Declaration of Our Core
Commitment to Sustainability
Dilmah owes its success to the quality of Ceylon Tea. Our business was founded, therefore, on an
enduring connection to the land and the communities in which we operate. We have pioneered
a comprehensive commitment to minimising our impact on the planet, fostering respect for the
environment and ensuring its protection by encouraging a harmonious coexistence of man and
nature. We believe that conservation is ultimately about people and the future of the human race, that
efforts in conservation have been associated with human well-being and poverty reduction outcomes.
These core values allow us to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations of sustainability.
Our Commitment
We reinforce our commitment to the principle of making business a matter of human service and to
the core values of Dilmah, which are embodied in the Six Pillars of Dilmah.
We will strive to conduct our activities in accordance with the highest standards of corporate best
practice and in compliance with all applicable local and international regulatory requirements and
conventions.
We recognise that conservation of the environment is an extension of our founding commitment to
human service.
We will assess and monitor the quality and environmental impact of its operations, services and
products whilst striving to include its supply chain partners and customers, where relevant and to
the extent possible.
We are committed to transparency and open communication about our environmental and social
practices.
We promote the same transparency and open communication from our partners and customers.
We strive to be an employer of choice by providing a safe, secure and non-discriminatory working
environment for its employees whose rights are fully safeguarded and who can have equal
opportunity to realise their full potential.
We promote good relationships with all communities of which we are a part and we commit to
enhancing their quality of life and opportunities whilst respecting their culture, way of life and
heritage.
© Ceylon Tea Services PLC
www.dilmahconservation.org
This publication may be produced in whole or in part and in any form for
educational or non- profit purposes without special permission from the
copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is cited. No
use of this publication may be made for resale or any commercial purpose
whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the copyright holder.
Disclaimer
The contents and views in this publication do not necessarily reflect the
views or policies of the copyright holder or other companies affiliated to the
copyright holder.
Citation
Fernando, W. S. (2015). A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening:
Ceylon Tea Services PLC.
Text by
W. Sarathchandra Fernando
Photography, Design and Layout by
Kasun Pradeepa. Wild Studio
Printed and bound
Karunaratne & Sons (Pvt)Ltd.
ISBN: 978-955-0081-16-5
Ceylon Tea Services PLC
MJF Group
111, Negombo Road
Peliyagoda
Sri Lanka
Contact
info@dilmahconservation.org
2015.
A Guide to
Eco-friendly
Home Gardening
W. Sarathchandra Fernando
Message from the Founder
Being self-sufficient with our food needs and growing our own food seem, over time,
to have become antiquated concepts. When I was growing up, we had little choice
but to rely on our natural environment for our food. Most of the fruits and vegetables
we ate were grown, gathered or picked from our own villages, and even around our
own homes. So we knew exactly where our food came from and its quality.
But now, unfortunately, the situation has changed. With greater urbanization and
commercialization, we have become more accustomed to shopping for our produce.
When we buy raw produce from groceries, we rarely know where it comes from, what
goes into growing it or the adverse effects it may have had on the environment. As a
result, our younger generations are not as healthy as we used to be, and people are
getting sick far more often.
This is the reason that Dilmah decided to focus resources to reintroduce the traditional
practice of home gardening, to promote healthier and more environmentally-friendly
lifestyles. Since 2011, through the Dilmah Conservation Sustainable Agriculture
Research Centre (DCSARC), we have strived to create greater awareness among
urban communities about the tremendous benefits of home gardening, both to the
health of our families and to our environment.
Through this publication, I hope that readers will be motivated and inspired to start
their own home gardens and contribute in your own small way to a better, healthier
lifestyle and a safer environment for all of us. If you already have your own home
garden, I hope the information in this document will help you learn even more
about how to yield the best-quality produce for your family while protecting the
environment around you.
Not only will home gardening contribute towards healthier lifestyles, but it will also
contribute to addressing the food security needs of our country and the world.
Merrill J. Fernando
Founder – Dilmah Conservation
A Guide to
Eco-friendly
Home Gardening
W. Sarathchandra Fernando
Foreword
Preface
Home gardening – particularly in urban spaces – has recently become a trend in some
countries. Families are realising that growing their own food is not only economical
but also healthy, without the dangerous agrochemicals used by commercial farmers.
The direct impact of home gardening is in improving the food security of families
while also increasing their purchasing power.
There are a number of other advantages home gardening provides for the planet as
a whole by promoting sustainable living. It keeps the environment free from harmful
chemicals, improves the soil and reduces waste. This book promotes the reuse of
material that would otherwise be thrown away bringing about benefits such as less
plastic in landfills. For anyone who feels like one individual cannot make an impact
in improving the environment, home gardening is the best example on how one
individual can make a big difference. This applies to rural and urban communities.
Now consider the greatest environmental challenge of our time: climate change.
Home gardens are not only helping humans cope with the adverse effects of climate
change by providing alternative food sources, but they are also helping fight climate
change itself. For example, the warming planet is bringing about severe habitat loss.
Landowners can help reverse this by creating healthy ecosystems to support life
within their garden spaces. Furthermore, the absence of fossil fuel-based chemical
fertilisers in home gardens also builds healthy soil that helps trap carbon dioxide and
keep it out of the atmosphere.
In this backdrop, this book is a timely intervention to help citizens become a part
of the solution rather than the problem in environmental degradation. I take this
opportunity to congratulate Mr. Sarathchandra Fernando for his efforts in creating
greater awareness among the general public through this publication.
Through the endorsement of this project, Dilmah Conservation continues its
commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Furthermore, the
free extension service at the Sustainable Agricultural Research Centre (DCSARC) in
Moratuwa provides practical examples through which the general public can get
hands-on experience. Congratulations on another outstanding project, which is
really and truly a public service.
Professor Emeritus Walter Herath
Professor of Agriculture Biology
University of Peranediya, Sri Lanka
More communities are starting to realise the significance of home gardening toward
leading healthier lives. This traditional agricultural practice promotes healthy living
through the use of available space around households to grow food. Organic
gardening practices enable home gardeners to produce food within one’s own
property, minus the harmful agrochemicals used in much of the produce in markets.
Gardens have always been commonplace among homeowners, and gardening, in
general, has long been practiced as an activity that brings about relaxation. But it is
only recently that home gardening is being promoted for small spaces, even within
urban communities. So, whether you live in a sprawling estate or an apartment in the
city, there is always the possibility to use any available space you have to grow some
healthy produce for your family.
