and I were scoping out the local plant scene, and we noticed immediately that there was a lack of living wall installations in Spokane," he says. "There are no plant stores or nurseries in the area that have one."

When Villareal secured the space for his shop on the main floor of the Hotel Indigo building, he began designing a plant wall that was eye-catching as well as functional for his customers. The plant wall, constructed by Villareal himself, features wooden shelves that are just deep enough to hide the pots that the plants reside in, giving it the appearance of a living wall.

"That's very doable for a home setting," he says. "You can take the pots off the shelf for easy watering and care."

Villareal recommends plants that trail for any DIY living wall project, but also says that including plants of different heights can give the wall a much more textured and varied appearance.

"Start with plants like pothos, heart leaf philodendrons and prayer plants," Villareal says. "Prayer plants specifically can deal with very low-light situations, which is perfect for a home installation. They'll disguise any nonnatural elements of the wall once they start to trail down."

Previous owner of Sage + Moss and seasoned houseplant parent Annecia Paulson recommends utilizing organic elements when creating your display for ease of watering and a more harmonious facade.

The most common way to do this is by creating mounted plant displays. Mounted plants are plants that have been affixed onto an object using moss or other organic materials.

"Creating mounted plants is actually a really easy process," she says. "You simply remove most of the dirt from the roots, place the plant on the piece of bark and then attach it using sphagnum moss and fishing line."

The upkeep and care of mounted plants lie in the choice of wood, Paulson says.

"Using cork bark is the best option — it's lightweight and naturally mold-resistant. Just soak the whole thing in water, let it drip dry and then hang it on your wall using Command hooks or string. Super simple," she says.

If the trial and error of diving in headfirst just isn't your thing, many area plant stores, including A Modern Plantsman, offer workshops on how to create mounted plants and products that can assist you in your journey to creating a living wall.

"We really try to act as a resource for people in the community," Villareal says. "We want to help people learn how to do these things. I've already gone through the trial and error of the projects that people attempt at home, so I'm happy to give people that knowledge." ♦

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Madison Pearson

Madison Pearson is the Inlander's Listings Editor, managing the calendar of events and regularly contributing to the Arts & Culture section of the paper. She joined the staff in 2022 after graduating from Eastern Washington University.

The benefits of vertical gardens include reducing wall temperature by up to 5°C, providing fresh vegetables for household consumption, and improving air quality, making them a valuable addition to urban areas.

Title:

Content: Africa Has Its First Chief Heat Officer. Five Things Should Be On Her Agenda

24 February 2023
analysis

Freetown's heat officer can set an example to Africa and the world as temperatures and risks rise.

Eugenia Kargbo has an unusual job: she is the city of Freetown's chief heat officer. Her role in Sierra Leone's capital is the first of its kind in Africa. She has been tasked with raising public awareness about extreme heat, improving responses to heat waves, and collecting, analysing and visualising heat impact data for the city, which is home to 1.2 million people.

Freetown is increasingly threatened by dangerous temperatures. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ranked Sierra Leone third, after Bangladesh and Guinea Bissau, on its list of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

The risks are concentrated in its capital and largest city, Freetown, where some 35% of the population live in 74 informal settlements like Kroo Bay, often in disaster-prone areas like the seafront or hillsides. Houses are densely built and typically temporary structures made of "heat trapping" materials. Services that supports cooling, such as water and electricity, are usually inadequate.

As an architect whose work includes researching ways to reduce heat in African cities, I think the creation of an Heat Officer position is a good move. The world's cities are almost all getting hotter and, as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned, temperatures will only keep rising.

But, while this is a global challenge, African cities are unique. The significant proportion of urban dwellers who are poor and those whose living conditions do not provide adequate shelter from the elements make the African context unique and deserving special attention.

With these realities in mind, here are five things I'd suggest should be on the agenda of both Kargbo and any other heat officer appointed elsewhere on the continent in future.

1. Take a diverse approach to urban greening

Nature-based approaches are a great way to address increasing temperatures linked to climate change. Scholars have established positive links between green infrastructure, temperature moderation and even health outcomes in African cities as well as elsewhere in the world.

This has informed a growing number of tree-planting initiatives and the development of urban parks. But it is important that municipalities move beyond only these kinds of spaces. African cities are becoming densely populated; that means less space will be available for greening initiatives on land.

