|
|
| (48 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| | [[Main Page]] | | [[Main Page]] |
| | | | |
| − | == Clearing a new allotment ==
| + | * [[Clearing a new allotment]] |
| − | | + | * [[Raised beds]] |
| − | One of the most common reasons why new allotmenteers give up in their first season is the daunting task of cultivating an entire overgrown plot. Understanding different techniques for clearing some parts of a plot and simply keeping other parts 'in check' by stopping futher undesirable weed growth, can be an important part of helping to sest realistic goals, reduce unnecessary discouragement and increase active allotment participation.
| + | * [[Hydroponics]] |
| − | | + | * [[Growing under glass]] |
| − | === Bit at a time ===
| + | * [[Square foot gardening]] |
| − | | + | * [[Lasagne Gardening]] |
| − | New allotments are not cleared in a day. Unless you are very lucky your first plot will have a covering of both [[perennial weeds]] and [[annual weeds]]. The perennial weeds should be disposed of carefully, since they have the capacity to root and grow again if dug back into the soil.
| + | * [[Green manure]] |
| − | | + | *[[Container gardening]] |
| − | | + | * [[External links]] |
| − | Do not add perennial weeds directly to a [[compost]] unless all light is excluded and you intend the heap to be left for a couple of years. Alternative treatment includes either burning/binning, or submerging in a spare waterbutt until they rot down completely. The resulting liquid can then be used as a liquid feed, or tipped back onto the on the compost heap as a wetter/activator in the summer.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | === Covering with black plastic, cardboard etc ===
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | If sections of your allotment are not going to be dug in the near future but you want to bring them into cultivation at a later date, you could consider covering these areas with black plastic, cardboard, carpets made of natural fibre or pritty much anything else which can shut out the light while not polluting the soil. However, remember that winter winds can be quite strong, so any material used to cover the earth will need to be pegged down at the edges and weighed down with heavy objects such as bricks or 'soil bags'. After a year most growth will have disappeared from under a lightproof covering and much of the hard work involved in clearing this area of weeds will unnecessary.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | === Rotorvating ===
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Raised beds ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Raised bed describes a method of dividing ground between narrow strips designated for cultivation and bordered by permanant fixed paths.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Most are no wider than 4ft so you can reach to the middle and can work the bed without walking on the soil. They can be any length but the longer they are the further you will have to tend crops on the other side.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | New paths need to be built wide enough to provide practical working space when tending crops and it is advisable to ensure a central path is wide enough for a wheel barrow access.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Borders to beds may be built with timber with plastic liner to keep the timber dry and prolong its life.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Hydroponics ==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | What is Hydroponics?
| + | |
| − | Put simply, hydroponics is the science of growing plants without soil. If you haven't heard of hydroponics, you may have heard of "soil-less culture" which is another name often used to describe the same thing. The same natural elements necessary for plant growth in soils are used, with the advantage that your plants are not restricted by weeds or soil-borne pests and diseases.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Brief History
| + | |
| − | Hydroponic techniques, though they may seem to be a new technology, have been in use for centuries. The earliest known use of hydroponics are [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanging_gardens_of_Babylon the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,]] the Floating Gardens of Kashmir and the Aztec people of of Mexico who used rafts on shallow lakes to grow plants. Also, hieroglyphic records in Egypt dating back to several hundred years B.C. describe the growing of plants in water. More recently, mobile hydroponic farms have been used to feed soldiers during the Second World War in the South Pacific.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Today, hydroponics is beginning to play a more important role in the world's agricultural production. Increasing populations, climatic changes, lack of water in some areas or poor quality water are all factors influencing the trend towards alternative methods of horticulture. Hydroponics is allowing many to have fresh food where normally they would have to have it shipped in or stored for long periods. A prime example of this is on Naval submarines, where hydroponics is used to supply the crew with fresh fruit and vegetables. Of more benefit is the use of hydroponics in developing countries, where it provides intensive food production in limited areas. The only restraints to a viable hydroponic system is the availability of water and nutrients. In areas where fresh water is not available, desalinated seawater can be used.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Hydroponic gardening has been used commercially since the 1970's, though it was not until recently that it has become more popular for the home grower. The demand in the community for environmental friendly and sound products has been a major factor in this trend. By growing plants in a hydroponic system, you will know exactly what has gone into the plants and can make sure that no harmful pesticides have been used that could damage your own health and the health of the environment.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | How it Works
| + | |
| − | Hydroponics is a highly efficient method of growing plants. In soils, nutrients and water are randomly placed, and often plants need to expend a lot of energy to find the water and nutrients by growing roots to find them. By expending this energy, the plants growth is not as fast as it could be. In a hydroponic garden, the nutrients and water are delivered straight to the plants roots, allowing the plants to grow faster, and allowing harvesting to be done sooner, simply because the plants are putting more of their energy into growing above the ground, instead of under it.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Once a plant is established it gives higher than average yields, whether being grown in a greenhouse, a backyard or a balcony. Also, hydroponics allows you to grow more plants per square metre. This is because the plants do not need to compete with weeds and each other for the food and water that is in soil, this food and water is delivered straight to them.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | It is also very important to note that, despite many myths, plants grown in hydroponics are no different to plants grow in soil, they will have the same physiology. Plants grown in a hydroponic system take the same nutrients as those grown in soil, though the content can be more accurately controlled. The basic difference between the two methods is the way in which nutrients and water are delivered to the plants.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In hydroponics, the nutrient salts are already refined and the plants do not need to wait for the nutrients to break down to their basic form. However, with soil based agriculture, plants are fed nutrients via manures and composts which must break down into their basic form (nutrient salts) before the plants can use them.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Commercially, hydroponic systems often use artificial lighting. This can make the cost of a system much more expensive. If you have sunlight readily available, then this will be unnecessary. If you don't, while the initial costs may be relatively high, many of our customers find that a lighting system, while being necessary, is not the hassle and ongoing expense they may have expected.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Advantages
| + | |
| − | A hydroponic system has the following advantages. Hydroponics allows you to grow plants more efficiently, using in some cases up to 95% less water than soil based horticulture. With many plants, hydroponics will give you a higher quality plant, at a higher yield. Other advantages are as follows:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Slightly denser planting, allowing greater use of area you have available
| + | |
| − | Produce looks better and lasts longer
| + | |
| − | Water stress in hot conditions is reduced
| + | |
| − | Suited to non-arable areas
| + | |
| − | Plants reach maturity in much shorter time
| + | |
| − | Soil pests and diseases significantly reduced
| + | |
| − | Hydroponic Gardens require less maintenance
| + | |
| − | The idea of hydroponics still intimidates some people, mainly because it involves the use of some technology. However, hydroponics is a simple and easy method of growing plants, and is certainly no more difficult than growing plants in soil. We, at the All Grow Hydroponics , have many years experience with hydroponics and are more than willing to introduce you to this exciting technology and help you get acquainted with it, so that you too may grow your own fresh and healthy plants.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | == Growing under glass ==
| + | |
| − | First idea
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ==External links==
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | (like all other pages, this is open for everyones contributions, just use the 'edit' button at the top of hte page or the 'edit section' buttons down the right hand side.
| + | |
| − | *[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page Wikipedia]
| + | |
