Hardings grow fond of growing fruit
The temperature is much warmer inside the shelter than outside
Ms Cilla and Mr Bill Harding began growing tomatoes and cucumbers in their backyard in Florapark five years ago.
It began as a hobby and they have not stopped since.
They have 180 tomato plants and several cucumber plants that they grow in a shelter they built themselves.
The shelter is covered with a see-through plastic sheet that allows light to penetrate.
The temperature is much warmer inside the shelter than outside.
According to Ms Harding, one tomato plant produces about 50 tomatoes.
“One tomato grows up to 250g and a cucumber as big as 2kg,” she said.
She also said growing plants in a shelter allows them to grow faster and better without the birds eating them.
Ms Harding said the heat in the shelter assists with growth.
According to her, they do not sell the produce.
“I make tomato sauce and jams for my family from the tomatoes.”
She prunes the tomato plants every second day and turns the stems as well, ensuring they are upright.
According to her, the stems grow up to 4 to 5 metres long.
The Harding couple uses an irrigation system to water the plants.
“It takes a patient person to do what we do because the plants needs patience and attention,” Ms Harding also said.
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