Retired teacher starts urban garden on the roof of his house

While other people have become certified plantitos and plantitas amid the pandemic, urban gardening remains a challenge for many due to the scarcity of suitable land in cities.

But a retired teacher found a way to grow crops despite the lack of space: he started a garden on the roof of his own house.

In an episode of "Home Work," Arnel "Buboy" Dormiendo showed how he was able to plant pechay, mustard, lettuce, eggplant, basil, and okra.

"Pag nasa urban pots ang kailangan mo diyan," he said. "I collected bottles and some used plastic cups."

READ: Vacant lot in Quezon City transformed into a community garden

Sir Buboy said it was difficult to get materials earlier in the quarantine, but he consulted YouTube videos and webinars to find DIY alternatives.

Thankfully, getting the seeds were not a problem. The Department of Agriculture (DA) itself has encouraged urban gardening and gives away seeds for free.

Sir Buboy also tried using hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil. It could be an option for those who does not have access to arable land.

"I wanted also to share my harvest to others kahit wala akong kitain. Pero that's the motivation, sunod gusto ko  pagkakitaan ko na ang ginagawa ko," he said. 

"Home Work" is a weekly show hosted by Tonipet Gaba and Rovilson Fernandez. It is a part of the "New Normal: Survival Guide" series, which aims to help Filipinos cope amid the pandemic.

"New Normal: Survival Guide" features Winnie Monsod’s "Newsmakers" every Monday; Kara David’s "Bright Side" every Tuesday; Susan Enriquez’s "Pera Paraan" every Wednesday; "Home Work" every Thursday; and Drew Arellano’s "Family Time" every Friday. —MGP, GMA News