Jigna and Rahul Shah, a doctor couple from Surat, always loved gardening but never made it a daily habit. This changed when Jigna attended a workshop on organic food. Inspired, they began growing their own vegetables on their 1,500-square-foot terrace.

Rahul, who was initially focused on ornamental plants, joined Jigna in cultivating fruits and vegetables. His father once grew produce, but over time, the plants withered due to lack of care.

Determined to change this, the couple waterproofed their terrace and started their urban farm. Now, they grow a variety of fruits like mango, pomegranate, banana, dragon fruit, and vegetables such as brinjal, okra, and chillies.

The Shahs mix both practical and ornamental gardening. “Rahul adores ornamental plants and has a good collection of bonsai trees and cactus,” says Jigna. While they focus on fruits and vegetables on the terrace, Rahul’s ornamental plants are placed around the house.

Jigna's clinic, located on the ground floor of their house, is surrounded by mango and chikoo trees. “There are many other trees outside, due to which the indoors of the house remain cool even during summer,” she says.

The couple spends two hours every morning in their garden before heading to work. Jigna takes care of the fruits and vegetables, while Rahul looks after the ornamental plants. Their 14-year-old son is also involved, growing up with an appreciation for nature.

“We are glad that our son gets in touch with nature in the early years of his life. He is well aware of its importance,” says Jigna.

Their efforts have paid off — not only do they enjoy homegrown produce, but they also rarely buy tomatoes from the store. “The taste of organically-grown produce is completely different and can’t be matched by others,” Jigna adds.

Beyond food, their garden has become a haven for birds, insects, and butterflies. To encourage pollination, Rahul has planted yellow flowering plants to attract butterflies. An old bathtub has been upcycled into a fish pond, complete with water lilies and other plants.

Jigna and Rahul Shah, a doctor couple from Surat, always loved gardening but never made it a daily habit. This changed when Jigna attended a workshop on organic food. Inspired, they began growing their own vegetables on their 1,500-square-foot terrace.

Rahul, who was initially focused on ornamental plants, joined Jigna in cultivating fruits and vegetables. His father once grew produce, but over time, the plants withered due to lack of care.

Determined to change this, the couple waterproofed their terrace and started their urban farm. Now, they grow a variety of fruits like mango, pomegranate, banana, dragon fruit, and vegetables such as brinjal, okra, and chillies.

Jigna's clinic, located on the ground floor of their house, is surrounded by mango and chikoo trees. “There are many other trees outside, due to which the indoors of the house remain cool even during summer,” she says.

The couple spends two hours every morning in their garden before heading to work. Jigna takes care of the fruits and vegetables, while Rahul looks after the ornamental plants. Their 14-year-old son is also involved, growing up with an appreciation for nature.

“We are glad that our son gets in touch with nature in the early years of his life. He is well aware of its importance,” says Jigna.

Their efforts have paid off — not only do they enjoy homegrown produce, but they also rarely buy tomatoes from the store. “The taste of organically-grown produce is completely different and can’t be matched by others,” Jigna adds.

Beyond food, their garden has become a haven for birds, insects, and butterflies. To encourage pollination, Rahul has planted yellow flowering plants to attract butterflies. An old bathtub has been upcycled into a fish pond, complete with water lilies and other plants.

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