Sushma Reddy

About

I get a lot of joy from my garden, and it’s become my own healing corner. Growing my own food, especially in a city apartment, just hits different. If you’ve ever wondered where to get healthy plants or which tools actually last, here’s a peek into what’s worked (and what hasn’t) for me.

Where I Source My Plant Babies

• For anyone in Bengaluru, PCR Nursery is my go-to - the plant selection is wild and the prices aren’t too crazy. Nature’s Sheild is also solid for pots and all the random bits you realize you need.
• Need something rare or getting started from scratch? Trusted online nurseries for plants like SA Nursery, Pack My Plants, and Unique Plant Nursery have sent me grafted fruit trees that survived shipping and grew strong. Just watch for the packaging - some do it better than others.
• Organix Rosa sometimes has discounts, which is a nice bonus.

All About Soil, Fertilizer & Natural Care

• Best soil mixes for terrace gardens? I stick to Trellis Bliss and Soilrite - light and easy to carry up apartment stairs, ha!
• Organic gardening supplies recommendations: Ugaoo for manure and compost, Neem products for pest control, and honestly, your kitchen waste is gold. Banana peels, coffee grounds, rice water - works wonders.
• If you’re battling mealy bugs, Pot and Bloom Mealy Bug Buster actually does the job.

Tools & Balcony Upgrades

• Honest garden tool reviews: I use Farmgokart’s basic set - not fancy, but reliable. I’ve broken a few handles over the years, but for the price, it’s okay.
• Small space fruit tree gardening is possible! I use grow bags and sturdy stands from Trust Basket and Urban Plant. Kyari’s self-watering pots are good if you forget to water sometimes.

Even in a rented flat, I’ve managed to grow over 35 fruit trees. Dil ka jo haal hai... sirf meri choti si kheti samajh sakti hai (What my heart feels... only my little garden knows). Gardening isn’t perfect, but it’s worth it every single day.