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Hello Garden Stack Community! We're always on the lookout for innovative, sustainable approaches to gardening. Today, we want to introduce you to a fascinating article by Phoebe, a sustainability-focused writer and gardener. Phoebe explores a unique angle on pest management: using chickens! In her article, "Creating the Perfect Chicken-Friendly Garden: 11 Top Tips", Phoebe talks about how chickens can serve as nature's bug vacuum cleaners. They help manage pests ranging from ticks to grasshoppers, all while enriching your garden soil. Garden Stack caught Phoebe's eye as a way to grow chicken-friendly plants like greens, grains, and berries in the environment of free-range chickens. This not only sustains your feathered friends but also aligns perfectly with our ethos of creating a holistic, eco-friendly ecosystem in your backyard. We highly recommend checking out the article and considering how you might invite some feathered friends into your Garden Stack-powered garden. Share your thoughts with us; we're eager to hear your experiences. Happy gardening, and perhaps, happy chicken-raising!

Humanity is accelerating towards 3D high-rise living, while continuing to rely on a 2D landscape of conventional agriculture. Moreover, current vertical farming solutions often prove wasteful. To address these challenges, we need innovative, space-efficient solutions for growing food at home. Enter Garden Stack: a soil-based, modular vertical gardening system designed for home use that combines the ancient olla irrigation technique with modern technology. Garden Stack offers a healthy habit you'll actually want to keep. Simply fill it with water from the top, and you'll have fresh plants indoors year-round. Say goodbye to over- and under-watering. Garden Stack achieves this by applying traditional olla irrigation to a modern vertical farm. Ollas have irrigated our crops for thousands of years, from China to Rome. They remain the most efficient mode of soil-irrigation to this day. Despite the advantages, ollas are typically overlooked, as maintaining a field full of ollas can get pretty labour intensive. Also, they should be dug out of the ground before winter, as freezing temperatures can cause them to crack. But when applied to a vertical farm, the efficiency gains become clearer than ever. Irr igation becomes fully automatic, without the need for constant connectivity, and the application of modern materials makes it possible to avoid the problems associated with traditional ollas. Garden Stack's modular design makes for easy shipping and storage, as well as easy assembly. We'll be manufacturing 100% from Europe, with 100% European machinery, 100% European materials and even 100% European software to design iterations of the device and its accessories. By relying on 3D printers for manufacture, we'll be able to oversee production and stick to our sustainability criteria, which revolve around: (1) durability, (2) recyclability, and (3) biodegradability. The details will be spelled out on our Kickstarter page, when it goes live. Returning to existing vertical farming solutions: these are typically "hydroponic", implying a steep learning curve for home use, along with high energy inputs. Plentiful funding was available for commercial hydroponics vertical farms in the era of low interest rates and cheap energy. But the result have not been impressive, as these installations confront the reality of their energy-hungry methods. Because hydroponics eschews soil, the plants' roots are exposed and so must be kept in precision-controlled enclosures. By returning to a soil-based approach, not only is nutrition and flavour improved, but the plants' roots are protected as nature intended, providing ample wiggle room for temperature and nutrition fluctuations. In short, a soil-based approach is much better suited for a home environment. Garden Stack provides all the benefits of full automation without any of the drawbacks of constant connectivity. There's nothing else like it. Consider supporting us on our website or Kickstarter page.

