If you are new to gardening, I am sure you have struggled to decide which garden technique to try first. I have been there! Back then, I wished I had someone to discuss various garden concepts from which I could choose thoroughly. Well, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will share 9 garden techniques to consider for your next project.
Gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it can also be a little overwhelming if you're unsure where to start. That's why we've put together this list of techniques to help you create a beautiful and healthy garden you can be proud of. So, let's get started!
Table of Contents
You might be wondering how a newbie can learn all of this. Well, that is the reason why I am here. You might not learn all of those at one, but I am here to help heighten your knowledge in the gardening space—one concept at a time. So let us jump right into them!
1. Urban Gardening
Urban gardening involves using small spaces such as balconies and rooftops and turning them into personal or community gardens where people can source their food.
We cannot veer away from the fact that there is a growing interest in urban gardening as more people move to cities. This concept of urban gardening is ideal for college students living in dorms or professionals looking for creative ways to make their patios more productive and useful.
Did you know that urban gardening has been shown to have positive effects on mental health? It can help reduce stress and anxiety while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.
During the pandemic, I also established my own garden, where I grew herbs such as basil, ornamental crops such as coleus, and veggies such as peppers, string beans, and okra!
You can grow your own food in your own urban garden by using pots or other recyclable containers. Others build rooftop garden beds and fill each with soil or coconut coir where they can grow crops.
Check out these community gardening websites:
American Community Gardening Association
Local Harvest
2. Hydroponics
Hydroponics involves growing plants in water. Commercially-available systems may include deep water culture buckets, nutrient film technique tube systems, or hydroponic towers. One benefit is you can control factors such as nutrients, pH, temperature, and lighting in hydroponics.
Wait, what, growing in water? Yes, you got that right! Well, hydroponics is a method of cultivation in which the plant roots are immersed in nutrient water, which serves as the primary source of nutrition for the plant's growth and development.
In most hydroponic systems, the nutrient solution is housed in a hydroponic reservoir and delivered via a water pump. However, this component is not required for all system types. An air pump is also recommended for hydroponics to deliver oxygen to the nutrient water.
If you are interested in this type of gardening, then you have a wide array of choices:
- Deep Water Culture (DWC): The plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich, continuously aerated solution in this system. The roots are submerged in the solution, allowing them to absorb the necessary nutrients.
- Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): A thin film of nutrient-rich water flows over the roots of the plants, which are supported by a tray or channel in an NFT system. As the water flows over the roots, they absorb the required nutrients.
- Aeroponics: In an aeroponic system, plants are suspended in the air, and their roots are sprayed with a nutrient-rich mist on a regular basis. This maximizes oxygen exposure to the roots while allowing for efficient nutrient absorption.
- Ebb and Flow: Plants are grown in a tray or container that is periodically flooded with nutrient solution and drained in this system. This cycle is repeated regularly.
- Drip Irrigation: This system employs a pump to drip nutrient solution onto the roots of plants grown in a soilless medium such as rock wool or coconut coir.
- Wick System: A wick system draws nutrient-rich water into a growing medium via a wick in contact with the solution. The nutrients required by the plants are absorbed from the growing medium.
3. Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is ideal for people who are looking for a gardening system that can save space and produce more harvest. This is the reason why commercial farms commonly adopt vertical gardening.
4 Reasons Why Verticle Gardening Could Be Your New Favorite Hobby
- It can save space since it is oriented upwards. Vertical gardening allows you to make the most of your available space by growing plants vertically, either by using trellises, hanging baskets, or other vertical structures. Best if you are living in a condo!
- It elevates the aesthetic of your home. Vertical gardens can add a unique and visually appealing element to your outdoor or indoor space. It can even serve as a wall that can add color and vibrancy to your home.
- It is easy to maintain. This is because they are often smaller and more contained. They can also be designed with built-in irrigation systems that make watering and fertilizing plants easier and more efficient.
- It can provide health benefits. Many plants, such as foliage plants (calathea, anthuriums, pothos) can improve air quality. Engaging in vertical gardening can also reduce stress levels and provide a source of fresh produce, herbs, and flowers.
