With just a small container and water, would you believe you can start planting even without soil?
This method of planting is called hydroponics.
That’s why Aling Marilyn, who loves gardening in their backyard, wanted to learn this method.
“I take care of a child, and when they sleep, I garden and my neighbor does the same,” said Marilyn Pastor, a resident.
She was thrilled when this planting method was taught to them during a seminar organized by the Urban Gardening Advocates of Baguio Incorporated in Barangay Irisan, Baguio City, last Saturday, September 21.
“Oh, I’m very interested, so I took notes on the materials needed,” Pastor added.
Baguio City Councilor Leandro Yangot, Founding Chairman of the Urban Gardening Advocates of Baguio Inc. mentioned, “One important issue here is food security, having access to nutritious food.”
According to Ronald Ferrer, a member of the Urban Gardening Advocates of Baguio Inc. and an expert in hydroponics, it is simple to set up as long as you have dedication and patience.
“Once you’ve set it up, you don’t need to monitor it constantly. After setting it up, you just wait for it to grow until harvest, it’s that easy,” said Ronald Ferrer, a member of the Urban Gardening Advocates of Baguio Inc.
Ronald adds that there are various types of hydroponics, but to get started, all you need is a container, water, a medium like foam or cocopeat to hold the plant, and a nutrient solution.
It’s important to ensure the correct pH level of the water and a continuous water supply.
A variety of plants can be grown using this method.
“I remember once planting watermelon here in Baguio, I planted watermelon,” Ferrer mentioned.
This is also a good practice to teach residents, especially since agriculture contributes significantly to the economy of the barangay.
According to Kagawad Philip Tanawe, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture at Barangay Irisan, “40% of the land area is agricultural, mostly in San Carlos Heights.”
Aside from being an additional source of income for residents, it can also help reduce the city’s waste.
Aside from Barangay Irisan, the group plans to visit other barangays in the city to teach more methods of urban gardening.
By: Charles Nikko Limon
