There was a period of time in our history where gardening was more of a hobby. Or was considered as a method to keep busy during our spare time especially on weekends or holidays. Today there has been a shift in our thinking and we can attribute this mental shift to many factors like cost of living, rising cost of food and our dependence on external forces to take charge of our food production which is not always in our best interest.
Now with this uncertainty rising there is a growing demand to plant more and become independent for our own health and sustainability. We now see backyards being transformed into spaces of rejuvenation and becoming a source of nourishment and resilience. The future gardener has become more intentional in utilizing every space available and that means windowsills and backyards being transformed into gardens that are productive and more sustainable giving hope and endurance for the future. In this post we will examine some approaches and innovative techniques for future gardening.
The Future of Gardening
Our future food sustenance depends on agriculture as a method of supply for the growing population. Ensuring food safety should be our primary concern. With so many recent recalls occurring with the food industry, the need to spend more time on preventative measures before the consumer purchases food from a grocery store is eminent. These occurrences have also allowed purchasers to find cost effective ways to engage in safer ways to consume food with their own home gardening and becoming more self-sufficient.
There is so much emphasis on computer technology as the younger generations focuses more on applications and Artificial Intelligence. It has become a growing trend in other fields of engagement rather than applying it for techniques in land preservation and sustainability for the future. Using education to inspire others by incorporating these advancement in technology should become a priority. Additionally, we have discovered more efficient ways to grow and improve crops with these new gadgets for our advancement. New inventions of tools are making us more efficient in our garden space leading the way into the future.
Soil Health is Beneficial
We are becoming more aware of the benefits attributed to a no-dig garden for soil health and improvement of its structure. Our soil has been depleted of its natural nutrients by continuously farming crops on the same land. There are ways in which we can engage in its improvement by using the no-dig approach and for the prevention of erosion. There has been some focus on regenerative gardening which focus on adding the nutrients back into the soil to improve its structure and replenish what has been previously removed. This restoration can be done by using compost which add nutrients by revitalizing the soil. Any form of tilling which causes major disruption must be avoided. There must be an exclusion in using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead use alternatives like compost tea which is an excellent natural fertilizer and a much healthier product for any garden.
It includes using plants for ground cover which keeps the soil covered reducing the time spent to remove weeds and help with the addition of nitrogen. Other methods are using mulch which keeps the ground hydrated and helps with the consumption of water. Water consumption is essential, and one method is to harvest rainwater by installing rain barrels which collect the excess water to be used at a later time.
Engaging in biodiversity by planting crops that encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies. Preparing the garden to accommodate plants that help each other is also a great method by adapting the companion gardening techniques this avoids any need to use chemicals as the plants work with each other to get rid of pests.
The regenerative advantage is improvement in the soil for nutrients which will result over time in a better product producing higher yields. The soil is being managed by ground cover crops and the use of mulch which acts as a barrier for weeds and also helps with moisture and less amount of time needed to hydrate plants. The concepts also seek to conserve by using less water and engages in devices that are helpful like drip irrigation.
Coping with the Changing Climate
The unpredictable weather patterns have had an impact on our society. We are looking to find ways to cope with these changes with methods to adapt to these conditions. One way to adjust is by adding plants to our garden that are cost effective and are able to survive these changes with the use of drought-tolerant plants that will survive and eliminate the need to continuously replant year after year.
With so many people involved with a busy lifestyle it may be hard to keep that beautiful garden looking lush all the time. With low-maintenance plants this keeps the garden going without you doing all the work. The garden becomes self-sustainable. I wrote an article on low-maintenance plants if you need more information on the subject, I have included the link below.
https://plantsfordecor.com/blogs/articles/the-best-low-maintenance-plants-for-an-effortless-garden
Incorporating Technology with Future Trends
There are some new tools on the market for gardening that are redefining how we garden that are resourceful and efficient. Applications have now played a major role in our daily life. It seems there is an application for just about anything and Artificial Intelligence seems to be in line with everything as well making our lives a little easier as we navigate our way around them. The smart gardening tools that are now available are incredible with sensors from being able to detect soil moisture to automated water systems that are connected through your electronic device. This is a game changer in the way we have now become automated.
Hydroponic and Aeroponic Methods
The hydroponic method places the plant in an environment that is supported by nutrients in water and the use of proper air flow. The root of the plant grows into a medium like clay pellets, perlite, vermiculite or coco-coir. The plants are in a water-based solution where the roots are fully immersed. Nutrients are added into the base from which the plants obtain all the requirements they need to grow.
The Aeroponics system uses a misted method with water and nutrients feeding the roots which are suspended rather than sitting in the solution. The advantage is it uses less water and provides the oxygen needed to improve the growth of the plant.
Advantages of the Hydroponic system
Growing plants without soil is a game changer. If you have found yourself living in an area with poor soil this will work to your advantage. There is no need to continuously water the plant as it is already immersed. This saves you time and money and little waste and more conservation for the environment. It is a good solution for places where there is limited space especially if the plants are growing in a vertical position.
Once they are in a completely controlled environment this minimizes the possibilities of having to deal with pests and diseases. The hydroponic garden can be used for roof top farms especially in urban environment with limited space. Also, for your home indoor garden. They are especially great for leafy green vegetables like lettuce, spinach, mint and other herbs.
The Aeroponic garden have the plants grown in a suspended environment where the roots are exposed. And sprayed with a mist of water and nutrients. This also uses no soil and does not require a medium to begin growth. There are many different kits that are now available for purchase online with applications and smart features which help in making the growing period easy to manage. This system is great for the conservation of water and also works well for plants with leafy green vegetables, herbs and strawberries.
