Farming has always been a countryside thing. But now, farms are coming to the balconies(阳台) of city flats.
According to a recent report, sales of vegetable seeds(种子) on the Internet in the first quarter of 2022 doubled compared with the same period in 2021. Of these buyers, most were born after 1995.
Zhang Chao from Anhui Province is one young "city farmer". The senior high school student said his love for planting was formed in primary school, when he lived with his grandpa in the countryside. He learned to grow vegetables from his grandpa, who has been a farmer for life. Though farming takes hard work, Zhang said he felt excited when he saw seeds turn into plants.
Now Zhang still keeps up his hobby with a balcony garden. He grows strawberries and carrots. "Growing fruits and vegetables not only brings delicious food, but it also reminds me of the happy times with my grandpa. " said Zhang.
Unlike Zhang, Fang Minke from Shenzhen thinks that planting a garden is a good way to relax and develop patience.
The 16-year-old girl sometimes felt stressed. To deal with this, she started planting vegetables on her balcony in 2021. Most of the seeds were given to her by friends. Not knowing what plants the seeds were from, she just planted them and waited patiently. After half a year, her balcony became a small garden.
Every day it takes her long hours to do homework. Then she likes to walk around her balcony garden. "Seeing different colors and breathing fresh air, I feel closer to nature. " Fang said.
Planting vegetables is now more than just away to live. It also brings joy to the lives of the young.
