For over a decade, Aruna has devoted herself to cultivating her rooftop garden in Muralinagar, cultivating over fifty varieties of fruit and vegetable plants. Her home kitchen relies almost entirely on vegetables grown on her rooftop, without the use of synthetic inputs. This commitment to sustainable gardening has inspired her to co-found Vanamaali, a city-wide network of gardeners who aim to support residents in growing their own food using natural inputs and regionally adapted seeds.
Supporting Urban Gardeners
- Vanamaali has over 3,000 members, with sixteen area in-charges providing on-ground assistance in their respective localities.
- Each month, the group organises meetings where participants discuss topics such as composting with kitchen waste, creating pest repellents using neem and garlic extracts, and balancing nutrient profiles in soil without relying on commercial mixes.
- The group’s seed bank, housed in Muralinagar, contains 51 varieties of untreated, open-pollinated seeds, all of which are distributed to members based on their requirements and feasibility.
The Power of Seed Conservation
- Mana Vegetable Garden has distributed over 30,000 seeds and saplings in the past year alone, including brinjal in 27 varieties, lady’s finger in 19 varieties, and amaranthus in five types.
- The seeds are selected for their adaptability, taste, and lineage, and are sourced from farmers who grow them without synthetic inputs.
- Vanamaali and Mana Vegetable Garden jointly organised a citywide gathering at the Kalabharati auditorium in Pithapuram Colony, showcasing miniature models of terrace gardens, bonsai formations, and distributing thousands of fruit plant saplings and seeds to attendees.
Reclaiming Lost Practices in Urban Gardening
These groups have built a quiet and structured alternative to conventional food systems, focusing on reclaiming lost practices, preserving non-commercial seeds, and maintaining dialogue among gardeners. Dr K Vijayalaxmi, a gynaecologist, has been involved in plant cultivation since childhood and has donated 78 miniature gardens to a temple trust in Mysuru.
Miniature Gardening
N Jyothi, co-founder of Vanamaali, grows vegetables at her home at NAD Junction in a 50 square foot terrace garden, yet manages to grow a year-round supply of leafy vegetables. She uses small recycled containers to grow red gongura and red amaranthus, varieties not commonly found in markets.
Reclaiming the Idea of Small-Scale Gardening
These groups have challenged the common notion that one needs vast lands to grow their own food. Instead, they focus on consistency and observation to create a year-round supply of vegetables, even in small spaces. N Jyothi’s experience is a testament to this approach.
| Group | Description |
|---|---|
| Vanamaali | A city-wide network of gardeners supporting residents in growing their own food using natural inputs and regionally adapted seeds. |
| Mana Vegetable Garden | A collective prioritising native seed conservation and direct assistance to urban gardeners, distributing over 30,000 seeds and saplings in the past year alone. |
| City Terrace Garden | A group working together with Mana Vegetable Garden on outreach events and seed preservation drives. |
Vanamaali, Mana Vegetable Garden, and City Terrace Garden have collectively shown that urban gardening can be a powerful tool for reclaiming lost practices and promoting sustainable food systems. By focusing on seed conservation, dialogue among gardeners, and the preservation of non-commercial seeds, these groups have built a quiet and structured alternative to conventional food systems.
Conclusion
These groups have demonstrated that urban gardening can be a viable and sustainable option for growing one’s own food, even in small spaces.