Home gardening not only enables you to produce healthy, good-tasting food, but
it can also be extremely economical. In addition to these benefits, however, there
are other less-talked-about benefits that have a significant positive impact on the
environment.
The absence of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers not only keeps us safe
but also keeps the environment safe. Home gardens that are maintained by organic
gardening practices also help reduce pollution. When implemented on a wide scale –
home gardens undoubtedly aid in achieving food security. Furthermore, in the longterm,
home-gardening practices further sustainability and, when done right, help
retain biodiversity in an age when biodiversity around the world is being threatened
at alarming rates. Organic cultivation also helps reduce a family’s carbon footprint,
thus reducing the human influence in bringing about global warming.
Dilmah Conservation embarked on this project to publish a book on eco-friendly
home gardening for those who desire to reap the maximum benefits of this practice
while also making their own contribution to safeguarding the environment. The
publication is a part of a wider effort that also consists of the Dilmah Conservation
Sustainable Agriculture Research Centre (DCSARC) that has developed proven
methods in urban home gardening methods.
Since this publication is aimed at promoting home gardening within small spaces,
it includes a host of best practices to ensure that the home garden is successful.
Concepts of vertical agriculture, organic pest control methods, sound waste
management practices, water conservation and promoting biodiversity are some of
the aspects that are covered in this publication.
08 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 09
Acknowledgements
The support and guidance of many individuals have made this publication possible.
While it is difficult to individually name every single person, I take this opportunity to
thank a few individuals whose assistance has been particularly crucial.
Firstly, I would like to express my appreciation to Dilmah Conservation without
which this book would never have materialised. I am also especially grateful to the
Founder and Chairman of Dilmah, Mr. Merrill J. Fernando, who has promoted ecofriendly
agricultural practices all his life. His encouragement was an invaluable asset
throughout the journey of completing this book.
I thank the supervisor and the staff of the farm at Dilmah Conservation’s Sustainable
Agricultural Research Centre (DCSARC) for their assistance over the years that resulted
in this publication.
Finally, I would like to give my gratitude to Prof. Walter Herath for reviewing the
publication and Mr. K.A. Abayakoon for the expertise and feedback he shared.
Almost all the concepts and methods discussed in this book can be seen at DCSARC
located in Moratuwa, in the outskirts of Colombo. This facility was of great benefit
for the publication because a guide such as this is futile without being able to
demonstrate the methods to the readers. However, the Centre serves a far greater
purpose for the public that can view examples of these agricultural practices taking
place in the real world.
Dilmah Conservation Sustainable Agricultural
Research Centre (DCSARC)
Free extension services can be obtained from:
DCSARC Farm, 340 Galle Road, Katubedda, Moratuwa (Next to K Zone)
Wednesday – Public Day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Special day programmes for groups of 25 can be organised by
sending a request to info@dilmahconservation.org or:
Manager
Dilmah Conservation, 111 Negombo Road, Peliyagoda.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 11
Contents
Foreword 08
Preface 09
Acknowledgements 10
1. Towards Environmentally-Friendly Urban Cultivation 13
1.1 The Benefits of Home Gardening 16
2. Organic Cultivation at Home 15
2.1 Why is Organic Gardening Important? 16
2.2 Preparing the Soil Prior to Planting 16
2.3 Using Organic Fertilisers 17
3. Vertical Agriculture 23
3.1 Choosing the Right Plants 23
3.2 Reusing Materials for Your Organic Garden 29
3.2.1 Crop Tables 29
3.2.2 Vertical Wall Racks 29
3.2.3 Pallet Beds 29
3.2.4 Pallet Can/Bottle Holder 29
3.2.5 Plastic Can Rack 29
3.2.6 Tyre Crop Tower 29
3.2.7 Lotus Tyre Crop Tower 29
3.2.8 Wall Sack Model 29
3.2.9 Barrel Crop Tower 29
3.2.10 V Rack 29
3.2.11 Waga Thepawa 29
3.2.12 Plastic Bottles Fence 29
3.2.13 Green-wall Tyre System 29
4. Organic Inputs 33
4.1 Heap method 23
4.2 Faith Garden (Food Always in the Home) 29
4.3 Starter Solution 31
4.4 Wormy Compost 29
4.5 Wormy Wash 29
4.6 Liquid Fertiliser 29
5. Organic Pest Control 13
5.1 Growing Plants That Are a Natural Deterrent 16
5.2 Margosa (Neem) Seed Solution 16
5.3 Margosa (Neem) Juice 16
5.4 Margosa (Neem) + Cinnamon + Garlic Mixture 16
5.5 Kerosene Oil + Cinnamon + Garlic Mixture 16
5.6 Setting Up an Insect Trap 16
6. Responsible Garden Maintaining 15
6.1 Water Conservation in Your Home Garden 16
6.2 Water Saving Tips for Home Gardening 16
6.3 Beautification 17
6.4 Promoting Biodiversity Conservation Within the Home Garden 17
6.4.1 How to Create a Butterfly Garden 17
7. Annex 138
Other new species and new records of Sri Lankan lichens
8. Glossary 172
9. Bibliography and Resources for Further Study 172
14 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
1.
Towards
Environmentally
Urban
-Friendly
Cultivation
Dilmah Conservation recognises the importance of organic cultivation methods,
alongside the socio-economic and environmental benefits of adopting these
practices even within limited urban garden spaces.
The Dilmah Conservation Sustainable Agriculture Research Centre (DCSARC)
was established to promote environmentally-friendly organic gardening
practices through research and innovation towards enhancing the quality of
agricultural produce, ecologically-sound waste management and recycling,
natural resource conservation, and promoting urban home gardening initiatives
by sharing knowledge and encouraging wider learning.
Presently, over 100 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and
medicinal plants have been planted at Tikiri Kotuwa and
the dedicated Conservation Park, which form a part of DCSARC.
Aside from conducting research on chemical-free fertiliser,
pest management and non-soil, hydroponic and vertical
agriculture, DCSARC also actively reuses refuse, such as plastic
cans, from Dilmah’s Peliyagoda Factory, including wooden pallets,
empty cans, buckets, and tyres to develop inventive agricultural tools.
Moreover, DCSARC shares its findings by way of community awareness
programmes on innovative urban gardening methods, which are suited for
limited spaces and also encourage the recycling of household and garden
waste. Through these educational initiatives targeting the urban public, DCSARC
seeks to encourage responsible consumption and the wider use of healthy, costeffective
and sustainable practices to help contribute towards a household’s
daily fruit and vegetable intake.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 15
1.1 The Benefits of
Home Gardening
Within a space of about 1,000 square feet, a household can grow all the
fruits and vegetables it might need. However, it is important to be mindful of
optimising the space towards minimising soil degradation and facilitating pest
management effectively. Irrespective of the extent of space available, there is
scope for planting at least a few useful plants in the vicinity of one’s household.