Vertical systems of building (for example on walls, roofs, columns) and urban infrastructure (for example on bridges, road furniture) should be explored to make up for the lack of space on the ground.

In the last few years, I have led the design and development of experimental vertical gardens in low-income areas of Nigeria and Tanzania. We have shown that these vertical gardens reduce wall temperature of residential buildings by as much as 5°C in Dar es Salaam. The gardens have other benefits like providing fresh vegetables for household consumption. Similar ways of growing vegetation vertically have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in Mexico City.

2. Strengthen the link between heat and health

Exposure to extreme heat usually comes with health problems - and can even kill people, as I and many other scholars have documented. It exacerbates underlying health conditions.

One area of concern when it comes to the heat-health nexus in African countries is that mosquito numbers increase in higher temperatures. This means malaria and other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes might become significant problems for Freetown and other African cities.

These health problems are further complicated by the fact that many city dwellers across the continent can't access adequate and affordable health care. Community health initiatives within cities and efforts to ramp up health services in qualitative and quantitative terms must be integral to heat adaptation plans and actions.

3. Focus on early warning and improved awareness

It is far better to be proactive than reactive. Heat vulnerability patterns within Freetown and other African cities must be studied and used to make sense of weather predictions in order to inform warning systems.

In the warning systems, for example, an alert level can be triggered when the weather forecast shows three or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperature and humidity above a threshold of, say, 30°C. Other levels of alerts can correspond with higher temperatures. This sort of system has been implemented in Toronto, Canada, with good outcomes. A recent study of urban areas in Ontario (the province where Toronto is located) shows that early warnings may have meant fewer heat-related illnesses severe enough to warrant hospital or clinic visits.

4. Encourage the transfer of knowledge

Cities can adapt to heat faster when they share knowledge and experiences. Some scholars argue that inter-city collaboration and knowledge-sharing can enhance municipalities' resilience and improve urban residents' skills to deal with heat-related issues.

Kargbo's work will generate many lessons that can be shared with other African cities; she, too, will learn from other cities' successes and failures.

5. Let locals lead

While there is plenty to learn from more developed countries outside Africa, it is important to also draw from local indigenous knowledge and practices. An examination of knowledge and awareness about climate-related and environmental problems in African traditional society shows there is much to be learned from indigenous systems.

Top-down approaches are not enough. They must be complemented by bottom-up approaches in the planning, funding, execution and assessment of heat adaptation initiatives.

Inclusion is also important because it shifts power to those who are most affected by heat - people living in low-income and informal areas are disproportionately affected. Involving them enhances the impacts of initiatives and interventions.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Olumuyiwa Adegun is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

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They can also help to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce energy consumption, and promote biodiversity, making them a key component of sustainable urban design.

In addition to their environmental benefits, vertical gardens can also have a positive impact on human health and wellbeing, by reducing stress and improving mental health, and can be used to create peaceful and calming environments.

Title:

Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

The cost of installing a vertical garden can range from $200 to $1200 per square meter, depending on the design and materials used, and they can last up to 25 years with minimal watering and maintenance required.

Vertical gardens can be designed to be ultra-low maintenance, and quick installation is possible due to modular systems, making them a practical option for busy urban areas.

They can also be used to grow a variety of crops, including leafy greens, herbs, and strawberries, and can be integrated into existing buildings or used as a standalone feature.

Title:

Content: Categories: Articles, Crop productionPublished On: 13th October 2023

Hobby or small-holder farmers: Vertical farming may be the way to go

By 7 min read

aquaculture-5990470_1280

Stackable planters can be purchased from local hardware or nursery suppliers to create your own vertical farm.

The need to optimise farming and improve yields on small plots of land is increasingly important. Due to challenges of water scarcity, limited arable land and high inputs costs, innovative solutions such as vertical farming can help to overcome these struggles.

Vertical farming is an approach whereby farmers cultivate certain crops vertically in stacked layers, in order to maximise space and increase yields. This is usually achieved by planting these crops in containers, structures, or stackable pots.

Most often, these structures incorporate aquaponics, hydroponics or aeroponic techniques. All of these are methods used in controlled environments, with various factors such as the water flow, lighting control, temperature, and substrate controlled by the farmer, unlike traditional farming practices.