One of the more popular devices for growing plants indoors is the LetPot hydroponics growing system available on Amazon. It connects with your smart phone and provides a schedule with a reminder to water your plants ensuring that you will remember to get the job done. It includes the spectrums of light helping to promote photosynthesis. With this system you can grow your crops all year around including during the cold season. What I think is unique about it is the ability to record the growing days of your plant to determine how fast is it growing. Based on the growth of your plant you can determine its health and take appropriate action if necessary. Other smart garden kits include AeroGarden also available at Amazon. All that is required of you is to plant, allow the seeds to take root and watch them germinate in this controlled environment. They will be growing up to five times faster than being germinated the traditional way. It includes the option set it to vacation mode which allows you the freedom to know that your plants will be taken care of.
As we continue with technology Artificial Intelligence has taken a prevalent role in introducing garden tools making weeding much easier especially with seniors who wish to participate and find bending a bit of a challenge. This new tool helps with weeding and makes the job seem effortless. A solar powered automatic weed destroyer for your garden called Tertill.
This device was created by the inventor who made the Roomba vacuum cleaner. An automated vacuum cleaner that vacuumed your home without the use of human hands and operated independently. The same concept has been transferred to Tertill which uses a solar panel that roams in the garden looking for weeds and removes them. It works similarly, hand-free and removes unwanted weeds. If you are concerned about your small seedling, just place a barrier around it and that should take care of it. The company also has suggested if you are unsure about your own space send a picture and they will advise if the device is suitable for your garden.
Adapting to Changes
By making some changes to our lifestyle we are helping to reduce the transportation emissions lowering our reliance on grocery store items. We have become more conscious of biodiversity and realize how important it is to plant crops that encourage pollination. Instead of throwing all our food in the garbage we have learnt that food items can be compost and become a natural fertilizer and nutrient for the soil helping in rejuvenation of the ground. Our reliance on chemical fertilizers have reduce as we have become aware of how destructive chemicals are to the human body when they are consumed.
As plants remove the nutrients from the soil, it is important to know that these nutrients need to be replace in order to produce crops that are healthy. As a result, we are now finding ways to rejuvenate the soil by engaging in regenerative gardening which involves rebuilding the soil to allow it to become enriched in depleted nutrients. The no-dig approach is effective as it does not disrupt the natural formation of the soil and there is no tilling allowing the carbon in the soil to remain intact. By using compost this facilitates the microorganism to breakdown naturally and produce and enriched soil for growing plants. This results in a more superior soil which produces higher yields.
Smaller spaces have been an issue for many people especially for those in Urban areas. Using the vertical method and hydroponic kits that are easier to manage as they fit on your kitchen countertop. This has made it easier to grow food in small spaces. Making adjustments by using stackable planters that require little space are being used in many homes. Creating mini-gardens with herbs and some leafy vegetables that require very little room has become a possibility.
Your fence has a dual purpose and can be used to grow many vegetables that germinate on vines like peas and cucumber. Adding trellises are methods that are being used to grow vegetables. As a result of this participation your contribution is helping to reduce your carbon footprint as you engage in this lifestyle.
Adapting to Dry Conditions
Using rain barrels have become a way of the future. Instead of allowing the water to be wasted in the sewers we are finding methods of collecting this water through the use of rain barrels and storage tanks which can be used in periods of drought. Making a conscious decision to landscape areas with drought-resistant plants and other decorative items like rocks and ground cover plants are some ways to overcome these periods of dry conditions.
Drip irrigation has new become more common in many garden space as we find ways to improve the water supply without much wastage. It is a good device that allows the plants to have just the right amount of water to continue to grow and produce heathy crops. We have recognized the importance of mulching which is a productive way to keep plant moisture inside reducing the need to frequently water the plant. It also assists in weed control.
Applying Technology in the Garden
With technology become more advanced, the garden has become a much easier space to manage making it more efficient for production. Moisture sensors like PlantLink have the ability to detect the moisture in the soil allowing the garden to know when moisture is need leading to less overwatering and more precision knowing when the plant needs water. These applications work with the use of a smart phone and have the ability to keep track of your plant needs which makes gardening a breeze even to the newcomer.
The use of solar powered equipment that has the ability to weed the garden allows the gardener more time to focus on other greenery in the garden like harvesting rather than taking the time to manually remove them.
Applications like Planta allows the user to personalize water schedule, check the soil and tracks the progress of the plant. Another useful application is Blossom which focuses on disease prevention and treatment. It also gives tips for growing plants. Plant.id allows for the identification of plants. If you have found yourself growing something that you are not familiar with this application will be able to help you identify that plant.
Community Garden
The community garden is so important and today there are more people involved in projects that grow food in this way and help to support the community and the schools on both large and small plots of land. The food is sometimes shared or sold for the improvement of the community. Schools have used this method to teach the children about the science of agriculture and its importance in today’s society. It is a good method to teach the children, so they have a better understanding of planting a seed and watching it grow and eventually becoming a harvest. It builds social connection with the people in the community and encourages them to either participate in the community garden or to have their own garden.
Your participation matters whether your garden is being produced on a kitchen countertop or a large plot of land. The future of gardening is about becoming adaptable to the changes evolving around us. It means becoming self-reliance and adjusting not only as an individual but for its prospects and for sustainability.
Image generated using ChatGPT by OpenAI.