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mumbai mirror....

10 common edible wild plants of Maharashtra (India)

--Be sure of your identification of the wild edible plant BEFORE you eat it! Some wild edible plants have very poisonous look-alikes.
--You may be allergic to some wild edible plants. If you are at all unsure if you will be allergic to a particular plant, eat just a little bit at first.
--*YOU* are 100% responsible for properly identifying and properly preparing wild edible plants that you eat. NOT me!

I sat back last night to watch an all time fav movie Into the wild tells the story of a 20-year-old college graduate who cashes in his law school fund and, in the words of Mark Twain, lights out for the territory. He drives west until he can drive no farther, and then north into the Alaskan wilderness. He has a handful of books about survival and edible wild plants, Months later at the abandoned bus, life for McCandless becomes harder and he becomes less discerning. As his supplies begin to run out, McCandless realizes that nature is also harsh and uncaring. In the pain of realization, McCandless concludes that true happiness can only be found when shared with others and seeks to return from the wild to his friends and family. However, he finds that the stream he had crossed during the winter has become wide, deep, and violent due to the thaw, and thus he is unable to cross. Saddened, McCandless returns to the bus, now as a prisoner who is no longer in control of his fate and can only hope for help from the outside. In a desperate act, McCandless is forced to gather and eat roots and plants, but he confuses similar plants and becomes ill as a result. Slowly dying...i had to make a list iv forayed into the wild several times to be true i feel most at home there... among the wild trees the bird sounds the freedom...heres a brief list of plants that you could keep an eye out for if you ever decide to foray into the Indian wild...


Hers a brief list of plants that could be eaten....

1)Cattail (Typha)
the typha genus of plants is usually found near the edges of freshwater wetlands. Cattails were a staple in the diet of many Native American tribes. Most of a cattail is edible. You can boil or eat raw the rootstock, or rhizomes, of the plant. The rootstock is usually found underground. Make sure to wash off all the mud. The best part of the stem is near the bottom where the plant is mainly white. Either boil or eat the stem raw. Boil the leaves like you would spinach. The corn dog-looking female flower spike can be broken off and eaten like corn on the cob in the early summer when the plant is first developing. It actually has a corn-like taste to it.

2)Clovers (Trifolium)
Lucky you-clovers are actually edible. And they’re found just about everywhere there’s an open grassy area. You can spot them by their distinctive trefoil leaflets. You can eat clovers raw, but they taste better boiled

3)Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium)
This pretty little plant is found primarily in the moonsoon. You can identify fireweed by its purple flower and the unique structure of the leaves’ veins; the veins are circular rather than terminating on the edges of the leaves. Several adavasi tribes included fireweed in their diet. It’s best eaten young when the leaves are tender. Mature fireweed plants have tough and bitter tasting leaves. You can eat the stalk of the plant as well. The flowers and seeds have a peppery taste. Fireweed is a great source of vitamins A and C

4)Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)
Found all over the ghat regions beed,vidharba,pune highways, the prickly pear cactus is a very tasty and nutritional plant that can help you survive the next time you’re stranded in the desert. The fruit of the prickly pear cactus looks like a red or purplish pear. Hence the name. Before eating the plant, carefully remove the small spines on the outer skin or else it will feel like you’re swallowing a porcupine. You can also eat the young stem of the prickly pear cactus. It’s best to boil the stems before eating

5)Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
While considered an obnoxious weed in the books of horticulture, purslane can provide much needed vitamins and minerals in a wilderness survival situation. Ghandi actually numbered purslane among his favorite foods. It’s a small plant with smooth fat leaves that have a refreshingly sour taste. Purslane grows from the beginning of summer to the start of fall. You can eat purslane raw or boiled. If you’d like to remove the sour taste, boil the leaves before eating.

6)Abelmoschus ficulneus (L.) Wt. & Arn. ex Wight. (V. Ran Bhendi). Fam. Malvaceae
Young fruits used for making vegetable. Fruits are covered by tubercle based hairs, which become strigose as fruit matures, making it unfit to eat. However, in a short time capsules become hard and woody; seeds from mature capsules used to make curry.

7)Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker (V. Safed Musali, Turshi, Pulum Musali). Fam. Liliaceae.
Tubers eaten raw, supposed to be very nutritious. Now a days tribals do not use them personally, but collect to sale to the traders. Young leaves used as vegetable.

8)Mangifera indica L. (V. Amba, Aam, Marka). Fam. Anacardiaceae.
by far my favourate wild tree wild mangoes have such a pure taste...takes me back to the college days where we went insect hunting in the jungles and feasted on these small yet delicious mangoes.Though fruits are well known, tribals, in addition use tender leaves (when still reddish in colour). Tender leaves are made intochutteny. It tastes like young fruits and has very pleasant aroma.

