tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post3349724492462413077..comments2024-03-28T17:21:58.027+05:30Comments on The Urban Gardener: The Jungle a.k.a. my vegetable patchSunita Mohan http://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-61751787716381306432010-09-21T15:46:47.450+05:302010-09-21T15:46:47.450+05:30Hi Arundati! Thanks, and I'm so glad if my pos...Hi Arundati! Thanks, and I'm so glad if my posts have inspired you. That's the beauty of blog-dom, isn't it? Learning a bit here, adding on something there.<br />I have to clarify, not all my posts are about my apartment garden. In fact, most of them are about my other regular garden (mainly because with all the butterflies, birds and other creatures visiting it there's much more happening there). Not that the birds and butterflies are missing in my apartment garden but there are many more in the other garden , which makes it easier to photograph them.<br />100 pots in 2 balconies? That's great! You must have one of the greenest balconies in Hyderabad! Where do you buy your seeds from?Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-33354201764953845812010-09-21T12:25:24.258+05:302010-09-21T12:25:24.258+05:30that's a beautiful crop...i think i read most ...that's a beautiful crop...i think i read most of the posts in one go... just stopped at this one to leave a comment.... am inspired... growing veggies in an apt! but i saw banana and cashew too... surely that's not in a pot? am confused now... so many birds and bees in an apt in bombay? or am i missing something? i have over 100 pots of various plants in my 2 balconies... i grow some herbs,, thai basil and oregano, lemon grass, mint and now mustard greens for salad since hyd has awful salad greens... i must plant some more stuff... like i said... i am awash with green inspirationarundatihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16957259238368883342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-57962667980571555372009-09-26T09:20:22.154+05:302009-09-26T09:20:22.154+05:30Hi Sonali! An ex-Bombayite? Wow! So where are you ...Hi Sonali! An ex-Bombayite? Wow! So where are you now? <br />Ummm.... its not like I get this bountiful harvest all the time. Usually its just a few plants grudgingly giving us a few veggies that can make us say "Mine! From my own garden!" And in summer its so baking hot that I might as well try growing them in an oven! Monsoon-time is when the vegetable patch comes into its own and shows us what it can really do.<br />Mail me when you get to Mumbai, okay?Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-58746897129870160412009-09-25T22:28:49.714+05:302009-09-25T22:28:49.714+05:30Hi Congratulations on this beautiful garden. I am ...Hi Congratulations on this beautiful garden. I am from Mumbai originally and I am so amazed that even in cicrowded city, few adventurous souls grow their own food. This is amazing. I am visiting in Feb, may I come check out your garden?<br />Sonali<br />http://fenugreeklove.wordpress.com/Sonalihttp://fenugreeklove.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-1721160260465215512009-09-15T10:31:16.905+05:302009-09-15T10:31:16.905+05:30Thanks, Plants Lover. I'm sure you must be see...Thanks, Plants Lover. I'm sure you must be seeing a lot of sunbirds in Singapore too.Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-52448663707668521322009-09-14T20:35:02.359+05:302009-09-14T20:35:02.359+05:30Wow, lovely garden, I see a lot of familiar flower...Wow, lovely garden, I see a lot of familiar flowers and fruits, and the bird's nest.Plants loverhttp://singaporeplantslover.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-78049755090385379352009-09-12T08:27:25.944+05:302009-09-12T08:27:25.944+05:30That must have been very disheartening, Kamini. I ...That must have been very disheartening, Kamini. I think the trick is to grow just a bit more than enough so even if you lose a few you wont mind so much ;)<br />Actually, you could still grow them even if you're not ina 'house with a garden'. I'm growing beans in my apartment too. I've trained them to climb all over the window grilles. Luckily box-grilles are a standard feature in most Mumbai apartments .Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-45175335508963010402009-09-12T06:42:20.639+05:302009-09-12T06:42:20.639+05:30Oh, what a lovely post and what mouth-wateringly y...Oh, what a lovely post and what mouth-wateringly yummy vegetables! And all in the city, too! Once, years ago when I lived in a house with a garden, I grew beans, which lasted all of two days - they were all eaten up by the birds and beetles!Kaminihttp://kaminidandapani.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-21534890191720505002009-09-09T18:00:07.943+05:302009-09-09T18:00:07.943+05:30Maybe you could share, Amila. Some for you and som...Maybe you could share, Amila. Some for you and some for them. For all you know it might even tempt some new birds and butterflies to visit you. Think of the yummy photos you'll get!Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-42727835242992986952009-09-09T11:26:35.485+05:302009-09-09T11:26:35.485+05:30Great harvest Sunita. You have real reasons to be ...Great harvest Sunita. You have real reasons to be proud of. I have not grown vegetables in mine. It is fully left for jungle critters.Amila Salgadohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05607756343837325575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-52389002981127556022009-09-09T10:31:29.190+05:302009-09-09T10:31:29.190+05:30Hi Kanak! Tell me, are the dwarf bitter gourd any ...Hi Kanak! Tell me, are the dwarf bitter gourd any less bitter than their bigger counterparts? That would be so wonderful .