Many people in Hanoi have started growing vegetables inside their homes as concerns about the additives on food products grow among the population.

Mini-garden

Even though many families in Hanoi live in row houses or apartments, they have been finding innovative ways to grow and maintain small gardens that produce vegetables for home consumption.

The rooftop garden has become especially popular because they can be contained inside plastic boxes or even unused pipes. The people grow the plants hydroponically for conveniences and hygiene.

The cost to build and maintain a mini-garden can easily exceed buying vegetables on the market. However, more and more consumers are putting growing their own vegetables anyway because of their health concerns about bought produce.

 Vegetables grown by hydroponics

Nguyen Minh An, a resident of Ha Dong District, has spent VND4 million (USD190) to set up a garden of a little more than 2 square metres. In this garden, she grows about 13 kinds of vegetables, including onions, lettuce and water spinach. An also grows lemon and guava.

An said, "After a good harvest I keep some in the fridge or share with neighbours. Some I use to feed the chickens."

Some companies provide water systems for indoor gardens. The water and nutrients are pumped evenly to all receptacles, and can even adjust to weather conditions. According to several experts, the rise of indoor gardens indicates how little credibility the produce market has among consumers.