What is it all about?

The Micro-gardening technology introduced in Africa by FAO from South America in 1999, is a soilless technology adapted to areas where land is an issue (terraces, balconies, yards, etc.). It consists of growing vegetables on 1 or 0.5 m2 tables made of recuperated wood. Other materials can also be used (recuperated tyres, pipes, etc.).

Plants are supported by 2 different types of substrates (solid and liquid). The solid substrate consist of a mixture of groundnut shells (60 %), rice husks (20%) and gravels (20%); as to the liquid substrate referred to as hydroponic, it is based on water with a floating plate with holes where plants are retained by a piece of sponge placed around the collar enabling the root system to be dipping within the water.

Plants are maintained pest and disease free through organic pesticide preventive spraying and fertiliser applications based on daily supply of nutrient solutions (macro and microelements) and weekly applications respectively for the solid and liquid substrates.

Materials needed

Different types of stands (solid substrate)

Hydroponic

Plant adapted to this technology are various, from fruit and leafy vegetables to roots and tubers (> 20 items).

Broccoli Cauliflower Sweet pepper Lettuce Cucumber Tomato

Potential yield: Under appropriate care and practice, yields can reach a minimum of 5 kg/1m2 table or more (fruits/roots/bulbs/leaves) and 200 bundles for mint in hydroponie (1/2 table), 2-5 fold as high as compared to conventional vegetable growing.

Other benefits attached to the technology: Healthy vegetables (organic), reduced drudgery, etc.

Dear collaborators, if you are interested in being successfully involved in the micro-gardening technology, please contact Mr Cherno Jallow, technician and service provider trained by Concern Universal at:

Tel: +220 7655501 – Email:cjallow13@yhoo.com – Or contact CU at +220 4396071.

THE MICRO-GARDENING TECHNOLOGY

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