Pune: A growing number of home gardeners in Pune are transforming terraces, balconies and backyards into mini farms, cultivating exotic fruits and herbs. From dragon fruit, passion fruit and avocado to rosemary, thyme, basil and oregano, gardening enthusiasts are experimenting with crops typically associated with international cuisines.“I have been gardening for the last 10 years and only recently started growing passion fruit and kale. These are not easily available in the market, and the prices are steep if I order them online,” said Gauri Sharma, a resident of Pashan.“The weather in Pune is perfect for many exotic fruits and vegetables. I recently purchased a grafted avocado sapling, and it is growing very well,” said Saloni Naren, a home gardener from Wanowrie.Easy access to seeds, online gardening communities and improved growing techniques have encouraged residents to diversify beyond traditional vegetables.“I started by growing commonly available vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach and lemons, but now I have a herb garden with oregano, rosemary, basil, mint and other herbs,” said Kalpana Merchant, a resident of Kondhwa.Many seeds and saplings are also exchanged at plant swaps organised regularly within the gardening community.“We have plant swaps at least once every three months. Everyone shares plant cuttings, seeds and tips on how to care for specific plants. It is extremely fulfilling,” said Rekha Das, a resident of Fatimanagar.Nisha D recalled purchasing a dragon fruit plant from Empress Garden earlier this year and expects it to start fruiting soon.“There was a nursery from Nashik selling these saplings. The plant is thriving in a grow bag on my terrace,” she said.Home gardeners said most of the produce is for personal consumption.“If I have excess basil and it has overgrown, I prepare pesto and store it for future use. If there are excess passion fruits, I distribute them among neighbours,” said Nandita Deshpande, a resident of Bavdhan.Raju Kadam, who runs a nursery on the Pune-Solapur Road, said, “I receive regular requests for saplings of exotic fruits and herbs such as avocado, mulberry, figs, passion fruit and Romaine lettuce. We have started procuring them from our nursery partners based on customer orders.”Home cultivation also helps reduce grocery expenses.“We used to spend at least Rs 600 a week on avocados. Now I get them from my own tree when it fruits. The pleasure of eating fresh avocado is unparalleled,” said Disha Gupta, a resident of Bhugaon.
