These 6 tips for growing greens are bound to unleash the farmer in you.
Urban farming is an eco-friendly trend that is fast catching up with Singaporeans. Enthusiasts are not only seeking self-sufficiency but optimal health too. Growing their own greens helps to keep chemicals away from their plates and bodies.
For those who think it is an uphill task, here are 6 ideas to help you hone your inner farmer:
1) Do your research
Singapore is hot, humid and dry. Therefore, it is important that the greens you choose to grow can survive in our tropical climate. Some examples would be mint, basil, rosemary, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, okra and brinjal.
2) Get a starter kit
If starting your garden from scratch seems tough, take the first step with a vegetable growing kit like the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore’s Veggie Pipe or the Easigarden vegetable growing kits. These starter packs for beginners come with vegetable seeds, naturally composted soil and step-by-step instructions. All that is required is daily watering.
3) Pick the right spot for your greens
Some greens will need more direct sunlight than others. Based on the amount of sunshine they need, pick the best spot in your home or backyard for your herbs and vegetables. Most herbs like mint, rosemary and basil love the sun and require at least four hours of direct to moderate sunlight every day.
4) Water as needed
Water like sunlight is a must for plants, but in varying amounts and frequencies. Chilli, for instance, requires soil that is moist but not overly soaked. On the other hand, herbs need to be placed in a sunny spot and watered twice a day. The best time to water your plants are at daybreak or night. Do check the soil regularly to make sure it is not waterlogged, as this could lead to root rot.
5) Opt for natural fertilisers
If you hope to embrace the organic lifestyle, using chemical fertilisers will not be the right choice for your green garden. Go for natural fertilisers and pesticides.
6) Keep experimenting
You may not nail it the first time around, but keep going! Cultivating your own garden requires a lot of effort, but it is well worth the hard work. You will realise that when you harvest your first batch of tasty, wholesome greens for your next meal.
Have pictures of your home garden to share? Send them to us at enquiry@aerinle.com.