Vertical farming has many benefits

The most obvious benefit of vertical farming is maximised land use. This method allows farmers to grow more crops in a smaller footprint, making it ideal for areas with limited land availability. But there are other benefits too:

Production throughout the year: Since the environment of vertical farms are more controlled, it is possible to cultivate a crop more than once a year, or to ensure that you have a consistent yield throughout the year – depending on the crop type of course. Any seasonal constraints are removed and production is more efficient.

Water conservation: Less water is used in these systems.with only the precise amount of water needed to provide the plants with sustenance. Where farms are located in greenhouses or indoors, less evaporation also occurs.

Low environmental impact: When less space is needed to grow more food, there is a lower impact on the environment. Less natural vegetation needs to be cleared to accommodate soil based farming.

Improved control over growing conditions: When coupled with greenhouse systems, factors such as light intensity, temperature and humidity can be regulated. However, the plants are more dependent on the farmer to provide nutrients as there is little to no soil used as a substrate. Farmers can exercise strict control over when which fertilisers are used.

How to start a vertical farm

If you are looking to start a vertical farm, you need to first allocate space. You will need a space to put up the vertical structures where it has ample natural light, and where the structures can be safe from animals. People often want to put vertical gardens in warehouses and storerooms, but it is very costly to provide enough artificial lighting to try and make up for the lack of sunlight.

If you plan on adding ventilation to a greenhouse, temperature control systems or any other high tech additions, remember to consider access to electricity or solar power. If solar is your choice, take note the for every hectare of artificial lighting you may need up to five hectares of solar panels to provide enough electricity.

There also needs to be a space where you can add drainage so access water can drain from your vertical farm.

Next, you will need to look at the crops you would like to grow as this will determine  your growing method.

Structures for vertical farming:

Vertical wall gardens

Vertical wall gardens are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to start vertical farming in cities where you have walls, and limited horisontal space. You can use recycled materials such as old pallets, wooden crates, or plastic bottles as planting containers. These containers can be attached to a vertical frame or wall, creating a vertical garden. This method is excellent for growing herbs, small vegetables, and even certain fruits like strawberries.

Tower gardens

Tower gardens are vertical systems that allow plants to grow in stacked layers. PVC pipes can be used to create vertical planting towers. Plants are placed in holes drilled into the pipes, and a water and nutrient solution is circulated through the system. PVC pipes are relatively inexpensive and can be found at local hardware stores. Tower gardens are suitable for growing a variety of leafy greens and herbs.

Hanging gardens

Hanging gardens are an excellent option for small spaces. You can use hanging pots, recycled containers, or even fabric pouches attached to a frame or railing. These hanging containers can be filled with a lightweight growing medium and used for cultivating herbs, lettuce, and other compact crops. Hanging gardens utilise vertical space effectively and are relatively low-cost to set up.

Hydroponic systems

Hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water without soil, can be affordable if you opt for a simple DIY setup. You can create a basic raft system using foam boards floating on a nutrient solution. Alternatively, a wick system, where a wick draws nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants, is inexpensive and easy to set up. These DIY hydroponic systems are suitable for growing various vegetables and herbs.

Shelve system

As the name suggests, shelves are used to create rows of vertical gardens. Similar to wall- or hanging gardens, containers with substrate is used keep the plants in. Pots or trays are stacked on the shelves in a tray of water, or is connected to driplines that provide the plants with water.

A wall garden constructed with PVC pipe. (Source: Pixabay)

Planting a (vertical) garden and watching it grow

Some crops are not compatible with vertical systems – do not try to plant maize or pumpkins in this system. But there are still a multitude of other crops that can be used. Here are a few you can research:

  1. Herbs:

Herbs such as basil, cilantro, mint, thyme, and parsley are vital flavours that are in constant demand. They require relatively little space and grow well in vertical systems. Additionally, herbs are high-value crops because they have a quick turnover, allowing for multiple harvests throughout the year.

  1. Salad greens

Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are popular choices for vertical farming. They are not only nutritious but also have a short growth cycle, making them ideal for continuous harvesting. Salad greens are versatile and are used in various culinary dishes, making them high in demand and a profitable choice for vertical farms.

  1. Microgreens

Microgreens are young edible plants harvested at an early stage. They are incredibly popular in high-end restaurants and farmer’s markets due to their intense flavour and high nutritional content. Microgreens can include varieties like radishes, mustard greens, and pea shoots. Despite their small size, microgreens are considered high-value crops because they can be sold at a premium price.

