ATGLife Mates: Featuring Mona Parmar

How did you start gardening?

About eight years ago, my husband, Anshuman Chaturvedi, and I connected through our shared passion for growing organic food. What started as a hobby in our backyard aquaponics system soon became a way of life. Together, we began growing vegetables for our family, and over time that passion grew into a commercial aquaponics farm in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we’re still learning and growing every day.

What are some of your favourite plants to grow in the garden?

We enjoy growing a mix of leafy greens, herbs, and edible flowers. Some of our favourites are basil, arugula, kale, swiss chard, a variety of lettuces, edible flowers, and microgreens. These plants are not only beautiful and rewarding to grow but also highly nutritious and versatile in the kitchen.

What are some of the plants that you have not had as much success with?

Despite we both being a farmer, we believe every gardener has plants that challenge them! We had mixed success with some cool-season crops and exotic varieties, especially during Gujarat’s intense summers.

Are there any new plants on your wish list?

Our  wishlist is always growing! We are particularly interested in exploring more edible flowers, unique culinary herbs, heirloom vegetables, and native pollinator-friendly plants. We love experimenting with plants that are both beautiful and useful, whether for the kitchen, biodiversity, or overall garden health.

What would you like to say to our new gardeners?

Start small, be patient, and enjoy the journey. Don’t be discouraged by failures—every gardener loses a few plants along the way. Observe your plants, learn from them, and celebrate every new leaf, flower, and harvest. Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s about growing patience, joy, and a deeper connection with nature.

Any gardening hack you want to share?

One of our favourite gardening hacks is to grow what you love to eat! It keeps you motivated and makes gardening even more rewarding. Also, before buying a new plant, spend a few days observing the sunlight patterns in your garden. Matching the right plant to the right location can solve most gardening problems before they even start.

Any particular Instagram account you follow for inspiration?

To be honest, my biggest source of inspiration is my husband, Anshuman Chaturvedi . We share the same passion for growing food and experimenting with sustainable farming techniques, and I learn something new from him every day. His work and dedication continue to inspire my gardening journey. You can find him on Instagram: @chaturansh