Epilepsy SA’s Free State/North West Centre’s first – selling the vegetables from their very own veggie garden – had to be postponed due to the lockdown. The market would have taken place on 4 April 2020.
But although the market had to be postponed, the centre’s residents have continued with their garden project throughout lockdown.
This project is sup- ported by Ponohalo De Beers Trust for persons with disabilities, and Food and Trees for Africa through sponsorship from Shoprite/Checkers.
The vegetables are growing well with an excellent yield. The results over the past three months were 354 kg of tomatoes, 75 kg of carrots, 52 bunches of spinach, chillies, green peppers and armsful of a special leafy cabbage.
The centre uses all these vegetables to prepare healthy meals for the residents. One special dish they made was meatball cabbage rolls. The gardeners were so proud so eat their cabbage in such a unique and tasty meal.
“Besides growing the vegetables for meals, we have found that the other benefits of vegetable gardening for the residents are the strengthening of their hand and arm muscles, stress-release and a great boost to their self-esteem, espe- cially when they receive recognition at mealtimes. All these benefits are well known to enthusiastic gardeners,” says the centre personnel.
Bous Piek showing chillies and green peppers growing together. Photo: Supplied.
“Through Trees for Africa permaculture training, we have learnt that society as a whole would benefit from moving back to home garden production as we at Epilepsy SA have. Home gardens that grow the right plant combinations give a higher yield per square metre. We are currently growing cabbage and onions together and green peppers, chillies and tomatoes.
“Combination planting also helps control pests, attracts beneficial insects and fills vertical spaces.”
The centre’s training courses are open to all and once the lockdown is over, the public is invited to come and join.
