Skyfarming High In The Sky And Bee Nest Boxes

hughe — Wed, 11 May 2011 09:29:24 +0000

“Why garden high in the sky?” asks Linnea Due writing in the East Bay Express. The obvious answer is to increase the growing area by making maximum use of the space. Mind you to describe it as “high in the sky” is somewhat of an exaggeration when what the article goes on to discuss is using a trellis or other form of support on a wall or fence. But the author has a good point when she suggests that your crops will be easier to inspect when they are at eye level. They will also be less likely to suffer from pests when growing up in the air and not lying on the ground.

For Linnea Due the reasons are not just practical: “But to me, the best excuse for going up is aesthetic. Trellises, arches, hanging baskets, and the like add texture, varying focal points, and hidden nooks to an otherwise flat-as-a-pancake landscape. Once you try vertical gardening in your yard (it’s a must on a balcony, where space is premium), I guarantee you’ll never go back to ground level”. Read more..

For a real “high in the sky” experience you will have to visit the Chelsea Flower Show later this month. Skyfarming is the description given to this nine meter tall tower growing system. One wall is covered with plants while the others support solar panels which provide electricity to power the water pumps that push water from a borehole round the hydroponic growing system. Inside the tower, along with the stairs are greenhouse areas for propagation, and a compost chute. There is even an insect hotel with ninety bedrooms. Read more..

Bee nest boxes are a waste of time according to a recent study carried out by the University of Stirling. In the UK bumblebee nest boxes have become the must-have accessory for gardeners keen to help wildlife. But over a four year study not a single commercial nest box “became occupied or showed any sign of inhabitation” according to the report. The study involved the placing of 736 nest boxes in gardens and farms in southern England and central Scotland. Over the period of the study an average of only 23 nest boxes were used by bees, just over 3 per cent of the total. Read more..

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Skyfarming High In The Sky And Bee Nest Boxes