A Handbook of Organic Terrace Gardening – Bangalore, India
“Dr. B. N. Vishwanath, a pioneer in promoting urban agriculture in India, said that the only way to counter the health hazards of chemical poisons in food is to take up organic terrace gardening.
“With the pressure on farmlands and its rising cost in the urbanisation process, there is hardly any space to have a garden. This is where terraces come into the picture, he says.
“Giving some alarming information, Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) scientist Dr. M. Prabhakar says that vegetables grown in the peri-urban area around Bangalore contain higher chemical residues than what is accepted at the international level. Presence of sewage and heavy metal effluents in water used for irrigation purposes and chemical pesticides render the yield unfit for human consumption.”
“You can grow commonly used vegetables on your terrace, including leafy vegetables such as amaranthus (dantu, keerai), coriander (dhaniya, kothambari), fenugreek (menthe), Indian spinach (basale) and lettuce; gourds like pumpkin, ash gourd (boodu kumbala), ridge gourd (hirekai), bitter gourd (hagalakai), bottle gourd (sorekai), chow chow (seeme badane), cucumber, little gourd (thondekai), sponge gourd (thuppada hirekai), snake gourd (padavalakai), watermelon (kallangadi hannu) and muskmelon (karabooja); root vegetables such as radish, carrot, beetroot, onion, garlic, ginger and mango ginger (mavina shunti) and other vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, chillies, tomato, bhendi (bende kai) and brinjal. Similarly, you can grow a variety of fruit plants in big pots including mango, orange, pomegranate, musambi, custard apples, banana and guava.
“Bringing up flowering plants is yet another interesting aspect. Spice crops such as black pepper, clove, and cardamom could also be grown on the terrace besides betel vine (veelyadele).
Contact:
Dr. Vishwanath has written a book “A Handbook of Organic Terrace Gardening” brought out by the APOF, priced at Rs. 100. APOF, headed by former UAS Vice-Chancellor, G.K. Veeresh, can be contacted at Alumni Association Building, Veterinary College Building, Bellary Road, Ph: 23516060,
email: aporganic@yahoo.comn
Dr. Vishwanath conducts one-day training programmes for housewives and other interested persons on organic terrace gardening.
He can be contacted on 28485717, 9845627217,
email: vishy_Kadur@yahoo.co.in
“A Handbook of Organic Terrace Gardening is a good maiden effort of Dr. B.N. Viswanath “It has something of every thing for a beginner of Terrace Gardening. In these days people are not finding time and patience for elaborate reading, this book serves adequately the interested in terrace gardening.”
“Terrace gardening is a healthy hobby, not only to keep one engaged for a couple of hours in a week but it gives the pleasure of being in the midst of a growing garden. It gives an opportunity particularly for housewives to take a breath from the routine of running the affairs of house and smiling with flowers and fruits of their own creation. Terrace gardening also provides some compensation of recreating the agricultural land lost for building houses, for growing immediate household needs. Like any other habits developing by repetition, terrace gardening can become a fruitful habit for young and old if attempts are deliberately made in the beginning. These days every thing is available at the doorstep if attempts are made earnestly.
“The author Dr. B. N Viswanath has pioneered terrace gardening in Bangalore by providing training to residents in their own locality and supplying the needed inputs like seeds, manure, plant protection materials, implements, containers etc. It is learnt that more than a thousand terrace gardens have come up in Bangalore in recent years. It is on the request of some of these gardeners a good effort has been made by the author. He provides basic information on terrace gardening through this book.
“The pictures and his photographs keep the reader interested. Nursery preparation, pot making, different methods of sowing, planning terrace garden, important tools and equipments needed and information on different types of vegetables that could be grown on the terrace are adequate for beginners.
“Preparation of compost, vermicompost, measures to prevent pests and diseases, water management are all useful guidance. Not many people venture into such professions like popularization of terrace gardening and providing needed training and material as involves a lot of time and effort without commensurate returns, I have great appreciation for Dr. B.N. Vishwanath’ s dedication and wish him great success. His book serves the purpose for which it has been written.
