Growing Green: Vadodara Women Cultivate Thriving Kitchen Gardens for Sustainable Living

Harvesting Joy: Vadodara Women Embrace Kitchen Gardens for Sustainable Living and Organic Delights

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a green revolution in Vadodara, as residents turn to terrace gardens and kitchen plots to grow an array of fruits and vegetables. One such green enthusiast is Priti Patel, who has been nurturing her terrace garden for the past six years. Hailing from a farming background, Priti’s passion for cultivating diverse flora led her to create a thriving oasis at her home. Her verdant haven boasts over 50 fruit, flower, and vegetable plants, transforming her urban dwelling into a self-sustaining paradise.

With dedicated care and a love for nature, Pritiben’s terrace garden flourishes with an impressive variety of produce. Amongst the flourishing greenery, one can find okra, guava, choli, brinjal, ivy gourd,  bottle gourd, and an assortment of seasonal vegetables. The vibrant space also plays host to a colourful array of fragrant flowers like Texas, mogra, Jasmine, rose, Hibiscus, and Parijat. The green bounty doesn’t end there; Priti’s garden features five to six types of tomatoes, including cherry, orange, hybrid, and native varieties. Additionally, she nurtures cauliflower, ginger, chili, green veggies, saffron, and red, yellow, and green capsicum. The oasis extends its embrace to fruit trees, including pomegranate, grape, fig, cherry, custard apple, and falsa.

Dedicating about one to one and a half hours each day, Pritiben employs compost and homemade liquid fertilizers to nurture her thriving plants. To further enrich the soil, she prepares fertilizer from cow urine, which is carefully administered to the vegetables every fifteen days. Priti’s dedication and organic farming methods have not only borne her a bountiful harvest but have also created a sustainable solution to combat the rising vegetable prices in the market.

While the escalating vegetable costs have impacted many households, Priti’s kitchen garden has proven to be a shield against inflation. As the majority of her vegetables are grown and consumed at home, the need to purchase from the market has significantly reduced. A mere 10 to 20 okra plants yield a plentiful harvest of 500 to 600 grams, while two vines of ivy gourd generously produce 500 grams to one kg of the delectable vegetable and three plants of brinjal account for about one kg of this versatile vegetable.

Priti’s passion for organic farming has also led her to offer consultancy services. She passionately helps others embrace organic farming and guides those who wish to embark on their own terrace gardening journey. According to Priti, the joy of eating homegrown vegetables is unparalleled. The experience of plucking and cooking homegrown produce brings a unique satisfaction and wholesome taste to meals. Encouraging others to start their own kitchen gardens, she believes that whether one has a small or large space, they can commence with easy-to-grow plants like green leafy vegetables like spinach, coriander, brinjal, and tomatoes in sunny spots. Priti has witnessed a surge in interest in kitchen gardens, especially during the lockdown, and she acknowledges the growing appeal of organic farming among enthusiasts.

The trend of terrace gardens and kitchen plots not only fosters sustainable living but also serves as a gratifying hobby for many individuals. Vadodara is witnessing a shift towards self-sufficiency and organic practices, as more and more residents embrace the joys of cultivating their food. With a deep-rooted connection to nature, these urban farmers are setting an inspiring example of how small efforts can yield significant impacts on personal well-being and the environment. As kitchen gardens continue to thrive in Vadodara, the city’s women lead the way toward a greener and more sustainable future.