The first crop of vegetables ready for harvest would either be sold to raise funds or to make soup for the hungry, possibly even to run a soup kitchen. The gardening project has goals far beyond only the production of food, however. We have all kinds of resources we can use, like tins and plastic containers. We do not need so much water if we mulch with dry grass and we do not need expensive pesticides if we use wild garlic and marigolds to keep away the insects. The programme has not been without its difficulties, however.
Vandalism can be a problem when fencing and vegetables are stolen.
In the past if teachers did not ensure that tools were put away or that the gates were closed, the gardens couldn't work. Also during the school holidays, there needs to be supervision. The project is confined to primary school level at this stage. Jantjie, a retired headmistress, began working first as a volunteer with the non-governmental organisation Umthathi Training Agency in May last year. I love gardens.