Rooftop gardens root connections

Across balconies and terraces, city residents are trading concrete views for grow bags, compost bins, and climbing creepers, embracing urban farming as a healthier, ecoconscious way of living. Driven by water scarcity, lack of open spaces, and growing concern over chemical-laced produce, more Chennaiites are choosing to grow their own fruits and vegetables at home. What began as a weekend experiment has now evolved into a daily activity — one that nurtures health, sustainability, and a deeper connection with nature in the heart of the city.

‘IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FOOD — IT’S ABOUT BEING CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS AND TEACHING CHILDREN’“Terrace gardening reconnected me with nature in the city. In Chennai’s harsh climate, I compost waste, reuse water and grow vegetables — it’s about sustainability and teaching children where food comes from,” says Anita Rajan, an architect who has gardened for six years.

‘TODAY, I HARVEST CURRY LEAVES, OKRA, TOMATOES, AND EVEN PAPAYA FROM MY TERRACE’“The biggest myth is that terrace gardening is expensive. I started by spending ₹6,000, which included the cost of grow bags, soil mix, seeds, and basic tools. Over time, costs reduce because you save seeds and compost at home. Today, I harvest curry leaves, okra , tomatoes, and even papaya. It’s cost-efficient in the long run and reduces our dependency on store-bought vegetables,” says Suresh Kumar, IT Professional, who set up his terrace garden three years ago.

‘WHEN YOU GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES, YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT GOES INTO THEM’“Health was the main reason I started growing my own food. When you grow your own vegetables, you know exactly what goes into them. No pesticides, no chemicals. I grow spinach, mint, tomatoes, lemons, and aloe vera. Freshly harvested food is nutritionally superior, and in Chennai, it’s a simple way to prioritise wellness,” says Dr Meenakshi Narayanan, nutrition consultant, who has been practising urban farming for eight years.

‘IT HAS TURNED OUR WEEKENDS INTO MEANINGFUL, NATURE-FILLED CONVERSATIONS’“Every weekend, a group of us women from the apartment gather on the terrace, not with phones, but with seeds, saplings, and soilstained hands. We plan what to grow, exchange tips, and talk about nurturing plants just like we talk about life. Sometimes we even share the vegetables we harvest. It’s relaxing, deeply satisfying, and has turned our weekends into meaningful, nature-filled conversations,” says Priya Raghavan, HR consultant.

‘IT KEEPS ME ACTIVE, REDUCES GROCERY BILLS, AND GIVES IMMENSE SATISFACTION’“Watching food grow at home changes your relationship with what you eat. I grow gourds, beans, drumstick leaves, tomatoes, and herbs. It keeps me active, reduces grocery bills, and gives immense satisfaction. In Chennai, where fresh produce quality fluctuates, growing your own food brings peace of mind,” says Lakshmi Sundaram, homemaker.