The Beauty and Benefits of Ugu (Fluted Pumpkin) in My Garden

Hello friends, warm greetings to you all!

Today, I feel inspired to share a little part of my garden with you. Gardening is one of those quiet activities that gives me both peace of mind and a sense of fulfillment. Whenever I walk around and see the green life springing up from the soil, I feel a special connection to nature. The picture you see above is one of my favorite spots in the garden, where the ugu plant (fluted pumpkin) has spread beautifully across the ground, forming a natural carpet of greenery.

For those who may not know, ugu is a leafy vegetable that is very popular in Nigeria and across West Africa. Its scientific name is Telfairia occidentalis, but in most local homes, it is simply called ugu. It is a creeping plant that grows quickly and spreads wide, either on the ground or climbing up sticks and fences if you give it support.I planted my ugu some weeks ago with little more than faith and patience. The seeds are large, flat, and brown, and they need good, loose soil to germinate. I dug small holes in the earth, dropped the seeds, covered them lightly with soil, and watered them regularly. Within a few days, I saw the first tender green shoots peeking out. That moment alone filled me with joy—it was proof that life was taking root.

Since then, the plants have continued to spread, and now they cover the bed like you can see in the picture. Some days, I just stand beside them, admiring the freshness and the way the leaves dance whenever the wind blows. Gardening is not just about food; it is also about peace of mind. Watching plants grow teaches patience, hope, and gratitude.

Ugu is not only beautiful to look at, it is also very rich in nutrients. Many people in Nigeria believe it is one of the most powerful natural foods for building the blood. In fact, fresh ugu juice is commonly given to women after childbirth as a natural way to restore strength and replenish blood levels.

Some of the key nutrients in ugu include:

Iron: Essential for producing red blood cells.

Vitamins A and C: Support good eyesight and boost the immune system.

Calcium: Helps to keep bones and teeth strong.

Folate: Important for pregnant women as it supports the healthy development of babies.

Antioxidants: Protect the body from diseases and help in overall wellness.

Personally, I love the fact that something I grow in my backyard can be both food and medicine. Nature truly provides everything we need if only we take time to plant and care for it.

When it comes to cooking, ugu is every home’s friend. The leaves can be harvested fresh, washed, and chopped into soups and stews. Some of the common dishes that use ugu include:

Egusi soup: Ground melon seeds cooked with palm oil and seasoned meat, finished with chopped ugu leaves for a fresh taste.

Vegetable soup: A combination of ugu with waterleaf or spinach makes a rich, colorful soup.

Ogbono soup: Ugu is often added towards the end of cooking to balance the thick draw of the ogbono.

Stews and porridge: Sometimes ugu is mixed into yam porridge or jollof rice to enrich the meal with vitamins.My personal favorite way of using it is in egusi soup. There is nothing quite like scooping a bowl of hot egusi soup with fresh ugu leaves and enjoying it with fufu or pounded yam. The taste is rich, earthy, and satisfying.

Looking closely at the picture, you may notice that some of the leaves have holes in them. This is one of the common challenges of growing ugu pests such as insects and caterpillars feed on the leaves. While this may look worrying at first, it is a normal part of gardening.

To manage it, I try to use natural remedies instead of chemicals. For example:

Spraying neem water solution helps repel insects.

Handpicking caterpillars early in the morning prevents too much damage.

Allowing the vines to spread properly reduces overcrowding and pest hiding spots.

Even with these little challenges, the plant still thrives. One thing gardening teaches is that perfection is not always possible, but progress is still beautiful.Another wonderful thing about ugu is the way it helps the soil. Since the plant spreads across the ground, it provides shade that prevents direct sunlight from drying the soil too quickly. This helps to retain moisture, which is especially useful during hot weather.

Also, by covering the soil, ugu suppresses the growth of weeds. Farmers often appreciate this because it reduces the stress of weeding. The roots also help in holding the soil together, preventing erosion during heavy rains. Truly, ugu does more than just provide food—it gives back to the environment.

In many Nigerian households, ugu is not just a plant but a source of livelihood. Farmers grow it in large quantities and sell both the leaves and the seeds in local markets. The seeds themselves are edible and can be roasted or used to produce oil.

Culturally, ugu has a strong reputation as a “strength-giving” food. From women after childbirth to students preparing for exams, many believe eating ugu helps restore energy. It is also a symbol of hospitality because no visitor is ever disappointed when a pot of fresh vegetable soup with ugu is served.

Every time I step into my garden and see the ugu flourishing, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. It reminds me that life responds to care and patience. The simple act of planting a seed and watching it grow into something useful is a lesson in itself.In a world where many people rely only on supermarkets, I find joy in knowing that I can step outside and harvest something fresh for my pot. The taste of homegrown vegetables is always better, and the pride of saying, “I grew this myself,” is priceless.

Growing ugu has been a rewarding journey for me. From the moment the seeds germinated to the way the leaves now spread across the soil, it has been a story of patience, beauty, and blessings. Ugu is more than just a vegetable—it is food, medicine, soil protector, and a symbol of life’s abundance.

I hope sharing my little experience with this plant inspires someone else to try gardening, even if it’s just in a small space. The joy of seeing green life around you is worth every effort.Thank you so much for reading, my friends. Have you ever grown ugu or enjoyed it in a meal? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.