Nature and technology are working together to give Mother Nature a nudge in the right direction, writes Marchelle Abrahams.
Traditional gardening is moving into the modern age. It’s now a world where nature and technology are working together to give Mother Nature a little nudge in the right direction.
“The world is changing fast. Our whole society is moving away from fossil fuels and adopting cleaner, greener energy. It’s why we believe it’s time for a new, smarter way to power through gardening and landscaping tasks,” says Jarryd McDonald, chief marketing officer of Smith Power Equipment, the distributors of EGO in South Africa.
The company is but one of a handful of those leading the green revolution. The move towards green technology has seen a crop of new farmers sprouting up in an effort to rely less on fossil fuel and more on clean energy.
Decorex Durban will be showcasing the revolutionary Garden of the Future. The exhibition opens up a new world of silent gardening that requires no petrol. Here’s how you too can incorporate green tech into your everyday gardening.
DRIP IRRIGATION
Instead of using conventional methods of watering your plants, invest in a drip irrigation system. In a water-scarce country like South Africa, this could save on water and energy. So forgo the hosepipe and watering can and use the direct-to-root watering system – it’s inexpensive and easy to install.
If you prefer to go the old-fashioned way, Fertile Earth has a nifty gadget called the Waterstik Plant Moisture Sensor, designed to automatically remind you when to water your outdoor plants.
Fertile Earth Waterstik, R680, wantitall.co.za
READ: DIY hanging planters
HYDROPONICS
A method largely associated with growing dagga, hydroponics isn’t really as complex as most amateur gardeners think. According to gardening blogs, it’s basically the raising of plants in nutrient-rich water with one crucial ingredient missing – soil. Garden centres are now stocking popular kits specifically geared towards raising plants indoors, and you don’t have to be an expert to watch your project flourish before your eyes. An example of this is the Miracle-Gro AeroGarden. It’s a soil-free indoor gardening system that grows plants five times faster than soil.
Aquaponics is a virtually new gardening method that requires knowledge and discipline. Picture: Flickr.com
AQUAPONICS
A new gardening method, aquaponics refers to any system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) with hydroponics in a symbiotic environment. According
to theaquaponicsource.com, fish waste provides an organic food source for plants while they filter the water for the fish. The microbes keep the whole system going. But it can be a costly build.
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden retails for R6 435 at wantitall.co.za