What I know:
Interest is rising with regards to Kitchen Gardening.
Issues with pests and pest control methods are a major concern.
Of those who do grow their own produce, most prefer traditional gardening methods.
Many are unaware of the more modern methods – hydroponics, aeroponics et al. – or do not know how to get involved with them.
Some prefer allotments to home gardening and vice versa.
There is an issue with maintaining an appealing aesthetic in a garden while creating a patch for growing.
Some say that space is a major issue when growing.
There are people who are simply uninterested in growing their own fruit/vegetables/herbs
Expense is a very big issue – tools/equipment, outside help et al.
People with limited free time are less likely to grow their own produce.
The amount of effort required can sometimes deter people.
When people grow their own fruit, there is sometimes more shoots than fruit.
Organic fruit and vegetable cultivation can be very difficult, depending on one’s level of experience.
People with back problems, limited mobility/dexterity, or other needs experience many issues when gardening using traditional methods.
Those who do grow their own produce successfully feel that what they grow tastes better.
Over watering plants is an issue with which people are concerned.
Time of year/Weather does affect peoples’ decisions to plant.
Indoor systems exist, but are:
- Not reusable
- Energy Draining
- Fundamentally flawed
What I don’t know:
The science behind more modern cultivation methods out there:
- Hydroponics
- Aeroponics
- Plant Propagation
- Organic, water-wise methods
- Sharecropping
- Container gardening
- Vertical gardening
The best cultivation methods for growing a kitchen garden
Effort required for the different methods
Why there is a renewed interest, with people growing more produce
Are there alternatives to gardens/allotments
Maintenance issues in the garden
The whole process from beginning to end
How do I find out:
Interview the experts
Survey the public
Meetings with horticulturists, experts in the field
Visit allotments
Visit Garden Centres
Visit DIY stores
Online Resources
Journal Entries on the subject
Who
Those who are interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables
People lacking space
People who cannot access fields, e.g. Older Persons, or disabled
People with no access to fields
People with no access to allotments
People with limited spare time
People with limited dexterity/mobility
People with other requirements
Children
Older Persons
Students
People who don’t like mess
People who move often
Apartment dwellers
People who wish to save money
What
A product that allows people to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs; even though they may not be living in the idea situation, have the proper abilities/expertise, or have sufficient spare time.
Where
Indoors
Outdoors
Confined spaces
Small scale
Portable
When
Both on and off season
Regardless of whether the weather is good or bad
Day and night
Why
This subject is very topical at the moment
This product has potential to generate much interest
There is a market gap present
There are needs present which can be filled.
There are some issues present with current systems that may be fixed.
Current Products:
Traditional Methods
Plug pots
Soil based cultivation methods
Energy draining hydroponics systems
Portable Greenhouses
Mini Greenhouses
Propagators, albeit indirectly
Grow Pots
Window ledge pots
