Wednesday, March 23, 2011

My gardening experiments

"I am reluctant to venture into gardening because I have no time. I do love the vision of home-grown flowers and vegetables but I do not know how to grow them. My mother and grandmother had green fingers that made plants grow magically but I am such a hopeless plant-killer!" If you like the idea of having a garden but stop short with these thoughts, this blog is for you. I am no garden expert and the conditions of 'no time' and 'plant killer' apply to me as well. But I believe both these obstacles can be overcome. Gardening is a lovely hobby to pursue and a great way to unwind from daily stress. Not to mention the joy of picking your favorite herbs, flowers and veggies right off the kitchen garden. So, I am setting out on a journey to acquire those green fingers and invite you to join me on the same.

I call this the 'Journey of a mystic gardener' because of my inclination towards Indian mysticism and the Zen way of life - simple, natural and balanced. I will explore how a garden can be grown from scratch on a window pane, a patio or a backyard to create a mystic oasis amidst a hectic lifestyle. Here are some snapshots of the journey.

1. Where do we start? --- We get our hands dirty with potting soil and work our way upwards.

2. Are the green-fingers a fact or myth? ----- Lets learn some facts from grandma and turn our fingers green.

2. How can I grow vegetables and flowers in my tiny condo? ---- Let's explore.

3. How can I have a garden on a small budget? ------- Let's explore.

4. What exactly makes a plant click or fail? -- The experts know it all but we shall learn the science of gardening as beginners.

5. I had a lovely garden in my hometown and get nostalgic when I see those plants here. Can I have a home away from home? ------ You'll be surprized to know home is right here.

6. How do I grow the tough ones? --- Let's get cracking.