’n Boer maak ’n plan

Thousands of mense on the Cape Flats are learning how to grow their own veggie gardens and feeding their communities.

The programme is sponsored by Soil For Life, a non-profit organisation which has already taught 4 000 people how to plant, grow and harvest organic food in their own backyards in areas like Mitchells Plain, Delft, Khayelitsha and Steenberg.

One of them is Julia Jones, 58, a retired nurse from Westridge, who joined in September 2016.

“I used to garden, but neglected it because of my long working hours. Once I retired, I decided to put gardening at the top of my bucket list to keep myself busy. Now I start each day in my beautiful garden,” says Julia.

She has harvested turnips, leeks, red peppers, spring onions and basil from her tuintjie.

“I had so many vegetables, I invited my neighbours over to share, so they can use it in their food.

“They couldn’t believe what I had grown. Five of my neighbours decided to join the Home Food programme offered by Soil for Life.”

The programme offers green-fingered community members a garden starter pack for just R15.

Each pack contains 16 bags of seeds, three bags of compost, and instruction booklets.

Sandi Lewis, a trainer at Soil For Life since 2003, says anyone can join the programme.

“After registration, I take a group of 15 people, and we start a three-month course where I teach them how to start their garden from scratch,” she explains.

Sandi adds: “I am still amazed to see the surprised expressions of people when they put out their first harvest.”

Julia says not only is she saving money, but she is living a healthier lifestyle.

“I use my organic vegetables to make salads and smoothies for my family, and I have involved my son and it has brought us together,” she says.

For more information, go to www.soilforlife.co.za, call 021 794 4982 (office hours) or email [email protected].