Khobongo Sindane has turned a vacant piece of land opposite his Rockdale home into a vegetable patch, giving his family access to fresh produce while helping to ease the pressure of rising grocery costs.

What started as a way to put food on the table has become a long-running gardening initiative for Sindane, who said he has been growing vegetables on the plot for years.

Sindane said he cannot recall exactly when the initiative began, but the garden has helped his family make ends meet.

“I have been surviving for years despite rising food prices, and I have been growing vegetables just opposite my house for years,” said Sindane.

He said they also approach local farmers for seed donations to help keep the garden going.

Departmental support needed

Sindane grows a variety of crops, including potatoes, onions, spinach and mealies, as well as apples and peaches.

The garden is not only helping his own family. Sindane said some of the produce is also shared with children in the area.

“We give some fruit to schoolchildren passing by after school so they do not return later to steal,” said Sindane.

A JoJo Tank on the small plot provides water for the crops, helping the gardeners maintain their produce.

Sindane hopes the initiative can receive greater support from the relevant authorities, particularly through access to basic gardening equipment and supplies.

“I wish gardeners could get recognition from the relevant department to sponsor us with storage tanks, seedlings and gardening tools,” he said.

Saving on grocery bills

For another Rockdale gardener, Joanna Lubheka, growing food is also about making sure her family has something to eat while reducing the amount spent at the supermarket.

Lubheka said she started gardening to help ensure her grandchildren do not go hungry.

“We save some money as we don’t have to buy vegetables from the supermarket when ours get ripe,” she said.

She said the community has also received help from people willing to donate supplies when the gardening initiative was getting started.

“When we first started, Good Samaritans assisted us with crops to start our home farming, but now I buy them for myself.”

For Sindane and Lubheka, the garden offers more than just a source of vegetables. They provide families with a way to make their food budget stretch further while putting unused land to productive use.