  1. Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit that can be grown vertically in towers or hanging systems. They have a relatively high market price and are favoured by consumers for their sweetness and freshness. Vertical farming allows for efficient use of space, making it possible to grow a significant quantity of strawberries in a small area.

  1. Gourmet mushrooms

Gourmet mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and maitake have gained popularity in culinary circles. They can be grown vertically in specially designed containers or shelves. Mushrooms have a relatively high market price, making them a profitable choice for vertical farms.

When choosing high-value crops for your vertical farming system, consider the local market demand, climate suitability, and your expertise in cultivating specific crops. Conduct market research and engage with local chefs, restaurants, and grocery stores to understand their requirements and preferences. By selecting the right combination of high-value crops, you can optimise your vertical farm’s profitability and contribute to the sustainable growth of your agricultural venture.

Shelves can also be used to create vertical gardens. (Source: Vecteezy)

For emerging farmers in sub-Saharan countries, vertical farming represents a pathway to overcome traditional agricultural challenges and create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming enterprise. By harnessing the benefits of vertical farming, these farmers can contribute significantly to the local economy, local supply chain and food security.

J.M. and Marsh, J. (2022) How Africa can develop its own version of Vertical Farming, Agrilinks. Available at: https://agrilinks.org/post/how-africa-can-develop-its-own-version-vertical-farming

Vertical farming in Africa with Tower Farms (2022) Agrotonomy. Available at: https://agrotonomy.com/vertical-farming-in-africa-with-tower-farms/

Vertical Farming South Africa: 4 companies making a big impact (2022) Indoor Grow Farmer. Available at: https://indoorgrowfarmer.com/vertical-farming-south-africa/#:~:text=Vertical%20farming%20in%20South%20Africa,conditions%20to%20accommodate%20vertical%20farming.

B.Bugbee (2015) Why vertical farming won’t save the planet. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISAKc9gpGjw&feature=youtu.be

Deel hierdie artikel.

Overall, vertical gardens are a versatile and sustainable design feature that can be used to improve the environmental and aesthetic quality of a building, while also promoting human health and wellbeing.

Vertical farming, which involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often using hydroponic or aeroponic systems, can be used to increase crop yields and reduce water consumption, making it a highly efficient and sustainable method of food production.

It can be used to grow a variety of crops, including leafy greens, fruits, and herbs, and can be integrated into urban areas, reducing transportation costs and increasing food security.

The benefits of vertical farming include reducing water consumption by up to 90%, increasing crop yields, and reducing labor costs, making it a valuable component of sustainable agriculture.

However, vertical farming also has some challenges, including high energy costs and limited crop selection, making it essential to carefully consider the design and implementation of vertical farming systems.