“Why urbanites have to grow organic food for consumption? Due to migration of people to urban areas, fertile agricultural land has been converted into houses and other infrastructures. Thus reducing the land for cultivation. By 2030, people living in cities will reach nearly 60%.
“These urbanities not only ingest food grown elsewhere but the organic nutrient waste generated in urban areas, instead of recycling back to land, goes waste without putting into use.
“The Terrace garden can use household organic waste as manure and reduce pollution. Estimates show that as many as 20 million people are engaged in urban agriculture all over the world. Half of Latin American cities and 40 percent of African cities, 72% of urban house holds in Russia and 14 largest cities in China produce 85% of the vegetables, not only from Terraces, empty sites, unbuilt areas, parks etc.
“The advantages of terrace gardens are many. It reduces the distance the organic food has to travel before reaching the mouth of an urbanite. Part of urban and household organic waste is converted to wealth, prevents contaminated vegetables and fruits getting into human systems, provides fresh vegetables and fruits, keeps members of the house hold everyday engaged for few hours productive healthy hobby and keeps the mind in tune with nature by living in the midst of growing plants. Above all the children will develop to love the plants and the terrace gardens and kitchen gardens provide them a practical field to learn their biology lessons.
“We also have to remember that eating chemical food continuously will allow it to accumulate and it affects our genes as it has been shown on children in the group of villages around Padre in Kasargod, leading to the birth of handicapped children. You may remember the story of Chanukya who used to nourish girl children on low doses of poison to be used against the kings and commanders of the opposite side where these Vishakanya spend a night with them and by morning they used to be dead. Do we need our future children to be Vishakanya’s and Vishapursha’s by feeding them food laced with chemicals? The book ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson gives details about the ill effects of chemical agriculture as early as 1960′s. To reduce eating poisonous food, grow your own healthy vegetable and fruits at your doorstep, enjoy life with living plants.
“How to go about Terrance gardening? Planning is the most important factor in terrace gardens. Depending on the number of people in the household and the space available on the terrace and around the house, one can plan the Terrace garden to grow vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants etc. In addition to reduce the pollution in your microclimate, it increases oxygen production, reduces the temperature it weans away from unproductive, often expensive habits to healthy, productive life style.
“Go Organic on Your Balcony” Bangalore. May 7, 2009
“‘Terrace-farming’ of a different kind.” in the Hindu, India’s National Newspaper.May 11, 2009
Link to article: “Orchards and Vegetable Gardens in the Sky”.
104 comments
Wow! I stay in Bangalore and I will look out for workshops here.
Thanks!
Hi
I live in bangalore and I will be very much intreested in yopur workshops. Where can i find the schedules?
Also where in bangalore can I buy organic seeds?
Thanks
Hi,
I am also interested in terrace gardening, please let us know how to register for the workshop.
Thanks
Sir i m growing garden on terrace for first time , i need ur precious book how can i get it pls let me know….
pls mention cost of the book …Thanks
PLS LET ME KNOW HOW CAN I GET UR BOOK IM INTERESTED IN TERRACE GARDENING
MY HOBBY IS GARDENING.WHERE I CAN GET A COPY OF THIS BOOK.PL.HELP. I AM FROM GUJARAT.
sir,
i leave in kolkata, and is interested in terrace gardening. i’d like to know about how to get the your book.
Hi Sir,
I am really amazed bu ur effort & would like to know lot more on this.I am from Mumbai & would like to get this book.Please suggest
Hello Sir, Iam from pune and am interested to know lot more on organic terrace gardening.I have a terrace appartment and am keen on trying my hand at terrace gardening.kindly help.
Sir,
i am from bangalore, i would like to by the book.
pls suggest.
How would I get information for terrace gardening for New Delhi? The temperatures are much more extreme than Bangalore.
Want to buy the handbook. Can I buy it online? or some other way.
those from Maharashtra pl.contact Ms.PreetiPatil ……
preetisunil@gmail.com mob:9819197071
to get my book contact Ms.Shobha of AME Foundation during office hours on 080-26699512 / 522… you can contact her to know about our workshops in Bengaluru
the seccond edition of the book is priced at Rs.150/- only + postal charges
contact Ms.Shobha on 91-80- 26699512 OR
Mr.Kantharaj on 91-80- 23516060 for details
next schedule of workshops :
VMSRF during December 2010 contact:Dr.Rajendra Hegde @
94486 29528.. (location: BTM layout)
AME Foundation during January 2011. Contact:Ms.Shobha @
26699512/522 during office hours.. Mon – Friday
Where will i get this book in Delhi ?
