Undoubtedly, covid-19 has made people adopt healthy eating habits. Darwin theory of survival of fittest is once again showing its significance and results of which have been seen in the focus shifting from carbs to vitamins and mineral to be included in the diet. The extent is that people are not giving a second thought while spending on organic food.
Catastrophic effects of pandemic on Homo sapiens resulted in complete change in the consumption pattern and shifted the focus from quantity to quality. In view of safer food availability, the populous of semi-urban and urban areas resorted to growing their veggies. Further, the metamorphosis of back yards, balconies, rooftops to homegrown garden has become a trend which soon become a culture in the coming years.
Leading companies in vegetable seeds empathized with the growing needs and concerns of urban population towards healthy food and came up with concepts like home gardening, availability of quality seeds even in smallest pack sizes which fulfil demand of every segment. We ought to learn from demanding situations and find out the solution to every problem, but vice versa stands right as well.
The tiny creatures that account for crores of losses in the pest crops every year can also become a nuisance in the home garden because of the rapidly changing environment scenario, pollution and resistance in the insects against the synthetic chemicals. Nevertheless, we must not forget our home garden's sole purpose, I.e. organically available chemical-free veggies. Besides, understanding that 100% control is not possible and not required as extreme efforts to control may disturb the garden's naturally maintained fauna. It will also lead to the extinction of the friendly insects which are usually natural predator of these pests. Keeping the number of tiny pests in the home garden below the economic injury level should be the only priority.
Hence, when it is homegrown, why not prepare your own medicines to manage them in some effortless ways such as traditionally applied neem oil, other than that garlic and onion extracts, spray of peels citrus fruits. These can-do wonders as they have natural repellence effects which keep them away from the plant.
Working closely with the urban pests, I can also recommend diatomaceous earth which is easily available powder in the markets. Another way of keeping these nasty beings at bay is by using small amount of diluted rubbing alcohol in your garden. In the cases where excessive insect population of aphids or mealy bugs are visible cotton dabbing will work because excess spray of rubbing alcohol might turn into burned leaves.
Apart from the kitchen wastes, you can quickly introduce lemongrass in our gardens, which is an excellent repellent and will provide a lively essence to the home garden. Medicinal benefits of the lemon grass aren't hidden from anyone.
We can conclude that the pandemic has taught us many lessons, but before anything in this world, the consciousness for meal is the first in order.
Agree with me?
As profoundly said health is wealth, pandemic successfully showed us a practical picture of this. However, nothing lasts for long, and we will soon be out of it with learnings and healthy habits to be inculcated for a lifetime. The time is not far when we plant our personal garden in smallest of urban spaces: DIY garden will soon be the new normal.
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