Madhu (age: 21)
What does gardening mean to you?
Gardening is a way to take a break and slow down. It is a (low-cost) way to spend some time outside and not in front of a screen.
Why did you join the Lampton park Community Garden?
When I joined the first Lampton Park Community Garden session, I knew close to nothing about gardening. I had a garden but it didn’t have any ‘useful’ plants in it (i.e., no edible vegetation or pretty flowers). So I started attending these sessions with the hope to redo my garden with the knowledge and tips I learn from the community garden. I thought it would also be a nice way to meet some of the other people who live around Hounslow. In fact, I have reunited with two of my primary school friends through these sessions!
How long have you been gardening and what do you grow?
I started gardening last year. I now grow beans, potatoes, radish and spinach. I also still have the succulent I got from my university. I tried (and failed) at growing pumpkins last year and am hoping to try again this year!
What do you do with your harvest?
I give my harvest to my mum to use for cooking. She uses them in dhal or makes them into a side dish to have with rice.
Do you have any tips for someone who would like to start gardening?
For someone who is just getting into gardening, I would suggest starting small. For example, I started with a free plant I won at my university’s welcome week. It was a small succulent that I only needed to water once every 2 weeks. Once I felt ready to do more, I planted some french bean seeds in my garden and started to grow those too. I planted more and more things as I began feeling more confident.