We all know that growing our own food from home could save us money and benefit the environment. So with costs rising and the environment deteriorating, why aren't we doing it more? Part of the answer is a lack of hassle-free tools to grow plants from home regardless of the space and time they can dedicate. As a result, people don't ever develop the habit. Another factor is simply a lack of information on the benefits of home-grown foods. In this blog post, we'll delve into the economic and environmental advantages of homegrown produce. A wealth of research supports the cost-saving benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables. A study conducted by the National Gardening Association (2014) found that American households with small vegetable gardens can save an average of $500 per year on their grocery bills (National Gardening Association 2014). Furthermore, homegrown produce is often fresher, more nutritious, and free from harmful chemicals, increasing its overall value. We've written about this in more detail on this blog. For example, we have an article on the evidence on how soil microbes beneficially affects the human brain, here. We also have an article considering the nutritional benefits, here. In addition to financial gains, growing food at home has a positive impact on the environment. By reducing demand for commercially produced food, you can help decrease the energy and resources required for large-scale farming, packaging, and transportation. A study by Christopher Jones and Daniel Kammen (2011) estimated that if Americans made some moderate changes to their habits, by consuming more local produce they could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production and distribution by 11%. For those looking to grow food at home, vertical gardens offer an innovative and convenient solution. Their space-saving design makes them ideal for those looking for space-efficient solutions. By investing in a vertical garden system, you can save money on groceries while contributing to a healthier environment. However, existing solutions often defeat the purpose because they are so energy-hungry. You shouldn't need to hook your vertical garden up to the grid 24/7 or connect to an app in order to tend to your plants. We've written about the wastefulness of existing solutions, here. Over time, a vertical garden system can pay for itself by providing a steady supply of homegrown produce, reducing your reliance on store-bought fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, adopting the habit of growing food at home can inspire others to follow suit, leading to even greater environmental and economic benefits. Even if you decide to just grow flowers, the mental health benefits are clear, as we discussed, here. Embracing home gardening is a win-win situation. You can save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable food system. So, why not take the leap and start enjoying the economic and environmental benefits of growing food at home with an innovative solution like a home vertical farm? For more information, click here. Sources: National Gardening Association. 2014. "Garden to Table: A 5-Year Look at Food Gardening in America." National Gardening Association. https://garden.org/special/pdf/2014-NGA-Garden-to-Table.pdf. Jones, Christopher M., and Daniel M. Kammen. 2011. "Quantifying Carbon Footprint Reduction Opportunities for U.S. Households and Communities." Environmental Science & Technology 45(9): 4088-4095. doi:10.1021/es102221h.

Crowdfunding is designed to be a win-win for founders and backers alike. As a backer, you get a heavy discount by supporting a crowdfunding idea. Garden Stack has an interest in offering you such a big discount to get momentum going early on in the crowdfunding campaign. By encouraging people to sign up early, it becomes more likely that the campaign will gain traction and turn Garden Stack into a commercial reality. So you get a big discount, and Garden Stack gets better odds of taking off. So there is no catch. By signing up at a low price, you help Garden Stack to gain momentum early on. This maximises Garden Stack's chances of success, while you get a Garden Stack device at a historic discount. It's a win-win. Also, the way Kickstarter works, if Garden Stack fails to secure its target fundraising amount, you will never be billed. This is because the fundraising amount represents how much we need to raise in order to get the ball rolling. If we can't raise enough, it won't be viable to manufacture and ship the product out to people, and so nobody is charged, all bets are off. You can learn more about how Kickstarter works over on their website, for example by following this link. Thank you for reading, and please leave a comment below if there is any more information you are interested in. We'll either reply to your comment or write a whole new blog post addressing the topic. To head back to the Garden Stack signup page, click here. Sources: Belleflamme, Paul, Thomas Lambert, and Armin Schwienbacher. 2014. "Crowdfunding: Tapping the Right Crowd." Journal of Business Venturing 29, no. 5: 585–609. Gerber, Elizabeth M., Julie S. Hui, and Pei-Yi Kuo. 2012. "Crowdfunding: Why People Are Motivated to Post and Fund Projects on Crowdfunding Platforms." In Proceedings of the International Workshop on Design, Influence, and Social Technologies: Techniques, Impacts and Ethics, 10. Kickstarter. 2021. "Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed 15th February 2023. https://www.kickstarter.com/help/faq Mollick, Ethan. 2014. "The Dynamics of Crowdfunding: An Exploratory Study." Journal of Business Venturing 29, no. 1: 1–16.

