Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Regarding Sustainable Kitchen Garden: A Study Among Urban Women Homemakers in Lucknow, India

Kitchen gardens, also known as vegetable gardens or potage gardens, have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their numerous benefits, including providing fresh produce, reducing food miles, and promoting a connection with nature. However, ensuring the sustainability of these gardens is crucial to maximising their environmental, social, and economic benefits. The sustainable development of kitchen gardens requires a holistic approach that integrates ecological principles, efficient resource management, and community engagement. By implementing strategies such as promoting biodiversity, managing soil health, conserving water, reducing waste, optimising energy usage, and fostering community involvement, kitchen gardens can serve as models of sustainable food production that contribute to environmental stewardship, social well-being, and food security for current and future generations. Education and outreach programs for homemakers can contribute to cultivating sustainability. We conducted this study among women homemakers in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the development of a sustainable kitchen garden. The study's findings revealed that while housewives possess sufficient knowledge about kitchen gardening techniques and environmentally friendly resource usage, many do not utilize them for social and economic benefits. We found the highest percentage of homemakers who make kitchen gardening their hobby. We strongly felt the need for environmental education and training to develop knowledge about environmental protection and sustainability.