Urban Farming: Nurturing Hope In Uncertain Times – A Beginner’s Guide

 

Z. Retiwalla 

 

Sustainable home landscaping is the talk of the town. Urban farming allows you to convert your space into an organic grocery store. When done right, you can reap what you sow for years.

Among the many fond memories from my childhood, the one that stands out paints a vivid picture of our quaint apartment garden in the heart of Mumbai. My father, A. Y. Retiwalla, ensured that my sibling and I learned gardening the right way – hands covered with manure and minds focused on nurturing the earth. He always said, “Learn how to grow your food, that way you will know the effort that goes into it and you will never take things for granted.”

His teachings ring truer in today’s pandemic landscape. Panic-buying and the inevitable economic recession have sent millions in search of their next meals, creating an unprecedented strain on the food supply chain. In the world before COVID-19, urban farming was a mere hobby for green thumb enthusiasts. Now though, with the implementation of stay-at-home orders and social distancing measures, sustainable home landscaping is the talk of the town. The good news is, with a little training, anyone can do it.

The key is not about reinventing the wheel, but rather about making sensible choices in terms of plants and basic management. Problems arise when we put plants in areas with temperature, soil, and moisture conditions that they aren’t used to, forcing us to use fertilizers or chemicals. Plants adapted to a region not only save water, but they require a lot less effort and can easily be organic. Organics are not only healthier but also increasingly delicious when compared to pesticide-laced produce. 

Here is a step-wise guide to help you sprout joy and build your own urban garden!

1. Consider what to plant?

Do you want to plant a vegetable garden or an herb garden? Each one, or even a combination, would make for a wonderful garden but will have different maintenance requirements. In Indian summers, when sunlight is plentiful, the best growers are: spinach, fenugreek, mint, red Amaranthus, green Amaranthus, lemon grass, garlic, coriander, chillies, limes, lemons, tomatoes, Aloe Vera, basil etc.

Pro Tip: Start small until you know what you’re getting into.

2. Pick the right spot

Most vegetables and herbs need 6-8 hours of full sun every day. So pick a spot with maximum sunlight. If your lot is mostly shady, don’t worry – you can still grow most vegetables and herbs, just make sure you move the planters and pots into sunlight for at least a few hours a day.

3. Work the soil

The more fertile the soil, the better your vegetables will grow. The same holds true for other plants. Residential soil always needs a boost – the key is to add organic matter. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost, decayed leaves, dry grass clippings, or old manure to the soil when potting.

4. Start Planting

Many plants are easy to grow from seed directly in the garden. Be sure to read the seed packet for information about planting time, depth, and spacing. Place the containers on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights if you don’t have window space. Be sure to keep the seeds and seedlings moist but not wet, or they may rot.

An easier method of starting your garden is to buy young plants, called set plants or transplants. Dig holes in your prepared bed based on tag instructions. Remove plants from the container by pushing up from the bottom. If the roots have grown into a big ball (known as being root-bound), use a fork or your fingers to untangle some outer roots before setting it into the hole. Pat soil into place around the roots, then soak the soil with water.

5. Water at the right time

Seedlings should never be allowed to dry out, so water daily. Taper off as the plants get larger. Transplants also need frequent watering (every other day or so) until their roots become established. After that, how often you need to water depends on your soil, humidity, and rainfall, though once a week is a good place to start. Feel the soil 3 to 4 inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water slowly and deeply, so the water soaks in instead of running off. To minimize evaporation, water in the early morning.

What next?

Your garden is beginning to grow. Help it reach its full potential by keeping up with garden chores. Water the plants. Pull weeds before they get big. Get rid of dead, dying, and diseased vegetation. Banish destructive insects by picking them off the plant or spraying on a natural insecticides.

Now that you know the basics, you’ll feel confident growing vegetables. The plants develop quickly, and they respond generously to consistently good care. Only two or three months after planting, you’ll be picking as much delicious produce as you can eat. No other form of gardening has such bountiful, delicious rewards.

Awaken your inner green thumb! Happy growing!