KUALA LUMPUR - URBAN FARMING

 

IS URBAN FARMING in Kuala Lumpus are relevant topics these today?. Kuala Lumpur offers a mono-season much of the year round, with plenty of sunshine and plenty of water(haze notwithstanding) and the rainfall. This gives it an advantage in growing all sorts of plants throughout the year. On the flipside, the topsoil in the tropical region tends to be quite thin and can wash away quickly after rain, which is a bit of a challenge when trying to grow things in a field, though not so much if you are just planting in pots at home. Due to space limitations in the city, urban agriculturalists often resort to creative ways to grow food. One notable method is rooftop gardening, exploiting the unused rooftops of one’s house that have the best access to rain and sunlight. Indoors, many have now set up hydroponic systems, which use mineral solutions to grow plants and no soil, or aquaponic systems, which use fish to also provide nutrients to plants in a connected loop. Some expats interested in taking up urban gardening should look into studying permaculture, an ecological design method pioneered in Australia in the 1970s. The principles of permaculture necessitate creating systems that are sustainable, using minimal outside resources and practical to implement. Permaculture can lend itself easily to urban settings as much as rural. KL’s urban farming movement is still waiting to pick up the pace, but there are a few trailblazers who are making their mark already. Here are some examples of organizations that have dedicated their time to making us all a bit more green.

 

Urban Hijau is more than just a simple garden, it is an attempt to be a real-life showcase of sustainability in the middle of the city. Located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), this social enterprise manages a unique half-acre acre site that produces organic fruits and vegetables for the wider community while educating them about the practices of permaculture. Located in Bangsar, the Free Tree Society was started in 2012 for a special purpose. The society plants seeds and nurtures them into healthy seedlings before giving them for free to the public. The society arranges special give-away days where they gift hundreds of seedlings to the community in an attempt to beautify the suburban and urban environment.  Eats, Shoots & Roots is a social enterprise with an expertise for organic gardening and a mission to pass this knowledge to the wider community. They conduct workshops, courses and consultancies to suit all sorts of clients interested in further greening themselves, from homes to businesses. Expats with a fascination for the green side of life may want to consider buying a simple set of tools and planting a few pots at home first. Nothing beats the feeling of cooking a hearty meal with veggies that came from your own garden.

Growing food is usually a bit more challenging than just putting a seed in the soil and expecting it to sprout. Some basics of planting are making sure you water the soil in the early morning rather than evening, watering sufficiently without flooding the soil, and making sure the soil is healthy enough for the seed to grow. Compost is the most vital supplement you can give your soil to ensure its ongoing health. Compost gives your plants essential nutrients and retains moisture to allow microorganisms to thrive. Using simple things such as recycled kitchen waste or yard waste can contribute to potent compost. For more details, get in touch with a local gardening or farming professional who can give some guidance. Hopefully when your colleagues ask you about your next weekend plans, forget the art exhibit or movie screening, tell them you plan to get some dirt under your fingernails at the farm!. Thanks for reading this article.

By,
M Anem,
Senior Agronomist,
Precint 11, Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(6 Rejab 1438H)