Sustainable Urban Gardening in Lahore (2024)

Background
Lahore, the cultural and historical heart of Pakistan, is struggling with increasing environmental problems especially accelerated urbanization, decreased urban greenery and increased food insecurity. In light of such challenges, urban gardening has been found as a feasible approach to use towards checking environmental degeneration, food insecurity and even the quality of life in metropolitan areas. Arif Malik, a Johar Town, Lahore resident, successfully converted his modest backyard into this urban vegetable-growing demonstration site for sustainable gardening that empowers everyday people and communities to combat critical ecological challenges as early as 2024.

At the beginning of Mr Malik’s gardening, the levels of backyard soil were highly compacted, sandy and without many nutrients. Furthermore, frequent water shortages in Lahore and very hot climate did not make it seem entirely feasible to cultivate a garden. This equally compelled him to increase his search for other solutions to producing fresh foods for the family due to increasing food prices. In view of these problems, Mr. Malik had recourse to sustainable gardening. He started squashing kitchen wastes, dried leaves, and garden debris into a nutrient-rich organic substance over a few weeks, returning it to the soil. This also serves two purposes of enhancing the fertility of the soil and at the same time minimizing the dumping of wastes at homes. He used biochar, which is a charcoal that has rich nutrients coming from fire remains of agricultural products since it improves aeration, water availability, and carbon sequestration. To supplement the soil further, he sowed cover crops that include clover which enhance nitrogen and organic matter on the soil during the season.

Water scarcity was another significant challenge that Mr. Malik tackled creatively. He installed a low-cost drip irrigation system using recycled plastic bottles to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste. Additionally, he built a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater during monsoon seasons for use in dry spells. To conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth, he added a layer of organic mulch made from straw and dried leaves around his plants. Understanding the importance of resilient crops in Lahore’s fluctuating climate, Mr. Malik selected heat-tolerant and drought-resistant plants. Vegetables like okra, eggplant, and spinach thrived in his garden, while herbs like thyme and lemongrass added diversity. He also planted native flowering species, including marigolds, which served dual purposes: repelling pests and attracting pollinators. Pest management was done entirely through natural methods. Mr. Malik regularly sprayed neem oil to ward off common pests like aphids, and he practiced companion planting by growing marigolds alongside his vegetables to deter nematodes and other harmful insects. Homemade organic fertilizers, such as banana peel tea and eggshell powder, provided essential nutrients to his plants without the need for synthetic chemicals.

Mr. Malik’s efforts extended beyond his backyard. Recognizing the potential of collective action, he engaged with his neighbors by hosting informal gardening workshops. He shared compost, seeds, and knowledge, inspiring five other households on his street to start their gardens. Together, they formed a neighbourhood gardening network, fostering resource sharing, collaboration, and a stronger sense of community.

The Problem
Mr. Arif Malik, a resident of Johar Town, Lahore, faced difficulties maintaining his small backyard garden due to poor soil quality, erratic water supply, and extreme weather conditions. Rising food costs also motivated him to seek a sustainable way to grow fresh vegetables for his family.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Soil Restoration

Mr. Malik began by addressing the poor soil quality in his backyard. The soil was sandy, compacted, and lacked the organic matter necessary for healthy plant growth.

• Composting Process: Using a compost bin made from wooden pallets, he mixed green materials (kitchen scraps, grass clippings) with brown materials (dried leaves, cardboard) in a 2:1 ratio. He turned the pile weekly, ensuring aerobic decomposition. After 8 weeks, he had nutrient-rich compost to revitalize his soil.
• Biochar Application: Biochar, a byproduct of biomass pyrolysis, was added to the soil. It improved aeration, increased water retention, and acted as a carbon sink. Mr. Malik produced biochar using a small kiln, utilizing agricultural waste from a nearby farm.
• Soil Testing: Using a basic soil testing kit, he identified deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). This informed the use of targeted organic amendments such as compost tea for nitrogen and rock phosphate for phosphorus.

Water Conservation and Management

Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Lahore, making efficient irrigation a priority.

• Drip Irrigation System: Mr. Malik constructed a DIY drip irrigation system using plastic pipes and emitters. He used a gravity-fed system connected to a water tank, reducing dependence on the municipal water supply.
• Rainwater Harvesting: A 500-liter rainwater tank, connected to rooftop gutters with a mesh filter, allowed him to collect and store water during the monsoon season. This provided a reliable water source for his garden during dry months.
• Mulching Technique: A 5 cm layer of organic mulch (straw, dried leaves) was spread over the soil to reduce evaporation and maintain consistent moisture levels.

Plant Selection and Arrangement

Mr. Malik prioritized crops and plants suited to Lahore’s climate and soil conditions.

• Vegetables: Heat-tolerant crops like okra, eggplant, tomatoes, and spinach formed the backbone of his garden. He used a crop rotation system to prevent nutrient depletion and control pests.
• Companion Planting: Marigolds were planted alongside vegetables to repel nematodes, while basil and mint deterred aphids and whiteflies.
• Vertical Gardening: To maximize space, climbing plants like cucumbers and beans were grown on trellises made from recycled materials.

Natural Pest and Disease Management

• Neem Oil Spray: A weekly application of a neem oil and water solution (5 ml per liter) helped control aphids and spider mites.
• Biological Control: Ladybugs and lacewings, natural predators of garden pests, were introduced into the garden.
• Homemade Fertilizers: Banana peel tea (steeped in water for 3 days) was used as a potassium-rich fertilizer, while crushed eggshells provided calcium.

Outcomes and Community Engagement

Garden Yield and Benefits

By the end of 2024, Mr. Malik’s garden was producing:

• Vegetables: Over 25 kg monthly, including surplus for neighbors.
• Herbs and Flowers: An abundance of mint, lemongrass, and marigolds, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

The garden’s greenery also contributed to improved air quality and a localized cooling effect, reducing urban heat in the surrounding area.

Community Workshops

Inspired by his success, Mr. Malik organized monthly workshops, teaching neighbors about composting, drip irrigation, and natural pest control. Over 50 participants adopted similar practices, creating a ripple effect across the neighborhood.

The Impact (2024)
By the end of 2024, Mr. Malik’s garden was producing a surplus of vegetables, reducing his family’s reliance on store-bought produce. The lush greenery also improved the air quality in his immediate neighborhood, providing a cooling effect during the city’s scorching summers. Inspired by his efforts, five other households in his street started their own gardens, collectively improving the area’s aesthetics and environmental health.

Lessons Learned

• Urban gardening is feasible even in areas with limited resources, provided innovative techniques are adopted.
• Community involvement amplifies the benefits of gardening by creating a supportive network for sharing resources and knowledge.
• Small-scale initiatives can have significant environmental and social impacts in urban settings.

Conclusion
Mr Malik’s journey highlights how individuals in Lahore can address urban environmental challenges through sustainable gardening. His story serves as an inspiration for others to adopt eco-friendly practices, contributing to a greener and healthier city. By combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques, he demonstrated how individuals can overcome environmental challenges, improve food security, and foster community cohesion. His garden serves as a blueprint for others, proving that even small urban spaces can have a profound environmental and social impact.