Home gardening can be a productive and enjoyable pastime
that can have a positive impact on individuals, their
families and households, and the environment.
Both a form of exercise and relaxation,
gardening can provide a variety of
psychological and physiological
benefits. A home garden can
supply a household with a
variety of herbs, leafy
greens, spices, vegetables,
fruits, tubers, yams, and
even medicinal plants.
These additions to the home
garden can contribute
towards a household’s
daily intake of fruits and
vegetables leading to a
healthier diet and better
nutrition. Not only is this
approach of growing
your own produce
simple and economical,
fresh fruits and vegetables
are also more flavourful and
retain more nutrients,
making them a
healthier alternative.
h
z Organic
f
2.
Cultivation
at Home
Organic gardening is the practice of growing
plants, including fruit and vegetables, without
using chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertiliser.
2.2 Preparing the soil
Prior to Planting
2.1 Why is
Organic Gardening
Important?
Chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers
can be extremely harmful to our health and the
environment. Adopting organic gardening practices
helps reduce pollution and minimise the amount
of toxic substances affecting the environment,
contributing to both healthy living as well as
soil and water conservation. Even within
limited spaces, growing your own organic
fruits and vegetables at home is easy,
economical, and rewarding.
Turning over the soil a few times and exposing it to the air and sun help get rid
of existing pests. Disrupting the soil will destroy eggs, cocoons, and larvae, while
exposure to the sun will make it undesirable for pests.
2.3 Using Organic
Fertilisers
DCSARC prepares many organic fertilisers
that are low-cost and effective. Organic
fertilisers are a good source of carbon
and nitrogen. They also help the soil
better retain water, which aids in
the improvement of the soil quality,
thereby producing a better harvest.
Adopting organic gardening practices within one’s
home garden by using chemical-free fertilisers and
pesticides ensures that the produce is not tainted
with residues of harmful agrochemicals. Organic cultivation
also has broader positive implications for the environment as it contributes
towards a reduction in one’s carbon footprint and consequently helps mitigate
global warming. The greening that occurs by way of home gardening also helps
the conservation of the environment and local ecosystems, and biodiversity at
large. Greening contributes to energy conservation as it has a cooling effect on
the environment, especially within urban areas.
Soil is integral to all life, be it plant, animal, or human, not only as a habitat or
a medium for growth, but also as a key component in essential production
processes such as crops for food. Organic agricultural practices, especially those
such as composting, also help rejuvenate the soil and improve soil health,
supporting a stable ecosystem of soil-dwelling flora and fauna. Healthy soil rich
in organic matter retains water and nutrients, thus improving plant growth and
yield. Composting allows for the recycling of kitchen and garden waste into a
nutrient -rich and chemical-free soil additive to improve plant growth and soil
functions.
18 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
a
3.
Vertical
Agriculture
Based on the availability of space, gardens
can be categorised into the following
Large Gardens
Large gardenes are those possessing adequate or excess space, which allows for
a planned garden suitable for growing numerous crops and the availability of
raw materials for supplying one’s own carbon-rich fertiliser, liquid fertiliser and
pesticides.
Medium-sized Gardens
Medium-sized gardens which are relatively limited in space, but
provides adequate space for a planned plot and unplanned
gardening depending on what spaces could be optimised.
These gardens will have adequate space for pots
and installing structures such as crop towers.
However, there will be limitations in
the availability of raw materials
available for preparing
one’s own carbon-rich
fertiliser, liquid fertiliser
and pesticides.
Small
Gardens
Small gardens which
are very limited in
space with minimal
ground space
available for planting.
The availability of
raw materials for preparing
one’s own carbon-rich fertiliser,
liquid fertiliser and organic
pesticides will be very unlikely.
u
A plot of 30 x 30 feet can provide a substantial crop for daily household
consumption. In order to optimise this space in a manner which does not lead
to soil degradation and mitigate diseases, plants must be rotated to ensure a
perennial crop.
3.1 Choosing the
Right Plants
Choosing the right plants will rely on the type of garden space
available since it will influence soil conditions, drainage of
water, and the amount of available shade and sunshine.
Plants, seeds and cuttings of a variety of fruits and
vegetables can be planted in home gardens.
3.2 Reuse of Materials
for Your Organic Garden
Given the limitations in space within urban environs, maintaining a home garden
could seem like a daunting task. However, by reusing certain non-biodegradable
waste items, even small spaces can be optimised for cultivation. The irresponsible
disposal of non-biodegradable plastic, polythene and rubber waste has proved
to be especially damaging to the environment. Burning this refuse results in the
release of toxic gases into the atmosphere, while discarding them into landfills
leads to soil and water pollution with destructive impacts to ecosystems.
Further, carelessly allowing such items to gather within the home
garden creates favourable conditions for disease-carrying
mosquitoes to breed, and spread illnesses
such as Dengue Fever.
Typical Plants
Kathurumurunga, amberella, chili, tomato,
leafy greens, beetroot and kohila.
Seeds
Cowpea, mung bean, long beans, ridged gourd,
snake gourd, bitter gourd, squash, cucumber, pumpkin,
spinach, carrot, turnip, thampala, okra.
Cuttings
Spinach, kohila, sweet potato, pennywort,
crepe ginger, spinach, sarana leaves, gotukola,
murunga, kiri ala, dehi ala, vel ala,
pineapple.
22 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
Dilmah Conservation has taken a step towards using non-biodegradable
household refuse including polythene bags, old tyres, and plastic cans and
bottles, for an innovative and environmentally-friendly purpose. Refuse such as
used plastic bottles, empty cans and sacks can be used for planting. Additionally,
discarded wooden pallets from Dilmah Tea factories are also utilised to make
raised garden boxes to plant vegetables. Even at home, plastic bottles, cans,
containers and tyres can be reused as pots with simple modifications to grow
flowers, vegetables and other edible greenery. Not only are these methods
sustainable, cost-effective and useful in setting up a home garden,
they benefit both the household and the environment.
There are several methods to grow crop vegetables
with vertical models. The photographs shown
here are examples of models that can be
easily constructed at home for gardening
within a limited amount of space.
