Space in modern living is becoming increasingly sought- after. In that context, growing vegetables at home to add some freshness to one?s dish while saving money can seem a challenge. But as also illustrates the forthcoming House and Garden Salon, to be held as from Wednesday at Pailles, there are always solutions. One has just to dig a little in the know-how.

Mrs Joson, in Belle-Vue, is one of those happy women who can devote herself to her passion for gardening: ?I do not like to see bare land?, she confesses while smiling at her flowers. She has a small corner covered where she grows a few lettuces but ?I feel that vegetables are relatively cheap at the market?, and she doesn?t feel the need ?to spend on fertilizers?.

?Home grown vegetables are not so common among my customers?, indicates Ashiq Boyjoo, agronomist and director of Bozardin, a gardening agency based in Beau-Bassin. This is because most people now live in places with little or no soil, people like Mrs Joson, being among lucky exceptions. ?The days of extensive gardening are mostly over in towns and urban areas and people have lost their ?green skills?. It is a pity since one can make substantial savings likewise?, confirms Daneshwar Dumur, director of the Agricultural Resarch Extension Unit (Areu), which has issued a booklet on how to grow plants at home. ?I always encourage my clients to have a backyard corner with some vegetables, but the presence of animals and small children can ruin it. It can become a risk when fertilizers are used in the children?s playing area?, adds Ashiq Boyjoo.

<B>Training and advice </B>

Yet, handy cultivation has a bright future in store. May it be small or fine vegetables or herbs, eggplants or onions in an open lying drum, without adding pesticides. One needs some basic know-how: ?The four Areu centers over the island not only provide training on how to grow vegetables but also advise on the proper season for each crop?, explains Daneshwar Dumur.

?Insects can be eliminated without using chemicals, with minimum control?, confirms Ashiq Boyjoo. Reaping the advantages of space sparing, money saving and keeping freshness, is at reach as the plants can be fed without any pesticide. ?Compost can be made with any vegetable waste, with what is called domestic organic waste, from fruit peels to ?paille de thé?. Areu is there to provide guidance on waste collecting and compost making.

People do not always realize they can use their rooftops to cultivate some of their kitchen favorites. ?This is perfectly doable, either by filling the rooftop with earth. This is not true that plants can damage the slab?s (?dalle?) isolation. Far from it, with the proper drainage system, it may protect it and limit greenhouse effect?, assures Ashiq Boyjoo.

Another method is hydroponics, but here also one must know how to proceed, what kind of salts or minerals should be added. With that in mind, a small balcony can combine a soothing cool air with the reassuring feeling of no such risk as rushing at the last minute to add the forgotten but essential herb to the marmite.

Gardening may seem a time-consuming skill. But in some cases, individuals may earn even a small, flourishing business from the ground. A new trend in the island is emerging private orchards, for whom Ashiq Boyjoo and other gardening specialists? advice are more and more asked. ?Some of my clients own sufficiently big properties that can accommodate up to 75 plants lychee or papaya : with the development of trade and nearby hotels, this has become a profitable venture.? This can be done in three or four years with the proper assistance. Again, reaping is all about patience, confidence and know how.