Garden Affair : Growing vegetables in small spaces for spring

 The spurge in demand  for fresh  vegetables and groceries was skyrocketed during the covid 19  lockdown .The concept of  urban gardening came  into trend thereafter when the demand  for fresh vegetables and fruits was  unable to accomplish due to stringent covid19 regulations. 

Urban Gardening is basically growing and cultivating plants mainly vegetables, fruits in an urban environment in small spaces like balconies, small yards, rooftops.  

                                                                                     

How to utilize small space for growing vegetables successfully

Most of the urban gardening is done in small spaces like balconies, rooftops, small yards which are available in a setup of  urban home spaces. Gardening in small balconies and rooftops can be rewarding to obtain harvest if planned wisely . Small spaces  Gardening can be done usually in containers, vertical mounted container gardening set up to utilize whatsoever available space in gardening. 

                                           A glimpse of Rooftop gardening developed for growing vegetables.

    Hanging baskets is  a good option to grow vegetables having shallow roots such as leafy green vegetables, harvesting tomatoes and even for harvesting fruits like strawberries.                                                                        

Vertical Gardening is one of the feasible methods to grow veggies  in balconies especially like herbs and leafy vegetables.                                                                                                                                        

Creating a mount of pots with a DIY kit or containers available in the markets is a good away to harvest vegetables in small spaces.                                                                                                    

While above methods are more feasible for small spaces like balconies, verandahs . Creating a  rooftop Garden for those who have large spaces  on their roof  by raising beds and accumulating   containers and pots in  an asymmetrical arrangement can procure an abundance of harvest   .                                                                                                            

Best vegetables that can be easily  grown  in small spaces for spring 

                                                             

Peas, Tomatoes, leeks, onions, Carrots, radishes and cauliflower and broccoli are some of the great spring harvest options for balcony gardening if your available space receive ample sunlight throughout the day.                                                                                                                                                          

Growing herbs and leafy vegetables can be rewarding in vertical gardening as harvest from them can be obtained multiple times from the same crop. 

Small space Gardening is a successful step to obtain fresh and organic harvest from your home space. 

        It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week . 

                                                                         

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Winter is on the way

 This year Autumn is  bit cooler after unprecedented rains , the Garden currently is diverse with summer annuals at the prime of their blooms , buds of early winter blooms such as  marigold and chrysanthemums can also be observed, Autumn perennial flowering shrubs are filled with blossoms . 

  Elephant creeper blooming season starts in early Autumn and blooms remain till the beginning of winter season .

Bougainvillea blooms are omnipresent throughout the year in my garden 

                                         Autumn Garden is a mixed bag of summer and early winter blooms 

It was one of those fine morning this beautiful visitor named  Ruby red eyed Shikra visited my Garden .                                                                                                                                  

   

Garden Affair : Rose season is back

 Roses blooms  disappear in my garden for the major part of the year after spring . They rejuvenate in the Autumn season.  The blooms appear mostly in profusion till the end of winter and early spring. 

       

                                                                 

As a child I was very fond of Roses and these rose buds would always raise my curiosity to know the color and shapes coming up for roses.                                                                                                            

                                                                                

Growing Roses in pots  and how to take care                                                                                           

The urbanization has lead to limited space available for Gardening, Now roses are developed in an environment which is also popularly known as micro propagation to produce large number of disease free rose plants.   The culture of potted rose plants  is on a rise in urban environment.

 

How to grow roses in pots and how to take care of potted roses                                                 

                                             

Growing Roses in a pot is easy when we choose correct pot , soil composition and environment . 

Roses blooms can be obtained  easily in a large pot with proper drainage holes. Roses grow well in fertilizer rich soil . There blooms love full day sun and can be rewarding when fertilized on regular intervals.                                                                                                                           

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week starting from Friday. 

                                                                          

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Garden Affair : Four o' clock

 

Autumn is cooler this year with unprecedented rains  that has brought down temperature drastically and it feels like early phase of  winter rather than  Autumn season . 

While summer annuals are at their peak of blooms it is the Four O clock blooms that is omnipresent in  my Autumn Garden of this year. 

Four O clock or Mirabilis Jalapa is a semi perennial that grows well in my region. Interestingly, Four o clock has got its name owing to  its blooming time when flowers blooms in  late afternoon  around four o clock and blooms  remain till night .  

                                                                        

How to grow Four O' clock and How to take care of the plants 

                                                                            

Four o clock is an easy to grow plant through dispersal of seeds. It has a sucker root shaped alike a black carrot which can be transplanted and can be divided  to grow  and multiply plant accordingly.  

                                                                  Four o' clock Root

They are hardy drought resistant plants that are capable to adapt in any soil . They need full to partial sunlight for blooming season.                                                                                                                 

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and Birds . The link up party will  be open for a week. 