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Content: FINANCIAL TIMES
vertical farms.
The New Future of Agriculture
The asphalt-covered industrial park in the swamp lands between Newark, New Jersey, and Manhattan looks like a promising place for growing cracked pavements or broken glass.
However, there is something more appetizing that grows inside one of its warehouses, strawberries.
Amid the constant rhythm of the air-conditioning units and under the glare of fluorescent lamps, displays the wonderfully flavored berries along with trays of fragrant leafy vegetables.
They are monitored by a group of machines and technicians who carry laptops and wear white suits, sometimes talking about "conveying" some "flavor characteristics" or "improving" the crop.
As a landscape of nature mastered by technology, it ’ s impressive and a bit worrisome.
Like Jurassic Park.
Irving Fein, the mastermind of the operation, says, “You ’ re standing in the future. ”
Finn is the founder and CEO of Bowery Farming, a leading startup group of companies trying to revolutionize the world ’ s food supply through vertical farming.
They grow fruits and vegetables in tightly controlled indoor environments and use automation, cutting-edge plant science and vast amounts of data processing.
After years of lab testing, Bowery and other companies are now racing to scale up commercial production and beat competitors with a dominant share of what they are convinced will be a vast market.
Reliable figures are hard to come by.
But one company, Grand View Research, estimates sales reached $4.3 billion last year, compared with just over $1 billion in 2019.
The company expects a compound annual growth rate of 25.5 percent through 2030.
While North America has been a hotbed of industry, governments in the Middle East, where farming conditions are unfavorable, have been very enthusiastic.
The benefits promoted by the owners of vertical farms are multiple.
Without having to worry about external disasters such as pests, floods or droughts — “externalities, ” as Finn calls them — Bowery ’ s scientists can choose from a variety of tastiest varieties that otherwise wouldn ’ t make it to a grocery store.
The indoor environment allows them to grow crops without pesticides or herbicides — and 90 percent less water than is used in conventional agriculture.
In a closed circuit, the moisture emitted by developing plants is absorbed by dehumidification devices and recycled for irrigation.
With rows of crops piling up on top of each other, several stories high, vertical farms can produce many times more crop per acre than similar greenhouses — as well as a traditional field.
Because vertical farms could theoretically be found almost anywhere, produce could be grown in an industrial area next to New York City rather than having to be trucked across the city.
This means they can be moved from the picking machine to the store shelf in a matter of hours – not days.
“It doesn ’ t make sense to bring Roman lettuce from California to New York, ” says Jose Andres, a Spanish chef best known for reviving Washington ’ s sober restaurant scene and admired for feeding thousands of people in disaster zones through World Central Kitchen.
Andrés signed up as an investor and advisor at Bowery.
Vertical farming is an essential way to feed a growing population at a time when the land is bending under the pressure of traditional farming.
Tasting strawberries, he says, “There will be thousands of those farms all over the world.
The train left the station. ”
Others seem to agree. Vertical farms helped the broader agricultural technology sector attract record $5 billion in funding last year, according to the Crunchbase business information platform.
Chicago-based Arco / Murray Engineering has established a separate division to help a growing list of indoor farming projects build and equip facilities.
Patrick Heyder, who leads the group, describes it as a crazy-ass industry with a strange mix of creations and tightly guarded secrets.
“Cannabis cultivation probably predates leafy vegetable cultivation by three to five years, in terms of the number of facilities, although leafy vegetables have always been legal, ” adds Haider.
"Reimagining Agriculture"
Besides the excitement, though, there are also questions about how widespread and profitable this technology is.
Some speculate that warehouse farms will be nothing more than a specialized player.
There are also doubts about whether vertical plantation owners will be able to sell enough lettuce, in the words of one investor, to offset the exorbitant capital costs and justify their high valuations.
In October, Aerofarms, a startup that received a lot of attention, abruptly canceled a special-purpose acquisition deal that would have been worth $1.2 billion, casting a shadow over the entire industry.
The company, which is based in Newark, New Jersey, gave little explanation for the move.
One vertical farming executive admits, “Investors are a little worried right now.
They want to see evidence of the feasibility of this idea. ”
With the economy heading into recession and private equity investors under pressure, others are whispering about a wave of mergers looming in the United States.
However, Finn remains convinced that Bowery is on the verge of not only becoming a successful startup, but also literally changing the way humanity is fed.
"We are reimagining agriculture.
But what we're really doing is reimagining the entire supply chain. "
Finn briefly worked as an investment banker before becoming a tech entrepreneur.
He founded Bowery — his most ambitious business to date — in 2015 after exploring a range of ideas.
The company has raised nearly $650 million from investors, including Google Ventures and Temasek, a Singaporean state investment firm that has made food sovereignty a national security goal.
Like other vertical growers, their products to date consist mostly of leafy vegetables such as butter lettuce and basil, which Bowery sells in more than a thousand stores on the East Coast of the United States.
In terms of price, the company says its production is comparable to the organic products it competes with.
This year is shaping up to be pivotal for Bowery.
In May, it opened its largest and most advanced farm to date — a 150,000-square-foot facility in Bethel, Pennsylvania, where it uses technology and techniques it refined in New Jersey and a separate farm in Baltimore.
That kind of size will be necessary, executives say, to make a profit.
Other facilities are under construction in Locust Grove, Georgia, and Arlington, Texas.
Strawberries are a milestone.
It ’ s a leap into the world of the most challenging — and highest marginal — fruit crops that routinely top the list of “dirty dozen ” fruits and vegetables grown with high levels of pesticides.
To support its approach, Bowery in February acquired “Terabtek, ” a company that makes robots capable of picking strawberries — a delicate task that has long resisted automation.
Katie Sewell, who joined Bowery as Chief Commercial Officer after 14 years at Starbucks, says, “We think strawberries are just the beginning, there ’ s a variety of fruit crops — berries, blackberries, etc. — that strawberries will open the way for us to grow. ”
Sewell compares the industry ’ s progress and technical maturity “to the progress that desktops have reached today, with a futuristic vision for the evolution of mobile phones. ”
Others have likened this progress to the solar panel industry 20 years ago.
"Solutions to a non-existent problem"
Most of the basic research on vertical farms comes from NASA, which for decades has been competing with Soviet scientists to figure out how to grow food in confined spaces in spacecraft.
