A Comprehensive Overview on Sustainable Vegetable Gardening: Eco-friendly Approaches to Home Grown Production
Ritika Dhurve *
Department of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474002, India.
Asha Jat
Department of Horticulture, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Byomakesh Swain
Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow, 226025, India.
Payal Vyas
Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Priyanka Bankoti
School of Agricultural Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, 248002, Uttarakhand, India.
Badri Lal Nagar
Department of Vegetable Science, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474002, India.
T. Sivasankari Devi
Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, TNAU, Coimbatore, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Mansi Nautiyal
School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sustainable vegetable gardening is an eco-friendly practice that integrates organic farming principles, resource conservation, and biodiversity promotion to produce nutritious, chemical-free food while minimizing environmental impact. This approach emphasizes soil health through the use of organic amendments, crop rotation, composting, and mulching to improve fertility and water retention. Water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, are employed to optimize water use, especially in arid regions. Pest and disease management relies on integrated pest management (IPM), biological controls, companion planting, and the use of organic pesticides to reduce chemical input while maintaining crop health. Sustainable homegrown produce has been shown to have superior nutritional content compared to commercially grown produce, and the avoidance of synthetic chemicals reduces the risk of pesticide residue exposure. Gardening fosters healthy eating habits by connecting individuals to their food sources, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed vegetables, and contributing to food security. The mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being, further highlight its holistic value. However, challenges such as the initial setup costs, time investment, pest management, and knowledge gaps can hinder widespread adoption. Addressing these challenges requires greater access to resources, educational initiatives, and the development of climate-resilient practices tailored to specific regions. Future trends in sustainable gardening include the adoption of technological innovations, such as smart irrigation systems, automation, and vertical farming, which offer scalable solutions for urban and small-scale gardeners. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of resilient, local food systems, and sustainable gardening is poised to play a critical role in addressing future food security concerns.
Keywords: Sustainable, gardening, organic, biodiversity, composting, nutritional, IPM, Urban, irrigation, heirloom