Gardening Methods FAQs
What Is Aquaponics Gardening?
Aquaponics gardening is a sustainable method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics (growing plants in water without soil). In an aquaponics system, fish produce waste in the form of ammonia, which is toxic to the fish but can be broken down by beneficial bacteria into nitrates. These nitrates are then used as a natural fertiliser for the plants, which help to clean the water by absorbing the nutrients. The clean water is then returned to the fish, completing the cycle.
Aquaponics systems can be set up on a small scale, such as in a home garden or on a patio, or on a larger scale, such as in a commercial operation. They can be used to grow a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruit, as well as ornamental plants. Aquaponics systems are efficient and sustainable, as they use a small amount of water and do not require the use of synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. They also provide the added benefit of producing fresh fish as a source of protein.
What Is ‘Back To Eden’ Gardening?
'Back to Eden' gardening is a method of organic gardening that is based on the principle of mimicking the natural ecosystem of a forest. It involves creating a layer of wood chips on top of the soil to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and provide nutrients to the plants. The wood chips are left to decompose over time, creating a rich, fertile soil that is suitable for growing a wide variety of plants.
The 'Back to Eden' method was popularised by Paul Gautschi, a gardener and author who has written extensively about his experiences using this method. According to Gautschi, the benefits of 'Back to Eden' gardening include reduced watering and weeding, improved soil structure, and increased plant growth and productivity. This method is suitable for both small home gardens and larger commercial operations and can be used to grow a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit.
What Is Biodynamic Gardening?
Biodynamic gardening is a holistic method of farming and gardening that treats the farm or garden as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It is based on the principles of biodynamics, a philosophy that sees the earth as a living organism and recognises the interconnections between the soil, plants, animals, and celestial bodies.
Biodynamic gardening involves using a variety of techniques to promote the health and balance of the soil and plants, including using natural fertilisers and pest controls, incorporating animals into the farm or garden, and following a planting calendar based on the cycles of the moon and other celestial bodies.
Biodynamic gardens are often small and diverse, with a mix of annual and perennial plants, vegetables, herbs, and fruit. The goal of biodynamic gardening is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that is in balance and harmony with the natural world.
What Is Companion Planting?
Companion planting is the practice of planting different species of plants close together in order to benefit each other. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including pest control, improving soil health, and increasing the diversity and productivity of the garden.
Some common companion planting combinations include planting marigolds with tomatoes to deter pests, planting basil with tomatoes to improve their growth and flavour, and planting nitrogen-fixing legumes, such as beans or peas, with other vegetables to improve the fertility of the soil.
Companion planting can be an effective way to naturally support the health and growth of your plants and can also create a more attractive and diverse garden. It is important to do your research and choose plants that are compatible and will benefit each other, rather than hindering each other's growth.
What Is Container Gardening?
Container gardening is a type of gardening in which plants are grown in containers, such as pots, baskets, or boxes, rather than in the ground. Container gardens can be grown indoors or outdoors and are a popular option for people who have limited space or soil that is not suitable for growing plants. Container gardens can be as simple as a single pot with a single plant, or they can be more complex, with multiple pots and a variety of plants. Container gardens are also a great way to add colour, interest, and beauty to a patio, deck, balcony, or other small outdoor space.
What Is Conventional Gardening?
Conventional gardening refers to the traditional method of growing plants in the ground, using soil as the primary medium for plant growth. Conventional gardening involves preparing the soil, planting seeds or seedlings, watering, fertilising, and performing other tasks such as weeding, pruning, and pest control, to help the plants grow and thrive. Conventional gardening can be done on a small scale in a backGarden or on a larger scale, such as in a farm or public garden. It can involve growing a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit trees. Conventional gardening is the most common method of growing plants and has been practiced for thousands of years.
What Is Hügelkultur Gardening?
Hügelkultur (pronounced hoogle-culture) is a gardening method that involves creating raised beds or mounds using woody debris, such as logs, branches, and twigs, as the primary component. The wood is layered with other organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, and compost, and covered with soil. The idea behind hügelkultur is to mimic the natural decomposition process that occurs in forests, where fallen trees and other organic matter contribute to the health and fertility of the soil.
Hügelkultur beds are intended to be self-watering, as the woody material helps to retain moisture and release it slowly over time. The decomposition of the wood also adds nutrients to the soil and creates a habitat for beneficial microbes and insects. Hügelkultur is often used in permaculture and other sustainable gardening practices and is particularly well-suited for dry or drought-prone areas. It can be used to grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
What Is Hydroponics Gardening?
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using nutrient-rich water instead of soil. In hydroponics systems, plants are typically grown in containers filled with an inert growing medium, such as perlite or coconut coir, which helps to anchor the plants and provides some support but does not provide nutrients. The plants are watered with a nutrient solution that is carefully balanced to meet the plants' needs, and the water is typically recirculated to conserve resources.