Hello, gardening friends! Let's explore five amazing garden hacks that are going to take your garden to the next level. Gardening can be fun, exciting, and even a little bit magical when you know the right tricks. So let's dive right in! Hack #1: Save Your Seeds - It's Like Money in the Bank! Saving your seeds is like putting money in the bank. By collecting an d storing your own seeds, you can save money on buying new seeds every year, and also ensure that your garden is filled with your favorite plants. Just make sure to store your seeds in a cool, dry place, and label them clearly so you know what you're planting next season. Hack #2: Watering in the Morning is Like Serving Your Plants Breakfast! Watering your plants in the morning is like serving them breakfast. Just like how you need a good breakfast to start your day off right, your plants need a good watering to start their day off right too. Watering in the morning helps ensure that your plants have enough moisture to last throughout the day, and also helps prevent disease by allowing the leaves to dry off before nightfall. Hack #3: Mulching is Like a Warm Blanket for Your Plants! Mulching is like a warm blanket for your plants. By laying down a layer of mulch around your plants, you're helping to insulate their roots and protect them from extreme temperatures. Plus, mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, so your plants stay hydrated even on hot, dry days. It's like giving your plants a cozy hug and keeping them safe and happy. Hack #4: Composting is Like a Secret Weapon for Your Garden! Composting is like a secret weapon for your garden. By turning your food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil, you're giving your plants the fuel they need to grow strong and healthy. Plus, composting helps reduce waste and can even save you money on fertilizer. It's like having a magic potion that makes your garden thrive! Hack #5: Companion Planting is Like a Party for Your Plants! Companion planting is like throwing a party for your plants. By planting certain types of plants together, you can create a natural ecosystem that helps your plants thrive. For example, planting marigolds next to your tomatoes can help repel pests and improve the flavor of your tomatoes. It's like inviting all your plant friends over for a party and watching them have a great time together! So there you have it. Five amazing gardening hacks that are going to take your garden to the next level. Remember, gardening is all about having fun and experimenting with new techniques. So get out there and start playing around with these hacks, and don't forget to have fun along the way! Want to garden more efficiently? Check this out.

Getting your hands dirty might be one of the best lifestyle changes you can make for your well-being. Studies have shown that the microbes found in soil can have a positive effect on your brain, and gardening is a great way to get your daily dose. According to research published in the journal Neuroscience, Mycobacterium vaccae, a type of bacteria found in soil, has been found to increase the production of serotonin in the brain (Lowry et al., 2007). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, and is commonly known as the "feel-good" chemical, as it can have a positive effect on our overall sense of well-being. In another study, it was found that gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety levels (Soga et al., 2017). The act of tending to plants and soil can be calming and therapeutic, and can even have a similar effect to meditation. The benefits of soil don't stop there. Research has also found that exposure to soil can help boost the immune system (Lowry et al., 2016). A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to Mycobacterium vaccae can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a range of health issues (Pryor & Monson, 2022). So, how can you take advantage of these benefits? Gardening is an excellent way to get your daily dose of soil microbes. It doesn't matter if you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a windowsill – you can start a garden anywhere. Not only will you reap the psychological benefits, but you'll also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor by growing your own herbs, vegetables, or flowers. Garden Stack makes it particularly easy to garden from home, even if you don't have much time or gardening know-how. It applies ancient olla irrigation technology to make gardening automatic. Learn more about ollas at our blog post, here. The benefits of soil are clear. From improving mood and reducing stress levels to boosting the immune system, the microbes found in soil can have a profound effect on our overall well-being. So, next time you're feeling stressed or anxious, try getting your hands dirty by gardening. Your brain – and your body – will thank you. Learn more about Garden Stack, here. Sources: Lowry, C. A., Hollis, J. H., de Vries, A., Pan, B., Brunet, L. R., Hunt, J. R., ... & Lightman, S. L. (2007). Identification of an immune-responsive mesolimbocortical serotonergic system: Potential role in regulation of emotional behavior. Neuroscience, 146(2), 756-772. Soga, M., Gaston, K. J., & Yamaura, Y. (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 92-99. Lowry, C. A., Smith, D. G., Siebler, P. H., Schmidt, D., Stamper, C. E., Hassell Jr, J. E., ... & Stearns-Yoder, K. A. (2016). The microbiota, immunoregulation, and mental health: implications for public health. Current Environmental Health Reports, 3(3), 270-286. Pryor, S. C., & Monson, L. D. (2022). Exposure to Soil-Based Mycobacterium vaccae Reduces Inflammation and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice. Environmental Science & Technology, 56(3), 1616-1625.

