An EarthPod™ is a simple, but cunningly-designed miniature farm. The Classic EarthPod measures 2200mm x 1000mm x 600mm high, covered by a hoop tunnel that creates a protected micro-climate.
The carefully-optimised size means that you have enough space to grow a significant amount of food, and yet can easily fuss over the plants inside (so, for example, insects can be removed by hand, and not with pesticides).
An EarthPod™ is a large, raised-bed garden. It contains layered compost, organic materials, soil, and other natural nutrients. At the very bottom is a water-retention layer from which water rises through the soil by capillary action. This approach to watering by wicking reduces evaporation loss, encourages strong root systems, and means we can keep the plants healthy without using wasteful hosepipes and sprinklers.
If you need more food than one EarthPod™ can produce, then simply adopt more than one EarthPod™.
If you are a confident gardener, we can install an EarthPod™ for you and you can tend it yourself. If you are busy, tired, over-stretched or would rather gnaw off your own arms than spend time gardening, then we can look after it for you.
New ! The EarthPod’s tiny cousin: the PushPod
PushPods give you a supply of organic, fresh herbs for your kitchen, yet are small enough to fit on apartment balconies. PushPods are on quiet castors, so you can easily roll them around to catch the sun, or to re-arrange your space. PushPods sizes and materials vary, but they are typically 700mm to 1200mm long, and are made of pine or balau. If you see them in a retail space, they are priced individually.
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PushPods are small enough for for balconies and apartments, and can be rolled around to catch the sun or re-arrange your space. This one is made of balau. |
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PushPods are ideal for growing fresh herbs, right next to your kitchen. This one is made of pine. |
EarthPods come in different types of wood to suit your garden
Wooden EarthPods are pre-assembled, so installation is simply a matter of preparing a level surface and loading in the watering system and earth layers. It takes three or four hours. We offer wood that is carefully sourced for sustainability and performance.
The woods we are offering at present are:
Kiln-dried pine
Our Kiln-Dried Pine is chemical-free, and our most wallet-friendly way into urban permaculture. Pine EarthPods are coated with non-toxic, Earth-friendly ProNature sealer. This provides superior longevity and liquid resistance whilst maintaining the appearance of the wood.
Pine EarthPod, with eco-friendly ProNature sealer
Off-the-grid food supply to complement the off-the-grid electricity
Pine EarthPod (you can visit this EarthPod at Chardonnay Deli in Constantia)
Siberian Larch
Siberian Larch is a sustainable, slow-grown, high-density softwood. It is comparable in hardness to oak, has natural resistance to fungus, and can be used without treatment (untreated, it will weather from its raw straw-to-golden colour to a silvery grey). It is one of the strongest and hardest commercial softwoods. Because of its durability, it is traditionally used for cladding and boat planking, and it looks great.
Siberian Larch in its raw state
Exotic woods
If you are looking for something highly personalized, we can source exotic, FSC-certified woods from sustainable sources. Drop us a line to discuss requirements and pricing. Popular choices include Iroko and Japanese Cedar.
Japanese Cedar EarthPods, busy repelling insects
An EarthPod being beautiful in a corner
A Japanese cedar EarthPod on its own patio
An exotic wood EarthPod tucked discreetly behind the greenhouse
EarthPods doing what they do best: growing food in small spaces