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Author: Crystal Ng Kah Yan
Editor: Constance Chan Yuin Shau
Maintaining a garden is not an easy task, especially for students and working adults who are usually swamped with work. However, this shouldn’t be a reason stopping them from creating their dream garden. The solution to this problem is a self-sustaining garden! 🌳
What is a self-sustaining garden?
A self-sustaining garden is a garden that requires minimal time and effort as it is a manmade system designed to allow independent plant growth in a way similar to natural ecosystems. The major benefits of the garden are low maintenance and long-term produces – fruits, flowers or vegetables. The garden could also be created for ornamental purposes.
A design philosophy known as permaculture is often used when designing self-sustaining gardens as it is considered one of the most well-known and effective methods regardless of climate zones.
Note: This self-sustaining garden is a home garden designed akin to natural ecosystems, it is not nearly as climate-resilient as those gardens managed by the professional crop industries.
High-quality soil
The first step in creating a self-sustaining garden at home is land preparation. The most essential element for the garden is high-quality soil. This is because we are not only creating a plain garden system but a system similar to natural ecosystems – natural soils are usually richer in plant nutrients compared to home soils. A few tips on improving home soil quality include composting food waste or adding organic matters into the soil.
The decomposed materials will make the soil more nutritious, thereby enhancing plant growth. This is to secure optimum soil fertility for a relatively long period of time for the self-sustenance of the garden. The size of the garden depends on the area of land you have at home.
Note: The type of food waste or organic matter added into the soil depends on what species you choose to plant. Each type of plant requires specific nutrients and minerals.
Independent irrigation system
Water is an essential need for plant survival and growth. Therefore, we need to prepare a water conservation system and a self-watering system for the garden by collecting rainwater, otherwise known as rainwater harvesting. This is favourable as Malaysia is a relatively humid country with high precipitation throughout the whole year. The water conservation system consists of a water collection barrel whereas the self-watering system consists of a drip irrigation system. The tubes from the drip irrigation system are connected to the water collection barrel and arranged to cover the entire garden.
Water collection barrel
Drip irrigation system
Suitable plant species
However, as disappointing as it is, not every plant can be grown in a self-sustaining garden. It is highly recommended to select plant species native to your current region as it is less taxing to grow and manage compared to non-indigenous species. The native species also have a higher capability in adapting to their surrounding conditions, thus resulting in a lower possibility of plant disease infections and pest infestations. Some easy crops to grow in Malaysia include chilli plants, yams, okras and more.
Chilli plant
Okra
In conclusion, the three main points stated above are the major procedures or components needed to establish a self-sustaining garden in your home. The first few steps on this gardening journey may be challenging, but the results, in the end, will be worth it. 😋
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