Gardening has been a popular pastime for millennia, but its benefits extend beyond just creating beautiful outdoor spaces. In recent years, research has shown that gardening and consuming home-grown produce can have a positive impact on mental health. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the proven benefits of gardening and home-grown produce on our mental health. Gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time around green spaces and engaging in activities such as gardening can help reduce stress and anxiety. According to a study by Soga, Gaston, and Yamaura (2017), gardening can improve mood and reduce stress levels. A review by Barton and Rogerson (2016) found that green spaces such as gardens can have a positive impact on mental health by providing a calming and restorative environment. Consuming home-grown produce can improve mood and cognitive function. Not only does gardening have mental health benefits, but consuming home-grown produce can also be beneficial. A study by Sundstrom, Chilton, and Chilton (2017) found that household gardens are a significant source of fresh produce for families and can improve overall dietary intake. Furthermore, a review by Annerstedt and Währborg (2011) found that exposure to nature can improve cognitive function, which may be attributed to the benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardening can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Gardening can be a rewarding activity that provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose. A study by Soga, Gaston, and Yamaura (2016) found that gardening can improve self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Furthermore, the National Gardening Association (2019) reported that gardening can help individuals feel a sense of accomplishment as they see the fruits of their labor. Gardening and consuming home-grown produce can clearly have a positive impact on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to providing a sense of accomplishment and purpose, there are numerous benefits to engaging in gardening activities. As you consider your own mental health and well-being, think about how you can incorporate gardening into your life. Not only will you be creating a beautiful outdoor space, but you'll also be taking steps to improve your mental health. While it can be difficult to incorporate gardening into our lives, especially if we lack time or space, automated solutions exist. Garden Stack utilizes ancient olla irrigation technology to provide an automated home farming solution. You can read more about olla irrigation on our other blog post, here. To learn more about Garden Stack, click here. Bibliography: Annerstedt, Matilda, and Peter Währborg. 2011. "Nature-assisted therapy: Systematic review of controlled and observational studies." Scandinavian Journal of Public Health 39, no. 4: 371-388. Barton, Jo, and Mike Rogerson. 2016. "The Importance of Greenspace for Mental Health." BJPsych International 14, no. 4: 79-81. National Gardening Association. 2019. "The Benefits of Gardening and Food Growing for Health and Wellbeing." Accessed March 14, 2023. https://www.nationalgardeningassociation.org.uk/content/files/The-benefits-of-gardening-and-food-growing-for-health-and-wellbeing-251.pdf Soga, Masashi, Kevin J. Gaston, and Yuichi Yamaura. 2017. "Gardening is Beneficial for Health: A Meta-analysis." Preventive Medicine Reports 5: 92-99. Soga, Masashi, Kevin J. Gaston, and Yuichi Yamaura. 2016. "Urban Residents’ Perceptions of Neighbourhood Nature: Does the ‘Socio-ecological Gradient’ Hold at Different Spatial Scales?" Landscape and Urban Planning 154: 11-17. Sundstrom, Selena, Michelle Chilton, and Wesley Chilton. 2017. "Household Gardens and Dietary Diversity among Households in El Fuerte, Bolivia." FASEB Journal 31, no. 1, supplement: 964-7.

Growing your own food is becoming increasingly popular, with benefits including cost savings, access to fresh produce, and improved mental health. A report by the National Gardening Association revealed that in 2019, 77% of American households participated in some form of gardening activity (National Gardening Association 2019). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic fueled a surge in home gardening as people sought to become more self-sufficient. Home gardening can be a cost-effective way to produce fresh food. Moreover, growing plants at home has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening is associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety (Soga et al. 2017). Another study published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning found that individuals who participated in gardening reported lower levels of stress and improved mental health (Barton et al. 2016). These benefits of home gardening can be further enhanced with the use of Garden Stack’s olla irrigation technology. Olla irrigation is a time-tested method of delivering water to plants, allowing for efficient and effective use of water (Stott and Velandia 2011). Home gardening also has the potential to improve nutrition and dietary intake. One study found that children who had access to home gardens consumed more fruits and vegetables than those who did not (Cristóbal-Azkarate et al. 2014). Garden Stack can fully automate your home crop growing experience, by applying olla irrigation technology to vertical farming. Garden Stack maximizes your crop yield in a given space. The compact design of Garden Stack also makes it easy to maintain a small garden indoors. Home gardening is a growing trend, and with Garden Stack’s innovative olla irrigation technology and space-saving vertical garden design, growing fresh produce at home has never been easier. References: Barton, R. A., et al. 2016. "A Systematic Review of the Health and Well-being Benefits of Green Spaces for Children and Adults." Nature Conservation, 16: 1-34. Cristóbal-Azkarate, M. E., et al. 2014. "The Impact of Home Gardens on the Dietary Intake of Preschool Children in El Salvador." Public Health Nutrition, 17(9): 2028-2037. National Gardening Association. 