Dear Sir,
Namaskara!
I had read about organic farming earlier but never thought that our Terrace on a 30×40 site could be used for such farming.
We have a terrace garden with more than 250 pots (sole effort and hard work of my mother),we all are interested in gardening and farming,being from a agriculturist family background.
We would like to learn more about organic farming,I would be interested to attend a short term course and take this up full time.
Please guide us on how to go about this.
Regards
hi ,interested in book as well as the work shop from bombay can u help.
9820250758
I am very interested in starting small ( very small) organic terrrace farming , am interested in procuring the book , and would like to attend the work shop too.
I have 16,000 sq ft of terrace. Is it possible to use expanded perlite instead of soil for organic gardening
I am from Chennai. Can we have any workshop on this topic in Chennai near future? Also where (in chennai) / how can I get this book (in person / post)?
Sir, I am residing in BELGAUM and would like to purchase your book . PLease guide
very encouraging, looking forward to do the workshop
I am interested in Book as well as I am interested in attending the work shop I am staying near Lalbagh Bangalore pls give the address of the shop were from I purchase the book
sirs,
i am very much interested to spread the concept of Terrace Gardening in Madurai city and in other parts of Tamilnad. Can I plz be allowed to attend your workshop ? also i am interested to present your book -Organic Terrace Gardening to all my friends here. where can I get in tamilnad? plz kindly let me know. thanks
gurumoorthi
Hi,
I am a resident of Delhi.How can I get the training for terrace farming here?May be you can start a training programe DVD for people like us outside Bangalore.I am also interested in the book
I set up a roof top garden at the Bishop Heber College in Trichirapalli in Tamilnad in 1990′s. I am glad that there are so many roof top gardens existing in so many cities. You may visit my web site http://www.technologyforthepoor.com to view some of the photos from Trichi.
Recently, I developed a vertical garden technique that can be useful to the poor especially, to the slum dwellers. Please visit city farmers site and type in Job Ebenezer and Technology for the Poor to view this technique. We need to involve the poor in this activity if we succeed in feeding the masses.
Dr. Job S. Ebenezer
Hi,
I am interested in terrace gardening, please let us know when r u conducting the workshop and how to register for it.
Thanks
U r great Dr Vishwanath…I stay close to U A S CAMPUS in Hebbal. I have a small garden with pots. I love gardening.
Once I heard about terrace garden I was interested in it. I need to know how to go about garden on terrace, please help me.
Thanks
Mohsina
Interested in roofgardening. Would like to buy ur book reg the same. Kindly let me know, whether I can hv it by currier?
GV Rameswara Reddy
interested in rooftop farming would like to visit one of your workshops. please intimate date and location with time, i will visit.
Thanks.
I am looking forward for your workshop on terrace garden.
Pl. intimate
Request you to kindly let me know how to procure this book
i am looking forward for your workshop please inform me
Hi Sir,
I’m interested in attending your workshops in Bangalore. Where can i get info about the schedules?
SIR.
I’M LEAVING IN NAVSARI (GUJARAT).
I HAVE A TERRACE OF ABOUT 20′ x 20′.
CAN I MAKE A TERRACE GARDEN ON IT.
HOW CAN I GET YOUR HAND BOOK. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
The article is not only interesting but also very informative. It impressed me a lot.I am Rtd. Jt. Director Horticulture, Meghalaya.I have just settled in Faridabad , Haryana. I want to start gardening on my Roof top. I want to get Hand Book on organic farming . I shell try to bring more people to adopt this practice . I need support your most valuable organization.
Dear All,
. Probably we could use this technology for questions/clarifications. We do have a small group (with Dr Vishwanath in it), you can subscribe to it. Details are
The workshops are being conducted in Bangalore only (for now) every month. You can contact AME(amefound.org) or VMSRF (vmsrf.org) for details on when.
