The first 3 months of gardening | New Gardeners | Commercial Hydroponics farming

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 (15^th floor) to water. But then I realized that it is great opportunity to be in the 15^th 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.