4. Microgreens
Microgreens are young seedlings of plants harvested at their early stage, which range from 1 to 4 inches in height, depending on the crop. Microgreens are simple to grow and can be harvested within 5 to 21 days of planting. They are grown in trays and sown in a condensed manner.
The species that are commonly used as microgreens are members of the mustard (Brassicaceae), bean (Leguminosae), amaranth (Amaranthaceae), parsley (Umbelliferae), and sunflower (Asteraceae) family, etc. The table below summarizes the common commercial microgreens you can try in your home.
| FAMILY | CROP SPECIES |
| Amaranthaceae | amaranth, red orach, Swiss chard, beet, spinach, quinoa |
| Amarillydaceae | garlic, onion, leek, chives |
| Apiaceae | dill, carrot, fennel, celery, cilantro, cumin |
| Asteraceae | lettuce, endive, escarole, chicory, radicchio, sunflower |
| Brassicaceae | broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kale, Savoy cabbage, rappini or brassica raab, watercress, mizuna, radish, arugula, mustard and tatsoi, rapeseed |
| Cucurbitaceae | melon, cucumber, squash |
| Leguminousae | chickpea, alfalfa, bean, green bean, fenugreek, fava bean, lentil, pea, clover, soybean |
| Lamiaceae | basil |
| Linaceae | flax or linseed |
| Poaceae (mainly cereals) | oat, soft wheat, durum wheat, corn, barley, rice |
These tiny immature shoots have concentrated flavors, tender textures, vibrant color, and aromatic scents densely packed with micronutrients compared with their advanced growth stage. For instance, broccoli, kale, celery, opal basil, and red beet microgreens contain considerably more levels of vitamins, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and glucosinolates.
Imagine getting a higher amount of nutrients in these little buddies of ours! They are simple to make, yet, they can provide more nutrients. That is why they are called superfoods!
5. Window Herb Gardening
Window herb gardening is a great way to add fresh herbs to your meals while providing a natural air purification source. Small containers are ideal for growing herbs in a window garden, and popular choices include basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and mint.
This type of gardening is suitable for year-round cultivation as long as your plants receive adequate amounts of light, water, and nutrients. One exciting thing about window herb gardening is that you can even grow herbs in jars filled with water, making it an easy and cost-effective way to grow fresh herbs. Remember to replace the water every 2-3 days to prevent the herbs from wilting or drying out.
Not only does window herb gardening add flavor and nutrition to your meals, but it also adds color and beauty to your home. Herbs can be used in various dishes, such as sauces, soups, and salads, making them a versatile and tasty addition to your meals. Culinary herb kits are sold online and at some big box stores. They are sets of herbs that are commonly used in cooking.
Moreover, growing herbs in your home can help purify the air. These herbs can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making your home a healthier and more pleasant place to be in.
If you're curious about which herbs to choose and how to grow them successfully, check out our article on How to Choose and Grow the Best Herbs. It provides practical tips on selecting and nurturing herbs, ensuring that your window herb garden will thrive.
6. Aquaponics
Aquaponics combines two concepts; growing fish and hydroponically growing plants. This is a fascinating option for those looking to start a farm-to-table business. This could allow customers to catch fish, pick their own vegetables, and eat them for a meal.
Since I have already provided a glimpse of hydroponics, below are seven possibilities you can explore in aquaponics!
- The fish waste provides nutrients for plants, while the plants naturally filter the water for the fish. (No chemicals or fertilizers are needed!)
- Compatible with various crops, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and even fruit trees.
- It can be done in a variety of settings! You can choose from backyard systems, commercial farms, and even indoor systems.
- The system is highly efficient. You can produce up to 10 times the amount of food per square foot compared to traditional farming methods.
- It uses significantly less water (90% less) than traditional farming methods.
- Tilapia, catfish, and trout are common fish species you can also culture in aquaponics.
