Gone are the days when newbie gardeners stared helplessly at infested plants

MAHESH AVADHUTHA I hyderabad

Urban gardeners, once overwhelmed by infestations and clueless about remedies, now rely on dedicated WhatsApp groups to rescue their plants. Whether it’s whiteflies on tulsi or caterpillars in curry leaf pots, help is just a message away.

Take a homemaker in Hyderabad who notices spider mites on her hibiscus—essential for daily poojas. Earlier, she might have tried homemade fixes like hing water or jeevamrutham with little success. Now, she clicks a picture, shares it in the group, and receives instant advice—from neem oil sprays to coffee powder hacks.

This digital green lifeline took shape thanks to the Telangana Horticulture Department. Through one-day workshops on terrace gardening, they’ve connected thousands of urban farmers into over 35 active WhatsApp groups—each with 220 to 250 members. These include horticulture officials, experts, and both seasoned and new gardeners.

“It’s like consulting a doctor,” says one member. Quick responses, precise instructions, and shared success stories have transformed pest control from a headache into a learning experience.

D Manga, Horticulture Officer at the Redhills Horticulture Training Institute, says the initiative is bridging knowledge gaps. “Unlike traditional farmers, urban growers lacked pest management know-how. But regular sharing in these groups has made a big difference,” she explains.

She highlights eco-friendly remedies like sour buttermilk, neem oil, vinegar, used coffee grounds, and Epsom salt as key solutions. “Most urban gardeners now know exactly what to use for each pest,” Manga adds.

More than just fighting pests, these WhatsApp groups are growing a movement. As green knowledge spreads, balconies are turning into lush farms—one message, and one pest-free plant, at a time.