                                                          

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Garden Affair : Is Urban Gardening the Future

 The rapid growth in residential  subdivision and industrialization  had lead to curb in the green belt . The time has gone when we use to  had huge  front gardens in houses which are now replaced  with parking spaces. 

Urban Gardening is a concept when plants either ornamental or consumable harvest likes vegetables and fruits are  grown in an urban environment. It is generally a green space created in the balconies which can be utilized to grow your own veggies, fruits and even for  growing houseplants to bring greenery in your home. 

                                                                      

The urban gardening saw its surge in the  times of covid 19 when nationwide lockdown was imposed subsequently Gardening provided a sense of joy and brought optimist mindset at the time due to  the uncertainty of  future. Lockdown leads to limit and uncertainty  in the  access to food  in the urban environment. This invokes the concept of growing your own veggies and fruits in the urban environment.  

            Basic methods for Urban Gardening                                                                                                                                                            

Container Gardening

The solution for growing plants in small spaces is growing in pots and planters  available in versatile sizes and materials which can be chosen according to your space ,success of  gardening done in container depends upon container size, composition of soil mixture in container and placement of pots in sunlight.

                                                                                

Vertical Gardening

Vertical Gardening is good for those places where there is limited open space thereby wall is used for growing plants pots are arranged vertically in symmetrical position . Vertical Gardening is effective for  growing plants of shallow roots like green leafy vegetables and leafs used in salads. 

                                                                                   

Setting up a rooftop Garden 

Rooftop Gardening is ideal for the people who have large rooftop place in their home, Rooftop farming is increasing culture these days that provides organic , fresh harvest everyday . In a survey recently it was found out that urban rooftop farming can actually combat the problem of rising organic demand in longer run. 

                                                                              

People should get   more awareness about the benefits of urban farming. A small step taken towards urban gardening can actually contribute in maintaining ecological balance in environment. 

It is the time for link up party Garden affair where we can share posts related to Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week starting from Friday. 

                                                                                         

                                                                              

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Garden Affair : Happy Diwali

 Its the time to celebrate the festival of lights Diwali , Diwali is a  Hindu Festival which has primary  significance in the virtue to celebrate victory of Good over Evil. Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day  of the month thereby earthen lamps(also known as Diyas) are lightened outside and inside of the home and every corner of the house is lighten up with Diyas to eradicate darkness and bring positivity . 

May this Diwali lighten up everyone's life with positivity and good health .  Happy Diwali to everyone .

                                                                             

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related to Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open from Friday  for a week.                                                                                        

 

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Autumn season

 

October had  begun with a rounds of downpour that brought down the temperature and had made the weather  favorable for the onset of autumn which is actually identical to  spring that comes after monsoon  for our region . 

                                                                                

                           The summer blooms and the blooms that occur due to transition from Summer to winter  helps Garden moving on to brighter days.                                                 

                                                                  

Autumn is a process of rejuvenation of Garden after summers and monsoon has passed away, formation of buds on perennials is ubiquitous into the Garden.                                                                         

Autumn is in general a best time to spot blooms from summer annuals and perennials . 

                                                                                 

I was fortunate to capture Greater coucal perching on Frangipani Tree in my Garden 

Garden affair : Is Curry Plant a super food

 What is fuss going around super foods these days , Can  super food   bring  revolution in  the spectrum of Health and well being in near future . Actually most of the super foods that are  now recognized more after greater consciousness of there health benefits  had been part of our staple diet from ancient times .  

CurryPlant or murrayya Koingei is a popular semi perennial tree in our region had been popular globally due to its strong flavorful leaves that are popular as a spice in cuisine around the world. It is gaining popularity after its numerous health benefits are  researched and proven. 

                                                                   

How to grow curry plant  at home and get its health benefits                                                                 

Curry Plant is  popular perennial plant in our region that grows well in tropical warm climate. It requires little care when grown in  fields and garden beds or even on the side lane of porches . When growing in a pot well drained fertile soil is good for the nourishment of plant.                                     

              Curry leaves are packed with nutritional benefits like essential vitamins and minerals that  aids in blood sugar regulation, improving digestion, boosting immunity and providing essential nutrients to regulate blood flow. In a recent research they were claimed to be good for hair health.

                                                           

                                                                                                                                                            

How to grow curry plant in a pot  at Home                                                                                                                     

Curry plant can be easily grown in a large pot when you keep  it in full day of  sunlight. It can be grown through seeds and propagated through stem cuttings .                                                                                                                                   

My personal experience after consuming curry leaves 

I starting chewing curry leaves empty stomach in morning  after learning about its benefits upon Hair health as I was suffering Hair loss for long. Although after consuming for a month there wasn't any significant improvement in Hair fall but the frequency an volume of Hair fall was mildly  decreased over a period of month and more.                                                                                                       

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week .                                                                                

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Garden Affair : Pink prevalent in the Garden

 We are into the October which had an odd  beginning with a round of downpour. October is generally time when weather is transitioning into the Autumn season. This particular year summer annuals are into their prime of blooming stage even in the October month. 

