Rotary club claims 'vertical veg' is a UK first

The Rotary Club's 'vertical veg' Growbag.

Rochdale Rotary Club are working with the Council's Environment Department to grow crops vertically, suspended above the ground. They claim the feat, which uses Growbags especially designed by the Rotary Club, is the only project of its kind in the UK.

Work has now started on the first 'Vertical Farm' in the country and hope to send out their unique Growbags free to schools, the elderly and the disabled, as well for use at allotment trials. Ultimately they hope that their project will pave the way for schemes in countries where water and food are in short supply.

The Rotary Club developed the growbag over a 12 month period. Its design maximises the conservation of water.

A spokesperson for the club said: "With the expert knowledge and help of the council's horticulturists based at Bowlee Nurseries, we intend to be the first people to trial a Vertical Urban Farm. It will be called 'The Babylon Project' - after the Hanging Gardens!

"The advantage of growing vertically is obvious, where urban land is at a premium it makes sense to grow plants on top if one-another, something similar to high rise apartments in city centres."

As an example, a small vegetable patch measuring 75 x 150cm can support 18 runner bean plants. If a 230cm high 'scaffold' is erected over the same patch, the rotary club believes that the use of their invention will help generate five times as many crops.

"The initial simple prototype was developed after much brain storming, made from tubular polythene and the use of a basic heat sealer to keep cost to the minimum," the spokesperson continued.

"Although inexpensive we believe that in the hands of amateur or professional growers it offers a wealth of possibilities to the inventive mind."