The Growbox system refers to the production of crops in an enclosed box-like structure using a special mixture inside the box to grow the crops. The material used inside the box does not contain soil. Fertilizer are added to the mixture to provide the plants with their nutrition.
Pumpkin, (Cucurbita moschata), belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Related crops are water-melon, cucumber, cantaloupe, caraille and other gourds.
Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A, B and C and minerals.
It is a very versatile vegetable and can be steamed, boiled or baked. The waste can also be fed to livestock.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is not related to the Cruciferae such as cabbage.
It is a good source of dietary fibre, calcium, ironand vitamins A, B, C and E.
Just a few seedlings planted weekly, will keep the home continuously supplied with this leafy vegetable.
Pak-choi; (Brassica rapa subsp chinensis) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other members of this family include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and others.
Pak-choi is eaten either cooked or raw. It contains carbohydrate, protein, fat, dietary fibre, vitamin C and sodium.
Just a few plants planted weekly will provide a constant supply of this vegetable for the household.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other member of this family include cauliflower, broccoli and pak-choi. Cabbage can be cooked or eaten raw as in salads and coleslaw.
It is important for its food value since it is a good source of Vitamins B and C, dietary fibre and minerals. Cabbage can be grown all year round but does better when the nights are very cool (October to March). Just a few plants planted fortnightly will keep the home continuously supplied with this vegetable.
Ochro is easily grown throughout the year. Two of these plants will supply enough fruits ( pods) for the home. Ochro contains Vitamins A and C, calcium, carbohydrates, protein, fibre and iron.
Ochro grows best in fertile, well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Melongene (also known as “Eggplant” and Baigan”) can be grown throughout the year. When planting melongene consider the following:
- Melongene is a deep-rooting crop. Roots reach a depth of 35-50 cm. So plough deep!
- The plant bears fruits for a long time (6-9 months). Sometimes even cutting back can result in a new flush of growth and prolong the life of the crop. A fertile soil, rich in organic matter is necessary.
- Melongene needs a lot of water, but it is very sensitive to water logging. Provide adequate drainage. The plant also responds favourably to irrigation under drought conditions.
- This plant must be grown in full sunlight. It does not do well in shaded areas.
Corn or maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to the family Gramineae. Corn is an important crop which supplies food for human and animal consumption. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins (B1, B5, C, and E), phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc. It also contains fiber which helps the digestive system to function properly.
