Vegetable tyre gardens creating growth for local economic development

The Garden and Life project in association with the Democratic Alliance (DA) presented two workshops at Uitkoms Apartments on Friday, 10 March, where the value of micro farming was put in the spotlight.

The Institute for Rural and Community Development (IRCD) presented its Garden and Life project as a means to create sustainable vegetable gardens in the local community.

The Vegetable tyre garden project mobilises the community to plant their own seeds towards a better life and harvesting the fruits of their labour. The aim is to create hope through support and training of communities to grow their own food.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Garden and Life’s veggie tyre gardens utilises a basic hydroponic type technique with 2 liter plastic bottles that are cut, and containers such as tyres. Plastic lines the tyres with the bottle used to water the plants through holes at the bottom. The water is then spread evenly to the roots of the vegetables. Approximately, 2 liters of water is used every 2- 3 days.

Numerous people from schools, business and various other sectors joined in to gain insight on how to plant and manage this hydroponic vegetable tyre garden. Steven Barnard, executive director of IRCD, facilitated the discussion and gave participants a hands-on training experience where they had to plant their own seeds in the tyres.

“These gardens enables the community to change their thinking.  The main idea is to create a culture where individuals can generate their own income and sustainability through food production,” added Barnard.

Justice Thakalani, also demonstrated hands on how the tyre is used to plant and grow vegetables. He gave various tips on planting vegetables and how to care for the vegetable garden.

Hans-Jurie Moolman, DA councillor in the J.B. Marks municipality, stated that a culture of production is important in growing the economy.

“This Garden and Life project is a practical way in which communities can benefit immensely with their own vegetable gardens. The rising food prices and food scarcity coupled with unemployment are major issues. This project gives the community a chance at creating their own income, instead of relying on grants,” added Moolman.

Masses in South Africa still rely on grant for funding, whilst there are initiatives like the veggie tyre garden, that can create enhanced food security.

The hope is that this Garden and Life project will plant the seeds for economic growth across the municipality to provide hope for those in need.