With the government only allowing shops that sell essentials to open in the morning for three hours, it has been a hard time trying to buy vegetables.
We can buy onions and potatoes in bulk and store them, but to eat green vegetables, we have to visit a local store. However, with the second wave of the coronavirus raging in the country it is best to avoid going out.
So don’t you think we can save ourselves the hassle and simultaneously be safe from the coronavirus if we had a kitchen garden? There are a lot of benefits when you start kitchen gardening and let’s not forget it will help pass our time as well. Growing your own vegetables, fruits and herbs can be fun as well as rewarding at the same time.
How to start
Decent soil, space and fresh plants, will just do to begin. But there are factors that could affect gardening.
Plants like spinach, tomatoes, coriander, chillies and green peas are some of the easiest to grow in Kathmandu’s weather. When it comes to kitchen gardening, it is important to look for the right location and we have to note that some of the plants can be grown in a pot.
Start small
When you start gardening, you do not need ample space. Big space can be overwhelming for beginners. “With big power, comes great responsibility.”
So start with a small space and expand when you feel more confident about your work. If you have a small space it will be easier to look after the garden.
Finding the right spot
If you plan on growing vegetables, it is essential to find a space where the plants can get at least six hours of sunlight. So don’t place them under a tree or under shades. And never choose a low place where water accumulates or the soil remains wet.
Plants don’t grow well in poorly drained areas. Also you need to find a place where you can access water easily. Watering is not required every time but it is important after long dry periods or while planting seeds.
Preparing soil
Well, after finding the right space, you have to make sure the soil is loose for the plants to grow easily. If the soil is compact, it will affect the growth of the plants. It also helps the soil to drain easily.
Before gardening you can use simple gardening tools as a digging fork to loosen the soil. After the soil is nice and loose, you can add organic compost to help the soil be fertile. But since shops are closed at present you can also use your own green waste and leave it on the soil for it to decompose.
Finding the right vegetables
When you begin the main question is which the right vegetables to grow are. Many get confused as they do not know the right vegetables to grow. If you are going for a smaller garden, then go for crops that have high production and do not need much space.
Vegetables like radish, spinach, coriander require small space and minimal effort whereas plants like tomatoes and pepper need more space and time.
There are a lot of benefits of kitchen gardening. It not only helps pass time but you can provide your family with organic vegetables. It will also keep us in touch with nature and help us focus on eating healthy food.