9)Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees. (V. Basa, Velu, Keltha). Fam. Poaceae.
Young shoot sprouts produced above ground after first rains are collected and cut into pieces. These are boiled in a pot, without covering the pot, so that steam is released free. Boiled shoots prepared into vegetable, pickled or cooked with rice

10)Agave vera-cruz Mill. (V. Kekti, Kektad).Fam. Agavaceae
Flower buds and young flowers are eaten raw. They are made into chuttney. (In old days chuttney was made with red ants. This is not now in practice). Flowers are also made into vegetable.The raw root is supposed to be caustic - so one needs to be careful when handling it.
A root this size needs to cook for a couple of days in a fire pit.Once cooked it is actually a little sweet and quite tasty

Plants to Avoid
If you can’t clearly identify a plant and you don’t know if it’s poisonous, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Steer clear from a plant if it has:
1) Milky or discolored sap
2) Spines, fine hairs, or thorns
3) Beans, bulbs, or seeds inside pods
4) Bitter or soapy taste
5) Dill, carrot, parsnip, or parsley-like foliage
6) “Almond” scent in the woody parts and leaves
7) Grain heads with pink, purplish, or black spurs

biological solutions of getting rid of ---- lizards !

This article has been written for my adorable girlfriend who is terrified at the sight of a lizard...I keep reminding her of an old saying; you're more afraid of it than it is of you?yet some how she lets out a screech...and jumps straight into my arms..not that im complaining . Even though most people are well aware of how ridiculously beneficial lizards are to our homes, yards, and environment (they eat a staggering amount of pests like insects and spiders), it just doesn't matter. The fear and disgust for these animals has a tendency to far outweigh any benefits we could derive from having lizards in the house. They just aren't wanted. At least not anywhere people have to see or think about them. And so...this article.
They may seem cute and friendly when you're watching the Animal Planet or Discovery, but not all find them cute.Even though lizards are considered good luck in Hawaii, most people don't like having the small lizards in their homes.

A female gecko can lay up to two eggs in a six week period, which can become a big problem if she's laying those eggs in your home. If your home has one or more lizards living in it, there are some simple things you can do to get rid of them without harming them.While geckos only reach a maximum size of about 8 inches, several chameleon species can grow over a foot long. Both are classified as small lizards, meaning that they feed primarily on pests like cockroaches, mosquitoes, small rats and centipedes. Though these reptiles are generally harmless, you can avoid the mess they leave behind by repelling them using safe, friendly methods.
Most commercial snake repellents use the chemical naphthalene, which causes liver damage, anemia and is classified by the EPA as a Class C possible human carcinogen. So, those will definitely repel or even kill snakes,l...other animals, including you!eave alone a lizard.

Here are a few plants that you can plant that will keep them away

1)The Common Rue Ruta graveolens is a native of Southern Europe which has naturalised itself in India. It is calle Nagadali here , as it is believed to deter lizards from entering the garden. Most gardeners grow it at the entrance of their gardens/homes.
The Rue has an unpleasant oily smell, but its leaves are an unusual blue-green. Its lime yellow flowers bloom in summer. It was used in European cooking before the 20th century, but now tastes have changed. Its leaves and oil are used in Ayurveda for curing chest related diseases and Arthritis.

2)The Pencil Tree Euphorbia tirucalli is a native of Africa, which has naturalized itself in India since thousands of years . Probably brought to India by the Arab traders in the distant past, its name Tirucalli is an Indian name given to it by Linnaeus. The name Euphorbia is in honour of the 1st century physician Euphorbus, who practiced in the court of King Juba of Mauritania.
Tirucalli has very few leaves, since its pencil like green branches photosynthesise its food.The flowers are yellow and insignificant. Its latex is poisonous, so animals do not eat it, making it a favourite hedge plant in the countryside.
The Pencil Tree has many uses in folk medicine. It is also used to make bio- diesel.
In south India, villagers use it as a plant of good omen in all their auspicious ceremonies.
this awesome plant not just keeps lizards at bay but keeps moles,rats,fleas,aphids at bay.

3)Catnip is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 24 inches .
It is known to bring butterflys into a garden and keep harmful ones out.Not only do the flowers smell good but the leaves have a nice aroma.Many people grow it for their cats who are known to roll their bodies on the leaves. This plant will grow in poor soil and return each year without much care. Herbalists have used it to produce a relaxing effect also others have used for toothache, corns and hives. The oil of this plant has been used for insomnia, reduce gas and a digestive aid. Studies indicate that the chemicals in Osage Orange and Catnip repel cockroaches and a few other insects.

