Kitchen gardening is an advanced way of gardening were we cultivate different varieties of fruits, vegetables and a lot of spices next to our kitchen.
We can grow all kind of flowers, fruits and vegetables all year round regardless of climate outside the window. The plants growing indoors not only looks tremendous but also adds freshness to air.
Why People Are Moving To Kitchen Gardening:
The fruits and vegetables we bring from markets are contaminated with chemicals during the process of growing, transportation, ripening and for storing purposes etc.
When you consume such type of fruits and vegetables you will not get enough nutrients and requirements that are required for your healthy growth instead they ruins and damages your health.
Now a days every one is getting awareness on chemicals that are used in processed, canned and fast foods for preservation purposes.
Garden grown fruits and vegetables are peak at quality, flavor and when we consume them they give incredibly satisfactory experience.
People who are having little yard space, living in crowded urban areas and smaller housing communities can grow plants in kitchen gardens to satisfy their needs.
Importance Of Kitchen Gardening:
Air Purification:
Plants growing indoors removes the harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene and increases the oxygen levels thereby improving your health.
Nutrient Rich Food:
You will consume healthy nutrient rich fresh foods because you made your plants to grow full of its potential by controlling the growth requirements i.e., lighting, feeding, watering etc.
Fruits and vegetables that are available in supermarkets are not completely nutritious because they have been cut from the plant in their premature stage and are ripened artificially during transportation.
Organic:
The end product you consume from your kitchen garden is organic and completely free from chemicals.
Improves Skill:
Some plants needs special requirements to grow. But these special requirements may cannot help the other plant to grow. You will know and learn all these things with your experience in gardening and become an expert within no time.
Self Reliance:
Gardening is the survival skill. Practicing, learning and growing plants will make you self reliant and helps in the time of emergency.
Improves Mental & Physical Health
There will be an invisible bond between plants and us. Gardening is cure to many psychological problems like loneliness, depression and stress etc.
Gardening even provides us physical exercise to our body.
Saves Money:
There is no need to buy fruits and vegetables that are sprayed with toxic and harmful chemicals from super markets instead we can grow them in our kitchen gardens without using toxic chemicals and can save lot of money.
Improving Your Social Life:
You can make new friends who are having similar passion, you can join communities and improve your skills in gardening.
What Do You Need To Start Kitchen Gardening?
Pots & Containers:
The size and depth of the container depends on the type of plant, its root system and space required to grow and for producing fruits.
So, evaluate the space available in your kitchen for gardening and then choose the plants that grows in accordance with available space.
Most of the people prefer using conventional gardening pots and containers like terracotta, ceramic, wooden pots and planters that are available at gardening stores to grow plants.
Smaller containers are good for growing seedlings but when they grow bigger then they may not provide enough root space.
Some people use egg cartons instead of trays for growing seedlings from seeds and later transfer to the container. If you choose non traditional containers like plastic or metal buckets and household available items make sure that they are in good condition and have good drainage system. Drill the holes at bottom of the selected non traditional containers and add a layer of pebbles for proper drainage.
Avoid using of metallic objects for growing plants because some times they may decay and become worse.
(Check out:Â Containers Ultimate Guide, Container Ideas and Tips)
Soil:
The soil is the place where the roots expand to consume nutrients which are essential for plant growth.
Use potting soil to grow plants indoors. They are available in different varieties and are tailor-made to meet specific plant needs.
Potting soil consists of peat moss which helps in retaining moisture.
Potting soil is composed with organic matter which acts as source of nutrients for the plant.
(Checkout:Â Potting soil, Understanding pH of Potting soil and Potting Soil Preparation Method)
Fertilizers:
Plants requires fertilizers or compost to provide nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. They are available in potting soil but they gets exhausted at some time.
So, you need to make your own organic fertilizers and compost to feed your plants.
(Checkout:Â 19 Easy DIY Organic Fertilizers Recipes)
Pesticides:
Neem oil is the best organic pesticide and prevents the growth of fungus and keeps the pests and insects away.
Mix neem Oil with 2 liters of warm water and use it as pesticide & fungicide.
(Checkout:Â 8 Natural Pest Controlling Methods & 8 Organic Pesticides Recipes)
Tools:
Use gardening tools like gardening forks, hand trowels, water cans, hose, spray bottle and gardening gloves etc to make your work easy.
Lighting:
Growing plants at south facing window is best for kitchen gardening but every home may not have south facing window which is providing enough sunlight to the plant.
You can fulfill the Lighting Requirements of the plants by using grow lights. (These lights emits certain wave length for growing plants indoors successfully.)
Red light waves are used during flowering stage and blue light waves are used during vegetative growth. So, buy automated grow light system with different light wave patterns and automated timers which fulfills the requirements of the plants same as sunlight do.
Watering:
Water the plants to keep soil moist. Always check the dampness of the soil by using moisture meter or by placing finger 2 inches deep into the soil. Also check the dampness of soil at the drain holes of container if it is dry, water the plant.
You can use automated drip system to water your plants.
(Checkout:Â How To Water Potted Plants)
Temperature:
In western countries we usually observe cold weather conditions. So, use plant heating mats and thermometer to always maintain the temperature of the soil to meet the plant requirements.
Shelves and Storage:
Depending on availability of space near windows or space in your kitchen you might add some shelves to accommodate more plant growing containers in your kitchen garden.
You should always be aware of storing and preserving your harvest.
Conclusion:
Before starting kitchen garden, ask yourself these questions:
- How much space do i have to gro plants?
- How much sunlight is available and accessible from inside of selected space?
- Do i have time in taking care about plants?
- Am I ready to invest money for the requirements of kitchen garden?
If you have answered yes to all questions start your kitchen garden today!
Are You Novice Gardener or Pro-gardener? Comment and let us know so that we curate content according to your needs.
