Week 6–9: Organic Farming in Housing Society (Common Space)

Harvesting & lessons for life…

Now, I would say, our farm has grown up. Like a child grows up. It does not require much time and energy to put in, rather it is giving back. The work felt enormous at the beginning but time flew so fast. I wonder the same when I look at my child and try to understand the pace of time. I look at her earlier pictures and feel this strange urge to hold her that small again but that is not possible. And I ask myself, am I holding her enough, am I collecting enough memories. Because the time sly and just pass by, without giving much signs.

We had sown few peas in our farm, but did not gave much attention to them as we were busy attending other plants. Also we were not sure of peas to grow well. However, despite of our negligence, few of them grew beautifully and the pea pods hanging from the very thin yet sturdy creeper do attract attention. It was a surprise from nature, like a bonus for all other work. Very few pea plants survived but they did without our support except sowing the seeds. This taught me another lesson. We can expect bonus and miracles in life but first they will come from an unexpected source and second we at least have to sow the seed. No matter when or how you would have put in a small effort, it might just add up to your harvest like my pea plants.

Pea Plant with Pods and Baby Cauliflower :)

This month we regularly harvested methi, palak, dhaniya, radish and sarson. And enjoyed farm fresh recipes of all of these. There were few carrots and peas to taste. And the cauliflower appeared which was again a moment to cherish. It was very beautiful. Now ready to harvest. Sarson ka saag and coriander chutney was so fresh and delicious, no vegetable bought from market can have the same taste.

Moment of ecstasy…your home grown and cooked sarson ka saag getting slurped by your Kid.

We have sown more sarson to fill gaps. Potato plant mesmerized us with its fast growth within two weeks. Pihu learned steps to plant a sapling and water it. She got company of her cousin sisters, Bua and Mausi in last few weeks.

Pihu harvesting Radish and playing with her sister Rishita.

In the later weeks of this month (January), the harvesting increased and we had lot of fresh salad.

Another day of harvesting and Salad.

We also got one cauliflower ready to be cooked, however it did not taste that good. We need to find ways to grow a better version.

Another day of harvesting…Pihu observing learning about the vegetables.

Anyways, inspired by the first farm experience of growing our own vegetables, Renuka and I have decided to keep going. We are planning to prepare for summer vegetables from next week. The vegetables will be Bhindi, Ghiya, Tourai, Pudina, Kaddu, Karela etc.

So stay tuned for the next blog to know more.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy.