Monkeys vs Terrace Garden: Sponge Gourd Attack & possible smart Ways to Repel Them

If you’ve ever grown vegetables in your home garden, terrace garden, or backyard, you probably know the joy of watching them ripen—and the frustration when wildlife discovers them first! This video shows what is the result when a troop of monkeys partially ate my sponge gourd (also known as luffa). From time to time, a group of monkeys roams through our neighborhood. Whenever they spot food, they jump into gardens, pluck vegetables, and taste them. Since I grow fresh vegetables on my terrace garden, my plants often look like an open buffet for these uninvited visitors. Here’s the interesting part: again and again, I’ve noticed that monkeys don’t actually like sponge gourd. They see the vegetable hanging, take a bite out of curiosity, and then discard it. In raw form, sponge gourd is rather bland—definitely not as flavorful as a ripe banana or mango. Yet when cooked into a curry with spices, it can be delicious! Unfortunately, the monkeys never give it that chance. They leave behind half-eaten gourds, and this pattern keeps repeating. It can be frustrating. Gardening requires patience, care, and time. To see your produce wasted like this can really test your perseverance. But at the same time, monkeys are part of nature. Their instinct is to hunt for food wherever they find it. Since monkeys are a protected species in many regions, harmful or inhumane methods like poison are never an option (nor should they be). I’ve experimented with natural deterrents, like sprinkling chili powder on vegetables. Sometimes it seems to work, but it’s not a permanent solution. If you’ve successfully managed to keep monkeys away from your terrace or kitchen garden, please share your tips in the comments—I would be very grateful to learn from your experiences. Enjoy the video, and if you face the same monkey menace in your garden, know that you’re not alone! Additional Content (NOT in the video – extra details for viewers) While the video mainly documents monkeys nibbling on sponge gourd, many people ask: “How can I protect my garden from monkeys without harming them?” Here’s a comprehensive guide with humane, practical, and eco-friendly solutions. 1. Physical Barriers Strong netting: Cover your plants with nylon or steel mesh netting. Make sure it is secured tightly, since monkeys are agile and clever. Cages for individual plants: For high-value vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or gourds, wire cages can prevent direct access. Fencing with overhangs: A tall boundary with a curved or outward-leaning extension makes it difficult for monkeys to climb over. 2. Visual Deterrents Reflective materials: Old CDs, aluminum foil strips, or reflective tape create flashes of light that scare monkeys. Scarecrows or decoys: A lifelike owl, eagle, or even human mannequin can work—though monkeys may learn quickly if the decoy never moves. Motion-activated sprinklers: A quick splash of water is harmless but effective in surprising them. 3. Sensory Deterrents Smell-based repellents: Chili spray (chili powder + water + soap) can be lightly sprayed around plants. Garlic and neem oil solutions also create strong odors monkeys dislike. Sound deterrents: Hanging bells, tins, or wind chimes may work temporarily. For stronger measures, ultrasonic devices are available. 4. Food Diversion Sometimes giving monkeys an alternative food source—like leaving fruit scraps far from your garden—diverts their attention. While not always foolproof, it reduces attacks on your main plants. 5. Behavioral Approaches Consistency is key: Use the same deterrent regularly until the troop learns to avoid your garden. Guard animals: A dog (friendly but alert) can act as a natural protector. 6. Community Solutions If your neighborhood collectively suffers from monkey problems, group action works best. Coordinated fencing, community deterrents, and sharing of costs make it more manageable. #monkeymenace #spongegourd #growingfood, #kitchengarden, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbVXjf2fYJk

