This zero-waste Bengaluru home is setting great example during lockdown

Many have turned to organic farming and other interesting activities to make their lockdown days more productive. Shilpa and Nithin, a couple based in Bengaluru says that this is the right time for those who complain of lack space or time to try their hands at terrace farming or composting.

It was three years ago that Shilpa Maheswari and Nithin Sinha decided to start zero-waste living. In the initial days, the duo experimented with various methods to make potent compost. As most of it didn't turn out as successful as they had hoped, they began studying more about it. That is when Shilpa and Nithin came across the idea of nutrient rich compost.

After producing potent compost, Shilpa began thinking about growing organic vegetables using it. Today, she grows around fifty varieties of vegetables using only the waste from her kitchen. It was only when she began farming that Shilpa realized how much food waste is produced in her household. It inspired her to reduce food waste as well.

Shilpa and Nithin learn more about vegetable farming and compost making by attending online gardening workshops. They mostly do pot based gardening. Shilpa says vegetables that are planted in pots require constant watering. She grows most seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, green chilies and coriander.

Shilpa has now turned her terrace and balcony into beautiful and rich organic vegetable garden. After growing vegetables in pots, Shilpa tried growing them in old plastic bottles and discarded tires as well. Shilpa and Nithin are proud that they grow organic vegetables at their home itself and do not have to buy vegetables that are doused in pesticides from outside.