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Instagram Handle: happinessoverlittlethings
How did you start gardening?
Me and my husband share similar interests in gardening. During covid lockdown, we started gardening to beat the boredom. but after that, we make it as a hobby for a healthy lifestyle. We always include fresh vegetables, fruits and salads in our diet. I want to ensure the freshness and quality of the green veggies I use in the salad. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get veggies without pesticides in markets. So I started a small kitchen garden.
What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?
I am living in the southern part of India. In our climate, it is quite easy to grow chillies, tomatoes, brinjal, spinach and ladyfingers. So I always grow them in our garden. Also, I grow climbers like cowpea, pumpkin, ash gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber. To add some colours to my garden I grow flowers like marigolds, phlox, morning glories, sunflowers etc.
What are some of the plants that you’ve not had as much success with?
Last winter I grew some cauliflower, cabbage, carrots and lettuce which needs a cooler environment. But in south India winter was too short and it was almost hot at the time. So lettuce had a bitter taste and carrots became too short. So winter vegetables are always a challenge for me. Same time I am excited to do experiments on them.
Are there any new plants on your wishlist?
I have a plan to grow some bulbs of gladiolus, rain Lily, Asiatic lily and dahlias.
What would you like to say to our new gardeners?
Gardening is always a challenging one. You will face a lot of issues from seed germination to harvesting. Fungal infections, root rots, insects etc. We need to care for each plant as our own kid. Need to give them extra care. Need little patience and consistency. Trust the process and you definitely get the end result from it. Gardening not only provides you with tomatoes it also helps to burst the stress and helps to keep a healthy mind and body. Gardening is like meditation. Keep going.
Any gardening hack you want to share with us?
The overall health of the plant is based on the quality of the seed. So always select the good quality seed. And give extra care at the initial phase of growth which will impact the plant's overall lifespan health. Avoid overcrowding of seedlings. And provide diluted seaweed extract at the initial growth phase.
Any particular Instagram accounts you follow for gardening?
Varunagarden - she is a hibiscus hybridizer. I appreciate her patience and consistency in gardening. It's really motivating.
Mahesh Pydisetti - I love to see their harvesting videos, a garden like them is a dream for me.
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