Gardens have been prized by man for centuries, with every man wanting one, whether it was a humble abode or a grand palace. However, due to rapid urbanisation and increasing demand for housing, the size of houses and, consequently, the size of gardens have been shrinking. In place of vast green gardens, the concept of terrace gardens and kitchen gardens has emerged.
While many may aim to develop a kitchen or terrace garden, the ones to do so successfully in our sector are the husband-wife duo of Manish & Poonam Aggarwal (B-296, 98994 14243).
The use of health-hazardous pesticides and polluted water in farming fruits and vegetables has compelled the Aggarwals to convert their terrace area into a kitchen garden.
Working in the kitchen garden, they say, brings them both pleasure and peace. The couple takes turns watering the plants, sometimes using the wastewater from the kitchen. They completely avoid using chemical fertilisers or pesticides, using cow dung from time to time to nourish the plants. Furthermore, the family prefers to clean the area around the pots themselves and asks the maid to do so occasionally.
While it is not possible to grow vegetables throughout the year, the couple has placed great emphasis on growing only seasoned vegetables. The family gets fresh cauliflower, tomatoes, brinjal, red onion, and carrots. The family relishes plucking the home-grown vegetables and says that they taste better too.
Poonam and Manish have also planted seasonal plants and like to sow seeds as opposed to buying saplings from nurseries. They say that one can use synthetic bags for plants as these are lightweight, along with other techniques.
As per Poonam, plants have to be cared for like children, and yes, even the casual plucking of a leaf is not allowed. Any harsh handling of the plants is not appreciated. Besides the aesthetic value, a roof garden also helps keep the house cool.
While planning a terrace or roof garden, one should not forget waterproofing. If one finds it difficult to maintain fresh grass, especially in harsh summers where lots of water is required, one can go in for good-quality artificial grass.
