Kitchen garden is no longer just a means of growing fresh vegetables, but has also become the new wellness mantra to reduce stress and attain mental peace.
Kitchen gardens are no longer just a way to grow fresh vegetables, but have also become a new wellness mantra for reducing stress and creating a positive atmosphere at home. Fortunately, they don't require a large terrace or a full day of sunlight.
If the morning starts with the fresh air and the aroma of green fenugreek, spinach or mint grown in your own home, then the day automatically becomes better. This is the reason why kitchen gardens are becoming increasingly popular in cities these days. Earlier they were considered only a means of growing fresh and chemical-free vegetables, but now they are also becoming an important means of mental health, stress relief and connection with nature. Amidst the busy lifestyle, people are turning some small corner of their house into a 'green corner', where spending a few minutes there gives them a feeling of peace and freshness.
How to create a 'green corner' in a small space?
People often assume that growing vegetables requires a large balcony, an open terrace, and bright sunlight throughout the day. However, gardening experts believe this assumption is completely incorrect. Many leafy green vegetables and herbs can be easily grown with just three to four hours of sunlight. This means that even apartment dwellers can now create their own kitchen gardens by creating vertical gardens on small balconies, windowsills, or kitchen counters.
Not just vegetables, but mental peace too
Numerous studies have shown that caring for plants helps reduce stress. Watering plants, weeding them, or watching new leaves emerge can calm the mind. Such activities reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, leading to a feeling of mental peace. Green is considered a soothing color and is found in abundance on almost all plants. This is why gardening is now known as "natural meditation."
-Many vegetables can grow even in low sunlight.
-Even if your house does not receive sunlight throughout the day, there is no need to be disappointed.
-Leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, coriander, mint, basil, lettuce grow well even in low sunlight.
-Some root vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, and potatoes, can also be grown in partial sun.
-Experts recommend that plants like tomatoes and cucumbers require a little more sunlight, so if there is a sunny spot available in the house, keep them there.
One advantage of a kitchen garden with less sunlight is that the soil retains moisture for longer periods of time. This reduces the need for frequent watering and reduces the incidence of various pests.
How to start your own green corner
When starting a kitchen garden, choose containers based on the space available in your home. Medium-sized containers are best instead of choosing pots that are too small or too large.
-Start with small plants or mature plants for easy care.
-Label each pot with its name to identify the seeds after sowing. This will make caring for the plants easier and prevent confusion.
-If space is limited, you can grow herbs in a vertical planter on the wall or in small pots near the kitchen counter. This creates a beautiful and useful green corner in your home, even in a small space.
Expert opinion
Home decor expert Suraiyya says that kitchen gardens are no longer just a means of decorating the home, but are becoming a part of modern lifestyle. Many people assume that growing herbs or vegetables requires a large balcony and plenty of sunlight, but this is not the case. A variety of herbs can be easily grown by creating a vertical garden on a kitchen counter, window, or even a small balcony. This is why people are now setting aside space for kitchen gardens when planning their homes.
What to plant in a kitchen garden with little sunlight?
-Spinach, Fenugreek and Coriander
-Mint and basil
-lettuce
-Radish, carrot
-Green chillies (partially sun-dried)
-Cherry tomatoes (where they get a little more sun)
-You too can easily create a kitchen garden in a small space at home.
