Komal Singh decorated her two-room apartment in Bengaluru with various types of plants. Her gardening began as a simple decision to return to a hobby she had put off while working in the corporate world.
After moving to Bengaluru, she wanted to take up gardening and started growing vegetables from seeds on the balcony, utilizing limited space. Komal notes: 'I took this as a challenge and started growing vegetables from seeds in my small balcony garden.'
As she learned more about growing plants, her small balcony gradually turned into a garden. Among the crops she grows are tomatoes, bell peppers, ginger, and beets. Komal's balcony demonstrates that a backyard or large terrace is not always necessary for home food cultivation.
Furthermore, Komal shares her knowledge through her platform 'Urban Home Vibes'. There, she offers practical ideas for those who want to start gardening at home, including information on plant cultivation, composting, and homemade fertilizers.
Substrate is important for creating a home garden. The gardener recommends using a mixture consisting of 50 percent soil, 30 percent compost, and 20 percent coconut fiber. The correct choice of mixture provides plants with a suitable base for growth in pots.
Even a small balcony can be suitable for growing several plants. It is necessary to choose pots that fit the available space and start with vegetables or other plants suitable for the growing conditions. More can be added as one learns.
Komal's garden includes not only vegetables; flowers and leafy plants add variety to her collection, showing that a balcony can accommodate various types of greenery without needing a separate garden.
Each plant has its unique needs, and gardening requires some patience. It is recommended to start with a small number of pots, carefully monitor the plants' reaction, and make changes as necessary. One should not try to do everything at once.
Komal's story serves as a reminder that one can start gardening without waiting for more spacious housing or more space. A few pots, seeds, and a willingness to learn are enough.