African bag gardens are used in Africa as a solution to growing vegies and food crops with limited resources. The same principles can be applied in your own backyard, patio or courtyard.
They are especially useful where space is limited but you would like to grow your own herbs and vegies.
How to:
1. Start with a hessian bag. You can use any type of bag but if looks are important, get a new hessian bag. Otherwise, recycle a grain or other woven pet food bag.
1. Start with a hessian bag. You can use any type of bag but if looks are important, get a new hessian bag. Otherwise, recycle a grain or other woven pet food bag.
2. Fill in layers with good quality potting mix. As you fill each layer you need to position a column of rocks or pebbles throughout the centre of the bag. This can be done with ag-pipe, pvc pipe, recycled bottle or cans (with holes cut in them) etc. This column is the irrigation channel for the bag so that when you water from the top, the water spreads out evenly throughout the entire bag. 4. Position in full sun. Water regularly.
Bag gardens can be decorative additions to the garden, but most importantly, they are an easy and effective way of growing your own produce in small spaces. Try using bags of different heights and sizes to create an attractive vegie garden in any sunny space. The illustration above is courtesy of Send a Cow. This is a UK organisation that helps thousands of families in Africa grow enough food to eat, to sell their produce and to develop small businesses that last. To show your support go to: http://www.sendacow.org.uk/