However, vertical farms have only come into existence, as a matter of business, over the past decade or so, thanks to tremendous advances in the efficiency and sophistication of LED lamps.
They are necessary because vertical farms do not have the advantage of free sun, unlike traditional farms and greenhouses.
Andrew Grimmer, head of operations at CropOne, which founded 2012 through a bizarre modification of a trailer, says, “It ’ s clear that replacing the sun and bringing it inside is expensive. ”
CropOne ’ s operations progressed to shipping containers before gradually evolving into a full-fledged vertical farm outside of Boston.
The company is currently building a US $40 million 160,000 square foot facility in Dubai for Emirates Flight Catering, which claims to be the world ’ s largest vertical farm.
As with any vertical farm, energy is one of the biggest problems you face.
In addition to lighting, these farms also operate automated plant care systems as well as large, environmentally friendly heating and ventilation systems.
“If you can solve the energy problem, you ’ ll win the competition in the vertical farming game, ” said Grimmer, estimating that electricity accounts for about half of the costs of running the CropOne farm.
But what kind of energy is that?
As with electric vehicles, vertical farm owners ’ claims of environmental impact are repaid, to some extent, if the large amounts of energy they consume are generated using fossil fuels.
Bowery uses 100 percent renewable energy on its farms.
In Bethlehem, her farm is powered by hydroelectric power.
However, the company admits that the choice of renewable energy sources, is more complicated than if they connect to current electric power.
There are other considerations when deciding the location of any vertical farm, according to Rick Drescher, who heads a new unit at Savills Real Estate that advises clients trying to find suitable properties for indoor farming.
Warehouses require high ceilings, and this greatly excludes old facilities.
As with Amazon and other retailers who have made warehouses popular in the real estate industry, they also want their locations to be close to major markets – though how close they are is another controversial matter.
All of these reasons make it expensive.
Drescher adds, “The more automated these things are, the more energy they need and the more capital they require to build them. ”
But none of that deterred investors.
The industry ’ s turning point was in 2017 when Japan ’ s SoftBank invested $200 million in Plenty, a San Francisco-based vertical farming startup, in what was then one of the largest investments in “agri-technology. ”
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, also participated.
Andrew Howell, who oversees private equity funds for Ceres Partners, an Indiana-based agricultural investment firm, says, “This is when the big sums started to flow. ”
“If you can create farms so that you are close to any major city in the world, this proposal will attract venture capital investors, ” he says.
“But of course it ’ s much more complicated than that. ”
For farms to be viable, says Howell, vertical farm owners must master at least three different businesses.
First, they must have the engineering knowledge to design and build a facility laden with sensors, robots, advanced lighting and giant HVAC systems.
Then there is the important agricultural and operational expertise to grow and care for production in such conditions, round the clock, so that they can achieve consistent quality and maximum returns.
The systems are so fine-tuned that a particular plant on one shelf requires 40 percent humidity while another, just a few feet away, may require 50 percent humidity.
In the event of any technical malfunction or power outage, it can wipe out the entire crop.
Even if the company can overcome all of these challenges, it may fall at the last hurdle, the brutal competition to put its own power mix on the shelves of large retailers.
After studying the industry, Ceres chose to take a different approach. It believes there is still enough cheap land just a few hours ’ drive from major distribution centers to make the greenhouse a cost-effective and risky alternative.
So the company invested in state-of-the-art farms, equipped with available Dutch equipment, rather than spending time and expense engineering vertical farms.
Howell says it ’ s the equivalent of buying an Audi instead of building a Formula One, “Sometimes when you use vertical farming, you solve a problem that doesn ’ t even exist. ”
The biggest authority in the world.
Bowery decided to do something different.
It first unveiled its newest and most advanced facility in Bethel, about 85 miles west of New York City, in a modern industrial zone built on the grounds of a former steel factory.
The plants progress through different plants until they become perfect, as in the miniature machines in the production line, which took two full years of work by Scott Horohu to assemble them, a veteran engineer at Amazon and the German car industry.
Horoho, senior vice president of Bowery Farm Design, says, “We are constantly working on improvements. ”
In practice, Horohoe ’ s challenge is to turn recipes created by scientists at Bowery Research Lab in New Jersey into products that can be widely distributed on the public market.
All that exists around Horoho are dishes of arugula, basil and butter lettuce, which give the warehouse the fragrant grances of the largest salad in the world.
The automated process goes roughly as follows, after the seeds are scattered in a small cup by an Italian-made dispenser, their first stop is a super-humid germination chamber.
They stay there for three to five days, like preterm babies.
After every few seconds, spray from the top of the plants while the lights are turned on and off at a regular pace in the germination room.
When plants reach a few inches in height, a particular machine sucks these "plugs" out of their cups, row after row, and places them in a larger dish designed to distribute oxygen and nutrients around the roots of these plants.
Bowery calls these larger dishes “pontoons ”.
Each buoy has its own bar code and moves on a conveyor belt to one of the five rooms designated for growth.
Inside the rooms, there is a network of shelves up to several floors, such as multi-storey parking lots.
Bowery ’ s operating system then determines the appropriate parking space for each particular raft, and then uses an elevator and robot, to guide the raft to its proper position.
Once placed in place, the amount of water, nutrients, air flow and lights allocated to the plant are determined.
Small cameras constantly take pictures of plants growing, sending this data to the operating system so it can make adjustments.
Although the facility is under remote monitoring, Horoho still likes to “walk the farm, ” he said.
“As much as we rely on technology to monitor the health of plants, there ’ s nothing better than using our eyes, ” he says, staring at a seemingly endless field of coriander stalks wavy with a breeze pre-set to match the ideal speed of the air.
When it ’ s time to harvest, a machine adjusts the height of a sharp blade in it and the cutting speed based on the code for each raft.
Another machine then wraps them using photographic and laser technology that can be programmed with millimeter accuracy in order to determine if any paper should be disposed of due to defects in it.
Finn says, "What we're building is an ecosystem.
It mimics the conditions outside, providing everything plants want and need. ”
Publish it.
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The use of advanced technologies, such as LED lighting and climate control systems, can help to optimize growing conditions and reduce energy consumption, making vertical farming a more sustainable and efficient method of food production.