Unfortunately, we do not want to get into the soft copy via DVD, CD etc is due to the fact that gardening is an experience which needs your presence and cannot be done in front of a system or remotely
bangalore-terrace-gardens@googlegroups.com
OrganicTerraceGardening@groups.facebook.com
Hope this helps,
regards,
Laxminarayan
I am a technical innovator, recently I have built a new house having terrace of about 2000sqfeet and I want to grow vegetables for own use and ready to experiment without considering economy of project. I am glad to know you efforts and research in terrace farming. I want to purchase your book so please guide us to buy the book
Good luck
S.N.Jha
Dr. Vishwanath,
I read the information given above regarding Terrace Gardening. I am very much interested in cultivating some basic vegetables like beans, carrot, greens, etc., on my rooftop. I am from Bangalore. Kindly let me know when your workshop is conducted and whom I should contact for information regarding the workshop. Thank you.
I stay in Mumbai. I am interested in terrace gardening workshops. Kindly guide about the book and the workshops.
Hello,
When and where is the next workshop in Bangalore? can you tell me the details?
Thank you,
lakshmi
Dear Sir,
I am very much interested in terrace garden & would like to attend the workshop. Pl. let me the date & other details
Thanks
Hi
I am from bangalore and I am interested for the terrace gardening training session. Please guide me on the next session details
Thanks
i
am interested in terrase gardening .please let me inform your next class.
Sir,
I live in Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) I have a terrace of 30* 25 I want to make a terrace garden on it, I need your Hand Book How Can I Get? ’
i am from hubli city and interested in doing terrace garden i have 1000 sft terrace.how i can get your book
Respected Doctor,
I am from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. I am very much interested in organic terrace gardening. I am sure your book will definitely help me in this regard. Please let me know the price of the book.
With regards
P.Ramachandra
sir iam very happy to see your article.i had attended ur training program in 2000.that was really worth.sir,iwant to know how to get acontinuous yield.ihave planted long beans(alsandae)2 months ago &now i started getting the yield.when i should sow the next set of seeds to get yield continuously? similarly for other vegetables also .waiting for ur valuable advice.thanku very much
thanks
will certainly attend your workshop
Sir
I felt more happy by having more knowledge about urban organic farming & terrace gardening etc in the seminar 8&9 july
Want to know if there r any workshops in delhi. Where can i get ur book in delhi.
those who are in Jammu, contact me for terrace gardening
9622572426
Hi all……… every month we conduct workshop in Bengaluru..
In Aug there is one on 20th for details contact Ms.Shobha on 26699512/522 and also for the book
there is one in the month of September also ,,,, for that pl. contact Dr.Rajendra Hegde on 9448629528
if need any information write to me on vishy_kadur@yahoo.co.in
i am constructing house at hbr lay out, very much interested to know more about terrace gardening..is there any tips regarding roof moulding related to gardening..pl help how to proceed
I’m Home maker interested in organic terrace farming. If you are conducting any workshop near by Kanakapura Road . Pls intimate us by email.
sir, i live in chennai.do inform us if you conduct workshops in chennai .i would love to attend it.
Dear Sir
I am from Mumbai and have taken to vegetable growing recently. Sir can you let me know where i would be able to get ur book in mumbai
I AM DOING TERRACE GARDENING SINCE LONG BACK
INSPIRED BY DR. SIROHI T.V. PROGRAM MES,PLEASE GUIDE ME SOME OF BASIC POINTS TO DO. MISHRA
Hello friends
I am extremely delighted to see the service done by DR.Viswanath through the concept of organic terrace gardening with a vision to protect all our interests in following ways,
1. Improvement in our health by consuming non toxic Eco-friendly vegetables & fruits.
2. Managing the budget on sky rocketing vegetables by housewife’s on daily basis.
3. Our life becomes cheerful & entertaining when greenery is eye-catching may reduce stress to larger extent.
4. When terraces are with greenery can reduce the heat radiation into the homes, acts as a “NATURAL AC” without paying electricity charges.
