Growing Food on a Boat at Sea

I was reading about Plastiki’s ~130 day voyage and was surprised to read the crew had gardens on the boat made of plastic bottles. I never thought of it. Growing food at sea! Can you do that? In 130 days? Yes. Growing food on a boat at sea presents unique challenges, but several plants can thrive in such conditions within a 130-day timeframe. Here are some suitable options:

Recommended Plants for Growing at Sea

Herbs:

• • Basil: Thrives in warm conditions and can be grown in pots. (Harvest in 60-90 days) (Calories per pot: ~10-20 calories)
  • Chives: Hardy and can tolerate some salt spray. (Harvest in 60-90 days) (Calories per pot: ~20-30 calories)
  • Oregano: Prefers well-drained soil and is quite resilient. (Harvest in 80-90 days) (Calories per pot: ~30-50 calories)
  • Mint: Grows well in containers and can handle varying conditions. (Harvest in 60-90 days) (Calories per pot: ~20-30 calories)

Leafy Greens:

• • Spinach: Fast-growing and can be harvested multiple times. (Harvest in 30-45 days) (Calories per pot: ~50-100 calories)
  • Lettuce (various types): Grows quickly and can be cut and regrown. (Harvest in 30-60 days) (Calories per pot: ~50-100 calories)
  • Rocket (Arugula): Fast to germinate and can be harvested young. (Harvest in 30-40 days) (Calories per pot: ~30-60 calories)

Vegetables:

• • Tomatoes: Smaller varieties can be grown in pots and produce fruit relatively quickly. (Harvest in 60-85 days) (Calories per pot: ~200-400 calories)
  • Peppers: Both sweet and hot peppers can thrive in containers and produce within the growing season. (Harvest in 60-90 days) (Calories per pot: ~150-300 calories)
  • Kale: Tolerates cooler temperatures and can be harvested multiple times. (Harvest in 50-75 days) (Calories per pot: ~100-200 calories)
  • Potatoes: The most calorie-rich vegetable you can grow. (Harvest in 70-120 days) (Calories per pot: ~400-600 calories)

Root Vegetables:

• • Radishes: Quick to mature and can be grown in shallow containers. (Harvest in 25-30 days) (Calories per pot: ~30-50 calories)
  • Spring Onions: Can be grown in pots and harvested early. (Harvest in 30-50 days) (Calories per pot: ~20-40 calories)

Growing Tips

• Container Gardening: Use pots with good drainage, and consider lightweight options to prevent tipping in rough seas. Rectangular planter boxes are often ideal for maximizing space.
• Soil and Water: Use soil rich in organic matter, as sandy soils near the sea can lack nutrients and retain less water. Collect rainwater or reuse dishwater for irrigation to conserve fresh water.
• Protection from Elements: Shield plants from salt spray and strong winds. This can be done by placing them under a dodger or using barriers like row covers.
• Regular Planting: Stagger planting times to ensure a continuous harvest. Start new seeds every few weeks to maintain a steady supply of fresh produce.

By selecting the right plants and employing effective gardening techniques, it is possible to cultivate a small but productive garden on a boat, providing fresh food during sea voyages[1][2][4].

Read More
^{[1] https://www.yachtingworld.com/features/growing-food-yacht-self-sufficient-128507
[2] https://theboatgalley.com/fresh-from-the-garden-on-a-boat/
[3] https://www.gardening4joy.com/what-to-consider-when-growing-vegetables-seaside/
[4] https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/how-to/point-of-view-sailboat-gardening/
[5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/garden-by-region/pacific-northwest/northwest-vegetables.htm
[6] https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/survival-garden/
[7] https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f91/growing-food-on-a-boat-128656.html
[8] https://seaveg.com/blogs/mcsv-blog/seaweed-in-the-garden
[9] https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/eight-top-sea-vegetables-to-savour
[10] https://josephpcoryfoundation.org/2019/10/the-24-highest-calorie-vegetables-for-your-survival-garden/
[11] https://seaveg.com/blogs/mcsv-blog/seaweed-in-the-garden
[12] https://ocean.si.edu/human-connections/seafood/what-sea-vegetable
[13] https://www.gardening4joy.com/what-to-consider-when-growing-vegetables-seaside/
[14] https://www.reddit.com/r/preppers/comments/fvejw6/from_a_caloric_perspective_what_is_actually_worth/
[15] https://www.attainable-sustainable.net/survival-garden/
[16] https://www.yachtingworld.com/features/growing-food-yacht-self-sufficient-128507.}