Rooftops in city turn into green spaces

Shanthi Ulhas, a resident of Mahalingapuram, has been growing a plethora of plants in her terrace for more than six years now. The passionate terrace gardener has influenced more than 25 residents in her locality to start growing produce in their homes.

Shanthi, who acts as an advisor to amateur urban terrace gardeners, said that the interest has gone up exponentially. 

“We have a Whatsapp group where everybody shows off what they harvested that day,” she laughed, adding that the terrace gardening was not only a way to encourage more green spaces in the urban milieu but also as a tool for effective waste management. 

“The wet waste generated in the house can be composted and used as manure for the plants. 

Since you know what goes into the growing of these vegetables and fruits, you are eating a lot better and heartier,” added Shanthi. Rajasekar A, a member of the Youth Exnora International, has been helping countless wannabe terrace gardeners with inputs. 

“Terrace gardening needn’t be an expensive affair —  you can use whatever unused object like plastic bottles and water cans — and turn them into pots for your vegetables and fruits.  For those who don’t have space, a vertical garden can help them grow enough for their needs. 

Greens like spinach and other varieties can be harvested quickly and with much less effort,” said the youngster, who has been training many others in the art of setting up terrace gardens. 

Apart from the benefits of growing your own food, Rajasekar said that converting your terrace space into a green area will have an environmental impact, especially during summers.