Nairobi and other close urban areas like Kiambu are getting smaller and smaller, and with that, the chances of eating vegetables grown at the edges of the sewer river or watered by sewer water are very high.
But even when you live in an apartment, a small plot somewhere in Ruiru, Utawala or Rongai, or just have a tiny balcony in Kilimani and Thindigua, you can still grow your own herbs and veggies!
Planting your own food isn’t just about saving a few shillings, it keeps you healthier by reducing medical bills and guaranteeing fresh, chemical-free produce.
So, when you have almost no space, Here are a few doable small-spaced farming techniques that actually work for you.
1. Vertical Farming
Best for apartments, balconies, and small back and front yards.
When you don’t have space to plant wide, you plant up! Vertical farming involves stacking planters or using wall-mounted gardens to maximize space.
How to set up:
- Use vertical planters, hanging containers, or stacked shelves.
- Attach them to a wall, balcony railing, or a stand.
What to grow? Mint, Spring onions Strawberries, Spinach, Sukuma wiki etc
2. Container Gardening
Best for people with limited ground space.
This is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to farm in a small space. Instead of planting directly in the ground, use containers like buckets, barrels, or even cut-out mitungis and vibuyus
How to set it up:
- Get a large container and drill drainage hole at the bottom.
- Fill it with soil and plant your seeds.
What to grow? Onions, Peppers, Tomatoes
3. Sack (Gunia) Gardening
This is Best for maximizing space while growing a lot of food. Sack aka gunia gardening is an easy method where you fill a large sack with soil and plant crops on the top and sides. A small plot can have upto 5 gunias full of food!
How to set it up:
- Get a strong, breathable sack aka gunia
- Fill it with soil and manure.
- Cut small holes on the sides and top for planting.
What to grow? Spinach, Spring onions, Sukuma wiki
4. Hydroponics
This is best for urban farmers looking for an advanced method to grow plants.
Hydroponics is a soilless farming technique where plants grow in nutrient-rich water. It requires more setup and investment, but the results are amazing with faster growth, bigger yields, and clean produce. However, you might need to work with a professional on the first set up.
How to set it up:
- Use a hydroponic kit or DIY one with plastic containers, you might need a professional to direct you or work with you
- Mix water with nutrient solutions.
- Suspend plant roots in the water, ensuring they get enough oxygen.
What to grow? Lettuce, Herbs, Onions
5. Hanging Gardens
This is best for people with zero ground space.
If you have a balcony, a rooftop, or even just a window, hanging gardens allow you to grow food without taking up floor space. This works great for decorative plants as well.
How to set it up:
- Use recycled plastic bottles, paperbags or hanging baskets.
- Drill or cut holes for drainage.
What to grow? Strawberries, Mints, Coriander, Rosemary, Cherry tomatoes
6. Garden Boxes Planters
This is best for small yards, balconies, or plot spaces with poor soil.
If you have some space but the soil is really trash, garden boxes are your solution, these wooden planters let you control the soil quality while keeping your plants neat.
To set up:
- Get or build wooden boxes , old pallets work great
- Fill them with nutrient rich soil and manure and plant!
What to grow? Carrots, Lettuce, Herbs, Tomatoes
Final Thoughts
You don’t need acres of land or 100 by 100 buroti maguta to start farming! Whether you have a tiny balcony, a rooftop, or just a few containers, you can absolutely grow your own food.
Start small, experiment, and before you know it, you’ll be harvesting fresh produce straight from your home.
This is a cool hobby to have! Just water regularly where soil is involved and you’ll definitely have a harvest!