General
There is no question that pollution in cities is a big problem our society is facing. But many of us have to live in a city for work reasons or commodity. Daily we breathe polluted city air and we keep on doing it for many years. However, plants have a shorter cycle of life (in the case of vegetables it is a question of few months), meaning that they are a exposed to pollution much less time than we are. Furthermore, our vegetable gardens are located on roof terraces. Heavy metals and gases, having a higher density than the air, tend to accumulate in the lower part of cities. Therefore, in the higher levels of the city the pollution concentration is lower. Another fact is that the vegetables traditionally produced intensively and are distributed in supermarkets have been treated with pesticides and chemical fertilizers that stay in the produce and are then eaten by consumers. We promote organic agriculture and we do not use any chemical fertilizer or pesticide to ensure that our vegetables are healthier than the ones found in the usual supermarkets.
Even older buildings are able to support a weight of 250kg/m2 which is what the garden pallets normally weigh. In addition, our garden beds are made of wood and are elevated from the ground in order to prevent the risk of humidity infiltration. Our garden beds have a system of recollection and drainage in such a manner that excess water does not spill onto the ground. Nevertheless, it will be recollected and recycled in order to water the plants again with this system. For any other concerns or to address any features special to the building, we will work with architects to resolve any issues that may be of concern.
Urban garden projects on the rooftops or terraces of offices are created to provide space for relaxation and enjoyment in line with ecologically sound design. This is to provide an environment for activites that are beneficial for the working environment, to reduce stress, and to enhance worker’s performance. This is a natural initiative that promotes an image of environmental consciousness and which provides an interest for the workers and other interested groups through a social project.
Urban farms and green roofs are best fit for larger buildings such as supermarkets, restaurants, and offices. These urban farms are known for their organic veggie production that occurs at a much larger scale. They not only reduce costs associated with purchasing produce but they also promote an image of responsibility and sustainability for the businesses. These green rooftops provide local and fresh produce, and are also designed and installed with the latest technology in impermeability and drainage to be able to maximize the space effectively.
OUR VEGETABLE GARDENS
There is a little possibility of humidity infiltration caused by the urban garden since the garden beds are elevated from the ground which permit air circulation and prevents the accumulation of water.
The garden beds are made from a base of pallets that are used nowadays to make furniture and to decorate our homes and other spaces. The sides of the garden beds are made with high quality wood and are treated with natural flax oil to be able to resist outside conditions.
Vegetables, legumes, aromatic plants, medicinal plants, edible flowers, etc.. All of these are possible to cultivate with the conditions of this space, the correct season, and the interest of the users.
GARDEN INSTALLATIONS
the travel expenses will be charged separately. A consultation with us will determine this expense.
The rooftop terraces are able to support the weight of multiple garden beds. In the case of larger projects, we arrange for an architect to study the site to ensure the integrity of the roof.
No
In general, if the number of garden beds does not exceed 20 it will take a maximum of one day to install them successfully.
This depends on the time of the year, you will have to water more or less according to the season. Also, this depends on the type of plants. Any concern about this will be addressed in a individualized manner by our urban gardeners.
Plants that are seasonal and native are always recommended by our urban farmers and we take into consideration the preferences of the future owners. The urban farmer will determine if the plants should be sowed or if they should be taken from our own nursery supply. Growinpallet designs the urban gardens according to the conditions of the space and the interests of each user through a combination of seasonal plants and necessary cultivation conditions. We organize the plants in squares which is a method that permits the optimization of space to ensure high, varied production. This effective method of cultivation involves proper rotation, water, and hands on work.
Unfortunately, we do not offer that service.
GARDEN MAINTENANCE
There are two options: the owner of the garden or Growinpallet.
- The owner decides to do the maintenance. This person is in charge of everything (replacing the soil, generating new plant life, resolving disease problems, etc..). Or better yet, you could contact Growinpallet to intervene promptly with an advisory service. The other option,
- Is to arrange for the service of our urban gardeners that are in charge of the entire maintenance and who also accomplish tasks that our clients desire.
Maintenance includes a weekly visit from an urban gardener. This is to ensure the continuation of the garden’s production and to maximize the performance of the garden. The number and duration of these maintenance visits depends on the size and requirements of the garden: Control of diseases and plagues, the sowing season, the soil fertilizer, the trimming/pruning of the plants, the irrigation system, problem analysis, and owner education.
No, the price of the maintenance depends on the number of garden beds and the location of this installation. The higher the number of garden beds, the higher the price. For installations outside of Barcelona there is an extra cost for travel expenses which can be determined by consulting with us.
Our urban gardeners guarantee the cultivation of seasonal produce throughout the entire year. The amount of produce varies according to the amount of light that the urban garden receive and the time of the year.
If our clients want to harvest their produce directly from their gardens, one of our urban gardeners can provide information on the state of the produce and give advice on the optimal time to harvest them. In addition, if the clients prefer an urban gardener to help, they can harvest the produce weekly for them.
Our units include water storage to save as much water as possible and these units encourage the growth of roots. Since the garden should be watered properly at all times, it is not recommended to put an automatic watering system if there is enough time and dedication to water the gardens adequately by the owners. As well, our urban farmers can provide more information if necessary.
Yes.
HOME GARDENS
There is not a single answer to this question since the performance of the garden depends greatly on the plant in question and the time of the year. Also, this depends on the eating habits of each person and the variety of produce that they consume. Generally, we would say that with each square meter of garden, it will grow almost 10% of what is consumed for a family of four people.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
This decision is left to the community who will determine what access their neighbors will have. The urban farmer that does the required maintenance should only have access at an agreed upon hour.