3.2.1
Crop Tables
You will need
d
d
d
d
Wooden pallet planks
Four 2x2 wooden bars
Soil mix made with equal parts
compost, top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds or saplings
How to set it up
1. Use the 2x2 wooden bars to build the stand or the four legs of the table.
2. Using the wooden pallet planks, build a rectangular frame with a smaller
rectangular space at the centre.
3. Build a rectangular box using wooden pallets. One side of the box must
be open.
4. Attach the rectangular frame to the top of the table stand.
5. Insert the rectangular box in to the rectangular frame.
6. Fill the box with the soil mix.
7. Plant the seeds or saplings in the box.
8. Pour water in to the box.
The following plants can
be grown using this model
Salad leaves, lettuce, cabbages
26 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
3.2.2 Vertical
Wall Racks
You will need
d
d
d
Wooden pallet planks
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds or saplings
How to set it up
1. Build the wall rack with wooden pallet planks by placing them
horizontally to construct the main frame.
2. Position 3 or more shelves with wooden pallets on the wooden rack.
3. Attach the wall rack on to a wall.
4. Fill each rack with the soil mix.
5. Plant seeds or plants on the shelves.
6. Water each shelf on the rack daily.
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Radish, lettuce, long
beans, carrot and
types of chilli
3.2.3 Pallet Beds
You will need
d
d
d
d
Wooden pallet planks
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds or saplings
Withered plant parts for mulching
28 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 29
How to set it up
1. Demarcate a plot using the wooden planks and fill with top soil and the soil mix.
2. Mark ridges on the plot to plant seeds or saplings.
3. Dig up ditches in between the ridges to facilitate efficient drainage.
4. Plant seeds or saplings on the ridges.
5. Cover the plant bed ridges using mulch.
6. Water the beds twice a day.
The following plants can be
grown using this model
Brinjals, ladies fingers, chili, long beans and
all other types of plants
3.2.4 Pallet Can /
Bottle Holder
You will need
d
d
d
d
Wooden pallet planks
Plastic cans or plastic bottles
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds or saplings
How to set it up
3.2.5 Plastic Can Rack
1. Cut the wooden pallet planks into long and narrow wooden strips and small
wooden bracket.
2. Position the longer wooden plank vertically to be attached to the wall.
3. Fix the smaller piece of wood onto the longer strip of wood.
4. Attach the wooden bracket under the smaller piece of wood as support, so
that it can bear the weight of the can.
5. Attach the can holder on to a wall.
6. Cut out the surface of a plastic can or a plastic bottle and drill holes onto
the other side.
7. Fill the bottles or plastic cans with the soil mix.
8. Plant the seeds or saplings inside the container.
9. Place one container per holder.
10. Water each container daily.
d
d
d
d
d
You will need
About eight 2x2 wooden bars
Waste pallet planks
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Plastic cans
Your choice of seeds
and saplings
The following plants
can be grown using this model
Radish, lettuce, long beans, carrot, types of
chilli and leeks
How to set it up
1. Build 2 triangular frames using wooden bars.
2. Build 4 or 5 wooden shelves using waste pallet planks.
3. Fit each wooden shelf horizontally onto the two main triangular frames.
4. Setting up 2 shelves at the bottom of the frame keeps the main frame stable.
5. Two shelves can be positioned in the middle and one can be placed
on the top.
6. Cut a rectangular piece off one side of the plastic can and drill a few holes on
the other side to enable efficient drainage.
7. Fill each plastic can with the soil mix.
8. Place seeds or saplings inside the can.
9. Arrange the cans on the wooden shelves.
10. Water each can twice a day.
3.2.6 Tyre Crop Tower
Tyres prove to be a good material to be used in
home gardening as it is a very strong object able
to withstand a large weight and still holds its
shape when stacked on top of each
other. Its waterproof feature prevents
soil erosion and seepage.
Additional benefits of using
tyres include the prevention
of diseases spread by
mosquitoes as a result
of water retained in
waste tyres.
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Radish, lettuce, long beans, carrot,
types of chilli and others.
You will need
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
d
Tyres of three different sizes
Bricks and coconut husks
An old PVC pipe
Soil mix made with equal parts
compost, top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
A plastic pot
Drilling machine
A knife
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 35
How to set it up
1. Cut and remove one flat side of each tyre wall completely.
2. Place the large tyre on the bottom, and fill the tyre with the soil composition.
3. Place the medium-sized tyre on top of the large tyre and fill the tyre with the
soil composition.
4. Place the smallest tyre at the very top and fill it with the soil composition.
5. Cut a hole on the bottom of the plastic pot.
6. Place the plastic pot on top of the smaller tyre and fill the pot with the soil
composition.
7. Drill holes on the PVC pipe asymmetrically from top to bottom and insert the
PVC pipe to the centre of the tyre tower.
8. Make a large circle by placing coconut husks around the circle.
9. Make a secondary, smaller circle at the centre of the large circle using bricks.
10. Fill each circle with the soil composition.
11. Place seeds or saplings on the circles, the tyres and on the plastic pot.
12. Pour water into the PVC pipe.
Upon completion of the structure, a coconut shell can be used to cover the top
of the pipe to prevent mosquito breeding, and the shell can also be used to
water the tower periodically without having to water the whole structure.
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Ground layer: Green chilli varieties, herbs.
Second layer: Lettuce varieties, carrots,
beet, turnip varieties.
Third layer: Salad varieties.
It is recommended to use
intercropping methods in
order to optimise space
utilisation as well as enhance
the soil nutritional level.
3.2.7 Lotus Tyre
Crop Tower
d
d
d
d
d
You will need
Tyres
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
Sharp drilling knife d Gloves
Wooden rod
Sharp iron rod
d
How to set it up
1. Cut the edge of the tyre into a zigzag shape
(representing a lotus flower) on one side.
2. After the tyre is cut, turn the tyre inside out to form the lotus design.
3. Place the largest tyre at the bottom and fill it with the garden soil mixture.
4. The same procedure can be followed for a smaller tyre, which can be placed
on top of the large one. The procedure can be repeated to the preferred
height, although two layers are recommended for optimum yield and
strength of the structure.
It is important to note that the choice of
plant must have a root system no
longer than 6 inches deep
for this design to have
an optimum yield.
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers
.
3.2.8
Wall Sack Model
How to set it up
d
d
d
d
d
You will need
Used polythene or cloth sacks
A needle and string
A few wooden pallet planks
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
1. Divide the sack into two sections by stitching vertically
along the middle of the sack.