- You can also transform an aquaponics farm into an educational hub where you can teach students about sustainable agriculture, ecology, and the interdependence of living organisms.
7. Sustainable Gardening
Sustainable gardening has become popular as people become more concerned about the environment. This is just like backyard gardening, but with an elevated concern for the inputs and materials used in gardening. Composting, water conservation, and organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly practices.
In sustainable gardening, we are considering the inputs that we use. When we say inputs, this includes the fertilizers and pesticides we use. If you want to be involved in a sustainable garden, you should not use chemical fertilizer.
One example of a great source of organic nutrients is banana peels! Did you know that you can turn them into banana peel water?
Check out our article on banana peel water and learn how to use them in your garden.
8. Organic Gardening
Organic gardening entails using natural pest control and fertilization methods. In this form of gardening, no synthetic fertilizers or chemicals are used; however, this is an excellent method for growing nutritious and long-lasting food.
Organic agriculture has many interpretations, but the key premise is that it is a holistic system in which production is more involved with ecosystems than with external fertilizers. It is a system that is more conscious of its environmental and social impact. Therefore, it eliminates synthetic chemicals used to fertilize the soil and control pests and diseases and instead integrates alternative (organic) management strategies.
According to a report by the Organic Trade Association, sales of organic fruits and vegetables in the United States grew by 12.4% in 2020, reaching a record $18.2 billion in sales. This indicates a growing interest in organic gardening and a shift towards more sustainable and healthy food choices.
Some of the organic fertilizers and soil amendments you can use in your organic garden are 1) fermented fruit juice, 2) fermented plant juice, and 3) oriental herb nutrient.
| Organic Input | Use | Components |
| Fermented Fruit Juice | Fertilizer | Sweet, ripe fruits, fruits, vegetables, or root crops. (I prefer using ripe bananas here!) Crude sugar or molasses |
| Fermented Plant Juice | Fertilizer | Plant parts such as leaves and stems (I prefer legumes like beans or nuts here because they have more nitrogen content) Brown sugar or molasses Chlorine-free water |
| Oriental Herb Nutrient | Pesticide | Aromatic herbs (e.g. pepper, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, licorice, turmeric) Vinegar Beer (optional) |
9. Permaculture
Permaculture is a creative garden design process based on universal ethics and ecological design principles. In simpler terms, permaculture examines the entire system in which individuals or organisms live harmoniously with their physical environment.
You may wonder, “why is it worthwhile to have a permaculture garden?” Well, if you're looking for a sustainable and natural way to grow your food, this system might be for you.
Permaculture is distinct in that it is a movement concerned with environmentally sound land use and the development of stable communities. It is a long-term system that can generate more energy than it takes to build and maintain it. The best thing is, it encourages harmony among the ecosystem’s components!
Permaculture Promotes Relationships Among Different Aspects
Amazingly, we work with nature rather than against it to grow your food from permaculture. We are concerned not only with the land's health but also with its inhabitants' health. Permaculture, in other words, is concerned with nature, people, and the planet's well-being.
Let us know if you want more permaculture content in the comments or through our social media channels below!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Techniques
How does composting contribute to sustainable gardening?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to improve soil health and plant growth. Composting is a sustainable gardening practice because it reduces the amount of organic waste that goes into landfills and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
What is crop rotation?
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different crops in different garden areas each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases and improve soil health. Crop rotation is a sustainable gardening practice because it reduces the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and promotes soil health and biodiversity.
Is it safe to practice rainwater harvesting?
Yes. The practice of collecting rainwater and storing it for later use in the garden is an environmentally friendly gardening practice because it conserves water, reduces runoff and erosion, and provides plants with a natural source of water that is free of chlorine and other chemicals found in tap water.
Conclusion
There is a wide array of choices available for your next garden project. If you live in urban areas, you should try urban gardening, hydroponics, vertical gardening, micro greens, and window herb gardening. If you are in a rural area, you might be interested in aquaponics, sustainable gardening, organic gardening, and permaculture. Let us know below what gardening style you prefer and what's on your list to try. Happy Gardening.
