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Dr Serene Teres George, a paediatrician based in Kottayam, Kerala likes to tend to her home garden on the balcony which is one of her favourite hobbies and brings her joy. She's passionate about providing organic vegetables to her family. Check out her gardening journey on @gardensnbakesbyserene.
How did you start gardening?
I started my gardening journey around 4 years back after moving to our new apartment, initially, it was just a flower garden on my balcony, but later especially after the 2020 COVID lockdown, I started growing vegetables and herbs for my family, now my garden is a melange of flowers, vegetables and herbs to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. I am so happy to buy untreated, non-GMO, non-hybrid seeds from AllThatGrows for my organic garden. I share my gardening journey on Instagram @gardensnbakesbyserene.
What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?
I love to grow lettuce, radish, spinach, carrots, chilly, flowers like rose, jasmine, zinnia and petunias and herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and lavender.
What are some of the plants that you’ve not had as much success with?
Cucumbers and Zucchini didn't do well in my east-facing balcony garden.
Are there any new plants on your wishlist?
Oh yes, it gets updated almost every week, I am looking forward to seeds for heirloom tomatoes, golden beets, Italian sweet pepper, sweet peas etc. Among plants, I would love to buy a kumquat tree, a blueberry bush, and a climbing rose.
What would you like to say to our new gardeners?
I would start small, use good quality seeds and potting soil, and amend your soil with compost. Always evaluate the amount of sun you receive and plan your garden accordingly. Do enjoy the process of gardening, the sprouting of seedlings. Don't be disheartened if you fail the first time, you are learning from your garden and finally, your garden will flourish.
Any gardening hack you want to share with us?
I always believe in companion gardening to reduce the pests in my garden and to fully utilise my limited space, so plants I plant basil with tomatoes and marigolds among my vegetables. I grow my oregano in my rose pot. Also, it's always good to avoid over-watering your plants.
Any particular Instagram accounts you follow for inspiration?
I follow https://www.instagram.com/allthatgrows.in for gardening inspirations.
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