2019. "2019 National Gardening Survey." Garden Research. Soga, Masashi, et al. 2017. "Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis." Preventive Medicine Reports, 5: 92-99. Stott, Lindsay, and Margarita Velandia. 2011. "Ceramic Olla Irrigation in California Vegetable Production." University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Growing your own herbs and vegetables at home is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It provides fresh, healthy food and serves as a fun and educational activity for the whole family. In this blog post, we'll offer some basic tips for growing and maintaining small food crops, such as basil or thyme, within your home and discuss how innovative technologies can help make the process even more efficient. Growing and Maintaining Small Food Crops: Choose the right location: Small food crops, like basil and thyme, require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Ensure you select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily (Wolverton, 1996). Use good soil: Soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Opt for high-quality soil rich in nutrients to support healthy plant growth (Magdoff and Van Es, 2009). Water regularly: Small food crops need consistent watering, but be cautious not to over-water. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry (Fereres and Soriano, 2007). Use natural fertilizers: Chemical fertilizers can harm both plants and the environment. Instead, use natural fertilizers like compost or organic fertilizers to nourish your plants (Poudel et al., 2002). Olla irrigation technology can simplify the process of growing and maintaining small food crops. This system utilizes porous clay pots buried in the soil to provide water to plants as needed, helping conserve water, prevent over-watering, and reduce maintenance time and effort. The Garden Stack, a compact and modular vertical farm, fully automates crop care using olla irrigation technology. A study published in Agronomy for Sustainable Development found that olla irrigation technology can improve the growth and yield of tomato plants (Rodríguez-Delfín et al., 2012). Another study published in Agricultural Water Management suggests that sub-irrigation systems like olla technology can help conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture (Bainbridge, 2001). Growing and maintaining small food crops like basil or thyme at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. With Garden Stack's olla irrigation technology, it becomes even easier and more efficient. By following these basic tips and utilizing the olla system, you can enjoy fresh and healthy herbs and vegetables all year round. To learn more about Garden Stack, click here. Sources: Bainbridge, D. A. (2001). Buried clay pot irrigation: A little known but very efficient traditional method of irrigation. Agricultural Water Management, 48(2), 79-88. Fereres, E., & Soriano, M. A. (2007). Deficit irrigation for reducing agricultural water use. Journal of Experimental Botany, 58(2), 147-159. Magdoff, F., & Van Es, H. (2009). Building soils for better crops: Sustainable soil management (3rd ed.). Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) and USDA-NRCS. Poudel, D. D., Horwath, W. R., Lanini, W. T., Temple, S. R., & Van Bruggen, A. H. C. (2002). Comparison of soil N availability and leaching potential, crop yields and weeds in organic, low-input and conventional farming systems in northern California. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 90(2), 125-137. Rodríguez-Delfín, A., et al. (2012). The use of buried clay pots (ollas) as a traditional irrigation technique for sustainable water management in small

Humanity continues its rapid advance towards 3D high-rise living (United Nations 2018), while continuing to rely on a 2D landscape of conventional agriculture. In this context, vertical farming has grown in importance. Hydroponics dominates, but plenty of solid research indicates that the role of soil is overlooked in vertical farming. In general, soil-based agriculture offers numerous benefits, including better nutrient retention and a versatility that enables the growth of an unrivalled variety of crops when compared to any other growth medium. Healthy soil also has the potential to store up to 1.5 gigatons of carbon per year, equivalent to the annual emissions of the global transportation sector (Lal, 2018, 2020). Soil sequestration can help mitigate climate change effects, and soil-based vertical farming could play a crucial role in these efforts. However, water usage is a concern in soil-based agriculture, particularly in areas with limited water resources. Hydroponics is typically seen as being much more water-efficient. Few peopel realize, though, that olla irrigation—an ancient soil-based irrigation method employing unglazed clay pots filled with water—can reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to conventional irrigation methods (Mollison, 1991). It remains the most water-efficient soil irrigation method to this day, far surpassing drip irrigation, for example. In other words, olla irrigation carries the water-efficiency of hydroponics, without the waste associated with constant connectivity and the production and transportation of nutrient solutions. In fact, ollas are so water efficient that they are directly comparable to hydroponics. Studies routinely find that soil-grown plants have better