Dubai: Sudheesh Guruvayoor is perhaps the most acclaimed Indian agricultural enthusiast in the UAE. An electrical engineer-turned-farm supervisor, he has two world records to his credit in the field of farming in the UAE.
He believes it is important to make gardening a sustainable experience.
Summer time, said Guruvayoor, is a nature’s largesse as many varieties can be successfully grown in the kitchen garden.
A range of vegetables, and leafy greens, are perfect produce for summer planting.
“Commercial leafy greens have more pesticides on them. So, it is better to grow them at home,” he said.
“Green and red spinach, mint, long beans, curry leaves, varieties of ladies’ finger, eggplant, bird’s eye chillies - which are good for cholesterol - need only a little bit of shade. So, you can try planting all these in summer.”
“You can even grow a drumstick plant in a bucket with holes. You can use the leaf and fruits of this plant.”
Winter months, according to Guruvayoor, are ideal for planting cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, chillies, capsicum, coriander leaf, etc.
“If you put in extra effort, you can even grow banana and papaya in the balcony space,” said Guruvayoor, who has even harvested rice paddy in his villa’s backyard.
How to grow your own vegetable garden
