Organic and terrace farming is making waves in the city as people are gradually understanding the advantages of growing and consuming their own food.
Several researches have found that indulging in gardening may not only keep older adults active but also boost their health and mental well-being. V Janakiraman (75) and V Jayalakshmi (72), are a good example of it. A retired officer of a private company, Janakiraman realised his retirement could be fruitful doing terrace gardening, which is also one of his hobbies. His wife voluntarily supported him and that is how they started with their own terrace garden a year ago.
Jayalakshmi narrates, “Anyone having an accommodation with a roof top can afford to start a roof garden. It could be a vegetable garden, a flowering garden or both. We got inspired about the idea of gardening from a relative. Now we grow vegetable plants such as ladies finger, tomatoes, brinjal, mint, coriander leaves, spinach and some flowering plants.”
Janakiraman purchases the seeds from government shops and uses no chemical fertilisers but earthworms and vegetable debris as an organic fertiliser and neem oil as a natural insecticide. “We grow more than 35 plants in about 500 sq feet. Our initial investment to start terrace farming was around Rs.500. Both of us have an avid interest in gardening and farming saying as we are attracted to the concept of growing and nurturing plants,” says Janakiraman.
“For soil, I use a mixture of cow dung manure, coco peat and red soil in the ratio 1:1:2. For controlling pests, grind garlic, chilli and ginger in equal proportions and sprinkle it after dissolving the mixture in one litre water. ‘Panjakavyam’ is also ideal to keep away pests. For growth and yield, use compost with egg shells and tea wastes,” explains Jayalakshmi.
While talking to the couple, it is evident that other than cultivating vegetables, terrace gardening gives them the joy beyond that of monetary gain. While it helps save money, having a garden on the roof or the terrace keeps a person and the family busy. They say, “Terrace gardening makes good use of space and brings greenery to our house. If everyone practises terrace cultivation, it will also help to keep the dwelling cool in this sweltering heat.”
