An increasing number of city dwellers are finding green pastures in the capital - on their balconies.

Thanks to advanced horticultural technology and an increased awareness of food safety, they are growing vegetables and fruit in a bid to get a taste of rural life.

Yang Ke, who grows seasonal vegetables on her 4-square-meter balcony, said home-grown vegetables are fresher and healthier than shop-bought ones, and fun to grow.

"The joy I gain from the experience cannot be bought by money," said Yang, 25, who works for a bank.

Amid rapid urbanization and a growing population, farmland is being lost to residential compounds, factories, railways and office buildings.

"That's the main reason we developed balcony vegetables. With our equipment, you don't need to go to a rural farm, we can bring the farm to you," said Cao Hua, chief vegetable expert with the Beijing agriculture technology extension station.

Cao's team brought soil-less equipment to the market last year. With its help, people can nurture their vegetables, even in small apartments.

"The largest equipment covers only 0.6 sq m but it can grow 32 plants, which is enough for a third of the vegetables needed for a family of three," Cao said.

He said no soil or fertilizers are needed because the vegetables rely on nutrient fluid.

"You don't even water them; the machine can help you with that. It's very convenient," Cao said. About 40 kinds of vegetables can be grown at home. A little sunshine and a minimum of 10 C is all that's needed.

Apart from Cao's advanced equipment, many people also grow vegetables in the old-fashioned way at home, using soil and seeds. About 200 shops sell such equipment on taobao.com, China's largest online marketplace.

Weng Qianchun, who opened an e-shop three years ago, was among the pioneers in this market. Weng said people grow balcony vegetables in part because they are increasingly aware of food safety.

"My customers are mostly retired people and young parents," Weng said.

He said his shop's best seller is a starter package with soil, fertilizer and seeds.

"They can grow vegetables once they receive the package," he said, adding that he sells dozens of the packages each month.

Shang Lei, manager of Beijing's Xiaotangshan special vegetable exhibition center, said it is difficult to estimate the size of the emerging balcony vegetable market but the future is certainly promising.

"The cost of homegrown vegetables is higher than those sold in markets, but many people still prefer to grow their own," he said.

"Eating vegetables that you have grown is such a great achievement."

(China Daily October 26, 2010)