Terrace Gardening has definitely contributed to the creation of Urban Farmers. Terrace gardeners need not run for super markets for fresh veggies and greens. Climb the stairs of the terrace or open the balcony panes, and there's a whole bunch of greens and veggies waiting for you!
The goodness of terrace garden is bounty, still issues like watering the terrace gardens every evening and morning is a cumbersome task for the gardening enthusiasts. Particularly, elder people have to climb the stairs very time for watering the plants. Adding to it, is the floor stains due to water leakage and moreover water clogging in the pots can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, as well.
Yet another snag experienced by the gardeners is...who will water the plants when they are away on a vacation? Here's the answer to that bothering question. The answer comes from Mr.C.Sreedharan from Coimbatore, a gardening enthusiast and Founder of GrownGreen Utilities.
Standing amidst a bunch of green veggies and plants, Sreedharan takes us on to a tour of his terrace garden and unveils the facts behind his innovation "Self Watering Container". He reveals to us an interesting and innovative concept called 'Self Watering Container'. By using this technique, watering of plants could be limited at an interval of 10-15 days depending upon the plants species. And, that's sounds great and so relieving, isn't it!
Sreedharan, a 74-year-old retired person had awaited all the way till his retirement to pursue his long time passion 'Gardening'. After moving from Kerala to Coimbatore, Sreedharan along with his wife Rama started to sow seeds of multiple fruits and vegetables in their terrace garden.
'As, Rama my wife was a Botany graduate, our debut garden was never amateurish' gleams Sreedharan.
Briefing to us on his invention "Self Watering Container" he shares that, "It all started when I visited my daughter in the US, a couple of years back. At my daughter's garden, I was amused to see nice rounded pots holding plants which they watered only every ten days.
Back here, when I returned from US me and my wife, Rama were devastated to see our entire garden barren, due to untimely watering. Though, the idea of growing plants in rounded pots in the US fascinated me, I was also skeptical as climatic and soil conditions of Tamil Nadu and US are north and south poles. Still, I gave it a try. As presumed my experimentation was a failure.
But I never gave up, I was keen on devising some way or the other to keep these green plants moisturized all time to prevent from drying up in our absence. At last, now I have with me the "Self Watering Container", which will definitely be a savior for all gardeners.
The Self Watering plant container is a secure method that addresses the factor of water scarcity in a very effective manner. It works on something called the capillary method.The 'Growngreen' is a Self-Watering Plant Container manufactured in grade plastic which is filled with highly nutrient potting soil and a separator with holes and a supporter tube.
The container has a tube to pour water and a transparent glass is placed at the bottom to check the water levels. Once the seed or plant is planted, water needs to sprayed on top of the soil which will help moisture the soil. After which water can be poured, the container approximately can hold 5 litres of water. With the capillary action of the tube water seeps through the soil and travels through the plants and keeps it moist through the day.
Potting soil is the key ingredient in the whole process, as normal soil might clog up and interrupt water supply to the plant. Around 7.5 kg of potting soil is required per container. The built-in tank ensures that frequent watering is not required, thereby making it possible to leave the plants unattended for extended periods of time.
As said before, by using this technique, watering of plants could be limited at an interval of 10-15 days depending upon the plants species. The Plants in 'GrownGreen' self-watering pots have continuous and uniform access to water through transpiration pull which never gets interrupted.
The water level indicator eliminates the dilemma of guess work of over-watering or under-watering. The most fascinating part is any type of vegetable can be grown in it. Self-Watering Plant Containers can increase plant life, provide high yield and above all keep the plants healthy' says Sreedharan, Founder of this innovative and much-needed product.
Initially, Sreedharan utilized this product for his own purpose and had no business idea. But after people came to know about this effective and efficient way of plant watering, Sreedharan was no more just an enthusiast gardener but transformed into a businessman too. He shares that he has sold 150 units, so far. And, that the kit contains a plastic container, separator, tube for filling water and required potting soil, at an affordable cost of Rs. 500/-
'It's not about making money, as we all know conservation of water is the need of the hour. I am happy I could contribute a small part to it', says Sreedharan. Sreedharan is also open for any queries on the product and sales at his mobile 9894227977 or 04222319107. Undoubtedly, these 'Self Watering Containers' will draw the attention of many gardening enthusiasts and terrace gardeners.