With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, many individuals have turned to home gardening as a way to combat anxiety and cabin fever. Priscilla Ayub, a long-time UAE resident, has taken up gardening as a way to bring comfort and joy into her home. Starting with indoor plants, Priscilla has now expanded her garden to include a variety of outdoor plants. Similarly, first-time gardener Moreen Nazarath has found solace in caring for her plants, which she has lovingly named ‘sunshine’ and ‘moonlight’.
Home gardening has not only provided a creative outlet for individuals during the lockdown but has also fostered a sense of connection with nature. Saveri Philkana, a business student, has found that gardening has helped her bond with her family and sparked an interest in cooking with fresh ingredients. This time spent tending to plants has been a therapeutic and rewarding experience for many, allowing them to nurture another living being and witness growth firsthand.
To support and guide new gardeners in the community, initiatives like VeggiTech have been introduced to provide resources and knowledge on sustainable gardening practices. Hemant Julka, co-founder of VeggiTech, emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the origins of our food and encourages individuals to embrace failure as a part of the learning process. Through the launch of the Grow App, individuals can access step-by-step guides on growing their own food and receive support from agronomists when needed.
As individuals delve into the world of gardening, they are encouraged to embrace the small moments and lessons that come with caring for plants. Yazen Al Kodmani, Operations Manager at Emirates Bio Farm, highlights the importance of patience, dedication, and resilience in gardening, noting that the journey of nurturing plants teaches valuable life skills. By engaging with nature and cultivating a garden, individuals can experience the benefits of emotional and physical well-being while strengthening family bonds and community engagement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable home-gardening practices have become increasingly important. Tips for successful home gardening include choosing a shaded area for planting seeds, ensuring the seeds are not old, keeping the grow media moist, and transplanting seedlings into a secure place once they have germinated. Growing plants that can be used as food, such as herbs and leafy greens, is also recommended as a way to experience the circular economy firsthand. Overall, home gardening is not only a rewarding hobby but also a sustainable and beneficial practice for individuals and communities alike.