2. Cut small slots on the two sections.
3. Fill the two sections with the soil mix.
4. Stitch the top end of the sack, loop it around a wooden
plank and stitch that end to the lower end of the sack.
5. Plant the saplings or seeds in the slots on the two
separated parts of the sack.
6. Attach the sack to a wall with the aid of a wooden plank.
The following plants
can be grown using this model
Types of chilli and spinach
38 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
3.2.9 Barrel Crop Tower
3.2.10 V Rack
You will need
d
d
d
d
Used plastic barrel, old PVC pipe,
piece of bamboo/wood plank
Grinder and hot gun
Soil mix made with equal parts
compost, top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
d
d
d
d
You will need
Wooden pallet planks
Four 2x2 wooden bars
Soil mix made with equal parts compost, top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
How to set it up
1. Draw horizontal slots on the barrel to appropriate
lengths leaving sufficient gaps in between.
2. Cut slots using the grinder and heat the area
surrounding the slots with the hot gun and
pull the bottom strip outwards using a piece
of bamboo or wood.
3. Place a PVC pipe vertically at the centre and
drill holes asymmetrically from top to bottom.
Place end cap at the bottom.
4. Fill the bottom layer of the barrel with 4 inches of
small pieces of brick to facilitate efficient drainage.
5. Fill the barrel with the soil mix.
6. Place the seeds or saplings inside the slots and on
top of the barrel.
7. Pour water into the PVC pipe twice a day.
The triangular base made
with pallets is optional.
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Radish, lettuce, long beans and
types of chili
40 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
How to set it up
3.2.11 Waga Thepawa
1. Cut off two small triangles from both ends of two wooden planks.
2. Place the wooden planks horizontally on the V-shaped edges
of the two notched planks to make shelves.
3. Attach wooden pallet planks to the empty spaces
between the horizontally-placed wooden planks.
4. Make a small wooden frame using pallet planks.
5. Build a pallet bed using pallet planks and
place it on the ground.
6. Fill the pallet bed with the soil mix.
7. Place the wooden frame in the
middle of the pallet bed and
fill it with the soil mix.
8. Place the V Rack at the centre
of the wooden frame.
9. Fill each shelf on the V Rack
with the soil composition.
10. Plant the seeds or saplings
in each shelf of the V Rack,
on the smaller box and
the pallet bed.
11. Water twice a day.
d
d
d
d
You will need
Waste pallet planks and nails
Three 2x2 wooden bars
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
The following plants
can be grown using
this model
Mukunuwenna, water spinach (kankun),
centella (gotukola), types of chili, types of
cabbage (athugowa), spinach
42 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
How to set it up
1. Build a tripod using the three 2x2 wooden bars.
2. Build three triangular frames using the pallet planks. Different sized pallet
planks can be used for this with the largest at the bottom and smallest at
the top. Make sure to leave sufficient gaps in between.
3. Slide the large triangular frame to the bottom, the medium one to the
middle and place the smaller one at the top as a part of the tripod.
4. Cover the base of each frame as completely as possible using planks which
that were cut to size. Leave a few small gaps for efficient drainage.
5. Fill each box with the soil mix.
6. Place coconut husks around the base of the tripod and fill it with soil.
7. Place seeds and saplings in each triangular box.
8. Water twice a day.
The following
plants can be
grown using
this model
Radish, lettuce, long beans,
carrot, types of chilli and leeks
d
d
d
d
3.2.12 Plastic
bottles fence
You will need
Old plastic bottles
Wire, paper cutter or knife, nail
Soil mix made with equal parts compost,
top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
How to set it up
1. Cut off the bottom of the bottle
using a paper cutter/sharp knife.
2. Pierce small holes on the lid using a
heated nail or sharp object.
3. Fill the bottle with a thin layer of coir
dust and fill it up with soil (made to the
above composition).
4. Attach bottles to mesh fence using wire.
5. Plants seeds or saplings depending on
your requirement.
6. Alternatively, if you don’t have a mesh
fence, you can set up a structure
using an old GI pipe and mesh.
7. Water the plants twice a day.
The following
plants can be
grown using
this model
3.2.13 Green-wall Tyre System
d
d
d
d
You will need
Large tyres
Soil mix made with equal parts compost, top soil and coir dust
Your choice of seeds and saplings
Drilling machine
Bolts
d
How to set it up
1. Place the tyres vertically with 3 large tyres at the bottom, followed by two on
the second layer, and finally another at the top.
2. For this structure, cutting into the inside of the tyre is not required as the face
of the tyres will be useful for soil retention.
3. Drill a hole at the bottom of the tyres on the first layer for the excess waste
water to drain out.
4. Join each tyre to one another with two bolts each to strengthen the overall
structure.
5. Drill a half-inch hole on top of each tyre to provide a drip irrigation system
where water from the top drips to the layers on the bottom.
6. Constant watering is not necessary with this type of structure.
7. Drip pipes can be installed for auto-watering of the structure.
The following plants can be
grown using this model
All varieties of plants can be grown using this model, ranging from herbs
and beans to tomatoes and lettuce varieties. Climbers are especially
recommended for this structure. It is important to note that the choice
of plant must have a root system no longer than 6 inches deep for this
design to have an optimum yield.
Radish, green leaves, herbs,
lettuce, long beans, carrot
and types of chilli
Organic
Inputs
4.s
Organic inputs are
biodegradable matter
obtained from the
environment. It could
include leaf litter from the
garden, kitchen waste, or
manure. The decomposition
of these materials can be used
to prepare organic fertiliser.
The nutrients in these
preparations can be
enhanced by adding other
commercially-bought organic
additions such as dolomite or
kieserite and rock phosphate
(ERP). Mixing 1kg of this to 50kg
of organic detritus (1:50 ratio) is
recommended. Moreover, other
organic inputs can also be added.
These include:
i
d
Dry compost
(Heap method & Faith garden)
d
d
d
Starter solution
Earthworm compost
Earthworm solution
d Liquid fertilizer using
manure and green leaves
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 49
4.1 Heap method
Black sheet of polythene
You will need
Green leaves and dry leaves, cow manure, ash, rock phosphate and lime,
water, pre-made compost that has partially decomposed.
Leafy matter
Cow dung mixed with water and
some pre-made compost
Soil
How to set it up
1. Locate a dry area in your garden which doesn’t get any direct sunlight and dig
a hole of about 4 x 4 x 2 feet.
2. Make a slurry of cow dung with water and mix it with some pre-made
compost and line the bottom of the hole with this mixture.
3. Mix in 6 inches of dry leaves followed by another six inches of green leaves
and repeat the steps until the hole is filled up.
After 2 weeks, if the compost
heap is dry, moisten it with the
prepared slurry.
If you require compost in a matter of weeks, the plant material can be cut
up into smaller pieces and stacked in shorter layers. The mixing would be
done after 3rd, 6th and 9th day after preparation, with the slurry added
for moisture. The compost will be ready for use on the 12th day.
4. Keep the opening of the hole covered with a black sheet of polythene and
after
2 weeks, if the compost heap is dry, moisten it with the prepared slurry, mix
the heap and leave for a month.
5. Repeat the previous step twice and moisten the mixture as required.
50 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
4.2 Faith Garden (Food Always
in the Home)
Food waste, kitchen scraps and leaf litter from the garden can be used
to make your own organic fertiliser for free. Homemade compost can be
used as an effective soil additive and fertiliser that is rich in nutrients. It
can be mixed into soil when planting.
You will need
The simplest way to make your own compost is by collecting your
household and garden refuse. This could include food remains, tea
and coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable scraps, grass cuttings, coconut
husks, dried leaf litter and small twigs. This green and brown waste is
rich in nitrogen and carbon. You can also use cow dung and a little old
compost if available.
How to set it up
Keep adding to the bin or
pile and remember to water
regularly.
Household waste materials
Leafy matter
Damp soil
Household waste materials
Twigs, dried leaves and
coconut husks
1. You can either use an old garbage
bin with holes drilled into it or build a
fenced pile using old scraps, wood
or wire mesh if space permits.
2. Place materials like twigs, dried
leaves and coconut husks at
the bottom. These help
with air circulation.
3. Add a layer of household
waste materials, followed
by a little more damp soil
and leafy matter. It is important
to wet each layer.
4. You can keep adding to the bin or pile
and remember to water regularly.
5. Continue to turn the contents of the pile with a stick or a shovel every
couple of weeks. This will enable the microorganisms and the worms and other
creatures in the soil to turn the contents of the bin into compost over the course
of a few months.
Turn the contents of the
pile with a stick or a
shovel every
couple of weeks.
52 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
4.3 Starter Solution
This liquid is used to increase the microbial activity in the soil, which in
turn will increase the plant’s productivity.
You will need
Cow manure (20kg), livestock urine (20 litres), sugar cane jaggery
(2kg) or molasses (2 bottles) and 20 litres of water.
How to set it up
1. Mix the ingredients in a cement, clay or plastic container. Metal containers
are not advised due to the chances of undesired chemical activity that may be
triggered.
Mix the composition every
morning and evening daily.
Use
Sugar cane jaggery (2kg)
Gram powder (1kg)
Molasses (2 bottles)
2. Cover the opening with a cotton cloth and leave
for 24 - 72 hours.
3. Mix the composition every morning and evening
daily.
4. Strain this mixture using a cotton cloth and the
remaining pulp can be used as compost.
Water (10l)
Solution (1l)
5. Dilute 1 part of the solution with 10 parts water prior to
use. This can be used for up to 1 acre of land.
Livestock urine (20 litres)
Cow manure (20kg)
This Starter Solution has a short lifespan, and will only last up to 2-3 days.
If left in the container for a longer period, microorganisms will die and
be of no use for fertilising purposes.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 55
4.4 Wormy Compost
This concoction uses the natural development of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae)
to cultivate microorganisms required for effective composting.
Collection of earthworms
Pick an area with dense, moist soil with a small quantity of cow dung
and spray molasses mixed with water and cover it up with a cloth.
A number of earthworms will have emerged by the next morning.
300 earthworms
Collection of compost
When it is time to collect the compost, stop
watering the container. The earthworms will then
move to the moist soil at the bottom. Compost
can be collected from the top for usage, and more
partially decomposed compost can be added
to fill the container so that the earthworms can
restart the process. This compost is high in
carbon and nitrogen and
is better for plants than
artificially-produced
fertilisers.
Tip
How to set it up
1. Add approximately 300 earthworms to a plastic, cement, or clay container
with partially decomposed compost filling 3/4th of the container.
2. Keep the container in a dry location, away from direct sunlight, but spray
water on the top daily to keep the compost moist.
Add cow manure, curd and jaggery
to increase the population of the
earthworms.
Spray water on the top daily.
56 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
4.5 Wormy Wash
Similar to the Wormy Compost, this organic fertiliser collects the
excrement of earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) in liquid form as
nutrients for crops.
How to set it up
4.6 Liquid Fertiliser
This mixture is a combination of various kinds of green leaves, cow manure and
water, all added into a non-metallic container. It is covered and left for three
days, and is mixed occasionally during the course of 21 days. Once the foaming
stops, it is no longer necessary to mix the material, and the foul smelling yet
completely organic concoction is ready to fertilise your garden.
Leaves, hay,
and other
biodegradables
Cow manure and
earthworms
Compost
Sand
At the site, set up a large plastic
bin holding (bottom to top): 6
inches of crushed brick, 6 inches
of sand, 14 inches of compost,
2 inches of cow manure and
earthworms topped off with 4
inches of leaves, hay, and other
biodegradables. A tap can
be fixed at the bottom of the
container to collect the solution.
d
d
d
d
d
You will need
100 litres of water
A plastic barrel
5 kg of cow manure
4-6 sugar cane shoots
10 kg of 15 varieties of plant leaves:
Gliricidia, Winged bean (Dambala),
Kathurumurunga, Kapparawalliya, Wild
Sunflowers, Kappettiya, Nika, Adathodaa,
Kohomba, Araliya, Kahabiliya, Edaru,
Gadhapaana, Ipil ipil, lemon.
Cow manur( 5kg)
Leaves (10 kg)
Sugar cane
How to use
Crushed brick
Spray the contents at the top of the
barrel with water several times a day, or
use a drip method if possible.
A faucet is attached to the
bottom of the bin, and this
can be used to release the fluid
collected after 15 days.
Dilute 1 litre of fluid with
10 litres of water (8 litres
if it is during the rainy season)
prior to using as
plant fertilser.
Water (10l)
Water (10l)
Solution (1l)
58 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 59
Mix once every 3 days
How to
1. Leave the sugar cane shoots on the ground for 2 days
prior to making the liquid.
2. Cut the leaves in to small pieces.
3. Pour water in to the barrel and add the cow manure.
4. Mix the cow manure with water.
5. Add the chopped up leaves into the barrel.
6. Add the sugar cane shoots in to the barrel and mix
again.
