Vincent Kipyegon
A hanging garden – as the name suggests – is a simple aesthetic hanging structure for planting of crops suspended on wooden boxes or plastic pipes raised above the surface of the earth. It is an innovative garden structure that can be used to grow vegetables and fruits where space is limited. This method is viable as it is labour free, weed free, consumes little space and eradicates soil pests and diseases.
Strawberry is a fleshy sweet heart-shaped red fruit that can be eaten fresh and raw. Strawberries can be grown in the greenhouse as well in open fields. However, both strategies have their own shortcomings; high cost of installing a greenhouse and soil-borne pests and diseases.
Nonetheless, a hanging garden can solve both problems and boost strawberry farming as a business as well as an aesthetic value. It allows for strawberry stem and leaves to extend downwards for up to 2 m.
How to make
Requirements
a. PVC pipes (6), 2 metres or similarly wooden boxes with one side open.
b. Timber frames (6)
c. Deep fertile loam soil with humus (solarized for 21 days to kill soil pests and diseases).
d. Compost manure
1. On a level surface, construct 2 triangular structures that are 2 metres above the surface of the earth using hardwood timber.
2. On each side of the triangle, create three points by nailing 3 wooden frames across them.
3. Attach gutter hooks on the end of each beams that will hold the PVC pipe containing soil and manure
4. Join the two pieces adjacent to each other using a 2 wooden frame on each side, 2 metre distance. This creates a house-roof like structure.
5. Attach 2 metre PVC pipes into the hooks on the beams. Drill square holes 10cm by 10 cm, 15 cm apart through PVC pipe on one side. Each pipe contains 13 holes. The strawberry seedlings will be planted on these openings once filled with soil and manure.
NB: A hanging garden does not have definitive specifications as long it is raised above the surface of the earth. It can also be created by suspending the pipes or structures holding soil on house beams, walls or similar structures. A square shaped structure can also be used to attach PVC pipes or wooden boxes.
Planting
Mix soil with compost manure on a ratio of 1:3 (1 wheelbarrow of compost manure to 3 wheelbarrows of fertile soil). Inject the mixture inside the PVC pipes from both sides until it’s full.
Plant the strawberry seedling on the holes then water after planting. Ensure the hooks holding the pipes are firm. The strawberry will grow beautifully extending downwards and produce fruits ready for harvest in 3 months.
Irrigation and fertility
Water the structure regularly using a hand-held sprayer. A drip irrigation system can be installed along the strawberry holes to provide a continuous water supply. The seedlings can be mulched to prevent moisture loss. The strawberry plants can be continuously dressed with foliar feeds. Soil and manure can be replenished after 1 year.
Vincent Kipyegon is an agricultural journalist based in Kericho County.
Email: vince.kipyegon11@gmail.com