Overall, vertical farming is a highly efficient and sustainable method of food production that can be used to increase crop yields, reduce water consumption, and promote food security, making it a valuable component of sustainable agriculture.

In terms of maintenance, vertical gardens require regular watering, fertilization, and pruning to ensure optimal growth and health, and can be prone to pests and diseases if not properly maintained.

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Content: rus
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Lifehacks
How to create a comfortable environment for indoor plants
Vladislav Moskalenko
Houseplants need proper care to bloom and decorate any space.
UAPortal offers practical tips on lighting, watering, feeding, pruning and pest control that will help you in the care of indoor plants.
Consider the specific needs of the plant
When caring for indoor plants, it is important to take into account their specific needs.
Different plants have individual requirements for sunlight, water and temperature.
Therefore, ensure the correct placement of plants, protecting them from drafts and extreme temperatures.
Provide the plant with water
Providing the right amount of water is crucial for the care of houseplants.
Balanced watering is a key factor, as both excessive and insufficient watering can harm plants.
Regularly fertilize houseplants
Houseplants benefit from regular fertilizer to have the nutrients they need to grow.
Choose the appropriate types of fertilizers based on the specific needs of each plant, following the instructions and avoiding overfeeding.
Read also: Will take energy – what trees can not be planted near the house
Cut off dead parts of the plant
Pruning plays an important role in maintaining the shape, size and health of indoor plants.
Use clean and sharp tools to remove dead or damaged parts.
Crop branches or stems that violate the desired shape or size
Check the plant for pests
Regular inspection is crucial to identify pests that can harm houseplants.
The most common pests include aphids, spider mites and fungal midges.
Look for signs of infection, such as yellowed leaves, sticky debris, or insects.
If pests are present, take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or natural insect repellents.
Recall that the lover of flowers seeks that her flowerpots were the most lush, beautiful and healthy.
But did you know that the inexpensive spice that every housewife uses for baking can help grow the perfect flowers on the windowsill?
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The choice of plants for vertical gardens is also crucial, as some plants are better suited to vertical growing conditions than others, and can require more frequent watering and maintenance.

