Hobby Patch: A 600 sq feet, managed, patch
Community farming in the heart of Gurgaon
What is a Hobby Patch?
- You have the option to lease mini-farms, for cultivating entirely natural greens, vegetables, and herbs. Think of it as your Kitchen Garden away from home, overseen by our team of experts.
- Each hobby patch covers an area of 600 sqft, an ample space suitable for a family consisting of 2-4 members.
- A monthly fee of 3000 for a hobby patch is levied.
- We only have 10 plots of 600 sq feet available and if you join our program before 15 September, your first month will be completely FREE.
- Get up close with farming, gain knowledge, and enjoy the journey.
- Transition to consuming freshly harvested produce, picked at its prime.
- Assured 100% natural and chemical-free agricultural practices.
- We provide convenient locations for weekend outings suitable for both children and the elderly.
- Select your preferred crops to cultivate and acquire the knowledge to nurture them.
- All of this is within a budget that will delight you.
Farm Location
Your Farm: What it looks like
You Grow
Unmanaged hobby patch.
- 6 Raised Bed on 600 Sqft. Land
- Water supply + Irrigation System
- Access to Facilitated Live Workshops
- Other products and services can be accessed as per the rate card
Managed
Everything from You Grow +.
- Harvest from Common Area
- Regular Soil Enrichment
- Natural Pest Management
- Free weekly delivery of vegetables to your home
- Farm Assistance as Required
Community Code of Conduct
A community garden operates as a three-way partnership involving You, our team, and your fellow kitchen gardeners. Optimal outcomes are achieved when mutual respect and collaboration define our interactions. Like any relationship, there may be initial challenges. Therefore, here’s a brief list of guidelines to clarify what a hobby patch can and cannot offer.
Do’s: What you are expected to do!
Visiting the farm
You are warmly invited to visit the farm at your convenience. Please ensure your visits occur during daylight hours. If you require farm assistance during your visits, kindly schedule a slot in advance through the link provided in your Welcome email after subscribing.
Growing Seasons
It’s important to recognize that Hobby Patch isn’t a guaranteed vegetable delivery service; it’s your personal kitchen garden, overseen by our dedicated farm team. The level of engagement and connection you maintain directly influences their growth. Just like everything in nature, vegetables follow the rhythm of the seasons, with winters usually yielding more abundance compared to summers. Additionally, we experience periods of reduced harvest during the transitions between seasons, which occur in February, July, and October.
What to bring when you visit?
When you plan to visit the farm, remember to bring sufficient water, food, and a first aid kit. In your interactions with the families residing on the farm, please maintain cultural sensitivity. Additionally, bring along reusable bags or containers to transport your harvested produce.
Experiment!
You have the option to purchase your own seeds and saplings for your hobby patch. Moreover, you are welcome to incorporate organic inputs into your hobby patch, provided they align with natural farming practices. However, it’s important to note that no chemicals in any form are permitted on the farm.
You are the key
The connection between a community and the farm team is a collaborative and mutually reliant one. While the farm team dedicates equal effort to all Farmlets across the farm, some Farmlets thrive more than others. The key factor here is YOU – your active participation and eagerness to learn the art of cultivating your own food. Farmletting embodies a reciprocal relationship, where both the farm team and the plants respond to your care, and in return, you reap the benefits of the farm’s produce. However, it’s important to acknowledge that despite our best endeavors, achieving a 100% success rate is not guaranteed. Embracing this fact is where gratitude truly begins.
Putting the harvest to good use through food preservation techniques
Our focus is on providing fresh, locally grown food, but it’s important to recognize that nature doesn’t always produce a consistent output. There will be occasions when you receive less than anticipated, and on other occasions, you might experience an abundant harvest of certain vegetables. In such situations, we encourage you to either share or preserve the surplus by canning, pickling, or dehydrating the fresh produce. Additionally, feel free to share your recipes with the community!
Don’ts: What not to do while on the farm
Don’t when you visit
Our farms maintain a strict policy against alcohol, drugs, smoking, and cruelty. Any violations of these rules will result in decisive actions. We kindly request that you carry your trash with you for composting or recycling.
Don’t when you harvest
Occasionally, we cultivate certain vegetables in communal spaces and share them with our Farmletters. However, we kindly request that you honor the rule of not harvesting from any other areas on the farm.
Strictly No synthetic chemicals policy
We are committed to cultivating vegetables through natural farming techniques and organic inputs, and this principle is held in the highest regard. Consequently, we strictly prohibit the use of any chemical inputs on the farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are hobby patches different or similar to Community Gardening projects?
Hobby patches are more or less similar to a collaborative gardening initiative where a community of gardening enthusiasts jointly leases individual plots for communal gardening endeavors. The monthly participation fee is 3,000 rupees for a managed farm and 2,000 rupees for the You Grow plan. Typically, a plot covering 600 square feet is suitable for a family of 2 to 4 individuals.
When can you expect to start harvesting vegetables from our Farmlet?
Typically, Farmlets come pre-planted, so your weekly harvest and deliveries kick off in the very week you subscribe. Nevertheless, once your subscription commences, we gradually tailor the planting within your Farmlet to align with your specific choices.
How often can I visit the farm?
While there’s no strict cap on farm visits, we strongly recommend visiting at least once a week. This practice helps you maintain a strong connection with your food and allows you to savor the gratifying experience of its growth.
Is it necessary for the customer to actively participate in fieldwork?
Opting for the “You Grow” subscription plan means you’ll receive prepared beds and automated watering at the start of your subscription. Nevertheless, all other tasks on your Farmlet, such as maintenance and care, will be your responsibility.
What is the quantity of vegetables I can expect in each harvest? Is the harvest amount consistent, or does it vary?
The 1200 sq ft Farmlet is ideal for a family of 2-4 individuals. The harvest quantity fluctuates monthly due to seasonal changes, with winters typically yielding more than summers. Additionally, there may be harvest reductions during transitions between seasons.
Do I need to visit the farm regularly for my harvest?
Indeed, it’s crucial for you to make regular visits to the farm. Ideally, this would mean once a week, but at the very least, twice a month. Farmlets are designed to foster a deep connection with your food, and this connection is best nurtured through regular observation and visits to your Farmlet.
Am I allowed to utilize my own materials like seeds, manure, and pest control methods?
Yes, you can. However, it’s essential to obtain approval from your farm manager to ensure that the materials used are organic and natural.
Can I bring my family and friends to the farm?
Certainly! The farm is yours to relish once you become a subscriber. Nevertheless, please be aware that alcohol, smoking, loud music, and non-vegetarian food are not allowed on the premises. Additionally, we uphold a stringent zero-waste policy, which means all waste, particularly plastics, must be taken back with you.
Can I bring pets to the farm?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your pets. However, it’s crucial to ensure that they do not cause any harm to the plants and are kept under control while navigating the farm.
How can I get involved in the learning process?
Engaging in regular activities on your Farmlet is the most effective way to learn. Additionally, you have the opportunity to join workshops, webinars, and courses offered by Edible Routes. It’s worth noting that all live workshops conducted by Edible Routes are accessible to Farmletters at no cost.
Why is twice-a-week harvest important?
Harvesting twice a week guarantees that you enjoy the freshest produce throughout the week, ensuring it’s at its peak size and ripeness. We’ll handle one harvest and delivery mid-week, and you can personally partake in the second harvest during your weekly visit.
What can I plant on my Farmlet?
To know what you can plant in your Farmlet please refer to our Planting Calendar.
Can I opt out of delivery?
No, delivery is an integral component of the subscription to guarantee that the harvest occurs at least once a week and to prevent any wastage of produce.