Growing on a Narrow Boat

[Chooklady]

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.

[roitelet]

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!

[Potstubsdustbins]

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.

[bearded bloke]

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.

[mothhawk]

Something like this?

[Jeanied]

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!

[Deano's "Diggin It"]

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!

[noviceveggrower]

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?

[Patchninja]

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?

[Chooklady]

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!

[bearded bloke]

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"

[Potstubsdustbins]

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.

[Scarlet]

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

???? You learn something every day! Butty in Wales is your best mate...

[teakdesk]

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!

[teakdesk]

???? 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!