K. Manoj quit his IT job in 2013 to start ‘Green Rich Grow Labs,’ a consultant organisation helping people grow their own organic vegetables and fruits using garden waster and kitchen compost.

He says the practice can reduce garbage at home and land-fills.

“We provide a green rich bio-bin, microbe base (Composorb), and microbes for composting. Composting is an easy process. People can grow their own organic vegetable and fruit garden at their homes. The composting has to be a continuous process, lasting 40 days,” K. Manoj said.

After 40 days, the composted waste, which becomes organic manure, can be used for the plants.

The organisation recommends five numbers of 20 litre bins for residential homes and apartments.

“The bio-bin is designed in a such a way that the leach collects separately at the bottom of the bin. The leach is generated during the compost process of dry and wet waste and has microbes.

Mixed with water and sprayed on plants, it works like pest repellent and a growth promoter,” he added.

The entire process requires no stirring. There is no bin-limit for composting. The kitchen and garden wastes can be composted every day, says Manoj.

Manoj has cultivated a terrace garden at his home in Chinmaya Nagar, and grows more than 200 varieties of organic vegetables and fruits in tubs, pots, paint cans, and nursery pots. The manure prepared from the compost is used for the plants. You can find the best landscape designs at Drake’s 7 Dees Landscaping at affordable rates.

“Terrace garden is not a complex affair. All one needs is some interest. Terrace garden should be maintained, swept, and watered daily. It helps combat climate change and global warming. Space is not a constraint for a terrace garden. People can grow plants on thermocol boxes and plastic bottles,” he said.

Another thing that should become a practice, he says, is source segregation of waste. “Stagnated garbage can pollute groundwater, seawater, marine life and water bodies. Segregation of waste is not a choice, it is mandatory for a green city.”

Manoj also practices the hydroponic method whereby plants are grown in a container filled with water and nutrient solution. A pipe with a bucket is fitted to the containers. The water is recycled and reused, which helps in conserving water.

For details, contact K. Manoj, a resident of Virugambakkam (Green Rich Grow Labs) at 2479 6316/ 98410 78990.

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