My Kitchen/Terrace Garden (Mis)Adventures
Before a few months, I joined a Facebook group called “Organic Terrace Gardening”. I was inspired by the photos of vegetables/plants grown on terraces/balconies of members. Soon, I decided to start my own little kitchen/terrace garden.
Initially I thought we need to fill up a pot with mud, put some seeds and pour water – the plant will grow. Then I discovered that we need to create something called as “compost”. When I went to this organic shop, I bought a small booklet on how to create compost. I also did some Internet research and came up with the following method –
1. Add greens (left over vegetable/fruit peels, etc.) from the kitchen.
2. Add browns (dried leaves fallen from trees/plants or twigs from around the house).
3. Add garden soil.
I added all the above in 1:1:1 ratio. Guess where – yes, in that plastic fanta bottle you see above. This is my own idea, but I still got compost. I then did the same with multiple fanta bottles –
Soon, I got tired of the little compost I got (that too after 2-3 months). Now I am planning to buy a waste-paper bin or small plastic bucket and prepare compost in that. Anyone knows how to make holes on a plastic surface?
Anyway, I added the little compost I got and planted some methi seeds. I got many short sprouts quickly but none of them grew more than a couple of inches. They all fell down after one or two days. Then, I got one plant which grew to a good size –
Doesn’t it look beautiful? It even had a few violet flowers. I thought this was methi plant and I went and posted this photo in that group and said, “Yaaaaay!! I grew methi in my house”. To which, members promptly replied that this plant was a weed. But, it seems, this weed’s leaves are edible and I could make bajji using it! One BIG Light bulb moment 😛
I still didn’t lose hope. I prepared one more pot using an old aluminum vessel and planted some raw groundnuts. This is what I got –
GRASS!! Thankfully, this time I had enough sense not to claim this as groundnut plant in that group. But I did another blunder – I asked how to grow badam/pista plant inside the house. They “educated” me that these are grown on trees and can’t exactly be grown inside/on top of the house!! But some people liked my way of thinking 😛
I plucked out the grass in frustration. I couldn’t believe what I saw – such a small grass had dense and deep roots! I left the pot alone for a couple of days. Just when I was about to lose all my hope and give up on the concept of kitchen/ terrace gardening, I saw small shoots coming out from the soil. I immediately started watering again.
And at long last, I got (what I think is) a groundnut plant 🙂 –
There are four shoots there, actually. I have no idea if groundnuts will grow under it or when I need to take it out. I have to ask in that group, again. But it’s a very friendly group – they answer any silly question 🙂
Next up is tomato plant adventure. Once I set-up the larger composting bin, I will plant tomato seeds. Whether veggies/plants grow or not, I am getting good exercise in the mornings trying to water, planting, making compost, etc. 😀
Destination Infinity
Interesting group. Must join it. Groundnut and Methi plants look so healthy.
I hope it’s groundnut, and the other one is some weed, not methi! 🙂
Destination Infinity
Nice.
Sure, your experiments will inspire many more to try this out.
“inspire” is a big word considering my current level 🙂
Destination Infinity
Wow! Some inspiring adventures! Have patience and faith, your hard work and perseverance will bear fruits and flowers 😀
As for making hole in a plastic bucket. Take a long nail or any thin rod, heat it on flame and poke the bucket with it and you have perfect holes 🙂
Oh, thanks for that idea for making holes in plastic surface. I’ll try it 🙂
Destination Infinity
congratulations on succesful experiment 😀 I am thinking of growing some coriander and onion … let’s see how that works out.
I too want to grow onion and garlic. But it takes a lot of time for the vegetable to form, it seems. That’s why I am undecided on it. One by one, I am going to try everything 🙂
Destination Infinity
That was fun. 😀
I do have a terrace garden and I must tell you, tomato and chillies will grow faster and easily. Do try!
And yes, that group is quite helpful and friendly.
Now, chillies will also be part of my new adventure 🙂
Destination Infinity
The last one looks like methi leaves!.
This is a good start. Keep trying and then posting photos! It will be interesting for us too!
I am going to continue anyway. If not veggies/crops, I will at least get some exercise in the mornings 🙂
Destination Infinity
wowow .. that is so good .. I am also trying to make my own compost , the problem is counsils here have stopped picking up garden rubbish so we have to dump it on our own.. and I just dont get time .. so making compost is the best but HOW .. I need to learn that 🙂
very healthy plants DI.. well done
If you have a garden, you can dig a pit and use that to make compost. That’s how they were made traditionally. Since we don’t have space to dig pits, etc. we are looking at alternatives!
Destination Infinity
I admire your enthusiasm.
Sometimes, I too admire my own enthusiasm 🙂
Destination Infinity
I have grown tomatoes, bitter gourd, coriander, marthangali/mannathakali in my verandah – in four small old pots! No fancy techniques, mud, water, coffee-decotion sediment, used tea-leaves and onion peels go as part of the ‘compost’!!!! 🙂
It is time for the next set of plants now 🙂
Wow, you are very experienced in this area. Good to know 🙂
Destination Infinity
Practice make a man perfect 🙂 I really appreciate the attempt… great seeing groundnut grow in pot. Like sm says, your experiment inspiring.
I hope that is groundnut! 🙂
Destination Infinity
Misadventures? At least you got some results. Seems like some nice experience 🙂
Yes, that plant is groundnut plant indeed, it seems! People in the group have confirmed. So, I’ve got some results all right 🙂
Destination Infinity
Wow! Rajesh, you are turning out to be quite a surprise with so many hidden talents: writing, blogging, gardening…..
Yea, I am a jack of all trades 🙂
Destination Infinity
Your gardening attempts are too cute!!Love your enthusiasm too.Take care and happy hours of gardening.
Thank you 🙂
Destination Infinity
Came upon your blog by accident and love it. This post got me interested in gardening. I was never much into gardening. My mom prepares compost in a mud pot. I want to plant something on my own now.Happy gardening..! 😉
Do explore gardening as a hobby – it’s a pleasurable activity + good exercise!
Destination Infinity