I never plan for my Autumn Garden as Summers here are harsh and  the aim to protect plants from harsh summer and the concurrent  monsoon is a priority. While the Garden itself is spontaneous to come into view in the Autumn after nourishment of  Monsoon Downpour . This year it  seems the Autumn Garden will bring the riot of Pink shades in for 'The Autumn Play '

                                                                              

                                                                 Ixora 

Balsam

Zinnia 

                                                                       Vinca

 

                                                              Ruellia

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week starting from Friday.       

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Garden Affair : Does Lucky Bamboo actually work

 Lucky Bamboo plant is a popular indoor houseplant that  had became popular after its cultural significance as a good  omen  in the ancient practice of Fengshui had been proven in the world. It became a household plant after it became a name in every household as a plant that bring good fortune .  

                                                                              

How to grow the Lucky Bamboo plant and care 

                                                                                       

It is interesting to note here while it is called Bamboo plant due to its resemblance to Bamboo it is actually not a Bamboo plant instead a variety of Dracaeana Family. It is an easy to Grow indoor plant that requires ample indirect sunlight and can be easily grown in water , sand and any well drained  soil . 

Propagation of Lucky Bamboo plant 

                                                                                 
Lucky Bamboo is an easy to grow plant that requires minimal care and grows well indoor . The Lucky Bamboo cutting can be propagated through stem cuttings . The cuttings obtained from the offshoots grown on the plant can be easily grown in water and also can be grown in well drained soil with the use of rooting hormone . 

                                                                      

Does lucky bamboo actually brings good luck ?                                                                        

According to Chinese culture Fengshui Bamboo stalks can be directly effecting your fate and bring good omen . According to Chinese culture Fengshui number of stalks grown of Lucky Bamboo plant have their own significance and there quantity individually  symbolizes the   positivity and prosperity in our life. 

Although this plant is not directly related to bringing  good fortune in life the placement of plant according to Fengshui and Vaastu shastra has mentioned its significance in bringing positive energy and happiness in home when placed  in the south east direction of House. 

My personal experience of Growing Lucky Bamboo 

I had planted set of six stalks of Lucky bamboo about five years back in a small jar which was kept in a living room with indirect sunlight . It grew within a year with offshoots growing on three of the stalks which I trimmed and used for propagation. While what positive effect it brought into my life is still unascertainable it is definitely a great indoor plant that can be grown to add greenery  to your room .  

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related to Gardening, Nature and birds. The link up party will be open for a week starting from Friday.                                                 

                                                                               

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Garden Affair : Big Butterfly month

The weather after monsoon is cooler in comparison to Summer  with  pleasant sunny days which is considered favorable  for the emergence of bugs and bees  family . Butterflies are more prevalent  after  the post monsoon Indian climate.  While the ideal monsoon season in India covers July to Mid September. It is the September season that leads to growth in Fresh vegetation and emergence of annual and perennial nectar rich blooms that attracts Bugs and Butterflies. 

                                                                             

Big Butterfly Month in India is celebrated in September month which has primary focus on spreading awareness about the presence of Butterflies and thereby encourage the observing , recording and reporting of Butterfly  sightings  which help monitor Biodiversity and overall assess the environmental health.                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                                  

Why it is important to conserve Butterflies and How to participate in Big Butterfly month  ?  

Butterflies protection and conservation came into light when it was scientifically proved that           Butterflies play vital role in maintaining ecological Balance . They play active role in assessing           environment health and climate change .Thereby Big Butterfly month plays significant role in         collecting data of Population of Butterflies.                                                                                                  

                                                                            

                                                                                                                           

How to participate in Big Butterfly Month                                                                                                     

   - Participants can count the population of Butterflies using apps and submit their collected Data on available platforms and apps. Some of the relevant apps working on conservation of Butterflies are  INaturalist, Official BBM App                                                                                                                                                          

-Participants can attend    workshops and seminars to get awareness about Butterfly month organized by clubs , NGOS working  for environmental protection .  There are even Butterfly walks organized in parks and places to sight butterflies to  record their count  and observe their species.                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                      

- Organizing get together and events by Nature enthusiasts to encourage awareness about protection and conservation of Butterflies.                                                                                                                

Plants like Bougainvilleas, Indian milkweed , Plumbago , Lantanas, zinnias and many other nectar rich flowering  plants should be planted more to attract Butterflies in Gardens, parks .                            

It is the time for link up party Garden Affair where we can share posts related with Gardening, Nature and birds . The link up party will be open for a week starting from Friday. 

                                                                           

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter