Plants You Can Grow in Vertical Farms

Introduction 

PACE (Progressive Action For Community Development) believes that the available resource, irrespective of its size will be crucial to meet personal and commercial farming objectives. At the top of our objective is sensitizing people about vertical farms and their potential to promote food access in Kiambu county. Particularly suited to diverse settings, the vertical farms provide a compact and efficient technique to grow farms in a controlled environment. The farming technique is versatile for growing vegetables, herbs and spices. 

Vegetables 

Kale: popularly known as Sukuma Wiki, its ability to adapt to diverse conditions makes it a good option for our vertical farms. Its overall potential to generate multiple leafy greens for consumption makes it viable choice. 

Spinach: widely liked green leafy vegetable, it grows within 45 days and is an option for those starting the vertical systems due to its high yield. 

Lettuce: gradually growing in popularity in Kenya, it grows fast and can be integrated into the vertical farming systems successfully. 

Arugula: from the broccoli family, the leafy vegetable is fast growing and has a distinct bitter and peppery taste. Popular in salads, it is rich in diverse vitamins such s A, C and K, 

Tomatoes: requires extensive care due to susceptibility to issues such as pests but are easy to grow and care for in a farm.

Peppers: from green to red peppers, they are relatively easy to grow in gardens which makes them effective for the vertical farms. 

Onions: surprisingly, onions are vegetables that originate from the Allium Genus family that comprise of garlic, shallots and leeks which is easy to grow with other vegetables such as kale and spinach. Its fast growth is an alluring feature for the vertical farms. 

Herbs and Spices 

Basil: high demand and ease in its cultivation makes it relevant for the vertical farms. 

Mint: rapidly growing herb whose ease in integrating to the vertical systems provides a good option. 

Parsley: distinct smell that is liked extensively, the herb is flexible and adaptable to any farming technique. 

Cilantro: rich in antioxidants and distinct vitamins, it grows fast and can enhance the beauty of the vertical farm. 

Thyme: as a hardy perennial herb, the plant grows in a well-drained soil and access to sunlight which suits to the vertical farm. 

Oregano: similar to the thyme for its requirements for soil and sunlight, its rapid growth is beneficial for personal or commercial growth. 

Chives: known for its unique onion flavor, they grow from seed or established plants which is an adaptable feature for the vertical farms increased production. 

Rosemary: an evergreen shrub, the herby plant grows well in well-drained soil accessible to sunlight.