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Ahead of Earth Day 2022, begin your journey of sustainable living by starting your own mini garden. Here are seven easy plants to grow in your humble garden

Every year, Singapore imports over 90 per cent of the fresh produce that is consumed in the country. The imported food comes from all over the globe, travelling hundreds, and even thousands of kilometres across the sea before finally reaching its destination. The carbon emissions and energy consumption of transporting these produces, as well as in the refrigeration of the stock throughout the transatlantic journey, significantly contributes to global warming. How can we circumvent this issue? 

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Though it is impossible to completely avoid importing our food due to low land space, there is something we could do to mitigate the impact of importing food. Growing your own food is a simple solution to numerous salient environmental problems. This Earth Day, start living sustainably by growing your own food.

Starting your own mini garden is a great first step towards sustainable living. All you need are a few pots, a packet of soil, some fertiliser and you are ready to go. Below, discover some of the beginner-friendly plants that you can start growing at home.

1. Succulents

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Succulents are extremely low maintenance plants that are very easy to grow in Singapore. Their tiny statures make them the perfect addition for houses with small spaces as they don't grow too large. These rugged plants can grow well even in the most extreme conditions. Indeed, succulents are the perfect plants for novice gardeners or those who want to get into gardening but may not have a green thumb. From ones with pulpy textures to ones with tiny spikes, there are over 180 succulent types to choose from. There will definitely be one that suits your liking.  

How to care for it?

Make sure the succulent is not placed directly in sunlight. Succulents don’t require much water or sun. In fact, if you water your succulents too much, they may just end up drowning or bursting. Watering your succulent every 10 to 14 days is sufficient for it to grow well. Pro tip: Choose a pot with drainage holes when potting your succulent to allow for water to be drained easily.

 

 

2. Aloe Vera

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Another easy plant to grow would be the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera plants have many uses. Ideal for growing indoors, the aloe vera plant requires a lot of sunlight, making it suitable for Singapore’s climate. Besides its healing properties and aesthetically pleasing appearance, the aloe vera requires little maintenance to flourish, making it a popular choice with homeowners. The pulp of aloe vera is also a tasty topping in many desserts and drinks, and it works as a treatment for minor burns and rashes too.

How to care for it?

You only have to water your aloe vera plant once a week. Be sure that the pot has drainage holes for excess water to flow out to prevent over saturation. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is completely dry before you water it again.

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3. Mung Beans

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If you are just looking to give gardening a go, mung beans are a great choice for beginners. This crunchy vegetable requires little maintenance to flourish, making it great for even young children to take care of. Mung beans also grow very quickly, so you don’t have to wait very long before you see the results of your hard work.

How to care for it? 
After the seeds germinate, all you have to do is water the beans twice a day, both in the morning at night. Be sure to remove the excess water from the pot after watering. 

4. Ginger

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Spice up you life by growing some aromatic ginger plants. Ginger plants are often used in many dishes to enhance the flavour of dishes, and they are proven to have many health benefits. Ginger is also rich with antioxidants and compounds that prevent stress and repair your body. This multi-beneficial plant thrives best in humid climates like Singapore's/. If cared for well, ginger plants can grow up to two to three feet tall.

How to care for it?

Ginger plants require a lot of sunlight. Choose a site that provides two to five hours of direct sunlight, while being protected from strong winds. Avoid overwatering. Pro tip: Using a larger pot will allow you to yield more ginger later during harvesting.

 

5. Basil

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A fragrant herb which is very commonly used in the kitchen, basil can be used to cook a wide variety of dishes. This delicious vegetable grows extremely quickly, both indoors and outdoors. In fact, it can go from a tiny seed to fully-grown plant in as little as three to four weeks.

How to care for it?

Once your basil has reached the seedling stage, caring for your plant is fairly easy. Water your plant generously once a week, ensuring that it receives approximately an inch of water every week. Basil are sun-loving herbs, so make sure they get plenty of sunlight by placing it next to a window for at least four to five hours a day. In Singapore, where it tends to get very hot, the morning or late afternoon sun is most optimal for healthy growth. 

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6. Cherry Tomatoes

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The cherry tomato is another plant that flourishes in tropical weather. Cherry tomatoes are hardy and very resistant to hot climates. They can be grown in hanging baskets, freeing up more space in your home.

How to care for it?

Cherry tomatoes love the sun. Be sure to give it a lot of sunlight as tomatoes require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. As long as you diligently water your seedlings at least twice a day, they will definitely sprout into delicious greens that can eventually be harvested for consumption when ripe. 

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7. Lady’s fingers

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Lady’s finger, also known as okra, is another edible plant perfect to be grown in Singapore's warm and humid climate. Similar to tomatoes, this slimy textured plant requires exposure to strong sun rays for at least six hours daily for optimal growth. Lady’s fingers are tasty vegetables and have many health benefits. This plant grows best when its seeds are sown directly into the soil. The lady fingers plant does not require a lot of maintenance. This makes it a great plant for those just getting into gardening. 

How to care for it?

You should water your plant twice a day, once in the morning and another time in the late afternoon. 

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