2 weeks ago
R Madhavan’s Mumbai Balcony Garden Offers Organic Growing Lessons
R Madhavan grows vegetables in a garden at his Mumbai home.
He became interested in organic farming after worrying about the nutrition of modern produce.
He said his garden provided about 70 percent of his seasonal vegetables.
He grew foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers, okra and broccoli.
Gardening expert Shireesh Sharma says healthy soil is very important.
Plants also need the right amount of water and good drainage.
Gardeners should check plants often for pests and use organic treatments carefully.
Beginners should start with easy vegetables that grow well in their local weather.
R Madhavan converted the balcony of his ₹17.5-crore Mumbai home into an organic garden.
He said the garden supplied nearly 70 percent of his seasonal vegetable needs.
His crops included okra, aubergine, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers and other seasonal produce.
Gardening expert Shireesh Sharma recommends healthy soil, careful watering and preventive pest management.
Beginners are advised to start with seasonal vegetables and herbs suited to their local climate.
- Who
- Actor and filmmaker R Madhavan, with advice from gardening expert Shireesh Sharma.
- What
- Madhavan created an organic balcony or terrace garden, while Sharma outlined practices for starting one.
- Where
- At R Madhavan’s ₹17.5-crore home in Mumbai.
- When
- Madhavan discussed his garden in a 2017 interview; the gardening advice was reported in the article.
- Why
- Madhavan said concerns about the nutritional value of modern produce and genetic modification contributed to his interest in organic farming.
Key facts
- Home value
- ₹17.5 crore
- Garden location
- R Madhavan’s Mumbai home balcony or terrace
- Reported vegetable supply
- Nearly 70 percent of his seasonal vegetable requirements
- Crops mentioned
- Lady’s finger, aubergine, broccoli, tomatoes and cucumbers
- Recommended growing medium
- Compost or vermicompost, cocopeat, neem cake powder, trichoderma and soil in suitable proportions
- Key watering advice
- Water according to soil moisture and ensure containers have unobstructed drainage holes
- Beginner crops
- Brinjal, okra, bottle gourd, sponge gourd, beans and coriander
Quotes
Shireesh Sharma
Gardening influencer and founder of Bonsai and Gardening Zone
“Start with a living, well-drained growing medium which should be rich in organic matter, and not ordinary garden soil. Avoid filling containers with heavy garden soil alone, as it can become compacted and restrict root growth.”
indianexpress.com
“A successful organic garden is one that works with nature. Beginners should start with seasonal vegetables and herbs that suit their local climate rather than trying to grow everything throughout the year.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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