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Content: rus
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These five plants grow on the balcony and will survive if you go on vacation
Bilim Elena
If you love houseplants, but do not always have the time or the ability to water them regularly, there are many beautiful species that perfectly adapt to a dry climate and do not require frequent moistening.
These plants tend to have dense leaves, fleshy stems, or other features that allow them to retain moisture for a long time, writes Santeplusmag.
You will also be interested in: How to create a vertical garden on the balcony: tips of gardeners
Here are 5 great plant options for your balcony:
1.
Sansevieria (mother-in-law 's tongue, pike' s tail)
This hardy plant is known for its vertical, sharp leaves that come in different shades of green, yellow and gray.
Sansevieria tolerates drought perfectly, because its leaves serve as reservoirs for water.
A bright, indirect light suits her, but it can also survive in the shade.
Sansevieria should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
2.
Bamboo
This exotic plant not only looks elegant, but also very unpretentious in care.
Bamboo can grow in pots on the balcony, where it will be enough 20 ° C of heat and protection from drafts.
Water bamboo should be moderately, giving the soil a little dry between watering.
3.
Succulents
This vast group of plants combines many species that have adapted to life in arid conditions.
Succulents have fleshy leaves or stems that store water.
They need well-drained soil and moderate watering – only when the soil is completely dry.
Succulents come in many shapes, sizes and colors, so you are sure to find the look you like.
4.
Agava
This ornamental plant with a rosette of spiny leaves is not only beautiful, but also resistant to heat and drought.
Agave can be left without watering for several days, even if you go on vacation.
She loves a sunny place, but can grow in partial shade.
Agave does not tolerate frost, so in winter it must be protected from the cold.
5.
Cactus
This classic choice for houseplant lovers is known for its stamina.
Cacti come in many shapes, sizes and colors, but they have one thing in common: they perfectly retain water in their fleshy stems.
In summer, cacti need minimal watering, and in winter they can be left almost without water.
These plants love sunlight, but they need to be protected from the hot midday sun.
With these unpretentious plants, you can create a beautiful and cozy corner on your balcony, without spending a lot of time and effort on care.
Earlier we reported why there should be pots with plants in the bedroom.
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The use of automated irrigation systems and sensors can help to optimize watering and reduce maintenance needs, making vertical gardens a more practical and sustainable option for busy urban areas.

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Content: Al-Sudays launches the initiative of the project of vegetation cover in the yards of the Grand Mosque
He stressed the keenness of the presidency to contribute to the promotion of efforts aimed at achieving sustainability
General President of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet 's Mosque Affairs Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais
The President General of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet 's Mosque Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, inaugurated the initiative of the project of vegetation cover in the yards of the Grand Mosque, in the presence of the Undersecretary General for Technical, Operational, Maintenance and Facilities Management Eng. Sultan bin Aty Al-Qurashi, and a number of presidential leaders.
Dr. Al-Sudais stressed the presidency ’ s keenness to contribute to enhancing efforts aimed at achieving sustainability in the Kingdom, especially in the environment of the Grand Mosque, with a focus on relying on clean energy and combating climate change, in addition to providing aesthetic visual nutrition in the courtyards of the Grand Mosque.
He pointed out that the study of all the requirements has been completed structurally and operationally, pointing out that the project included three main sites of different nature, which varied between: (concrete outer walls, the site of hobbies of the southern square, and some of the columns of bridges), in order to activate the initiative of vegetation cover in the yards of the Grand Mosque....
It is worth mentioning that the vertical farming system is characterized by the ability to monitor the condition of the plants in terms of measuring the humidity and the need for irrigation in an instant, through sensors with warning in case of lack or increase of irrigation, with the possibility of remote control in the launch of irrigation, and also fertilizing plants automatically.
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Overall, vertical gardens require careful planning, design, and maintenance to ensure optimal growth and health, but can be a valuable addition to urban areas, promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing.

In conclusion, vertical gardens and vertical farming are highly efficient and sustainable methods of food production and urban design that can be used to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and human health and wellbeing.

However, they also require careful planning, design, and maintenance to ensure optimal growth and health, and can be prone to pests and diseases if not properly maintained.

Overall, vertical gardens and vertical farming are valuable components of sustainable agriculture and urban design, and can be used to promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.