4)Eucalyptus :this is a super plant has a million medicinal uses and is an absolute brilliant plant to repel mosquitoes/lizards/rats/termites/white ants....Eucalyptus has long been used in traditional herbal medicines to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes. The essential oil, derived from aromatic fresh leaves, is also a component of several well-known, over-the-counter cold and chest congestion rubs and treatments. It is also an ingredient in some mouthwashes

5)mint:he perfect way to keep snakes out of your yard is to plant mint around the border. lizards hate it and you have a wonderful plant for cooking and teas. spearmint's ,peppermints are beautiful ground covers and are oh so easy to maintain and with absolutely delightful aroma...they also keep ants at bay but are highly susceptible to rats .

some other ways to repel lizards are:

1)The cat effect:
Become the proud owner of a young cat. Geckos are not fond of cats. If a cat moves into your house, lizards will most likely move out.0ne of the only way to get rid of lizards is to dispose of them in nature's way. Common house cats are natural predators of lizards (because cats can be vicious and lizards are just the right size). You may want to let a cat prowl the area where lizards have been spotted. These natural feline hunters will do a lot more to get rid of lizards than you ever could.

2)Scent tactics:
Many people are convinced mothballs are effective for repelling lizards and snakes; other people are concerned that other birds or wildlife can be harmed by them. Mothballs can be toxic, so it is best to use them where they will not be found by small children, pets or other animals.

3)Home Made insecticide:
It is easy to make your own with ingredients you're likely to have in the kitchen.
The best thing about this is not only is it easy, but it's safe and non-toxic.
Mix Together:
• 2 cups of vegetable oil
• ½ cup of dishwashing detergent

When you shake it, it goes a really milky colour and that's where it gets a name 'White Oil' and it will actually store safely for a couple of months.
To use it, add 2 tablespoons of the concentrate to a litre of water and it's ready to go.
Horticultural Oil works by suffocating the insect pests, so it's really important that you get good coverage, making sure you get the oil covering all over the insects. It is also effective in the control of lizards,aphids, white fly, leaf miner, mealy bug and mites on roses, other citrus, stone fruit and most house plants. Care should be taken not to spray this oil in hot weather as it can burnt the foliage and avoid spraying soft-leafed plants like lettuce and fern. You should also avoid using oil sprays within a month of the applying a sulphur-based fungicide
Horticultural Oil is a safe and effective insecticide and it will certainly kill off scale insects

4)Scratchy Things
Scratchy things such as crushed eggshells, sandpaper, cinders, wood chips work well as a barrier.this method has been used in the villages forever...though it creates a mess its worth a try ...the egg shell method smells but the wood chips are extremely effective...

Its vegetable season all over again!!!

Container vegetable gardens are another great alternative for those that don't have access to backyards.
There can be a range of reasons to grow your vegetables in containers...easy access to the kitchen, safer environments for children and the handicapped or just lack of a yard to use for gardening.
Vegetable gardens in containers can also be extremely attractive and serve the dual purpose of style and function around your balcony .If your vegetable gardening is limited by insufficient space or an unsuitable area, consider raising fresh, nutritious, homegrown vegetables in containers. A window sill, a patio, a balcony or a doorstep will
provide sufficient space for a productive mini-garden. Problems with soilborne diseases, nematodes or poor soil conditions can be easily overcome by switching to a container garden. Ready access to containers means that pest management is easier

Crop Selection
Almost any vegetable that will grow in a typical backyard garden will also do well as a
container-grown plant. Vegetables that are ideally suited for growing in containers include
tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, green onions, beans, lettuce, squash, radishes and parsley.
Pole beans and cucumbers also do well in this type of garden, but they do require considerably more space because of their vining growth habit.
Variety selection is extremely important. Most varieties that will do well when planted in a
yard garden will also do well in containers.

Some of the vegetables which are available at the nursery and ideally suited for these mini-gardens are :

1)tomatoes: rs 15
2) chilly:rs15
3)peppers:rs15
4)cauliflower:rs15
5) Thai ginger:rs100
6)brinjal:rs15
arriving soon:
1) Brussels sprouts::rs50
2) broccoli:rs50
3)padwal:rs50
4)purple carrots:rs50
5)cherry tomatoes:rs100

Watering and feeding

Vegetables grown in containers will need some additional attention. Their root system is restricted to the pot so make sure you keep them well watered.
Containers are far more likely to dry out in hot conditions which will kill your plants or have them 'fruit' poorly.

