Sources

In compiling this wiki of growable plants for Sri Lanka, various resources proved invaluable to digging out and tailoring information. These aren't every source we've used, but here are the ones we've consulted most often.

Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group

The Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group focuses on addressing food security and sustainable agriculture through the promotion of edible plants. This organization collaborates with local communities to implement projects that enhance food production, particularly in areas facing food scarcity. They provide resources and training to empower communities to grow their own food, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and local knowledge in sustainable practices. We use a 2019 report that they did on useful food plants in Sri Lanka, from which we took much inspiration for our format.

Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture

The Sri Lanka Department of Agriculture is a government body responsible for formulating and implementing agricultural policies in Sri Lanka. It provides vital services such as research, extension services, and agricultural education to improve crop production and food security. The department also focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, pest management, and the promotion of high-yielding crop varieties to enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

Not all of their information is in the same format or even in the same language, and most of their portals target large-scale, chemical-heavy monocrop farming rather than backyard gardening, but in general it's been extremely useful for local plant varieties and pests.

Plants For A Future Database

The Plants For A Future Database (PFAF) is an extensive online resource dedicated to edible and useful plants. It features over 8,000 entries, including plants suitable for temperate and tropical climates. The database is designed to promote ecologically sustainable gardening and agriculture, particularly focusing on perennial species. Users can access detailed information about plant characteristics, cultivation methods, and ecological benefits, making it a valuable tool for gardeners, researchers, and educators interested in sustainable horticulture.

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension website, found at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu, serves as a vital resource for residents of Florida, offering educational programs and information on various topics related to agriculture, horticulture, and community development. Because Florida shares certain similarities with Sri Lanka in terms of heat and humidity, we found it an excellent source of plant species data.

The New Self-Sufficient Gardener by John Seymour

In The New Self-Sufficient Gardener, John Seymour provides a comprehensive guide for individuals interested in growing their own food. The book covers essential topics such as planning a garden layout, selecting crops, organic gardening techniques, and methods for storing and preserving produce. Illustrated throughout, it serves as both an instructional manual and a source of inspiration for self-sufficiency enthusiasts looking to cultivate a productive garden.

Farm the City: A Toolkit for Setting Up a Successful Urban Farm by Michael Ableman

Farm the City by Michael Ableman offers practical guidance for establishing urban farms. The book addresses challenges unique to urban agriculture, such as limited space and soil quality. It includes case studies, design principles, and step-by-step instructions for creating productive urban gardens that contribute to local food systems. Ableman emphasizes community engagement and sustainability throughout the toolkit.

Practical Science for Gardeners by Mary M. Pratt

Practical Science for Gardeners by M. Pratt presents scientific principles applicable to gardening practices. The book covers topics such as soil biology, plant physiology, pest management, and environmental sustainability. By integrating scientific knowledge with practical gardening techniques, it aims to enhance gardeners' understanding of how to create healthy ecosystems within their gardens.

Mayo Clinic Health System

The Mayo Clinic Health System provides reliable health information and resources related to nutrition and wellness. Their content often includes insights into the benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables grown in home gardens. We occasionally find it useful to cross-check claims of medical efficacy against their data.

The Spruce

The Spruce is an online resource dedicated to home improvement and gardening advice. It features articles on various gardening techniques, plant care tips, landscaping ideas, and DIY projects for gardeners of all skill levels. The site aims to inspire readers with practical advice that enhances their gardening experience. They have great guides on companion planting and practical tips for home gardeners, albeit not always for our climate.

Gardenia

Gardenia.net is an online gardening community that offers resources for plant identification, care guides, and gardening inspiration. Users can explore a wide range of plants suitable for different climates and conditions while accessing tools for garden planning and design. For data that's outside government or academic recommendations, we need some level of triangulation, so we cross-check these against the Spruce and Epic Gardening.

Epic Gardening

Epic Gardening is a popular online platform (both on Youtube and as a website) that focuses on practical gardening advice aimed at both beginning gardeners. It provides comprehensive guides on various gardening topics including companion planting strategies---helpful for maximizing yields by pairing compatible plants effectively. For data that's outside government or academic recommendations, we need some level of triangulation, so we cross-check these against Gardenia and The Spruce.

Video Resources

We don't use a lot of videos directly in our articles, but these resources have been sources of both great inspiration and for understanding fundamental principles by which we can make recommendations.

Discover Permaculture with Geoff Lawton

Geoff Lawton's YouTube channel focuses on permaculture principles applied in various contexts. He shares insights into sustainable farming practices that can be implemented at both small-scale gardens and larger agricultural systems.

Happen Films

Happen Films produces documentaries centered around sustainable living practices including permaculture design. Their videos highlight successful projects that inspire viewers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Their Fools and Dreamers documentary is nothing short of inspiring.

Andrew Millison

Andrew Millison, who teaches permaculture at Oregon State University, has a fantastic YouTube channel where he provides tutorials on permaculture design principles - especially with regard to water - with practical applications in various environments. He emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world examples.

Farmers Friend

Farmers Friend focuses on innovative farming solutions aimed at smallholder farmers. Their videos cover topics such as low-cost farming equipment and techniques that improve productivity sustainably.

GrowVeg

GrowVeg offers garden planning tools along with instructional videos that help gardeners maximize their space effectively while growing a variety of crops. If you need to know more about how to do things on a small amount of land, this is a great place to start.