Tower Gardens Could Sprout in Santa Barbara

A unique way to grow fresh vegetables in a small area, called a “Tower Garden” could be popping up in Santa Barbara soon. The inventor made a presentation to local residents this afternoon and plans for one this evening as well. Nearly 50 vegetables can grow from one tower that fits on a porch, in a small backyard or on a balcony.Tower Garden inventor Tim Blank says, when it comes to the varieties that can grow from the planter, ” we call it pyramid. We’ll plant the smallest plants at the top of the tower, medium plants in the middle and huge squash, tomatoes and things like that on the bottom.”The tower kit runs about $500.One property owner plans to stack more than two dozen on the rooftop of a local duplex near the beach.At harvest time, they plan to have salads picked fresh from their towers, and also offer the surplus to the food bank.Blank says we need to ” grow up, and not out,” because of the lack of farming and home gardening land for most residents.He said it would be perfect for apartment renters with a sunny balcony or small yard, the elderly who can not maintain a backyard garden, and for those who never want to pull another weed again.The tower uses about 20 gallons of water, enhanced with nutrients.It does require electricity to run the pump.This evenings free public meeting is going to be held at “Center of the Heart” 487 N. Turnpike in Goleta. It starts at 7 p.m.For further information: https://www.towergarden.com/