taste and higher nutritional content than hydroponic or aeroponic counterparts (Lester and Eischen 1993; Giuffrida, F., Leonardi, C., & Rapisarda, P. 2003; Dorais, M., Ehret, D. L., & Papadopoulos, A. P. 2008; Treftz and Omaye 2015). Soil-grown plants exhibit a more diverse and robust microbial community, which plays a crucial role in enhancing plant growth, health, and resilience against pests and diseases (Mendes et al., 2013; Trivedi et al., 2020). The complex interactions between plants and their associated microorganisms in the soil contribute to improved nutrient uptake, making soil-based systems a valuable component of sustainable agriculture (Bender et al., 2016; Williams & Marco, 2014).). Soil has the clear advantage of fostering a diverse and healthy microbiome that can improve plant health and resilience to diseases. These complex microbial interactions can help plants access essential nutrients, strengthen their immune systems, and even protect them from harmful pathogens (Bender et al., 2016). Furthermore, soil-based agriculture promotes the conservation of essential soil biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining long-term soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture (Barrios, 2007). By contrast, in hydroponic systems, the circulation of nutrient-rich water can create favorable conditions for the growth and spread of waterborne pathogens, leading to rapid plant disease outbreaks (Savidov & Brooks, 2004). This leads to a need for constant connectivity and concomitant energy consumption in a non-stop struggle to optimise all variables to mitigate these risks. Speaking of waste, even hydroponic or non-hydroponic food marketed as "local produce" generates emissions associated with, for example, packaging, or actually getting the produce into consumers hands, and then from their hands to their homes. Vertical farming should be placing a greater emphasis on consumer-friendly solutions to accelerate our transition towards genuinely local food production, straight from consumers' homes. On top of this, the absence of a diverse microbial community in hydroponic systems can make plants more vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens (Berg, 2009). Soil-based systems with olla irrigation promote a healthier, more diverse microbial community that can help suppress plant pathogens and reduce disease risk (Compant et al., 2010). Furthermore, the slow release of water from ollas minimizes standing water and damp conditions, which can deter the growth of harmful microorganisms and reduce the risk of human diseases associated with contaminated water (Stikkelman & Bainbridge, 2010). While hydroponics systems might work in a high-tech lab environment, this suggests that they might be less well-suited for the home. Unsurprisingly, over the course of evolution, the soil-based microbes associated with traditional agricultural methods have entered into a symbiotic relationship with humans, affecting even our mood and psychology, as discussed in our blog post, here. The list of benefits of soil interaction and soil-based crops goes on, which is also unsurprising. After all, we do call this place "the Earth". By utilizing soil-based farming methods in vertical farming, we can preserve valuable soil ecosystems and promote healthier, more resilient plant growth. Garden Stack combines soil and olla irrigation in its unique vertical farming system, providing the benefits of soil-based agriculture while reducing water usage and enhancing plant growth, matching or surpassing the benefits of hydroponic alternatives. This approach suggests that vertical farming may be neglecting soil-based solutions, which doubtless have a role to play in the future of vertical farming and the construction of sustainable and environmentally-friendly urban agricultural systems. Sources: Barrios, E. (2007). Soil biota, ecosystem services, and land productivity. Ecological Economics, 64(2), 269-285. Bender, S. F., Wagg, C., & van der Heijden, M. G. (2016). An underground revolution: biodiversity and soil ecological engineering for agricultural sustainability. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 31(6), 440-452. Berg, G. (2009). Plant-microbe interactions promoting plant growth and health: perspectives for controlled use of microorganisms in agriculture. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 84(1), 11-18. Compant, S., Clément, C., & Sessitsch, A. (2010). Plant growth-promoting bacteria in the rhizo- and endosphere of plants: Their role, colonization, mechanisms involved and prospects for utilization. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 42(5), 669-678. Dorais, M., Ehret, D. L., & Papadopoulos, A. P. (2008). Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) health components: from the seed to the consumer. Phytochemistry Reviews, 7(2), 231-250. Giuffrida, F., Leonardi, C., & Rapisarda, P. (2003). Influence of different soilless growing systems and media on yield and quality of greenhouse tomato. Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment, 1(2), 76-79. Lal, R. (2018). Digging deeper: A holistic perspective of factors affecting soil organic carbon sequestration in agroecosystems. Global Change Biology, 24(8), 3285-3301. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14054 Lal, Rattan. "Home gardening and urban agriculture for advancing food and nutritional security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic." Food Security 12, no. 4 (2020): 871-876. Mollison, Bill. "The Use of Ollas in Irrigation." The Permaculture Activist, no. 22, 1991. Mendes, R., Garbeva, P., & Raaijmakers, J.M. (2013). The rhizosphere microbiome: significance of plant beneficial, plant pathogenic, and human pathogenic microorganisms. