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A few pointers on setting up your very own urban kitchen garden.

- Priyanka Amar Shah

In the concrete grid that is your urban home, how about creating a welcoming space where you and your family can relax, exercise, and grow pesticide free food, all at the same time? Having your own kitchen garden can be both fun and rewarding. Below are a few easy steps to start one:

Sunny Side In: The amount of sunlight a plant receives is a crucial factor to consider. Choose a location where you receive minimum of 4 to 5 hours of sunlight every day.

Grow What You Eat: Plant selection is another important step. If you’re a first time gardener, begin with easy growing herbs like basil, mint, peppermint, carom, curry leaves, or vegetables like spinach and fenugreek whose seeds can be easily found in your kitchen. Start small and slowly increase the size of your garden with experience.

It is believed that plants are like human beings and thrive on companionship. Some plants yield better when surrounded with their companion plants. For example tomato grows better when grown with basil or marigold while spinach grows better with celery or eggplant.