With life moving fast and schedules getting busier, people today are far more conscious about what they eat. That growing awareness is why many have started raising healthy, fresh produce right at home. Moringa — popularly called sahjan in Hindi — has quickly become one of the favourites in this trend.
A True Superfood
Moringa is regarded as an excellent superfood, and consuming it is considered highly beneficial for the body. It is also used to help manage several serious conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure. The best part is that you do not need a farm or a big plot to grow it — a small home garden or even a single pot on your balcony is enough.
Very Little Maintenance Needed
What makes this plant so convenient is that it grows extremely fast, and once planted it does not demand much upkeep. Whether you place it in a bed in your courtyard or in a large pot, it thrives easily either way.
How to Grow It in a Pot
According to Rajesh Yadav, a farmer who cultivates moringa, growing it in a pot begins with choosing the right pot size. You should use a large pot of at least 12 to 18 inches. Before planting, it helps to fill the pot with good-quality soil, and fresh field soil is considered the most suitable for this.
While filling in the soil, be sure to mix in a little cocopeat and some organic compost or cow dung manure. This boosts the fertility of the soil and helps the plant grow quickly. When sowing the seed, press it into the soil to a depth of about 1 inch. If you want to avoid the hassle, you can also bring a ready-made small sapling from a nursery and plant it directly.
Mind the Sunlight and Water
Once the seed or sapling is in place, it needs a little care. Keep the pot in a spot that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of good sunlight during the day. When watering, add only a light amount of water so that it does not collect in the pot — keeping the soil just lightly moist is all that is required.
Huge Market Demand, Free Benefits at Home
Demand for moringa in the market is soaring right now. Its powder, juice, capsules, laddus and a variety of other products are selling on a large scale, and people are buying them eagerly. By growing the plant at home, you can enjoy all of these benefits completely free of cost.
Both Pods and Leaves Are Useful
Once the plant is established at home, both its pods and its leaves can be used medicinally. The leaves can be dried and ground into a powder that can be eaten as needed. The green pods, meanwhile, are turned into a tasty vegetable dish and pickle that is delicious to eat and very good for health.
