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2:18 pm
December 31, 2013
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October 2013
Being in IT and being with keypad and phone always, I wanted to do something different. I have developed a taste in farming. Yes, I thought of having a balcony garden in my apartment. I have brought a few grow bags filled with sand and cow dung (6 bags which cost me around Rs.300). Sowed some seeds of Cucumber, Brinjal, Ladies finger and Long beans. All these seeds sprouted in a week’s time. Cucumber started growing in an accelerated way. Started browsing website for more information. /) and made a handmade pest mix and applied in the night. It was great. I was able to survive 4 cucumber plants and all long bean plants. Next day, I took a sample affected leaf to the agriculture office in the city. The agriculture officer has recommended me the same remedy I have seen in the website. This confirmed me that whatever I have done is correct. Ladies finger is not growing beyond 4 leaves. Tomatoes and Greens have germinated.
December 2013
I felt the sun rays in the balcony is not enough for the plant. I took all of them to the terrace. Now I have to go the apartment terrace (15th floor) to water. But then I realized that it is great opportunity to be in the 15th floor to see the rising sun or sun set while you go for watering. I got some fertilizer (organic) and cow dung (for Rs. 90 together) from the local market. I feel the plants have gained momentum and started growing. I could see long beans, brinjal and ladies finger started giving fruits – not many, only a few.
But this basic question lingering in my mind – I have spent Rs.600. Will these plants provide me enough quantity of vegetable for one serving for my family?
I have not lost hope.
9:56 am
May 1, 2010
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Hello Mr Pillai,
Most of the times the plants dont grow because the nutrient we put is not enough for their growth or they are not available for the plant when they need. Regularly add compost (say every 15 days).
As you said, please dont lose hope. while 600 is a good amount. These failures are important lessons in agriculture. The plants are teaching us something. So use this opportunity to understand them better and very soon your expense will come down and yield will increase.
Like I said, you are now enjoying the sun rise and sunset. That is another value addition you got.. Sure, it is not monetary but you get the point. If money is the object, you can also use synthetic fertilizers that can accelerate growth. It wont fall under "organic" as people claim. While I use NPK for my garden, I will leave it to you.
Let this new year bring bountyful harvest to you.
gg
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