Looking for a way to introduce your children to sustainable living and the delight of homegrown produce? Envision cultivating a jackfruit—the largest fruit in India—right at home, whether in your garden or on a balcony! Mini Sreekumar, an enthusiastic gardener from Thrikkakara, Kerala, has turned a small five-foot space around her home into a thriving edible garden. She grows over 50 different varieties of fruits and vegetables, including a magnificent jackfruit tree. Here’s how you can begin this rewarding journey with your little ones.

Choosing the perfect sunny location
Jackfruit thrives in sunny areas. Pick a bright spot on your balcony, rooftop, or any corner of your garden for this tree. Even if you don’t have a spacious terrace, you can still grow it in a large pot or grow bag. Involve your children in selecting the ideal place for planting.

Creating the ideal soil mix
Mini’s success lies in nutrient-rich, organic soil. You can make the process interactive for your kids by letting them mix compost, kitchen scraps, cow dung powder, and neem cake. This hands-on activity teaches valuable lessons in recycling and eco-friendly gardening.

Planting and nurturing the sapling
You can buy a healthy jackfruit sapling or grow one from a seed. Either way, it’s an enjoyable project for your kids. Ensure the container has proper drainage and use your enriched soil mix. Water it well and keep the kids involved by tracking the plant’s progress.

Patience and care
It can take 3-5 years for the tree to bear fruit, so encourage your children to track its growth. They can draw, write, or name the plant as it flourishes.