Hydroponics systems can be set up in a variety of ways, including using grow trays, pots, or bags filled with the growing medium, or suspended in air using a technique called aeroponics. Hydroponics systems can be small and simple, such as a single pot with a single plant, or large and complex, with multiple containers and a variety of plants. They can be set up indoors or outdoors, and are often used to grow vegetables, herbs, and other plants in a controlled environment. Hydroponics gardening is a popular option for people who want to grow plants in areas where soil quality is poor, or the growing season is short.
What Is In-Ground Gardening?
In-ground gardening, also known as conventional gardening, is the traditional method of growing plants in the ground, using soil as the primary medium for plant growth. In-ground gardening involves preparing the soil, planting seeds or seedlings, watering, fertilising, and performing other tasks such as weeding, pruning, and pest control, to help the plants grow and thrive. In-ground gardening can be done on a small scale in a back garden or on a larger scale, such as in a farm or public garden. It can involve growing a variety of plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit trees. In-ground gardening is the most common method of growing plants and has been practiced for thousands of years.
What Is Keyhole Gardening?
Keyhole gardening is a type of raised bed gardening that is designed to be highly efficient and productive. Keyhole gardens are typically circular in shape, with a small opening in the centre that resembles a keyhole. The centre of the garden is used to compost kitchen scraps and other organic material, which helps to fertilise the plants and maintain the soil fertility over time.
Keyhole gardens are typically built using materials such as brick, stone, or cob (a mixture of clay, sand, and straw), and are filled with a combination of compost, soil, and other organic matter. They are often used in dry or drought-prone areas, as the circular shape and compost centre help to conserve water and keep the soil moist. Keyhole gardens are a good option for people who have limited space or soil that is not suitable for traditional gardening and can be used to grow a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and other plants.
What Is Lasagna Gardening?
Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet composting or no-till gardening, is a method of creating a new garden bed by layering organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, and compost, on top of the existing ground. The layers are allowed to decompose over time, creating a rich, fertile soil that is ready for planting.
Lasagna gardening is a simple and efficient way to create a new garden bed without the need for digging or tilling the soil. It is particularly well-suited for areas with heavy clay soil or other soil types that are difficult to work with, as it allows the soil to be built up gradually over time. Lasagna gardening is also a good option for people who want to reduce their use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, as it relies on natural materials to improve the soil. It can be used to grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
What Is No-Dig Gardening?
No-dig gardening, is similar to lasagna gardening or sheet composting, is a method of creating a new garden bed by layering organic materials, such as leaves, grass clippings, straw, and compost, on top of the existing ground. The layers are allowed to decompose over time, creating a rich, fertile soil that is ready for planting.
No-dig gardening is a simple and efficient way to create a new garden bed without the need for digging or tilling the soil. It is particularly well-suited for areas with heavy clay soil or other soil types that are difficult to work with, as it allows the soil to be built up gradually over time. No-dig gardening is also a good option for people who want to reduce their use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, as it relies on natural materials to improve the soil. It can be used to grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
What Is Organic Gardening?
Organic gardening is a method of growing plants that focuses on using natural techniques and materials to nourish the soil and support plant growth. In organic gardening, synthetic chemicals, such as fertilisers and pesticides, are generally avoided in favour of natural alternatives. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, organic gardeners rely on techniques such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of natural predators to control pests and diseases.
Organic gardening is based on the principles of sustainability and the belief that the health of the soil, plants, and environment are interconnected. It is often associated with environmentally friendly and sustainable practices and is becoming increasingly popular as people become more interested in the environmental and health impacts of their food choices. Organic gardening can be done on any scale, from a small back garden to a large farm, and can be used to grow a wide range of plants, including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit trees.
What Is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design that seeks to mimic the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. It is based on the principles of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and the use of natural resources in a responsible and efficient manner.
Permaculture design aims to create a diverse and productive environment that is both ecologically and socially sustainable. It involves the integration of various elements, such as plants, animals, water, and soil, in a way that mimics the relationships found in nature. Permaculture practices often include the use of techniques such as crop rotation, companion planting, and natural pest control, as well as the use of renewable resources and energy-efficient technologies.
Permaculture can be applied to a wide range of systems, including agriculture, forestry, and urban design, and is often associated with organic farming and other sustainable practices. It is a holistic approach that seeks to balance the needs of people, the environment, and the economy, and is focused on creating long-term sustainability rather than short-term gain.
What Is Square Foot Gardening?
Square foot gardening is a method of intensive gardening that involves dividing the garden space into small, equally sized squares and planting a specific number of plants in each square. The size of the squares is typically one foot by one foot, hence the name "square foot gardening."
Square foot gardening is a space-efficient and organised way to grow a wide variety of plants in a small area. It is particularly well-suited for people who have limited space or soil that is not suitable for traditional gardening. Square foot gardens can be set up in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground, and can be grown using a variety of techniques, including traditional soil-based methods or hydroponics.
To create a square foot garden, the area is divided into squares using grid patterns, and the number and type of plants to be grown in each square is determined based on the plants' spacing requirements and growing habits. Square foot gardens can be as simple or as complex as the gardener desires and can be used to grow a wide range of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants.