How large should the plot be? How
much produce do I need? What vegetables and herbs should I plant? There is never
a sure shot answer, trial, error and learn. The enthusiasm was positive,
efforts were complementing and the results were divine. Watching the first 2
leaves sprout, then few more in a hurry and then the flower and then fruit –
wow! It felt magical not to mention the fresh produce on the kitchen counter.
Keep it simple, enjoy the flavours, the crunch and crispness of fresh
vegetables. Keep the colour intact and spice mildly, the results will be lip
smacking.
A couple of seasons of “seed
gambling” yielded a decent variety and quantity. Had a bounty of potatoes,
onions, groundnut, french beans, okra, greens (spinach), salad leaves,
cucumber, gourds and peas! Still at it with growing
cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, beet, radish, aubergine and peppers. Having
lived on the land for little over a year, watching and observing patterns, the
soil teaches you how to nurture it and groom it so it can produce bountiful
produce.
The practical lab
outside was regularly supported with internet knowledge on seeds, sowing
methods, manure, water, herbicides and a whole lot of related information.
Concepts and theories throw light on sustainable living and how it can be part
of one’s life. A must read for enthusiasts like me is “One Straw Revolution” by
Masanobu Fukuoka (available for PDF download @ [idc-america.org/wp-content/.../One_Straw_Farming_Fukuoka.pdf] - A
simplistic approach to learning to live alongside nature and enjoy its offering
with pleasure. Concepts and theories on permaculture, organic horticulture are
accessible to all, but at the end of the day your labour of love determines the
joys and pleasure of being one with earth.
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