other root vegetables are popular to grow in such “ gardens ” as they provide nourishment and do not take too long to grow . Potatoes take about 10 weeks and spinach about six weeks .
On the University of the Free State website , under Food Garden Projects , Natalie Rowles from Pinetown shares her idea of potato rings . She says , “ Potatoes are the easiest and most compact crop under the sun if grown this way without using expensive compost and poison sprays . They use any available bio-waste as a growing medium and wastewater if no taps are available to water these plants .”
One can lift the top ring off and look for the biggest potatoes , replace the ring and fill it up with more soil for further growth . These gardening ideas can be extended to schools , churches , homes and even complexes or flats – as long as an even space is available for the tyres .
Some of the most common tips to starting a communal garden :
• Talk to people who may be interested in joining the project . This can be neighbours , colleagues or local gardening retailers . Some people will be willing to give their time , some may donate funds and materials and others may be available for consultation . Allocate roles and responsibilities to ensure everyone knows what to do .
• Find the piece of land that will be used . Get permission from the landowner / property manager if needed .
• Obtain the necessary tools and recycled materials as well as seeds or seedlings . Use the remains of other veggies and fruits to create natural compost and this can be a good way of reusing what would otherwise become waste .
• Make sure there is a water source . Running water from taps would be ideal but consider ways to collect rain and / or kitchen water .
Once the garden is established , remember to create a schedule of who is to look after the garden and ensure plants are watered and weeds removed .
City-dwelling children can be taught how to grow their own food . Involve them in the project from the start and ensure they join in when it is time to harvest .
Remember , “ Hands that serve are greater than lips that pray .” ~ Sai Baba .
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