5. Kitchen organic waste also can be recycled in to terrace garden by minimizing the pressure on “GARBAGE HANDLING” by the city corporations which is a serious headache to local govt. bodies
I am an Agriculture graduate has extensively travelled & worked at farm fields in Karnataka, A.P, Tamilnadu states has seen from my own eyes the banned highly toxic chemicals sprayed on vegetable crops, let me take e.g. green Chillies where in spraying of pesticides & harvesting of green chilies takes place simultaneously by laborers, immediately in a hurry as a fresh “TAAZA” being transported to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore & many major cities by giving extra tips for speedy delivery, the chilly got coated n systematized by high toxic chemicals enters the consumer mouth well with in 24-48hrs from time of harvest, definitely these toxic chemicals residual toxic effects will create health hazard.
Until and unless government policies don’t change towards banned/permitted chemicals & encouraging towards “ORGANIC FARMING” we lower middle class/middle/poor class people has to look towards our own avenues, it is high time to participate in promoting ‘ORGANIC TERRACE GARDENING’. This is only a note to my society as a well wisher to Indian community.
Regards
V.RAMACHANDRA RAO
PH:09986957059
Hi All
our next workshop is on 15th of Oct 2011…. pl. contact Ms.Shobha of AME Foundation on 080-26699512/522 for workshop and also for buying the book….. as it is not possible to answer all the questions at a time I request U to write to my mail ID your individual questions so that I will try to answer to the extent of my knowledge……..
my e-mail ID vishy_kadur@yahoo.co.in
my Phone No. is 9845627217
we R planning an event called ” OOTA FROM YOUR THOTA” in Bengaluru north in the month of November
to learn more about it pl. contact Mr.Lakshminarayan on
9886396488
Ms.Jyothi on 9845538928
It amazing and I am excited to know more about terrace gardening. it not only aims at reducing temperature a bit and supply valued oxygen. On top of it, we get vegetables for consumption by making use of the house hold organic wastes.
i am running an organic store at Whitefield.We selling desi seeds also.I am interested to know the availability of organic seeds .
Kindly let me know
Priya Sreedhar
Hi,
I am interested in terrace gardening. Please let me know when and where is the workshop and how to register for the workshop.
Thanks
subbhash
if we have a terrace garden, how can we ensure that the sunlight is not too harsh and also regular supply of water?
pranam sir, u r the person the world needs at this moment i,m 4m surat associated with rotary n am social would like to have ur workshop here plz contact me 4 the details n if not possible atleast would like to have ur book thank u.
I am from Pune and interested in knowing about the terrace garden / city farmer.
Pl provide details on the same. Are there any training courses in Pune for the same ?
Thanks in advance,
Sir,
i am interested in attending you class please let me know the date in the month of December
I am interested to attend your class pl inform dates
dear sir…
i am very much intrested in organic farming , and garden terracing plz let me know when and where next workshop is been conducted … and where can i buy ur book?
plz let me know and it would really helpful…
thank u…
shruthi
Dear Sir,
I am very much interested in OTG. Can you provide one day seminar in pune.
sir
am absolutely interested in the work shops . when is the next one and how do i register?
Dear sir
i allready growing menthi and dantu on my terace and i am looking to learn more so where i can get the book near nagharabhavi Bangalore-72, and where i can get the seeds.
dear sir ,
i am verymuch interested in terrace gardnning.Kindly let me know how can i get yr book a hand book of organic terrace gardenning.pl. treat this as urgent.thank you
i am interested in attending your workshops pls let me know when and how to register. thank u.
sir,
i want to your book ” A Handbook of organic terrace gardening” so please send the PDF or any other format to my e-mail address.
PLS LET ME KNOW HOW CAN I GET UR BOOK IM INTERESTED IN TERRACE GARDENING
Where can i get the earthworms required for vermi-composting
If you are organizing a workshop in the near future please let me know, would be interested to join
Sir I had attended your workshop long back,it is more than about 7 to8 years back I had come from Belgaum for the workshop,it was very much useful, I had started doing and now I am a full time organic agriculturist
Sir I had attended your workshop long back may be 7 to 8 years back,had come from Belgaum for the workshop.It was very helpful I had started doing, now I have bought agri land and am a fulltime organic agriculturist, formerly I was a businessman
Hello Mr. Vishwanath
Hi Sir, I’m Suma. I’m very much interested in Gardening. Its like my dream of creating the world of beautiful of flowers, fruits and vegetables on my terrace. I tried, but not succeed! its because without guidance. Organic Terrace Gardening sounds interesting. So i request you to let me know when and where you are conducting workshop and also pls reveal where do I get Handbook of Organic Terrace Gardening.
