Veggies from the backyard

If the aroma of the mint chutney and the brinjal sambhar in a Coimbatore household is exceptionally nice, don’t be surprised. After all, they are grown in the backyard, that too with organic manure without a trace of chemicals. Coimbatoreans are increasingly taking to organic farming and are proudly flaunting the veggies grown in their patch. P Vincent, who trains people to set up kitchen garden in their houses, says, “With the prices of vegetables hitting the roof, it’s only practical that we start growing the vegetables in our garden.A small patch can feed a family of four every four days if taken good care of it. There are three varieties of plants that people love to grow in their houses- vegetables and fruits, medicinal and ornamental plants. With the soaring prices, veggies are picking up and how. Coimbatore weather conditions and soil are extremely good for any plant.”
Homemaker Nirmala Swaminathan makes it a point to spend at least 20 minutes in her small patch every day. “Those few minutes are like the best hours of the day. I feel completely rejuvenated after a brief spell in the backyard. This apart, the food also tastes better as it is devoid of chemicals that are normally used to grow plants. Last but not the least, I end up saving money.” For M Ragunath, it was a challenge that led him to growing grapes in his terrace. “I wanted to prove that it was possible to grow grapes on my terrace and got into action with all my grit and determination. Today, I have a thick cluster of grapes and I get a yield of 150 kg. I spray cow urine to keep the pests at bay and use cow dung and goat manure as the fertilizer. Whoever pays a visit to my house, takes a handful of grapes with them. After all, isn’t the joy in giving?”
C Subesh Ranjith Kumar, assistant professor at the agricultural university says that though there is a rise in the number of people growing their own food in Coimbatore, it is restricted to gated communities and independent houses. “It is yet to catch up in a big manner in apartments, courtesy the space constraints. The biggest challenge in growing food in your backyard is the drainage system. But the good news is that there are decks and containers available in the market that can hold the water and keep the floor in good condition.” Seconding him is Vincent, who adds that one need not even worry about water seepage in their premises. “There are many novel techniques in terrace gardening today where not only the consumption of water is less but one need to look after them only once in two days. You can start growing veggies with a meager amount of Rs 500. The need of the hour is to teach the younger generation about the importance of a kitchen garden. Growing your own food will take them in the right direction.”