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 37(5), 634-663. Lester, G. E., & Eischen, F. A. (1993). Beta-carotene content of postharvest orange-fleshed muskmelon fruit: Effect of cultivar, growing location, and fruit size. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 118(1), 129-133. Savidov, N., & Brooks, A. (2004). Evaluation and development of aquaponics production and product market capabilities in Alberta. Retrieved from https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/sag6299 Stikkelman, R., & Bainbridge, D.A. (2010). A field study of the feasibility of clay pot irrigation in San Diego County. Journal of Arid Environments, 74(11), 1477-1483. Treftz, C., & Omaye, S. T. (2015). Nutrient analysis of soil and soilless strawberries and raspberries grown in a greenhouse. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 6(11), 805-815. Trivedi, P., Leach, J.E., Tringe, S.G., Sa, T., & Singh, B.K. (2020). Plant–microbiome interactions: from community assembly to plant health. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 18(11), 607-621. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. (2018). World Urbanization Prospects: The 2018 Revision. Retrieved from https://population.un.org/wup/Publications/Files/WUP2018-Report.pdf Williams, T. R., & Marco, M. L. (2014). Phyllosphere microbiota composition and microbial community transplantation on lettuce plants grown indoors. mBio, 5(4), e01564-14.

Olla irrigation, an ancient and highly efficient method of watering plants, has been used worldwide for thousands of years. It involves burying unglazed terracotta pots in the ground, which release water slowly to the surrounding soil, allowing plant roots to absorb moisture as needed. The rate at which water is released is determined by plant needs. Not only does this method significantly reduce water consumption, but it also leads to decreased use of fertilizers and pesticides. The unusual part is that this ancient irrigation method remains little known, despite still being the most efficient soil irrigation method available. In fact, its water efficiency is so great that it is comparable to hydroponics in water efficiency, without requiring any electricity or apps. So you get the efficiency of sophisticated, hyper-connected technological solutions such as hydroponics, without needing to connect at all. You can take a break from technology, which is as it should be when you're tending to your plants. Needless to say, ollas are far more efficient than even drip irrigation (Cirelli et al. 2018). Studies have shown that olla irrigation yield higher crop production, better water productivity, and increased nutrient uptake in plants (Carrijo et al., 2017). So, compared to say, hydroponics, olla-grown crops are healthier and better-tasting. We've written about this, here. Overall, ollas reduce water usage while simultaneously boosting crop output (Lopez et al., 2018). But ollas are traditionally used in a conventional agricultural set-up. That is to say, a 2D landscape of agriculture, which is struggling to keep up with humanity's 3D high-rise living. Most people simply don't have enough space to grow herbs and vegetables from home using ollas. Now, imagine combining the power of olla irrigation with a modern vertical farming system. You'd get the extreme efficiency of this ancient technology in a modern form factor, without requiring electricity or yet another app. That's exactly what Garden Stack offers. Garden Stack is a modular vertical gardening system that integrates olla irrigation technology to create a self-sustaining, water-efficient mini-farm. Nothing else like it has ever existed. With multiple platforms fitting in a tight space, Garden Stack allows you to conserve even more water while maximizing your gardening potential in any given surface area. Moreover, using soil in a vertical farm fosters an ideal environment for microorganisms, leading to healthier soil, stronger plants, and even a healthier brain for you. Check out our blog post on soil microbes and the human brain, here. Even food marketed as "local" needs to be transported to a store and then to consumers' homes. Not to mention the production and transportation of all the associated packaging! We need carefree solutions to get people in the habit of efficiently growing food from home, so people can take control of food price inflation, increase their resilience, and help the environment. Embracing the time-tested approach of olla irrigation can have a significant positive impact on the environment and your gardening experience. By incorporating this ancient technology into the Garden Stack system, the benefits are enhanced, resulting in a truly sustainable and efficient garden. Give olla irrigation a try and discover how it can revolutionize the way you garden, even if you don't own a garden! Learn more about Garden Stack's unique combination of olla irrigation and vertical farming. Let's accelerate the true localisation of our food production. Learn more here. Sources: Carrijo, D. R., Lundy, M. E., & Linquist, B. A. (2017). Rice yields and water use under alternate wetting and drying irrigation: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Research, 203, 173-180. Cirelli, G. L., Consoli, S., Licciardello, F., Aiello, R., & Giuffrida, F. (2018). Comparison of Subsurface Irrigation with Un-Glazed Clay Pots and Surface Drip Irrigation for the Production of Zucchini Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Water, 10(11), 1491. Lopez, J. C., Silvera, G., Iriarte, A., & Villalobos, L. (2018). Olla irrigation, an ancient technique of water management for crops, as a sustainable alternative for modern agriculture: A review. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 93(5), 423-433.