Dear Sir,
I read your article.I am a nature lover and am interested to do up organic terrace garden as i have approx. 2000 sq ft area in noida (delhi) which at the moment has just grass lawn and some potted green plants but am keen to grow vegetables too.I would like to buy your book as it would give me an insight to start up from scratch.Could you let me know how to go about buying your book?
Sir,
please let me know if you are conducting any workshop in near future….Thanks
Sir,
Please let me know where can I get ur book , hand book of organic terrace gardening.
Sir, I would like to attend your nexty workshop on Terrace gardening if any in the near future. Kindly let me know the schedule for the next workshop..
Thanks Trupti
sir, I am planning for a terrace garden in Delhi…Is there any online soft book available on terrace garden
hello sir,myself dr lina,luking for designing my small terrace with flowering plants,organic veg,fountain,good light effects with small sitting arrangemnt,need help n guidance,i live in nagpur ,it wud b diff to attend ur day long course at banglore,ne substitute pls,lukin ahead fr ur reply,thanx
Sir i want to buy your book.
can i make the payment on delivery.
please let me know
Sir I want to attend your Organic Terrace Gardening workshop. Kindly let me know when and where it is happening at bangalore in near future.
Hello Sir, Iam from hyderabad and am interested to maintain terrace gardening.I have a terrace. is it necessary one more slab to maintain to this garden and regarding information to whom should i contact in hyderabad.kindly help me and give the mail.
Would love to know when your next workshop is. Please let me know…
i am interested in attending your class . please let me know the venue.
WHERE I CAN GET A COPY OF THIS BOOK.
Hi All………. the book is available from Ms.Shobha of AME foundation pl. call 080-26699512 R Mr.Kantharaj on 080-33516060 during office hrs
our group Garden City Farmers conducts workshops regularly
pl. contact Dr.Rajendra Hegde on 9448629528 … there is one in the month of may
for people from Maharashtra pl. contact Ms.Preeti patil of Urban leaves on9819197071
others who want to talk to me call my no. 9845627217 only after july 15th as I am outside the country at present R emailme at vishy_kadur@yahoo.co.in
Bangaloreans pl look out for OOTA FROM YOUR THOTA events also
chennai resident …. there will be a national seminar in Jan 2012 …. watch for details in your local papers
I have just started setting up my teraace garden,however I had started a couple of months ago and most of the plants did’nt survive ,I don’t know if it’s be’coz of the harsh sunlight most plants were infected and it was painful to see my garden vanish.Well I need ur guidance to set up a fresh garden.Pl.let me know when ur workshop is scheduled I live in Bangalore
Good morning sir…. sir i need terrace gardening articles please send to my e mail adress………….thank you sir
The parapet wall of my new building is partially a stretch of 100′ concrete channel of 17″ by 17″ size. I want to have plantations and small kitchen garden. Guidance is needed for appropriat mixtures of soil / manure filling and piping for drift irrigation.
Dear sir
I am in Patna (Bihar). Is there any one who can guide in developing a terrace/roof – top garden?
Dear sir
I am in Patna (Bihar). Is there any here one who can guide in developing a terrace/roof – top garden?
Dear Sir
I live in Patna and having a ta race garden of various
ornamental, succulent,cactus and Bonsai.Doing this since long.Any body interested in inter action over gardening,music he is welcome.
pls let me know how or where to purchase this book-A HAND BOOK OF ORGANIC TERRACE GARDENING
pl. check the answers I have already given…. our group conducts workshops on Organic Terrace Gardens regularly
pl. contact Dr.Rajendra Hegde on9448629528 for details there is one workshop in the month of May 2012 for the book contact Ms.Shobha on 080-26699512 durin office hours
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