Growing food is just like nurturing SOULS: Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. God planted a garden and put Adam in it to care for it: cultivate, prepare, and tend it for his enrichment, sustenance, and preservation. God expects the Divine assignment to be carried out from the perspective of Glory before the fall.
And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. Gen. 2:15.
The toil, thistle, and sweat of brow came after the fall.
Every one of us – man or woman – on whichever professional career path we chart, can participate in the farming, gardening, and food sustainability mandate. It only requires collaboration and support from all members of the family; even the smallest child can be taught how to pick up dried leaves for composting, while the adults secure seeds for sowing. In this type of noble work, we are all called to participate.
Your knowledge of God empowers and guides you into the purpose for which you were created. The redemptive work of Christ Jesus, our LORD, can help us do all things and to achieve our Kingdom purpose.
SEVEN REASONS PEOPLE GIVE FORNOT DOING BACKYARD GARDENING
1. I DON’T HAVE THE SPACE (My Yard is too Small)
- You don’t need a big yard; you need a big heart for gardening.
- Be creative – make use of every available space.
- Fill old tires, buckets, or pots with soil to plant callaloo, peppers, okras, and seasonings like scallions, thyme, peppers, etc.
2. I CAN’T FIND TIME
- Don’t find time, make time.
- Tend to the garden for 10-15 mins, 2-3 times a week.
- Make gardening an exercise (walk, dig, cut, pick, plant, reap).
- Catch what needs immediate attention before it is too late. Fix it.
3. I CAN’T AFFORD THE WATER BILL
- WATERING IS NOT EXPENSIVE! BUT WASTING WATER IS!
- Avoid water running down the street. Don’t waste it!
- Soak soil well once per week. Many+ plants only need water once a week.
- Avoid wetting the plants’ leaves especially at night to prevent fungi and other diseases.
- Cover soil with dry grass/leaves to keep it moist and prevent soil erosion and excessive sun heat.
- Use organic manure and compost – this reduces need for excessive water.
4. I DON’T HAVE THE STRENGTH
- Not by power but by will.
- Involve your family, make it a fun thing, not a burden.
- Make it a hobby, not an obligation.
- Make it joyful, not painful.
5. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO PLANT
- Plant what grows well in your neighborhood.
Whether you live in the sunshine city of Portmore or the cool, cool hills of Mandeville:
- Look around for what your neighbours are planting, and
- Replicate what is doing well.
6. I DON’T KNOW WHEN TO PLANT
- When and not to plant:
- Potted plants – any season.
- We find backyard vegetables such as callaloo and corn do well any time. They only need water and care.
- We find transplanting trees and shrubs (mango, avocado, etc.), better during raining seasons (August – November)
- If ever you are in doubt, consult your local RADA (Rural Agricultural Development Authority) office for advice.
7. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO USE
- Household items are ideal for backyard gardening.
- Water bottles as pots
- Egg shells for seedlings
- Make and use composts/organic manure from raw waste (vegetable, yam, banana peels, etc.)
- Use vinegar to kill weeds
- Chamomile tea and garlic are ideal for fungi
- Soapy water kills small, soft-bodied insects (white flies, aphids, psyllids, mealy bugs, etc.)
- Hand-pick large or hard-shelled insects (callaloo bugs, beetles, and caterpillars, etc.)
Remember, feed yourself and your family: every planting activity counts