Home gardening as a topic of conversation and practice gained significant momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic. An unexpectedly large amount of time on our hands, coupled with heightened concerns about food security, encouraged Lankans to turn to their backyards, balconies, and indoor spaces to grow their own food.
The subsequent economic crisis only served to increase this urge, with the Government actively encouraging home gardening initiatives as a means of coping with the uncertainty of the times.
This was a while ago, however, and despite the initial surge of enthusiasm for home gardening, one has to wonder whether this enthusiasm has maintained its stamina. Is home gardening still a trend? Moreover, is it still a viable and sustainable solution for nurturing food security and well-being needs?
The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to a few home gardening enthusiasts for their input on the benefits and challenges of home gardening and if it’s still relevant in the face of ongoing global challenges.
The nostalgia and benefits of home gardening
Corporate trainer and dedicated home gardening enthusiast Kumar de Silva shared his memories of home gardening from the 1970s, when the need to grow food was more than just a hobby. “Before 1977, there was no food in the country,” Kumar recalled, referring to a time when the then Government in Sri Lanka initiated a ‘grow more food’ campaign.
His family’s large garden – which included crops like sweet potato, manioc, papaw, and green chilies – became essential for survival. As a result, the pandemic and economic crisis only revived his passion for home gardening.
He explains: “When Covid came, I grew a lot on my balcony. We grew all sorts of necessities. However, while at the time most people were very much into home gardening, many are now suddenly back into their old rhythms.”
Colombo Medical Faculty Senior Lecturer and home gardening enthusiast Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi Sirisena spoke about the advantages of home gardening, emphasising on its therapeutic and wellness aspect because of its ability to foster a connection with nature.
She noted: “To be one with nature, to touch the earth, you can talk to plants. In a world dominated by mobile phones, these practices help calm the mind. Additionally, it’s a recreational activity that promotes relaxation.”
Kumar and Dineshani both also highlighted the financial benefits: “Home gardening can help reduce costs because you can grow basic necessities like spinach, green chilies, and gotukola.”
Dineshani also highlighted that during the pandemic, home gardening had allowed families to gain a deeper understanding of where their food came from and reduced exposure to pesticides. However, she acknowledged that home gardening could not entirely replace the need for store-bought groceries, particularly for larger families.
The challenges of home gardening
Dineshani also shed some light on the challenges faced by urban dwellers when it came to home gardening, especially with limited space and time commitments. While home gardening is therapeutic, it requires continuous care and pests can be challenging to deal with. She also noted that home gardening could be limited by seasonal variations and was not always practical for households with more members, discouraging sustained involvement.
During the pandemic, many governments, including ours, encouraged home gardening as a means to enhance food security, especially as the economy became more and more unstable. Kumar spoke about how such initiatives should have continued beyond the first stages of the crisis, sharing that although home gardening may not be a complete solution, it was a valuable activity that could supplement meals and provide certain advantages.
However, with the economic crisis leading to increased work commitments and financial constraints, sustaining a home garden may not be feasible for everyone.
Concerted action for greater food security
Sarvodaya, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in Sri Lanka, has for some time been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture and home gardening.
Sarvodaya Sustainable Agriculture Development Unit Manager Chamari Lakmali, sharing their experiences, said that despite facing challenges like drought, particularly over the past four months, Sarvodaya had been engaged in ongoing home gardening initiatives in regions like Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Anuradhapura.
The community-based approach has been instrumental in the success of these initiatives and participants in the programme have realised a positive return on investment from their home gardens. The effectiveness of these initiatives is measured by the quantity of produce used in daily meals.
Technology has also begun to play a role in making home gardening easier. One exciting outcome of home gardening efforts has been the ‘Govi Nena’ home garden app, developed by the Ruhuna University. This app provides farmers with valuable information about crop varieties, fertiliser recommendations, and organic farming practices. The app, continuously updated with new information, exemplifies the importance of connecting farmers with technology, making home gardening more efficient and sustainable.
Home gardening, once considered a survival strategy during tough times, has evolved into a therapeutic and sustainable practice with numerous benefits. While it may not entirely replace traditional grocery shopping, it allows families to connect with nature, reduce costs, and gain a deeper understanding of their food. Despite the challenges, it remains a relevant solution, particularly for smaller households and those with a passion for gardening.
Government support and community initiatives have played a crucial role in promoting home gardening, but the sustainability of these efforts remains uncertain in the face of economic challenges. However, as organisations like Sarvodaya and Ruhuna University continue to adapt and engage technology, there is hope for the future of home gardening, ensuring that it remains a resilient and essential activity for the well-being of individuals and communities alike.