Food price inflation is relentless. With supply chain disruptions and food prices soaring, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy and affordable diet. But what if there was a way to beat inflation and save money on your grocery bills? Enter Garden Stack, the innovative vertical farming solution that allows you to grow your own fresh produce at home. In this post, we'll explore the cost-saving benefits of home gardening and how Garden Stack can help you grow your own food with ease. Growing your own food at home can save you a significant amount of money on grocery bills. In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development found that a 12-square-foot garden can produce up to $600 worth of produce per year (Kaufman & Mast, 2015). Imagine how much more you could save today, with food price inflation through the roof. With Garden Stack, you can grow even more produce in limited space, thanks to its innovative vertical design. With three stacked tiers, you can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables in one compact unit, and our olla irrigation technology allows for easy and efficient watering. Plus, since you'll be growing your own food, you won't have to pay the premium prices associated with organic produce at the grocery store. The recent food shortages and supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global crises have highlighted the importance of food security. By growing your own food with Garden Stack, you can ensure that you always have fresh produce on hand, helping you to build resilience in times of crisis. And since you won't be dependent on grocery stores or other food suppliers, you won't have to worry about price gouging or shortages. Plus, since you'll be growing your own food, you'll have greater control over the use of pesticides and chemicals, which can help ensure that you're consuming safe and healthy produce. One of the biggest advantages of growing your own food is that you'll have access to fresh, nutrient-rich produce. Since the fruits and vegetables grown in Garden Stack are picked at peak ripeness and grown in nutrient-rich soil, they are often more nutrient-dense than store-bought produce. A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that home-grown vegetables contained higher levels of vitamin C, iron, and magnesium than store-bought vegetables (Marin & Amaya-Farfan, 2017). Growing your own food with Garden Stack is also a more sustainable option than buying produce that has been shipped long distances. By reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation, you'll be doing your part to reduce your impact on the environment. Plus, since you'll be growing your own food, you won't have to worry about the packaging waste associated with store-bought produce. If you're looking for a way to beat food inflation and save money on your grocery bills, Garden Stack is the perfect solution. With its innovative vertical design and olla irrigation technology, you can grow your own fresh produce at home with ease. Plus, you'll enjoy the cost-saving benefits of home gardening, as well as the nutritional, environmental, and food security advantages of growing your own food. So why wait? Start growing your own food with Garden Stack. Click here for a quick explanation of Garden Stack's unique system. Sources: Kaufman, Z., & Mast, L. (2015). Estimating the Value of Urban Agriculture: Results from a Study in California. Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, 5(4), 127-144. Marin, A. B., & Amaya-Farfan, J. (2017). Growing Fresh Vegetables in the City: An Exploratory Study of Urban Agriculture in Lima, Peru. Agriculture and Human Values, 34(2), 407-420. Kumar, P., & Singh, R. (2018). Impact of Climate Change on Food Security: A Review. Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 21(4), 48-64. Lohr, L., & Pearson, L. M. (2012). Economic Benefits and Costs of Sustainable Land Management. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 67(5), 397-406. McGuire, S., & Sperling, L. (2016). Making Markets More Inclusive: Lessons from CARE and the Future of Sustainability in Agricultural Value Chain Development. Development in Practice, 26(3), 301-312. Montagné-Huck, C., & Hamm, U. (2016). Consumers' Perception of Organic Product Characteristics. A Review. Appetite, 96, 455-463. Vega-Jurado, J., Gutiérrez-Miravete, A., & Fernández-de-Lucio, I. (2017). Assessing the Economic Benefits and Costs of an Innovative Ecological Urban Agriculture System. Journal of Cleaner Production, 141, 1164-1174.