Kitchen Garden: Give Thumbs Up To Green Thumb

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul,” said American botanist and horticulturist Luther Burbank. Having a garden full of flowers is cherished by everyone but what if your garden treats you with something more than this? With the increasing instances of adulteration and the rampant use of pesticides to increase the productivity in the professional farms, people are turning back to the older concept of kitchen gardens just to get that privilege of eating 'fresh and organic'.

But for some people, who think that it is not possible because their home or apartment lacks that extra space, terrace gardens is the answer.
The models of terrace gardens have been generally restricted to beautiful flowers nicely covered and caressed in flower pots. But your terrace garden can also grow those fresh, green and colourful vegetables and you could enjoy all its organic benefits.

Naveen Joshi, an ex-serviceman, put all his heart and mind into what he calls a 'masterpiece'. He collected waste material dumped below his home, including shredded roof tin covers, wrapping papers, several twigs and branches, a couple of plastic bags and old buckets. Apart from this, he bought flower pot holders and bamboo sticks and made optimum use everything he could get hold of.

Pumpkins growing in Joshi's kitchen garden. (Naveen Joshi)

The idea works for a smaller area as well, especially the ones living in apartment accommodations. PropGuide lists 

Take it easy

Gardening should never be seen as a challenge. Designing a kitchen garden simply means to discover a small space where you can let the wilderness grow. The growth will give birth to fresh flowers, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and of course fresh air.

Know your greens

This is when we know what grows when and how. Research comes handy as there are some seedlings that require ample water while some appreciate dryness. A visit to a nearby nursery will go a long way in honing your skills. There you will also get hold of each all types of plants – seasonal as well as evergreen varieties.

(Aditi Sharma)

Spread the magic of water smartly

Watering plants is another area where a little expertise is required. There is either no water or the spill. Rainwater harvesting is the answer to your woes. Keep a storage tank and demarcate a separate bucket or a similar container to store water that would have otherwise gone waste. For example, the water with which you wash your vegetables or the soap-free rinsed water of your clothes can be used.

Say hello to herbs

Tulsi plant dots a majority of homes in India. Besides being a holy plant, it has great medicinal value. There are many other herbs that can be a part of your kitchen garden such as basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, mint and parsley.

Tulsi is one of the prominent herbs grown across households in India. (Wikimedia)

Organic way

All your kitchen waste that you dump in the dustbin can be very good friends with your greens as the organic manure helps in the speedy growth of the plants.

Hold on, love thy work

Gardening is not a challenge. Your plants are like your babies and need your time and affection. You can unwind with your greens after a long, tiring day. Steal those small breaks from your busy schedule and shower your garden with all your attention and care. Happy Gardening!