Swimming Coach Grows 150 Varieties on Bikaner Terrace

When Vijay Sharma noticed the quality of vegetables at his local market declining in 2017, he decided to grow his own. The swimming coach from Bikaner, Rajasthan, started small with cluster beans on his terrace.

What began as a simple solution to poor produce quality became a passion. Sharma expanded his garden to include spinach, okra, and chillies, pleased with how easily fresh vegetables could grow in containers.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, his terrace garden exploded to 1,500 square feet. He now cultivates more than 150 varieties of vegetables and medicinal plants in one of India's hottest cities, where summer temperatures can hit 50 degrees Celsius.

His secret to success in such extreme conditions involves creative problem-solving. Sharma reuses old drums, discarded tires, and broken plastic containers as planters, proving that gardening doesn't require expensive supplies.

For his growing medium, he mixes regular soil with equal parts cow dung manure or cocopeat to create a loose, moisture-retentive base. He stresses using mature compost rather than fresh manure, which can damage tender leafy vegetables like spinach.

October offers ideal conditions for starting spinach in many parts of India as temperatures cool after summer heat. Sharma recommends containers at least six to eight inches deep with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.

He plants creepers strategically around his garden to shade other plants from Bikaner's intense afternoon sun. This natural cooling technique helps spinach and other vegetables thrive despite harsh conditions.

Watering requires consistent attention without overdoing it. "Watering the plants is equally important for their healthy growth," Sharma explains, advising gardeners to check soil moisture daily and water when the surface dries.

The Ripple Effect

Sharma's journey from frustrated vegetable buyer to master gardener shows how one person's solution can inspire entire communities. His willingness to share practical knowledge helps beginners overcome the intimidation of starting their first garden.

His methods prove that limited space, extreme weather, and tight budgets don't have to stop anyone from growing fresh food. Even a small terrace can provide nutritious vegetables for everyday meals with just containers, soil, and regular care.

The timing couldn't be better for aspiring gardeners to try spinach. October's cooler temperatures in northern India create perfect growing conditions, and Sharma's accessible techniques remove the guesswork from getting started.

Fresh palak from your own terrace is just a few containers and some patience away.