John grows big pumpkins
John, an elderly man, who lives on a farm, is passionate about gardening.
John Tshabalala (64) is passionate about gardening and makes a living out of it.
He visited the Standerton Advertiser on 19 February to exhibit one of his pumpkins .
He grows massive pumpkins in his garden and weighs them before selling it, usually at about R120 each.
Mr Tshabalala lives on Kromdraai Farm on the road to Newcastle.
He also grows potatoes, tomatoes, beans and cabbages.
“I began gardening almost 20 years ago, my grandfather and aunts taught me how to plant vegetables,” he said.
Mr Tshabalala also has peach and fig trees at his home, but does not sell the fruit.
“Having your own vegetable garden can help you save money.
“We spend a lot of money on transport when going to town,” he also said.
He added that the food sold in the shops in town is expensive.
According to him gardening is a form of an exercise, it keeps him fit and the owner of a garden must make sure that it is always well kept.
“I travel far to get water for my garden, but only water it when it has not rained.”
According to him young people are not so fond of gardening because they are lazy to work.
