Organic Rooftop Farming: Establishing Green future and Food security post Pandemic

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Organic Rooftop Farming: Establishing Green future and Food security post Pandemic

Sonika Poudel
२०७७ कार्तिक १६ गते प्रकाशित

Living during the times with limited land resources and a large population, increasing at an increasing rate; it is an absolute necessity that we grow our own food as far as possible. The pensive problem of urbanization and lack of sufficient farmland as a result of fertile soils invites the solution of organic rooftop gardening.

It seems to be a minor practice but has a great positive impact on self-reliability in vegetables and spice crops production and upgrading the urban climate. Apart from this, having a natural garden right at the rooftop is quite a relief from the chaos of the city and concrete monotonicity.

Being a resident of Kathmandu valley, when I look around; I can see nothing but human settlements within my sight. The city life has somehow segregated us from soil and nature.

But in recent days, after the outbreak of COVID-19, people have become more aware of the importance of rooftop farming and are seen to be practising it widely. As a result of it, we could also experience a considerable drop in the price of vegetables in the area. The pandemic has positively touched the lives of people regarding this matter and it hopefully continues in post-pandemic days as well.

What can we grow in this season?

Selection of correct seasons, soil types, depth, containers and management practices is a must for successful gardening.

Below is the list of vegetables we can grow to start/add to our rooftop garden this season for the coming winter along with a few guidelines:

Carrots: Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body. It reaches its peak sweetness in the winter season. The containers deep enough for growing should be chosen. They should be watered regularly to keep the soil slightly moist, avoid overwatering. Also, carrots are susceptible to mildew so foliage should not be wetted.
Beans: Most of the beans are climbers and are easy to grow. For growing beans, we will need a spot that receives the sun in abundance, a pot that is minimum 12 inches deep and a trellis-like structure for support.
Tomatoes: Dwarf variety tomatoes can be grown very easily at the terrace. For higher yield, cherry tomatoes can also be selected.
Radishes: They are one of the quickest growing vegetables used in both raw and cooked forms. A planter that is 6 inches deep is enough but if we are growing larger varieties, around 10 inches deep pot should be used. We can plant radishes closely, allowing 2 inches of space between each plant in a wide container. Radishes are ready for the harvest in 24-60 days, depending on the variety.
Peas: Peas require moist soil and cool to moderate weather to thrive. All varieties are suitable for container gardening but dwarf bushier varieties are better.
Spinach: Cool weather is best to grow spinach. It is rich in calcium and iron; can be consumed both raw and cooked. They can be grown at a spacing of 2 inches in the container and must be watered regularly.
Bulb vegetables: Onions and garlic love sunlight. So, the containers should be placed in a location where it receives 5 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. The ideal depth of container would be 10-14 inches. They can be planted at a spacing of 4-5 inches.
Cole crops: Cole crops such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower-like soils between 12 and 14 inches deep. If we have abundant space and can manage the required depth, they thrive in cool-season on the rooftops.

Organic manures from animals and poultry, vermicompost, green manure, compost from domestic wastes and residues can be broadly used. They are non-toxic, eco- friendly, healthy for both soil and humans. They provide a steady flow of nutrients. Nature has a huge bank of nutrients stored. We have to make sure that they reach our plants. This is the essence of organic agriculture.

The best utilization of available space at home, production of fresh and organic food, connecting with nature and creating an aesthetically pleasing and environment-friendly terrace makes organic rooftop farming a huge step towards sustainability and a significant aspect of future of agriculture.