In my last post, we talked about the power of community resilience. But I know what some of you are thinking: “Axel, that sounds great in theory, but I can’t even keep a cactus alive. I don’t know the first thing about growing food!”
Let me let you in on a secret: It is easier than you think. You don’t need a massive estate or a degree in agriculture to start putting food on your plate. Whether you have a small backyard, a balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, you have enough space to start.
The best part? You can do this on a shoestring budget by reusing what you already have. Here is the “low-threshold” guide to getting your hands dirty and becoming your own producer.
1. The “Kratky” Method: Growing in Buckets
If you want to grow leafy greens—like lettuce, spinach, or kale—you don’t even necessarily need soil. You can use a simple hydroponic method.
- The Container: Look for discarded industrial-sized buckets (think 5-litre mayonnaise or ketchup tubs) from local cafes or markets. Give them a good scrub.
- The Support: You’ll need a “net cup” to hold the plant. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even use a pool noodle! Cut it into small discs with a slit in the middle to cradling your seedling. It acts as a float that keeps the plant from sinking.
- The Feed: Fill the bucket with water and a nutrient solution (available at any garden centre or even some supermarkets). The roots will reach down into the water, and before you know it, you’ve got a salad bar in a bucket.
- Detailed Guide: The University of Florida’s Guide to Passive Hydroponics
2. The Humble Potato: The Easiest Win
Potatoes are almost magical. They literally “make themselves.” If you have an old potato in the back of the cupboard that has started to sprout “eyes,” don’t throw it away—that’s your future dinner.
- The Pot: Use a deep bag, a large bucket, or a trough.
- The Process: Bury that sprouty potato about a hand-width deep in some potting soil.
- The Result: In a few months, that one old potato will have multiplied into a whole harvest of fresh spuds.
- Detailed Guide: Gardeners’ World: How to Grow Potatoes in Bags
3. Start Small with a Propagator
Before a plant can live in a bucket or a bag, it needs to sprout. You can buy a cheap propagator tray at the supermarket during the spring, or just use a waterproof plate. Keep your seeds moist and warm on a windowsill until they develop roots. Once they look sturdy, they’re ready to be transplanted to their permanent home.
Tips for Success
- Be a Scavenger: Check Facebook Marketplace for free pots or shelves. Look for old IKEA shelving units—just make sure to brace them so they don’t wobble when you add the weight of the water!
- Keep it Simple: Start with leafy greens. They grow fast, and you can harvest them several times a year.
- Don’t Overthink It: You don’t need fancy grow lights or expensive climate control. As long as it’s not frosty or incredibly windy, nature will do most of the heavy lifting for you.
- Detailed Guide: Upcycled Windowsill Seed Starters
Take the Leap
The “lowest threshold” to getting started is simply to try. Don’t be intimidated by the experts; the most successful gardeners are just people who weren’t afraid to fail a few times. Pick up a packet of seeds, find an old bucket, and be a little braver today. Your future self (and your dinner plate) will thank you.
