Lesson 1
The van gardener's reality
Growing food in a van is not like growing in a garden. You have no soil, limited water, almost no space, and you move. The light changes every time you park. The temperature swings violently — a van roof in summer can hit 50°C; in winter it drops to freezing. Your plants must tolerate this or die.
The good news: herbs, salad leaves, microgreens, sprouts and dwarf tomatoes all grow brilliantly in small containers. They need little root depth, they crop fast, and they forgive the chaos of mobile life. Forget runner beans and marrows. Think compact, quick, edible.
Water is the constraint that governs everything. If you carry 20 litres for all purposes, you cannot pour a litre a day into pots. Self-watering containers, moisture-retaining compost, and careful plant choice become essential, not optional.
What you'll learn
- Which crops tolerate movement, heat stress and irregular watering
- How to choose containers that work in a moving vehicle
- Where to position plants when you have no fixed south-facing wall
- How to water efficiently when every drop counts
Common mistakes
- Choosing deep-rooted crops like carrots or parsnips
- Using clay pots that tip and shatter on rough roads
- Placing plants on surfaces that get scorching hot in direct sun
- Overwatering because 'it looks dry' — then running out of water mid-week
Stick your finger 3cm into the compost before watering — if it is cool and damp, wait another day.