Growing Good Times

About Me

Growing Good Times is an online learning platform that makes organic gardening, sustainable living, and healthy eating simple, practical, and fun for everyone.

Nabanita Bajaj

(Urban Farmer & Consultant)

Nabanita or fondly known as ‘Julie’, I have been passionate about gardening since childhood. From a family of avid kitchen gardeners, I grew up watching my Permaculturist father in action. From growing rice to haldi, we were practically self sufficient, getting most of our vegetables from the family farm. Growing up seeing natural organic farming & the close bond that I formed with nature during that time, the imprint of that remained well into my adulthood.

Nabanita Bajaj

(Urban Farmer & Consultant)

Nabanita or fondly known as ‘Julie’, I have been passionate about gardening since childhood. From a family of avid kitchen gardeners, I grew up watching my Permaculturist father in action. From growing rice to haldi, we were practically self sufficient, getting most of our vegetables from the family farm. Growing up seeing natural organic farming & the close bond that I formed with nature during that time, the imprint of that remained well into my adulthood.

Our Mission

To empower individuals and communities to live healthier, more sustainable lives through practical knowledge, hands-on skills, and a love for growing good food.

“As an urban farming consultant and trainer, I not only engage in the practical aspects of cultivating food but also share my knowledge and insights with the community. It’s not just about the crops; It’s about fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and community-centric agriculture.”

My professional journey began as a 3D animator. But seems life wanted me doing what’s really close to my heart. During one of the very first organic farming workshop that I attended, the course instructor invited me to join their organic farming startup, somewhat impressed by my existing knowledge & enthusiasm.

And so I decided to transition from being a full-time 3D animator & faculty to an organic farming consultant at one of the pioneering startups in the field then (11 years back).

This shift was not just a career move; It was a conscious choice to reconnect with the joy and fulfillment I found in nurturing and growing plants. I learned and implemented many things on the go, not having pursued farming professionally. I was interacting with clients from all facets of life, setting up kitchen gardens & managing large organic farms.

 

The Journey: From Animation to Agriculture

I received my Permaculture Design certificate from one of the most respected names in the field, Shri Narssana Koppula, the pioneer of Indian Permaculture, in November 2016. My advanced training included ‘Advanced Permaculture Design Skills’, ‘Mapping to Scale and Landscape Graphics’ from Raya Cole in December 2017.

 

Community Impact:

In 2017, I was honored to be invited as a resource person to train women self help groups in Majuli Island, Assam and by the Northeast Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP) to train hill farmers in Nagaland.

In 2021 was invited by FLO indore to train 100 women to grow microgreens at home, enabling them to provide fresh, nutrient-dense superfoods for their children

Am frequently involved in conducting kids workshops at various schools.Have also been working with an NGO to conduct workshops and to set up kitchen gardens, to train women in Organic Farming.

I have setup kitchen gardens for over a 100 families, from posh localities of Gurgaon & Lutyens delhi to low income setlements in Nizamuddin basti, Aali village, Sarai Kale kha etc.

Permaculture Training & Global Outreach

This venture is a deliberate endeavor to encourage a slower pace of life, inviting people to reconnect with nature and savor the profound joys of cultivating and enjoying good food.

The experiential space serves as a nurturing environment where individuals can learn, hands-on, the art of harmonizing with the natural world.

Together with my Chef sister, we continually curate a diverse array of food events, including regional cuisine showcases, cultural food celebrations, weekend pop-up events, farming and cooking workshops, and special occasions at the farm.

The Anahata Project: Agriculture and Artful Culinary

Presently, I am immersed in the creation of an experiential space at our farm Anahata. This space is designed to impart valuable knowledge on cultivating food in home environments and limited spaces, where agriculture and artful culinary experiences converge. The primary focus is not just on planting seeds but on nurturing a comprehensive understanding of the entire process.

From cultivating a small edible oasis at home to efficiently cooking nutritious meals for the family and managing kitchen waste through composting, the initiative seeks to empower individuals with the skills needed for sustainable and mindful living. 

Moments from the Farm and Workshops

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Moments from the Farm and Workshops

Our Story

Growing Good Times started with a simple belief – that anyone can grow their own food and live healthier with the right guidance.

What began as a small passion project has grown into a trusted online learning platform where thousands of learners discover the joy of gardening, cooking, and sustainable living.

Founder Julie created this space to share knowledge in a way that is easy to follow, inspiring, and doable for everyday life.

Practical Knowledge

We teach real-life skills that you can use right away.

Community Focused

We build a supportive community of growers and learners.

Sustainable Living

We promote eco-friendly habits for a better future.

Grow with Confidence

We're here to help you grow - in your garden and in your life.

What We offer

We provide a variety of online courses, workshops, and resources designed for all ages and skill levels.