This study evaluated the effects of raised beds on crop production and quality in home gardens. The crops were grown using optimal management techniques and crop rotation principles based on organic farming. Three experimental versions were compared: V₁ with 40-centimetre-high raised beds, V₂ with 20-centimetre-high raised beds, and V₃ with ground-level beds as the control. The results showed consistent dry weight and moisture content across all three versions for most vegetable varieties. The sweet pepper ‘Barbara’ stood out significantly, as V₃ had the highest dry weight percentage (10.28%) and V₂ had the highest moisture content percentage (93.40%). Nutrient analysis revealed no significant differences in lipid, ash, protein, nitrogen, or caloric value among the different versions of most vegetables. However, version V₃ of the tomato ‘Tigerella’ showed the highest crude fibre content. Variations were observed in lycopene, ß-carotene, and calcium content among different versions of specific vegetables. Anti-nutritive compounds and average yield varied among the experimental versions for certain plant species. These findings have implications for dietary choices and can guide sustainable food production. It is recommended to consider raised beds, particularly V₃, for cultivating sweet pepper ‘Barbara’, and further research is encouraged to explore the potential health benefits of version V₃ of tomato ‘Tigerella’. These insights provide valuable vegetable science and nutrition information and can guide agricultural practices.

The Ipomoea batatas ornamental variety of the edible sweet potato is a decorative sweet potato with exquisite leaves, available in different varieties. Due to its numerous characteristics related to resistance, adaptability to environmental conditions, rapid growth, and aesthetic traits, it has attracted the interest of researchers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the growth and development behaviour of two varieties of I. batatas, namely ‘Margarita’ and ‘Blackie’, cultivated in vertical systems, to provide guidelines for their usage in green façade design. The physiological growth processes throughout the growing season were analysed by monitoring three biometric parameters (diameter, height, and leaf count), transpiration (dehydration rate), and the photosynthesis process (photosynthetic pigment content) for treated and control variants and four cardinal orientations (N, E, S, and W). Compared to the control and western orientation, which proved to be less advantageous, the northern orientation and treatment appeared to be the most suitable options for both varieties analysed. Also, the content of organic substances was more intense in the Cropmax-treated ‘Blackie’, especially on the northern façade, with the highest quantities of chlorophyll a (17.1%), chlorophyll b (9.1%), and carotenoid pigments (7.5%). In addition, the leaf dehydration rate, as well as the amount of free water loss, were reduced on the northern façade of ‘Blackie’. Therefore, ‘Blackie’ can be recommended as a variety distinguished by its improved resistance to challenging environmental conditions, particularly drought.

Ornamental vegetable gardens have many benefits. They are aesthetic, educational, ecological, economical, sanitary, and are a source of fresh food. Small allotments in urban and peri-urban areas do not allow the implementation of utilitarian gardens. Thus, ornamental vegetable gardens are the best choice. Raised beds can be used to enhance the decorative effect of the entire vegetable garden. This type of construction presents, in turn, several advantages both for the user and crop: reduced effort for maintenance work, early heating of the substrate, loose substrate, reduced volume of weeds, efficient use of space for plants, etc. Establishing ornamental vegetable gardens on raised beds is easily achieved using geometric modules, as they can be adapted to various designs. This paper presents several design options for a decorative vegetable garden on private properties. The case studies presented showed different methods of using modular raised beds depending on the property's area, the owner's wishes, and the desired area to be planted. Also, depending on the results obtained from the experimental batch, three other variations of modular layouts with different purposes were proposed: focal point, physically closed but visually open space, and relaxation space.

ISHS EHC2024: International Symposium on Urban Horticulture: from Vertical Farming to Planting Design Studies on the behavior of peri-urban Iasi inhabitants toward decorative vegetable gardens