<p>What conditions truly determine a plant’s growth in our homes — sun, water, humidity? Or are there other factors we should also consider? Urbanisation has significantly transformed gardening in recent years. Houseplants and balcony gardens have surged in popularity, thanks to dwarf flowering and fruiting varieties that thrive in compact spaces. Plants that once flourished in forests and the wild like monstera, orchids, and cacti are now cherished centrepieces in our homes, adapting to life as our green companions. </p><p>Before modernisation, we traditionally cultivated our gardens outside our homes, following an arrangement that balanced beauty, function, and safety. This traditional approach divided the garden into functionally distinct zones. People typically planted fragrant flowers in the front yard, a public zone, to welcome and make visitors feel comfortable. The backyard was a utility zone, housing vegetable patches, herbs, medicinal plants, banana plants, and composting activities. The periphery was where tall trees like coconut trees, which could drop ripe fruits or dry fronds, were placed to prevent accidents. Dense screening plants formed natural boundaries. Often plants with toxic leaves or seeds, for example, Nerium oleander (arali, kanugle), Cestrum nocturnum (night-blooming jasmine), and Cascabela thevetia (commonly called yellow oleander), were grown along this periphery. </p><p>This placement ensured that children and pets playing nearby were safe from accidental ingestion. Yellow oleander produces seeds about the size of a lemon which turn from green to black as they mature. Both the leaves and seeds contain a milky latex that we were cautioned against as children, especially before touching our eyes, nose, or mouth. Like yellow oleander, Nerium oleander, known for its beautiful flowers and often used in temples, is both fragrant and hardy. Its drought-resistant nature makes it popular for highways and sidewalks, where it adds both colour and shade. However, its potentially toxic properties necessitate careful consideration for home balcony gardens. In our modern lifestyles, we are losing traditional knowledge about plants — their advantages, risks, and safe handling techniques. For example, I frequently see oleander flourishing in pots on balconies, with owners possibly unaware of its potential dangers. A recent event in Kerala, where a young nurse tragically lost her life after accidentally consuming oleander flowers, emphasises the need for plant safety. As I often say, before bringing any plant home, take the time to learn about it from trusted sources. Social media can sometimes emphasise a plant’s benefits, ignoring its potential risks. So it is wise to verify any information before investing in a new plant for your space. In your home balcony, surround toxic plants, especially those with thorns or milky sap, with other plants to make them less accessible to children and pets. </p><p>Motley Garden is your monthly kaleidoscopic view into a sustainable garden ecosystem. The author believes gardening is more than just cultivating plants. It’s also about the bees, butterflies, insects, flies, and bugs that make the garden their home. She posts as @all_things_in_my_garden. Send your queries to allthingsinmygarden@gmail.com</p>.<p><strong>Reader query</strong></p><p>In our gated community, we process our wet waste on-site. We are sold the greens and vegetables cultivated in a vegetable patch using this compost. My issue stems from the fact that the collected wet waste also contains non-vegetarian leftovers. I don’t feel like buying the produce. Help me get over it. </p><p>It’s natural to be concerned. Understanding the science behind composting might help to appreciate how it contributes to healthier plants and a healthier environment. First and foremost, it is essential to realise that the land we live on is the consequence of countless generations of decomposing plants, animals, and microorganisms that have made the soil fertile. Composting is a natural process where all plant and animal matter is converted into basic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants absorb these nutrients without any distinction between their sources. By the time composting is complete, the original materials are unrecognisable. The compost becomes a uniform, earthy substance. It is essential that you feel at ease and are delighted about the food you harvest and enjoy. You can continue to profit from your community garden by learning more about the composting process and making minor improvements if needed. What you’re growing are clean, wholesome vegetables, just as nature intended. </p>
<p>What conditions truly determine a plant’s growth in our homes — sun, water, humidity? Or are there other factors we should also consider? Urbanisation has significantly transformed gardening in recent years. Houseplants and balcony gardens have surged in popularity, thanks to dwarf flowering and fruiting varieties that thrive in compact spaces. Plants that once flourished in forests and the wild like monstera, orchids, and cacti are now cherished centrepieces in our homes, adapting to life as our green companions. </p><p>Before modernisation, we traditionally cultivated our gardens outside our homes, following an arrangement that balanced beauty, function, and safety. This traditional approach divided the garden into functionally distinct zones. People typically planted fragrant flowers in the front yard, a public zone, to welcome and make visitors feel comfortable. The backyard was a utility zone, housing vegetable patches, herbs, medicinal plants, banana plants, and composting activities. The periphery was where tall trees like coconut trees, which could drop ripe fruits or dry fronds, were placed to prevent accidents. Dense screening plants formed natural boundaries. Often plants with toxic leaves or seeds, for example, Nerium oleander (arali, kanugle), Cestrum nocturnum (night-blooming jasmine), and Cascabela thevetia (commonly called yellow oleander), were grown along this periphery. </p><p>This placement ensured that children and pets playing nearby were safe from accidental ingestion. Yellow oleander produces seeds about the size of a lemon which turn from green to black as they mature. Both the leaves and seeds contain a milky latex that we were cautioned against as children, especially before touching our eyes, nose, or mouth. Like yellow oleander, Nerium oleander, known for its beautiful flowers and often used in temples, is both fragrant and hardy. Its drought-resistant nature makes it popular for highways and sidewalks, where it adds both colour and shade. However, its potentially toxic properties necessitate careful consideration for home balcony gardens. In our modern lifestyles, we are losing traditional knowledge about plants — their advantages, risks, and safe handling techniques. For example, I frequently see oleander flourishing in pots on balconies, with owners possibly unaware of its potential dangers. A recent event in Kerala, where a young nurse tragically lost her life after accidentally consuming oleander flowers, emphasises the need for plant safety. As I often say, before bringing any plant home, take the time to learn about it from trusted sources. Social media can sometimes emphasise a plant’s benefits, ignoring its potential risks. So it is wise to verify any information before investing in a new plant for your space. In your home balcony, surround toxic plants, especially those with thorns or milky sap, with other plants to make them less accessible to children and pets. </p><p>Motley Garden is your monthly kaleidoscopic view into a sustainable garden ecosystem. The author believes gardening is more than just cultivating plants. It’s also about the bees, butterflies, insects, flies, and bugs that make the garden their home. She posts as @all_things_in_my_garden. Send your queries to allthingsinmygarden@gmail.com</p>.<p><strong>Reader query</strong></p><p>In our gated community, we process our wet waste on-site. We are sold the greens and vegetables cultivated in a vegetable patch using this compost. My issue stems from the fact that the collected wet waste also contains non-vegetarian leftovers. I don’t feel like buying the produce. Help me get over it. </p><p>It’s natural to be concerned. Understanding the science behind composting might help to appreciate how it contributes to healthier plants and a healthier environment. First and foremost, it is essential to realise that the land we live on is the consequence of countless generations of decomposing plants, animals, and microorganisms that have made the soil fertile. Composting is a natural process where all plant and animal matter is converted into basic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants absorb these nutrients without any distinction between their sources. By the time composting is complete, the original materials are unrecognisable. The compost becomes a uniform, earthy substance. It is essential that you feel at ease and are delighted about the food you harvest and enjoy. You can continue to profit from your community garden by learning more about the composting process and making minor improvements if needed. What you’re growing are clean, wholesome vegetables, just as nature intended. </p>