Vertical Agriculture.
Vertical means standing postures of a thing, so vertical farming means raising crops on a stake or support rather than allowing it to grow on the bare ground as it usually happens.
The support could be a wooden or metal post with sharp end driven in to the ground or on a Trellis.
Crawling crops are suitable for this purpose, instead for them to grow crawling normally on the ground it's made to climb on the stake and moves upwards developing branches bearing leaves, flowers and fruits for harvest.
Crops like beans, cucumbers, melons, water melons, tomatoes are all crawler crops which can climb and grow on stakes.
Vertical Agriculture Medium.
The medium for vertical agriculture includes the following :
1. A strong stick 2.0 inches thick, 4 to 6 feet tall driven in to the ground or fixed in to a box filled with earth.
2. A medium size pole of 3.0 inch thickness and 4 to 6 feet tall driven in to ground.
3. A trellis which is a vertical wooden or metal frame work on ground.
4. Pots, wooden and metal boxes filled
with earth.
5. Limited space.
Flexibility Of Vertical Agriculture.
It can be established on temporary locations and unplanned locations such as
Rooftop : on flat roofs.
Balcony : a platform extending from the wall of a building and surrounded by rails.
Veranda : the space in front of rooms.
Walkways. concrete paved footpaths within a an housing estate or compound
Courtyard : the enclosure within a house.
Advantages of Vertical Agriculture.
1. Space economy.
2. Easy establishment.
3. Eàsy harvesting.
4. Plant stems and fruits safe from roting.
5. Fruits are safe from crawling insects
and rodents.
6. Additional crop stand per given area.
7. Low establishment cost.
8. Serves as kitchen Gardens for a house hold.