ATGLife Mates: Featuring Aru Bhartiya
Previous PostIn this ATGLife Mates feature, we meet Aru Bhartiya, who began her gardening journey in 2018 with a simple wish to grow fresh herbs.
What started small soon flourished into a thriving vegetable garden so abundant that it not only nourished her kitchen but also supported weekly meals she lovingly prepared and sold.
Follow her food journey here - @themilletkitchen
How did you start gardening?
I started gardening in 2018, after moving back to my parents’ house. It began as a desire to grow fresh herbs for my cooking. Soon, I was tending to a variety of vegetables and ended up harvesting enough to also prepare weekly meals that I sold.
What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?
I love growing pumpkins and Italian basil because I eat them a lot. And also maize, because I like watching the squirrels eat them.
What are some of the plants that you’ve not had as much success with?
I tried growing butternut squash in Rajasthan, but wasn’t able to.
Are there any new plants on your wishlist?
I want to start growing rosemary and edible flowers. I’d love to try colourful varieties like nasturtium and calendula, which are both beautiful and edible! I want to grow the HRMN-99 apple variety.
What would you like to say to our new gardeners?
Learn as you grow (literally!)
Any gardening hack you want to share with us?
It is very easy to make Jeevamrit (a fertiliser and plant growth tonic made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and besan). I make it in small quantities and apply it to my soil monthly.
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