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 he ..read more

With the limited space available in flats and apartments for gardening, traditional gardening may seem like a luxury. But that’s not true. This is because of the simplicity of starting a kitchen garden. Even with just a few pots on your balcony, you can experience the joy and benefits of growing your own produce right at home. And this is becoming increasingly more important due to the quality of food we are getting from grocery stores or quick commerce apps. While we can not grow all aspects of our daily food essentials at home, it’s best to try to plant and harvest as much as possible. Let u ..read more

With temperatures ranging as high as 42-45°C in some parts of the country, it’s important to prepare not just yourselves but your green friends as well. Come first week of May, we will start getting news reports about how hot it has already gotten. As the scorching summer approaches in India, it's crucial to give your indoor green companions the extra care they need to flourish. With temperatures rising, your houseplants require special attention to combat heat stress and maintain their health. In this guide, we'll explore eight essential tips to ensure your houseplants thrive during the India ..read more

That’s why home gardening has been conserved as a part of life generation after generation across the Northeast states of India. These small home gardens also help preserve the local plant species and pollinators including birds and bees. The traditional farming knowledge combined with their deep connection with nature results in a beautiful ecosystem that nurtures its every part. The indigenous knowledge passed on by home gardening communities perfected after rigorous trial and error is an invaluable source of agri-diversity preservation as well. The north-eastern region consists of the eight ..read more

These tiny superfoods pack a punch of nutrients and flavors, making them a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes on a variety of recipes. In this guide, we explore the differences between growing microgreens indoors and outdoors and help you make an informed decision about which method suits your needs best. Table of Contents Why Grow Microgreens at Home from Non-Treated Seeds? Growing Microgreens Indoors vs Outdoors: Factors to Consider Conclusion Why Grow Microgreens at Home from Non-Treated Seeds? Growing microgreens at home ensures you have access to fresh, pesticide ..read more

Although believed to be originating from the Americas, the beginnings of zucchini squash can also be traced back to Europe. Zucchini, which used to be a staple in all Italian gardens, it has now become popular in cuisines worldwide due to its delicious flavor, tender texture, and abundance of culinary uses. The versatility of flavors and textures allows zucchini to be used in sweet as well as savory dishes. Zucchini noodles, for example, are a prime example of zucchini being used as an excellent substitute for traditional ingredients. Table of Contents Planting Zucchini Seeds Things to Remem ..read more

Whether you are growing a self-sufficient kitchen garden, just a few aromatic herbs on a windowsill, or creating a lush lawn to sit around with your family, sunlight is vitally important. From the scorching heat of summer throughout India to the foggy winters, each season brings its unique challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the importance of sun exposure, its types, minimum requirements for vegetables and herbs, and address common FAQs to help you cultivate a thriving garden. Table of Contents What is Sun Exposure? Why is it Required for Plants? Types of Sun Exposure Mini ..read more

To get you started, we have all new varieties of flower bulbs for spring planting. From the elegant Calla lilies that you see in all beautiful bouquets at your local shop to the enchanting and fragrant Ginger lilies, these bulbs are all that you need for a blooming and colourful summer garden. Not only these flowers will adorn your summer garden, but they will also become a cause of joy for all the pollinators that visit your garden this season. Let’s get to know them all. Table of Contents Calla Lily Bulbs Daylily Bulbs Ginger Lily Bulbs Achimenes Bulbs Football or Powerpuff Lily Bulbs Amar ..read more

That's because Asiatic lilies are one of the easiest flowers to grow from bulbs. Graceful and vibrant, Asiatic Lilies, with their waxy, star-shaped large blooms and distinctive spiked leaves, add a touch of exotic appeal to spring gardens. Originating in Europe and Asia, these perennials boast a rich history dating back to the 16th Century B.C. Painted in Egyptian pyramids and woven into Greek mythology, the Asiatic Lily has evolved as a symbol of purity and marriage. Today, it's celebrated for its easy cultivation and early blooming nature. Table of Contents Plant and Flower Characteristics ..read more

Hence, it’s important to keep trying different things. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting with some recently ordered seeds, these seven gardening trends for 2024 are designed to elevate your gardening experience. From embracing portable gardening to saying yes to flowers, let's explore the trends that will make your garden flourish in the coming year. Table of Contents Embrace Portable Gardening with Pots Use Kitchen Waste to Fertilize Salads Beyond Lettuce Build a Mini Greenhouse Water with Bottom Watering Grow Plenty of Plants, but Start Small Say Yes to Flowers Embrace ..read more