7. Mix the fertilizer composition once every 3 days
8. The liquid fertiliser can be used after 21 days.
How to use
Mix 1 litre of liquid fertiliser with 6 litres of water (1:6)
and apply the liquid mix once a week.
h
zOraganic
f
5.
Pest Control
Water (6l)
Solution (1l)
60 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
Pest control interventions are not required up until about a year
and a half after commencing organic cultivation. This is due to
the fact that the beneficial creatures combat the harmful ones.
For example, snails are picked off by coucals, while il messas
are consumed by dragon flies. Moreover, instead of using toxic
chemical repellents, organic alternatives made using local herbs
and spices can be utilised until these beneficial insects visit the
plants. Methods for concocting these are described below.
Similarly, some plants act as insect
repellents, and these can be
grown alongside the principal
crop to deter pests. Examples
include planting a few coriander plants
with chili, or planting wild ginger with brinjals.
5.1 Growing Plants that
are a Natural Deterrent
5.2 Margosa
(Neem) Seed Solution
Take 40-50g of carefully cleaned Margosa seeds and crush them into a fine
powder. Add one litre of water and mix well. Place the mixture in a clay pot, cover
it with a cloth, and leave it in a dark room for 12-24 hours. Then, filter the mixture
well and mix in soap water. On a dry evening, spray this mixture on/around your
plot. This will eliminate insects that attack the external
parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, fruit) and will
not affect the plant or soil negatively.
The smell or taste of certain plants discourages insects. These could include
herbs such as basil, coriander, dill, fennel, peppermint, spearmint and citronella
grass which are also of practical use.
5.3 Margosa (Neem) Juice
In a clay pot, mix 1kg-2kg of Margosa leaves in three litres of water.
Cover the opening and place in a dark room for three days.
Filter and mix with soap water and spray as
desired. This will also eliminate insects that
attack the external parts of the
plant and keep flies,
cockroaches, fleas and
other similar
insects away.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 63
5.4 Margosa (Neem) + Cinnamon
+ Garlic mixture
5.6 Setting up an
Insect Trap
Mix 2tsp of margosa oil, 2tsp of cinnamon oil,
5-6 cloves of crushed garlic into two litres
of water. Filter the mixture to remove
the pieces of garlic and mix it with
soap water and spray as desired.
You will need
d
d
d
d
Yellow polythene (bright yellow attracts insects)
Wooden plank pieces
Grease
An oil lamp
5.5 Kerosene oil + Cinnamon +
Garlic Mixture
Lightly crush 250g of garlic and 250g-300g of cinnamon leaves. Mix this
in approximately 400ml of kerosene oil and leave for 24 hours. Mix ¼ of a
bar of soap in one litre of water and then add to the kerosene
mixture. Due to its high potency, take 2tsp of the mixture and
dilute it with another litre of water and spray as desired.
Using organic manure and other naturally-sourced plant
nutrients can also help in cutting back on the use
of fertilisers.
Grease
Yellow polythene
Light source
Wooden frame
Water
How to
1. Build a box frame with four legs or a stand using the wooden planks.
2. Wrap the box with yellow polythene.
3. Apply grease on the outside of the yellow polythene.
4. Place the structure at the centre of your garden.
Carefully placing an oil lamp or a lantern inside the trap box is optional.
64 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 65
a
3.
Responsible
Garden Maintaining
u
6.1 Water Conservation in
Your Home Garden
6.2 Water Saving Tips for
Home Gardening
Maintaining a home garden can be a rewarding hobby and a simple and
economical means of growing your own herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Regular watering is essential to the health of plants. However, it is important
to bear in mind that plants must be given the right amount of both water and
nutrients to thrive, and over-watering your plants can be as damaging as underwatering
them.
Over-watering is a waste of a valuable natural resource and adds an unnecessary
cost to household utility expenses.
d
d
d
Learn about the specific water needs of your plants
and water them accordingly as requirements vary
significantly. This is useful in choosing where to plant certain
varieties and can help you group plants according to their watering needs.
Adjust your watering in line with seasonal weather patterns. Where possible
choose native plant varieties which are suited to the climate and require
little upkeep.
Make sure to water around the base of the plant as water is absorbed by the
roots. Note that watering a little and often does not help with plant growth
since the water must be absorbed into the soil. Deep but less frequent
watering benefits plants more.
d
Choose a watering can or hose pipe with a low-pressure sprinkler nozzle to
water your plants to reduce wastage.
d
Water your garden before 8am in the morning or after 4pm in the evening
to minimize loss through evaporation.
d
Use compost with household and garden waste including grass clippings
and leaf litter which fertilises the plants and helps the soil retain moisture.
d
Weed control is also essential to ensure that the water and nutrients
added to the soil benefit the
intended plants.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening 69
6.3 Beautification
Ornamental Home Gardening
Vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices with decorative leaves can not only benefit a
household in terms of nutrition and income, but can also lend themselves to beautifying
outdoor spaces. There are many such plants with ornamental leaves, flowers, fruits and
pods. For example, mukunuwenna (sessile joy weed / dwarf copperleaf ) has colourful
dark green, light green, red, and yellow varieties. Similarly, types of thampala (Amaranth),
cinnamon, asamodagam (carom), ginger, velmi (liquorices) and other herbs, hathawariya
(wild asparagus), kapparawalliya (country borage), spinach, types of leeks, cabbage and
salad leaves can serve a decorative purpose. This can
be a very satisfying and beneficial experience
for the gardener.
6.4 Promoting Biodiversity
Conservation Within the
Home Garden
A list of nectar and host plants is given below. Pick from this list to plant in your
butterfly garden.
Botanical Name
Sinhala Name
How to Create a Butterfly Garden
Many natural butterfly habitats have been lost
due to human activities like building and roads,
cultivation, and deforestation. Creating a butterfly
garden is an easy way to invite butterflies and spot
them right from your doorstep. You are also helping
in the conservation of these beautiful creatures.
It is as easy as growing the right kind of plants to which
they are attracted to increase the number and diversity of
butterflies in your garden.
Step 1
First, find out what type of butterflies appear in your neighborhood.
This will help you determine the Butterfly Nectar Plants and Butterfly
Host Plants, which will be useful for you when creating your butterfly
garden.
Step 2
After you get an idea of what types of butterflies are found in
your neighborhood, choose the site of your butterfly garden
carefully. Butterflies like sunny places. Therefore, look for a relatively
sunny spot with some shelter as your garden space.