DIY Rotating Composter: Build a Fast, Easy Compost Tumbler

Transform your kitchen scraps into garden gold faster than ever! In this video, I walk you through my step-by-step journey of building a highly efficient, homemade rotating drum composter from scratch. Say goodbye to slow, messy compost piles and hello to quick, easy, and odor-free composting! I was inspired after having a carpenter at my house and decided to tackle this DIY project myself. After researching countless designs on YouTube, I settled on a simple, effective, and sturdy plan that anyone can follow, even if you're a first-time builder like me. In this video, you'll learn: The simple materials needed to build your own tumbler composter. How to construct a solid wooden frame that will last for years. The secret to drilling the perfect aeration holes for faster decomposition. How to install a secure access door with a functional latch. The easy way to add wheels for effortless rotation and perfect balance. My tips for loading and maintaining your new composter for the best results. This design uses a central steel rod for ultimate support and features bolts to lock the drum in place, ensuring smooth, stable spinning every time. By combining constant aeration with regular rotation, this method accelerates the composting process, turning your organic waste into rich, nutrient-dense compost in record time. Ready to start your composting journey? Check out the affiliate link below for a fantastic pre-made tumbling composter option if DIY isn't your thing! 🛒 Recommended Composter: https://amzn.to/47WeoTt #ad 👉 VIVOSUN Outdoor Dual-Batch Tumbling Composter (affiliate link – supports the channel) (Additional Content Not Shown in Video) Level Up Your Composting Knowledge: Methods & Composter Types While the rotating drum composter in the video is fantastic for speed and convenience, it's just one of many ways to create black gold for your garden. Understanding the different methods helps you choose the perfect one for your lifestyle, space, and goals. Common Composting Methods: Aerobic Composting (with oxygen): This is the most common method, which includes tumblers, bins, and piles. It requires turning the pile to introduce oxygen, which feeds the aerobic bacteria and speeds up decomposition. It’s generally odor-free when done correctly. Anaerobic Composting (without oxygen): This happens when organic matter decomposes in a sealed, oxygen-starved environment (like a plastic bag in a landfill). It's a slow process that produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and can be quite smelly. It's not recommended for active home composting. Vermicomposting (with worms): This method uses specific species of worms (like Red Wigglers) to break down food scraps. The worms consume the waste and produce incredibly rich "worm castings," a super-powered form of compost. It's perfect for apartments or small spaces as it's compact and can be done indoors without odor. Bokashi Fermentation: This is an anaerobic process that uses a special inoculated bran to ferment kitchen waste, including meat and dairy, in a sealed bucket. It's very fast (taking about two weeks) and doesn't produce foul odors. The pre-compost must then be buried in soil or added to a traditional compost bin to finish breaking down. Types of Composters Explained: Compost Tumblers (like in the video): Enclosed barrels that rotate on a frame. Pros: Fast, neat, rodent-resistant, easy to turn. Cons: Can be more expensive, limited capacity. Stationary Bins: Enclosed boxes or barrels with open bottoms that sit on the ground. Pros: Inexpensive, large capacity, low maintenance. Cons: Slower, requires manual turning with a fork, can be harder to harvest. Open Bins/Piles: A simple contained area, often made from wood pallets or wire. Pros: Very low cost, huge capacity. Cons: Exposed to pests and weather, can be unsightly, requires the most manual turning. Worm Farms (Vermicomposting Systems): Stacked trays where worms process waste. Pros: Great for small spaces, produces liquid fertilizer ("leachate") and castings, works year-round indoors. Cons: Worms have specific temperature and food needs, can be sensitive to imbalances. Electric Composters (aka "Compost Accelerators"): Countertop appliances that grind, heat, and aerate scraps, turning them into a dry, soil amendment in hours. Pros: Extremely fast, odor-controlled, handles most food waste. Cons: Uses electricity, doesn't produce true compost (it's a dehydrated product), smaller capacity. The best method is the one you’ll actually use! Whether you build your own like I did or choose a ready-made system, you're making a fantastic choice for your garden and the planet. 🏷️ SEO Tags: #DrumComposting #HomeCompostTips #OrganicWasteToSoil #BalconyGardening #DIYCompostBin, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj_xWdVMlzc