Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Growing on a Narrow Boat

Collapse

X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 2
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous 1 2 template Next
  • #1

    Growing on a Narrow Boat

    Hello

    My husband and I are considering a narrow boat life when our daughter has gone to Uni... in 5 years time. This gives us lots of space to ruminate and plan

    Is anyone on here a narrow boat gardner? Is is possible? I suppose I could have some toms, herbs, leaves and flowers... not too many of course but that would keep my green fingers occupied and happy enough.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    I don't see why not. I've seen house boats with gardens on them, it's just container gardening and you won't have a problem with water!
    Gardening requires a lot of water - most of it in the form of perspiration. Lou Erickson, critic and poet

    Comment

    • #3
      Plenty of roof space on a narrow boat, just have to be careful you don't knock your containers into the cut, they don't float to well. If you pick bush varieties you won't have to worry to much about low bridge's.
      Last edited by Potstubsdustbins; 05-08-2014, 03:22 PM.
      Potty by name Potty by nature.

      By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


      We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

      Aesop 620BC-560BC

      sigpic

      Comment

      • #4
        Chooklady,static mooring or roving ? some static's can have space for a growing area just away from the tow path.I see you are also in Shropshire if you are anywhere near to Norbury Junction pop over & have a chat with the peeps on the wharfage side heading towards Gnosall,I seem to think there are a few there with gardens.
        He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

        Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

        Comment

        • #5
          Something like this?

          Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
          Endless wonder.

          Comment

          • #6
            There are many narrowboat owners on the permanent moorings round here - on the old Grand Junction Canal with the Slough Arm. I am always impressed with their little gardens and the plantings on their roofs. All along our stretch there are hedgerows and little parks with loads of wild foraging as well. There are some fabulous damsons and wild plums on the towpath in our area As far as I can see, the temperature on the waterside is a bit higher than the temperature on land, which makes growing easier - and water is always at hand.

            I envy you!
            Whooops - now what are the dogs getting up to?

            Comment

            • #7
              Chook! You've hit a nerve! This is my ultimate dream!

              Would love to just sell up n get on the canal side, thought about raised beds roof side, with mini beds underneath integrated with drilled hose pipe hanging over the sides to award water drainage n avoid mess!

              But yeah! as "Martin Luther King" said "I have a dream" n that's as far as it's gunna get! Coz my OH won't play ball, and enjoys home comforts far too much!

              But if you do make the move? Firstly I am green with envy! but wish you all the very best of it if you do decide to do it!

              Lucky you!
              "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad"

              Comment

              • #8
                Oh I am so envious.
                I would love to live on a narrow boat. I was planning to live on one until I met my future husband. He hates walking by canals and rivers as I have to go and look at the boats and their names. Kids do it to and it drives him insane
                Wouldn't you be able to grow on the roof ? Have a raised bed but have a plastic liner in it to protect the actual roof?
                sigpic

                Comment

                • #9
                  My daughter lived on one while she was a student! I would just be wary of the weight on the roof. Also, some canal water looks vile. Is it clean enough for veggies everywhere or am I being silly?

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Wow, I didn't realise that this subject would get even one reply! It's not everyone's cuppa but I would love to live this life... eventually.

                    I have stepped aboard a narrowboat once when I was a kid and that's it. It's that darn programme George's Amazing Spaces that has ignited an interest in me. Two brothers overhauled a knackered old thing and they mentioned how cheap they are compared to bricks and mortar..... my kind of happy

                    That boat with the full roof garden is lovely but maybe a tad too much for me. I was thinking some pots here are there, not too big though. I am a Complementary Therapist and was thinking of having a second smaller boat so that I could practice from it whilst the husband can be at the other end with his magazine editing work.... so that means being in one mooring for a time.

                    Show your other halves the programme and maybe they'll change their minds!

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Chooklady View Post
                      I am a Complementary Therapist and was thinking of having a second smaller boat so that I could practice from

                      What you are looking for there is called a "butty"


                      He who smiles in the face of adversity,has already decided who to blame

                      Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        I love the canals have holidayed on them for many years. If you have not already done it I would hire one for a week or so to ensure you really like it.

                        As to cost I am not sure about todays prices but 15 years ago I enquired about having a 60 footer built and was quoted about £1100-00p per foot length.
                        Potty by name Potty by nature.

                        By appointment of VeggieChicken Member of the Nutters club.


                        We hang petty thieves and appoint great ones to public office.

                        Aesop 620BC-560BC

                        sigpic

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Originally posted by bearded bloke View Post
                          What you are looking for there is called a "butty"
                          ]
                          ???? You learn something every day! Butty in Wales is your best mate...

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Potstubsdustbins View Post
                            As to cost I am not sure about todays prices but 15 years ago I enquired about having a 60 footer built and was quoted about £1100-00p per foot length.

                            From watching TV I gather a basic 60' shell without any fixtures will set you back at least £30k, a basic 60' fitted boat will be £60-£70k and luxuriously fitted boats go for many thousands more!
                            The proof of the growing is in the eating.
                            Leave Rotten Fruit.
                            Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasium - potash.
                            Autant de têtes, autant d'avis!!!!!
                            Il n'est si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Scarlet View Post
                              ???? You learn something every day! Butty in Wales is your best mate...

                              Nah, tha's been sold a pup there... a Butty is what tha' bungs tha' bacon in!
                              The proof of the growing is in the eating.
                              Leave Rotten Fruit.
                              Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasium - potash.
                              Autant de têtes, autant d'avis!!!!!
                              Il n'est si méchant pot qui ne trouve son couvercle.

                              Comment

                              Previous 1 2 template Next

                              Latest Topics

                              Collapse
                              View All

                              Recent Blog Posts

                              Collapse
                              View All
                              Working...
                              X