“YOU DON’T NEED A BIG SPACE TO START AN URBAN GARDEN”
Urban Gardening: Interview 5
It’s been almost a year since Aziwan bin Ali and his wife started growing herbs, vegetables, fruit trees and flowers in the vicinity of their home in Sungai Jawi on mainland Penang. Today 5 types of herbs; as well as limau kasturi and amra trees thrive in their garden. The mango tree that his mother planted bears many fruits. About 6-7 types of vegetables which they had earlier grown had been destroyed by pests but the couple is undeterred, they are now regrowing them.
Today Aziwan is able to harvest his own food with enough left over to share with his neighbours. Best of all, the food is naturally grown. It makes him happy.
Aziwan shares about his experience below.
“I was inspired to try urban gardening after seeing vegetables being grown by the side of homes in several housing areas. They were grown in pots, polybags, used plastic containers and all sorts of contraptions.
“I started with flowers – hibiscus, jasmine and kemboja – then slowly ventured into growing vegetables and herbs. I grew the vegetables from seeds bought and those which I had saved on my own. I will be saving the current seeds for future use.
“For compost, I use dried mango leaves and also burnt ash from all sorts of dried leaves. A neighbour gave me a natural spray made of serai wangi which I use for pest control.
“I’ve not had a chance to attend CAP’s urban farming training but I have taken a tour of CAP’s urban farm and gained some useful insights.
“Urban farming is possible even if you don’t have a porch or backyard. You can grow plants in pots, used plastic containers or tyres, or you can even come up with your own ideas for planters. It’s an exciting activity. Give it a try, the result will surprise you,” Aziwan says.