<br />And you're so right about the bean flowers and the bees ... love at first whiff! <br /><br />Thanks, Tina . I hope it continues for some more weeks :)<br /><br />Hi Wildlife Gardener! The snakes do send shivers down my spine especially when I think of my children running around near them. But they are so much a part of our garden that I've got used to having them around .What I do to cope with them is to design my garden and plant keeping them in mind. So, no ground cover or low-growing bushes, no dry walls, etc. <br /><br />Autumn Belle, I think I should mail you and ask for recipes. I would love to try out something new with bitter-gourd. We usually have it fried and I would love a change of flavour. <br />Bitter-gourd tea? What is that?<br />I've never found growing bitter-gourd will change the flavour of the next crop planted there. So maybe you can forget your fear and plant a crop for yourself.<br />But do try bottle-gourds. They're quite nice combined with other vegetables. They dont have any strong flavour of their own so they easily absorb the flavours of other accompanying ingredients. (Much like potatoes, but much easier to cook). What you do have to keep in mind is to harvest them early while thay are still tender.Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-79693484290420774482009-09-09T08:30:27.939+05:302009-09-09T08:30:27.939+05:30I see that you are having a good harvest with the ...I see that you are having a good harvest with the vegetable patch looking full and heavy. I love bittergourds and we use it to make omelletes, boiled soup noodles and also yong-tofu (bittergourd stuffed with fish paste). There are also people selling bitter gourd tea through direct-selling. What is more uncommon to me is the bottle gourd which I have hardly cooked before. But I hessitate to grow bitter gourds because I was told that the soil will be affected such that the next crop e.g. cucumbers or other veges will be bitter too! Is this true?Autumn Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00818422090556602092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-41368926108320538482009-09-08T21:22:38.467+05:302009-09-08T21:22:38.467+05:30I think it's amazing what you are growing in s...I think it's amazing what you are growing in such a difficult climate and with the thought of snakes crawling about amongst your harvest...<br /><br />http://ourlittlecornerofparadise.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post.htmlA wildlife gardenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08261817184002496844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-29074740878503959452009-09-08T19:54:50.452+05:302009-09-08T19:54:50.452+05:30That is a pretty good harvest Sunita. Such pretty ...That is a pretty good harvest Sunita. Such pretty pictures too!tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17415302577518111227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-77556923210687984062009-09-08T14:43:30.413+05:302009-09-08T14:43:30.413+05:30Wow, I'd call that a bumper harvest! Your vegg...Wow, I'd call that a bumper harvest! Your veggie patch looks lush and beautiful! I love karela and bhindi too! We also have the dwarf variety here (karela)...very cute. Loved the tendril photo and the tender bhindi. You're so right about the lack of details on the seed packets. That's the reason I can't name the cultivars in any of my posts! And before I forget, I'm fascinated by bean blooms too. The bees...oh, they love these blooms!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09000965361716090014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-29332800872052151972009-09-08T12:52:16.927+05:302009-09-08T12:52:16.927+05:30I really wonder why more people dont grow vegetabl...I really wonder why more people dont grow vegetables at home, GT. One really doesn't need acres of land to do so. I'm growing beans in my apartment and it's climbing all over my window grilles. <br />The long stick that I had mentioned, is used to part the plants so I can make sure of where I'm putting my foot down or what I'm reaching for. If I see a snake I would rather beat a hasty retreat rather than turn aggressive.<br />Actually I'd rather have a cobra there rather than a Russell's Viper! Both frequent my garden and both are deadly. The cobra makes sure that he raises his hood and everyone knows his intentions. Unlike the russell's Viper which just lies there so well camouflaged that one would never dream one was a cm away from death. He's so confident in his deadliness that he doesn't bother to announce himself until one has literally stepped on him! <br />I think we've got used to living with the wilder side of Nature. Its a wary co-existence but I cant really avoid them. Plus, having them around means I dont have to worry about rats robbing my harvest.Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-70886279009653196182009-09-08T12:36:42.511+05:302009-09-08T12:36:42.511+05:30James, I'm finding it a bit too much right now...James, I'm finding it a bit too much right now. All the plants are yielding so well at the moment that I'm busy giving away vegetables to anyone and everyone. I know I should be planting the next round of seeds before this crop gives out but I haven't got around to it yet.<br />About the gourd flowers, I had noticed that in bottle gourds but just never thought of it in connection with bitter gourd. I'm surprised that it is a rare vegetable in Malaysia, especially considering the number of people of Indian origin living there. But if it is rare, a lot of Malaysian children don't know how lucky they are!Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-65483615957812470212009-09-08T07:56:22.202+05:302009-09-08T07:56:22.202+05:30To be enjoying home grown vegetables is a luxury, ...To be enjoying home grown vegetables is a luxury, turned necessity, not many can afford. The pesticide laden market vegetables are an anathema most of us have to put up with.<br />The cobra scared the hell out of me. I am not sure if I'll ever dare to venture in a veggie patch, even when armed with an extra long stick, after spotting a Cobra!Green thumbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02985557905470748245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-34818189433248582592009-09-08T07:48:45.184+05:302009-09-08T07:48:45.184+05:30wow, what a nice collection of vegetables. I'm...wow, what a nice collection of vegetables. I'm sure it will give a good yield for months!<br />The bitter gourd in Malaysia is considered a rare vegetable. (they came up with that stamp last year)<br /><br />I had planted bitter gourd when I was a young boy, enjoyed the yellow flowers - do you know that there is a male flower & a female flower in the same plant?James Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01423981835876393119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-87543016118633502642009-09-08T07:12:08.078+05:302009-09-08T07:12:08.078+05:30That does complicate things, Dorte. Maybe you coul...That does complicate things, Dorte. Maybe you could still get a duck and put it to work when you take your dog for a walk or something? Just an idea :)Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-10723518597356967292009-09-08T01:40:19.333+05:302009-09-08T01:40:19.333+05:30Ja, Enten sind sehr hilfreich bei Schnecken, leide...Ja, Enten sind sehr hilfreich bei Schnecken, leider würde mein kleiner Hund dann die Enten fressen, lach.Dörtehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07499493801667373182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-17140714030719182832009-09-07T23:43:21.645+05:302009-09-07T23:43:21.645+05:30Hi Helen, your situation seems to be the opposite ...Hi Helen, your situation seems to be the opposite of mine! Here its my husband who loves okra.<br />I'm surprised that lettuce grows for you. I thought it needed cooler climates? <br />Frozen shoulder and you still manage so much work in the garden! I think you must be Superwoman in disguise ;)<br />Aah! The Blog Awards! I wish you luck, Helen. You deserve it.Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-3913214605483859802009-09-07T23:34:57.006+05:302009-09-07T23:34:57.006+05:30That is so sweet of you to say that, Dorte! Thank ...That is so sweet of you to say that, Dorte! Thank you :)<br />Fire-red blossoms? I wish I had seen that. <br />Snails are a problem here too during the monsoons. Like you, I dont like using chemicals on my vegetables so dealing with snails is a problem. One solution is to make sure there are no dead leaves, etc. lying around which would invite them for a quick meal.<br />I've heard that copper repels them so a thin copper wire around pots may be a good idea. <br />I'm seriously thinking of getting some ducks or guinea-fowl birds which hunt and feed on snails! I think its a great idea to get the natural predators to get rid of pests.<br />I'm not sure what EM is I'll have to check about that. I must do a quick Google search about it.Thanks for telling me, Dorte.Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-54892956747985499092009-09-07T23:24:39.042+05:302009-09-07T23:24:39.042+05:30Thanks Stephanie, I know I can really use those go...Thanks Stephanie, I know I can really use those good wishes :)<br />Water and pests... the good guy and the bad guy of gardening, eh? So true about what matters to gardeners everywhere!<br /><br />Mridula, I thought so too which is why I just had to add that photo here :)<br />Glad to hear that my post has enabled someone. I hope that caterpillar doesnt find its way to your backyard!Sunita Mohan https://www.blogger.com/profile/16395671437601246093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7433906806220848808.post-22801328955014186732009-09-07T22:14:21.481+05:302009-09-07T22:14:21.481+05:30Sunita I love okras so send me some. My daughter a...Sunita I love okras so send me some. My daughter and husband hates them because of the slime. It is very good for you, rich in iron I am told. Your veggie patch looks pretty good. I have been meaning to restart mine after a few years break. The bitter gourd is known as Karili but not many people use it here in Barbados. We get Yates seeds from Australia and some Japanese seeds. I used to love to try the new vegetables and the different coloured lettuce. I love melons and I have several packets as well of other veggies in my refrigerator (hope they are still viable). I know the feeling when you tell your helpers what you want and they give you something else. That is why I have to keep an eye on them from time to time. This gets me tired and if I could do it myself I would but I can't with my frozen shoulder. It is getting better but it is taking its time...... hhhmmmp. BTW am blatantly canvassing on my blog for the Blog awards LOL. I though that the categories were very limited and felt a bit strange selecting the categories I wished to be judged on. This was supposed to be a short post.islandgal246https://www.blogger.com/profile/09139072456332225087noreply@blogger.com