It is also very important that a mulch is put on top of the container. This will slow evaporation and keep the surface temperature of the soil cooler. Plants like tomatoes have small, fiberous roots which will dry and die in hot soil.

Container vegetables may need some additional fertilising due to the extra watering. Nutrients will be washed away quicker in a container than in the ground. A diluted water soluble fertiliser is the best option to use regularly with vegetables.

Light
Nearly all vegetable plants will grow better in full sunlight than in shade. However,
leafy crops such as lettuce, cabbage, greens, spinach and parsley can tolerate more
shade than root crops such as radishes, beets, turnips and carrots. Fruit bearing
plants, such as cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and eggplant need the most sun of all.
One major advantage to gardening in containers is that you can place the vegetables
in areas where they can receive the best possible growing conditions.


Drainage: No matter what kind of container you choose for your vegetable garden, it should have holes at the base or in the bottom to permit drainage of excess water.

Color Considerations: You should be careful when using dark colored containers because they absorb heat which could possibly damage the plant roots. If you do use dark colored pots, try painting them a lighter color or shading just the container, not the plants.

Size: The size of the container is important. For larger vegetables like tomatoes and eggplants, you should use a five gallon container for each plant. You can grow these plants in two gallon containers, however you need to give the plants considerably more water

Over the years iv found organic vegetable gardening extremely rewarding. Not only do I get to savor the fruits of my own labor, but I know that the food my family and I are eating is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemicals and less than half the market prices.

At the nursery we try to make things easy for you guys out there...any issues with your plant feel free to run them back free consultations....if your going outa town drop them by...we make sure you take them back looking happier than ever...you want a vegetable drop me a line and ill make sure i grow them for you...and even if you just wana look at them feel free to drop by ....

The legendary urban farms of Cuba

Over the last fifteen years, Cuba has developed one of the most successful examples of urban agriculture in the world. Havana, the capital of Cuba, with a population of over two million people, has played a prominent, if not dominant role, in the evolution and revolution of this type of agriculture. The phrase “urban agriculture in Cuba” has a somewhat different meaning, simultaneously more and less restrictive than might appear at a first glance. It is more inclusive, as it allows for large expanses, urban fringes, and suburban lands.
When the Soviet Bloc collapsed in 1989, Cuba lost its food imports and agricultural inputs from which it depended for an adequate supply of food. The US Embargo also created a shortage of petrol necessary to transport the food from the rural agriculture sector to the city. This marked the beginning of serious food shortages that shook the entire country, but most of all Havana.

When these sources where cut off and food shortages began, Havana residents responded en masse, planting food crops on porches, balconies, backyards and empty city lots. The Cuban Ministry of Agriculture and Havana's city government supported this grassroots movement, jointly forming an Urban Agriculture Department in 1994. This department first focused on securing land use rights for urban gardeners and committed itself to provide land - free of charge - to all residents who wanted to grow food in the city. Today, the Ministry advice and disseminate knowledge based on the principles of organic agriculture and usually plays a pivotal role in the start-up and functioning of the popular gardens and horticulture clubs. They also operate centres, selling agricultural supplies like seeds.

Garden productivity has been achieved with minimal external inputs, applying principles of organic agriculture i.e. low cost, readily available, and environmentally sustainable. Gardeners seldom use chemical fertilizers. Instead they rely on organic fertilizers in the form of chicken or cow manure, compost from household food waste and occasionally vermiculture (the use of worms). Farmers often maximize the use of land by cultivating multilayer crops, i.e. crops in the ground, on the ground and above the ground at the same time. A popular combination includes cassava (providing shade), sweet potatoes (providing good ground cover) and beans (fixating the soil with nitrogen).

Some predicted that with the easing up of the food crisis, Cuban’s urban gardens would fade away. But just the opposite has happened. Havana’s farms and gardens are steadily increasing, both in size and number, but most importantly in quality. They have had a visible impact on the food security of the city and in improving the Cuban diet. The gardens also bring environmental benefits. Many empty lots, which earlier were informal garbage dumps, are now beautiful gardens that provide food to local communities and improve neighbourhood aesthetics and health.

With the government hell bent to make Mumbai into Shanghai , where the skylines laced with skyscrapers and every left greenspace sacrificed.We really need to look at Havana as a model city a metropolis that has effectively shown us that urban agriculture is very much a possibility.Let us pledge our balcony spaces,garden areas , terraces etc into creating urban farms that will not just help in easing up the price rise that has affected everyone.
At the nursery we have got in 4 vegetables for this season namely:
1)tomato
2)chilly
3)brinjal
4)ginger
we also have a range of herbs and spices that are for sale do drop by and have a look for your self.