Creating a sustainable garden has now evolved into making the right selections of equipment either for manual labour or even using Artificial Intelligence. Inclusive are tools which emphasizes techniques that help to reduce waste, heal the soil and have the capability of managing the backyard transforming the space. This makes the garden manageable through various technology even if you are just a beginner.
In this post we will look at some tools that improve your harvest, protects the environment and helps with the conservation of water. Having the right equipment will make a huge difference for your garden and at the same time creating an improved environment for the future and its expectations.
Sustainable Gardening and its Relevance
Sustainable gardening involves becoming responsible for growing plants in a way that conserves the natural resources by utilizing methods that rejuvenates the soil, reduces waste, conserves water, eliminates the use of chemical and includes biodiversity.
The process seeks to protect the environment by producing food in a healthy soil, reducing pollution by reducing the heavy reliance on chemicals which are not only producing unhealthy food but also is destroying the soil in which the crops are continually grown. Two factors come into play where the crop is extracting the nutrients yearly in addition the chemicals sprayed are contributors to the decomposition of the soil. We may not be aware that to continuously plant the same crop year after year will not enhance the food produced because the nutrients that should be there have been depleted. Unless change is made, we end up with an unproductive soil with poor nutrition.
For the environmental protection biodiversity is encouraged and limiting any form of pollution is mandatory. Encouraging farmers to make investments in sustainable practices is vital for the environment and its survival.
Crop rotation is a good way to enhance the soil, and, in this way, it helps in the reduction of pests and also keeps the soil structure in its formation preventing erosion which can happen in heavy down pours of rainfall. Farmers are also encouraged to use grown cover crops to help. It may not be for financial gain but in the long run they will be ahead for the future as they are helping with the preservation of their land.
The no-till approach is encouraged to avoid any disruption of the soil which creates improvement for the soil. Avoiding this technique allows the earthworms to produce a healthy soil without being disrupted or killed during the tilling process.
Conservation of water is important for the future. With the use of drip irrigation and storage of water in containers this is taking advantage of what is already provided for us instead of letting it go to waste. Animals also help to create a greenhouse gas effect. Controlling the amount of that emission is also a good way to conserve our environment. It means having better control on manure.
Innovative Tools for your Garden
Sustainability does not just involve growing food organically but includes making the right decisions in the way we garden and that include the tools needed that helps to minimize waste and makes an impact. The results are to create a better environment for all to share. Using the right equipment will help in transforming it into an effective, efficient and a sustainable space. Tools like drip irrigation and rain barrels are some ways which help in conservation. As we investigate further, we are finding other tools that are effective in changing the way we garden today. If you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener or looking to upgrade your tools these selections will help to improve your equipment as you make an investment into the future.
Soil Blocker Maker
This is an alternative to using plastic trays or pots. It is used to compress soil to form cubes. These blocks will become the medium from which to grow your plants. They can be made in different sizes to accommodate your needs. There is no waste involved and no need to dispose anything. The seeds are sewn directly in the medium and the plants will avoid periods of shock which usually occur when being transferred from a plastic container to your garden. Making your own soil is simple by using soil, compost, coconut coir or peat moss and moisture. Sand or perlite or adding worm casing are also options that can be used depending on your preference.
This produces a healthier plant, and the roots are able to develop properly rather than being confined into a small space. This is a great way to take advantage of small spaces and limit the amount of items added to be recycled. It’s an alternative for the gardener to choose by selecting an eco-friendly option working towards a productive way to reduce waste. It works perfectly for those who experience cold temperatures as they can begin their planting season early and harvest their crops earlier in the season before the cold begins which puts you at an advantage.
Broadfork
This works as an alternative to tilling the ground. Its purpose is to break up the ground and allow airflow into the soil without turning over the soil. It is a sustainable tool resembling a pitchfork which is manually operated allowing the natural preservation of the soil to remain intact. It works by applying pressure through your own body weight onto the horizontal bars by stepping on the crossbar with a rocking motion and using the handles to lift and loosen the soil without turning it. The advantage with this tool is it is totally manually operated no need to be concerned about electricity or battery operated. The tool is able to provide aeration into the soil while the structure of the soil remains intact. Breaking of the soil destroys microorganism necessary for building nutrients. It improves drainage for water and other nutrients are able to penetrate the soil which will result in producing a better produce as the roots are able to become more adaptable. It is a good way for soil preservation and rejuvenation.
Garden Smarter with these Innovative Tools
As homeowners invest in more efficient ways to approach gardening. Technology has played its way into our lives as we seek smarter ways to grow plants through sustainable living. Growing fresh herbs and vegetables seasonally has become the way of the past. As we step into the future trends, we discover new and innovative ways to make the garden space lusher with greens at a faster turnover rate. We will explore some impressive devices that are currently being marketed and are helping us to grow healthier and more tastier foods in a faster time rate leading us to rethink and take advantage of these equipment as the way of the future.
Gardyn is a vertical indoor garden which uses the technology of hydroponics and engages the use of Artificial Intelligence. It is fully automated with lighting, sensors and cameras and uses a schedule to provide the right amount of water and nutrients needed to sustain growth. It is the ideal garden for anyone living in a small space as this takes up very little room and yet has the capability to grow up to thirty plants.
There is no dirt used but the system relies on nutrients, light and water in a controlled environment. This means very little chance to encounter pest, and the product produces superior quality leafy green vegetables. It is worth investing as you will be saving money especially in cold months when the produce gets expensive. It also means being able to continue the garden even if there is snow on the ground and the cold temperatures makes it difficult to grow and cultivate from the garden. The advanced technology allows the user to operate the device with a smart phone. The advantage is it uses less water than the tradition garden with no clean-ups from any dirt indoors. This device has been available on Amazon.
Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden
Plantaform embraces the technology handed down by Nasa which uses a nutrient rich fogponics to feed the plant inside a dome shaped planter. The technology uses a form of aeroponics which is vaporized water in the form of fog and nutrients to sustain the plant life. The plants are centered in pods and there are specific instructions on how they are to be grown. The technology is managed through an application with sensors monitoring the health of the growing cycle and water level. It is always best to monitor any device to make sure it is functioning as it should. While the technology is great for their specific crops chosen for you. The disadvantage is not being able make your own selection of plants you desire until the company produces new technology to accommodate that. The advantage is being able to reap fresh greens indoors during the cold season.
Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
This is a self -watering indoor garden with grow lights. It uses a medium to grow plants which fits into a capsule attached to a wick system from which water and other nutrients are extracted for growth. It conveniently can be made to sit on any countertop making it attractive for small spaces. The unit comes with three plants tomato, lettuce and basil all of which are presented in groups of threes. It allows you to grow nine plants at the same time. Or you can stagger the growth by planting just a few.
The system requires some assembling to get it up and running which is not very complicated. Once this is done, fill the bottom tank with water, plant the seeds into the pods and watch them grow. You will only need to monitor the float to see if it needs water. The smart garden also allows you to purchase additional plants for your garden.
Soil Testing Kits
As we seek ways to maintain a sustainable living. Homeowners are adding essential tools to the garden design to make the garden space more productive and healthier. One resource to make that effective is a soil testing kit. The kit focuses on identifying nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Retailers like Amazon offer a variety of kits for different purposes which include Luster Leaf Rapitest or Mysoil kits are just a few that are available.
The Soil Moisture Meter is also a good tool to have and has a 4 in one function it read the PH, temperature and sunlight efficiency. The probe is inserted into the soil approximately 4 inches and after ten seconds will let you know if you need to water your plant. It should be noted that it is not advisable to put the probe into a dry soil as it will damage the equipment. It is best if you encounter that problem to water the area and wait for about ten minutes and then insert the probe.
Eve Aqua 3rd Generation Smart Water Controller
The design is to simplify your garden needs by automatically allowing you to water your garden through an application. It is an apple eco system that functions with apple products or the Eve application. It also is able to respond to voice commands through Siri. Android or other applications will not function with this device which is a disadvantage to these users. This device gives you that advantage of being able to schedule your watering days ahead to avoid forgetting to take care of your plant watering needs. An improvement in the system in the future would be to allow some compatibility of other applications to use the system.
Sustainable gardening involves taking advantage of products that keep your plants healthy even if you are on a small budget. These two devices are available on the market and are not restricted to the Apple Applications only. These options are compatible with other interfaces giving you a choice on selections based on your budget and garden needs.
Ranchio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller
This tool gives the user a professional solution with features like weather data, smart customization and supports for Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home kit. It has been popularly used in both commercial and residential homes with a better integrated platform. It provides smart scheduling, features like the possibility of rain and features skip rain in which it will not water if it is raining are all included with this application. The Application also allow you to customize your yard and save on your water bill.
Netro Spark Smart Sprinkler Controller
An Artificial Intelligent driven watering system that is compatible with Amazon Alexa. It is less expensive than the Rancio which would be suitable for someone who wants to spend less money on an outdoor sprinkler system. It is fully automated with adjustments for watering schedule. It works with your Android devices and other web browsers. Installation of this device is done indoors. If your preference is to install it outdoors. It requires a dedicated outdoor enclosure to protect it from the elements like rain, snow or moisture to operate safely especially with areas prone to snowfall.
Bio-Degradable Pots
The use of bio-degradable pots is becoming the way of the future for growers. As we become more aware of the damaging effects of plastics and its contribution to our landfills. We are making better choices from bio-degradable materials like coconut coir, peat, paper pulp, compost manure or even rice husk. What is great for the environment is these posts never have to be discarded but are able to decompose naturally into the soil making transplanting easier and providing a more simplified process with a better end result.
This advancement serves to eliminate any shock attributed to transplanting especially delicate seedlings which have to be handled with care to avoid their ruin. These pots are able to support a healthier root system producing a much more robust and healthier crop. The soil benefits by becoming healthier by this enhancement for moisture and nutrients added. Overall, a better way to become more involved in a sustainable practice.
Cowpots
A natural pot made from cow manure totally biodegradable, these pots include cow manure, recycled paper and cardboard. This pot will naturally be decomposed into the soil when planted. It is odour free which is an easy way to plant by placing the entire pot into the ground which provides minimum disturbance to its root system. Available for purchase on Amazon.
Nova Pot
These pots are bio-degradable made from a renewable and sustainable material. It offers the alternative to plastic pots by using rice hulls which are incorporated with a natural binding product to produce these pots. They are used both indoors and outdoors for above ground. The pots contain no wood or petroleum are included in the composition of these pots. They promote good drainage and air movement for sustainable growth and will last up to five years. They are able to be placed in a compost facility when tossed out and will at that time decompose breaking down into a nutrient rich matter.
Having a sustainable garden involves more than just the plants you choose to grow in your own garden. It involves making the right choices and that includes tools that will help to enrich your lifestyle making it easier and less time consuming to garden. By choosing to grow in an eco-friendly way with the tools that support soil health, water conservation and bio-degradable containers you are helping to reduce waste. It doesn’t have to be overnight but a little at a time will lead to a future that will become greener as we all participate.
Image Credit : Created using ChatGPT (DALL·E) by OpenAI.