This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Urban Gardening in Nairobi ¶
May 22, 2020
Seema Sarkar-Manji, a resident of Nairobi, has found a way to grow her own vegetables on the sixth floor of her apartment building. With a little creativity and some basic gardening knowledge, she has been able to cultivate a thriving garden on her balcony, providing her family with fresh produce.
Seema's love for gardening started at a young age, thanks to her parents who instilled in her a passion for growing plants. She began her kitchen garden project three years ago, starting with coriander and rocket leaf seedlings. With time, she has become more proactive, sourcing plants and soil from roadside vendors around the city.
Seema's balcony garden is a testament to the fact that anyone can grow their own food, regardless of the space they have available. She has successfully grown tomatoes, salads, and herbs, and has even managed to regrow some of the vegetables from scratch.
However, Seema has also faced some challenges in her gardening journey. She has had to deal with pests, such as aphids, and has had to learn how to balance the soil pH to prevent burning the roots of her herb plants. Despite these challenges, Seema remains optimistic and continues to learn and improve her gardening skills.
Seema's tips for anyone who wants to start growing their own vegetables include practicing restraint and not interfering too much with the plants. She also recommends using boiled tea leaves, banana skins, and eggshells as natural fertilizers to balance the soil pH.
Seema's story is an inspiration to anyone who wants to start growing their own food, regardless of the space they have available. With a little creativity and some basic gardening knowledge, anyone can create a thriving garden and enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce.
