This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
With the increasing urbanization and conversion of farmland into concrete buildings, farmers are seeking innovative ways to produce food. One such method is the use of kitchen gardens, which enable individuals to grow a variety of crops in small spaces.
According to John Wambugu, an agronomist at Wambugu Farm in Nyeri, the key to establishing a successful kitchen garden is to consider the available space, the type of crops to be grown, and the time dedicated to tending to the crops.
For instance, if one wants to grow 10 vegetable plants, they may use old tyres, while for 50, they can opt for terrace gardens.
Waste Pipes Multi-Storey Garden ¶
This kitchen garden is made from plastic pipes, which are mounted on wooden frames cut in half. The garden is suitable for both urban and peri-urban areas and can be used to grow a variety of crops, including vegetables and fruits.
A single row of the pipes can hold up to eight crops, which can sustain a family of four for months. The entire garden can be set up for approximately Sh5,000.
Multi-Storey Garden Using Sacks or Nets ¶
Another method of creating a kitchen garden is by using sacks or nets. This is a preferred method for multi-storey gardens, as it allows for easy access to the crops.
According to Margaret Wandeto, a crop officer at Wambugu Farm, to set up a multi-storey garden using sacks or nets, one needs an empty 90kg gunny bag, a wheelbarrow of well-decomposed manure, small stones, a waste pipe, and water.
One should then identify an area with plenty of sunlight and afternoon shade, as vegetables do well in six to eight hours of full sun exposure.
Conical Garden ¶
A conical garden is a technique that can be used in both arid and semi-arid areas due to the unavailability of water. This method helps conserve water, curb runoff or soil erosion, and provide adequate cooling for plant roots.
According to John Wambugu, to make a conical garden, one digs a two-feet-deep and one-metre-wide ditch, double-digs the soil, and then adds manure and mixes it thoroughly.
Sunken Garden ¶
A sunken garden is another method of creating a kitchen garden. This technique helps conserve water, curb runoff or soil erosion, and provide adequate cooling for plant roots.
According to John Wambugu, to make a sunken garden, one digs a two-feet-deep and one-metre-wide ditch, double-digs the soil, and then adds manure and mixes it thoroughly.
