I'm trying to figure out how to plan my gardening for the year so that I won't need to buy tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes. I'm living in West Africa, where the weather varies between hot and rainy seasons, and the temperatures are consistently between 25-30°C. I have limited space, enough for around 20 five-gallon bags in my backyard. Can anyone suggest strategies for growing and preserving these vegetables year-round without purchasing them?
3 Answers
It really boils down to your local climate and how long your growing season lasts. Since you're in West Africa with your wet and dry seasons, you'll need to adapt your planting schedules accordingly. You might even want to consider learning to grow seasonally, focusing on what can grow best during each season. Without a greenhouse, you’ll need to make sure you're choosing the right varieties for your climate.
One option is to grow storage potatoes which can last for months. For tomatoes and cucumbers, you might want to look into hydroponics; they can yield vegetables more consistently throughout the year, though it requires a bit of investment. Just keep in mind that they need some care to set up properly.
Don't forget about canning! Tomatoes can be processed using a water bath, and if you're looking into non-acidic vegetables, a pressure canner is ideal. You can also store potatoes in a cool, dark place to help them last longer over time.