As several parts of India continues to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, with various restrictions and preventive measures in place, terrace gardening may be one fruitful wellness activity for those who have the space. Thummeti Raghothama Reddy’s book 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota' shows the way.
In the past seven years, Reddy reaped 25 quintals of vegetables in a small area of 1230 square feet terrace garden. All this was done using only soil and animal manure. No chemicals were used in his terrace garden.
English translation of Thummeti Raghothama Reddy's book- 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota', originally written in Telugu, chronicles Reddy's successful journey of developing a fruitful terrace garden at Naarapalle, Hyderabad.
The book 'Terrace Garden: Midde Thota' gives an insight into the practical methods and techniques that can be adopted while cultivating a terrace garden.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who was presented with the first copy of the book on Sunday, lauded the translator, Koduru Sitarama Prasad and the publisher, Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao for their efforts in bringing out the book.
"Terrace gardening is a wonderful idea as it can provide us with nutritious food that is cost-effective," Naidu said, appreciating Reddy for using the age-old traditional methods of farming in his terrace garden.
Highlighting the benefits of having a terrace garden, Naidu said that it not only gives fresh produce of chemical-free fruits and vegetables but also increases the levels of oxygen in the surrounding air. "Gardening brings one close to nature and it can also relieve mental stress," he added.
The vice-president said that the book inspires people to take up terrace gardening and is a perfect guide for those who want to nurture a terrace garden of their own. People with empty spaces at home should try cultivating gardening as a hobby, Naidu added.