Step 3
Carefully select plants for your garden. Butterflies need two types of
plants to complete their life. Most adult butterflies feed on flower
nectar for nutrition. Host plant or larval food sources help
keep butterflies in the garden for longer periods.
Host plants, also called feeding plants, are the major
determinant of butterflies since these are the feeding
plants for butterflies in their larva stage.
01 Dredge solubilise wÕ=K
02 Calotropis gigantean Jrd
03 Aistolochia indica imai|
04 Abrus precatorius U,s| je,a
05 Aegle marmelos fn,s
06 Annona muricata wfkdaod
07 Flacoutia Indica wfkdaod
08 Bamboo Ng
09 Nerium oleander lfkare
10 Asclepia curassavica lka l=U,
11 Palm (Red Palm)
12 Palm (cane Palm)
13 Bryophyllum calycinum wlalmdk
14 Cassia fistula weye,
15 Mangifera indica wU
16 Litsea glutinosa fndaUq
17 Crataeva religiosa ,qKq jrK
18 Flacourtia indica W.=/iaid
19 Ixora sp. (Red yellow) udoka
20 Ixora coccinea r;au,a
21 Limonia acidissima osjq,a
22 Citrus Limon foys fodvï$ f,uka
23 Murraya koenigii lrmsxpd
24 Sesbania grandiflora l;=re uqrex.d
25 Cassia didymobotrya we;af;dar
27 Cassia tora meks f;dar
27 Mussaenda uqiajekak
28 Cassia momosoides f;dar
29 Passiflora foetida oe,angq
30 Cycass spp Indian Madu
31 Cycass spp Uvq
32 Ficus hispida fldg lsUq,
33 Cinnamomum l=re÷
zeylanicum
72 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
List of nectar plants (Scientific Name and the Common name) for the butterfly
Garden
Botanical Name Sinhala Name
01 Stachytarpheta n¨kl=g
02 Walidda antidysenterica Boao
03 Heliotropium indicm we;afyd~
04 Elephantopus scaber we;a wä
05 Catharanthus roseus ñkSu,a
06 Zinnia Iskshd
07 Duranta repens
08 Pentas lanceolata
09 Tagetes patula oyia fm;s
10 Murraya peniculata
11 Clerodendrum Mskak
infortunatum
Step 4
After studying the list of host and nectar plants, decide
which plants are suitable for your garden. Then sketch a
plan. The following example, created using plants from
the lists above, may be helpful. This sample butterfly
garden has a large variety of host plants.
Butterflies are sensitive to pesticides and can even
be harmed by chemicals meant to control other
insect species so don’t use pesticides in your
garden. If you have rich plant diversity in
your garden, you most probably won’t
need to use pesticides.
74 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
s
Crop
Life Cycles
r
Species/Family Life span of the crop Yala season Maha Season
Solanaceae
Heeen Miris
150 days
Maalu miris/ Capsicum 150 days
Kochchi/Crow Chilli 150 days
Thakkali/ Tomato 135 days
Wambatu/ Brinjal 130-140 days
Elabatu/egg plant 130-140 days
Solanum melongena
Leguminosae
Bonchi/Beans
90 days
Phaseolus vulgaris
Maa Karal/ Long beans 90 days
Vigna unguiculata
Dambala/Kiridambala 90-120 days
Winged bean
Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Alanga
90 days
Phaseolus vulgaris
Cowpea/black
90 days
eyed pea
Vignaunguiculata unguiculata
Mung/Green Gram 75 days
Vigna radiata
Rata kaju/Pea nuts 110 days
Arachis hypogaea
Cucubetaceae
Labu/Bottle Gourd 120-150 days
Lagenaria siceraria
Wattakka/Pumpkin 120-150 days
Cucurbita maxima
Puhul/wax Gourd 120-150 days
Benincasa hispida
Watakolu/Ridged 120 days
Gourd
Luffa acutangula
Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
Species/Family Life span of the crop Yala season Maha Season
Cucubetaceae
Kakiri/melon
Cucumis melo
Pipinya/Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Pathola/Snake Gourd
Cucumis sativus
Karawila/Bitter Gour
Momordica charantia
120 days
130 days
100 days
100 days
Malvaceae
Bandakka/Okra
90 days
Abelmoschus esculentus
Brassicaceae
Gowa/Cabbage 120-150 days
Brassica oleracea
Athu Gowa
120-150 days
Mal Gowa/ Cauliflower 100 days
Brassica oleracea Botrytis
cultivar group
Rabu/Radish
60 days
Raphanus sativus
Nocole
70 days
Chenopodiaceae
Niwithi/Spinach 30-50 days
Spinacea oleracea
Compositae/asteraceae
Salada kola/Salad leaves 20-30 days
lettuce Lactuca sativa
Lamiaceae
Minchi/Mint
1 year
Mentha spicata
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
Species/Family Life span of the crop Yala season Maha Season
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
Amaranthaceae
Thampala/Red
20-25 days
Amaranthus
Amaranthus oleraceus
Mukunuwanna
1 year
Alternanthera sessilis
Rutaceae
Karapincha/curry leaves days
Murraya koenigii
Graminaceae/Graminae/Poaceae
Bada Iringu/ corn 115 days
Zeamays indentata
Idal Iringu
140 days
Apiaceae
Gotukola
1 year
Centella asiatica
Carrots
100 days
Daucus carota
Zingiberaceae
Inguru/ginger
20-30 days
Zingiber officinale
Kaha/Turmeric
1 year
Curcuma longa
Euphorbiaceae
Mayiyokka/Cassava 1 year
Manihot esculenta
Erevuceae/Araceae
Kohila
5 years
Lasia spinosa
Kiri Ala
8 - 10 years
8 A Guide to Eco-Friendly Home Gardening
Species/Family Life span of the crop Yala season Maha Season
Cannaceae
Buthsarana
Canna indica
Asteraceae
Artichoke
Cynara scolymus
Aralontha
Aizoaceae
Sarana
Trianthema portula
Ganda-pala
Convolvuaceae
Kankung/
water spinach
Ipomoea aquatica
Mukunuwenna
Alternanthera sessilis
Anacardiaceae
Ambarella
Spondias cytherea
Caricaceae
Gas labu/Papaw
Carica papaya
Musaceae
Kehel/Banana
Musa Cultivars
Allium
Neera Leeks
Lasia spinosa
Red Onions
Wanduru mala
6-8 months
6-8 months
6-8 months
20 days
30 days
180days
1 year
180 days
3 years
330 days
180 days
105 days
4-5 months
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb
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