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V Grow

V Grow: Vertical Growing System

V Grow – Growing on your doorstep or balcony

VGrow is a clever way of growing food vertically. The idea grew from a desire and need to improve food quality and food security locally in St Pauls, Bristol.

Amrish and Judith are dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate about healthy, sustainable living for everyone. Wellbeing, nature, food security and community are at the heart of this project.

Amrish and Judith V Grow system to grow food — Sophie Bancroft of V Grow

Since many of our neighbours don't have gardens we had to look for a growing system that didn't need soil or a lot of space.

Amrish Pandya
V Grow & The Bristol Rainforest

What can you grow in a V Grow system?

Green leafy vegetables are the ideal choice, for nutritious and tasty reasons – they high in vitamins, roughage, antioxidants and flavour. Kale, spinach and callaloo are amazing. It is best to grow what will be useful and used - you can also grow vine tomatoes, herbs.

V Grow

How does it work?

VGrow is a hydroponic, vertical vegetable growing system. This means that it can grow healthy in a small area, such as on a balcony, patio, small outdoor space, even a doorstep. Vertical growing maximises the opportunity of growing veg. Hydroponic is a fancy word for the way in which the veg is grown – in this case, water in tubes.

The VGrow system, once set up, is self-sufficient – you do not have to water the plants. The system regulates itself and waters itself with no water waste. No soil is needed.

There is a working example at St Phillips Marsh Nursery in BS2.

How V Grow works

How much power does it need – won’t this cost me money to run it?
It needs power and only uses as much as a light bulb. The power is needed to drive the water pump, meaning that it is self sufficient once set up and running.

V Grow

How to set up your own V Grow system

At home/on balconies: The V Grow system involves pipes, a water pump and plants. It doesn’t require much space and doesn’t have to be in sunlight.
Easy DIY is required for set up. Once V Grow is fitted, by yourself, you’ll have access to fresh food that isn’t packaged, transported or grown with chemicals.
A power supply is required, which uses less energy than a light bulb.

In schools: v grow can teach children where and how food is grown, give them access to fresh food, can inspire their families at home to grow their own food, teach skills to get involved with nature.