LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Vertical gardening: The green start-up
Saturday, 8 February 2025
As cities expand and farmland diminishes, vertical gardening emerges as a revolutionary solution to modern agricultural challenges. This innovative method of urban farming transforms unused vertical spaces into lush, productive gardens, enabling cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in areas where traditional farming is impractical.
Vertical gardening start-ups are at the forefront of this green revolution. By leveraging technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and IoT, these businesses optimise water usage, eliminate the need for soil, and create sustainable food systems. Beyond sustainability, vertical gardening presents economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, offering a scalable model for local food production that minimises supply chain inefficiencies and reduces carbon footprints.
This green start-up movement aligns with the global demand for eco-friendly solutions. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, urban communities are increasingly embracing vertical gardens for fresh produce and improved air quality. Successful case studies, such as Sky Greens (Singapore), AeroFarms (United States), and Infarm (Germany), highlight the profitability and societal impact of this venture.
Vertical gardening represents a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. As the world grapples with environmental and urban challenges, these start-ups are quite literally sowing the seeds for a greener future.
Sumaiya Sultana
Student
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA),
North South University