General (see pictures below)
The Sunshine Project received a sponsorship in July 2014, from the Manica Group, to start a veggie tunnel garden project. During this period, 4 veggie tunnels were implemented and seeds were planted such as: Beets, Spinach, Onions, Carrots, Broccoli and Cauliflower.
It was agreed that Emmanuel would return later, to do a follow-up with monitoring. Emmanuel made a one-day trip to Walvis Bay, to assist them with the challenges that they faced which were:
* The beets and carrots had no taste after they were harvested; they were watery and light in color. The solution or possible explanation to this was that they did not supply the plants with fertilizer on a regular basis.
* The broccoli and cauliflower were terribly attacked by Aphids, worms and other insects. When the problem was noticed by the gardeners and brought to the attention of Emmanuel, it was too late to start treatment, since the pest was widely spread at the time. A sacrifice had to be made and the crop was removed and replaced with something else.
* As a result of their first planting experience, they did not transplant the vegetables, which then grew overcrowded.
* There was a misunderstanding with how to mix the hydroponic fertilizer still and as a result they sometimes mixed too little and sometimes too much.
* The leaves of the onions were harvested and cut while the onions were still young. This compromised the harvesting weight of the onions.
These issues mentioned above, were some of the challenges that they experienced with the successful growing of the crops that they planted.
Results that the Centre has obtained and their learning experiences.
Emmanuel addressed these challenges during a refresher course to solve the challenges that the gardeners have experienced, to which they have responded well. From all the vegetables in the tunnels, the main focus was on spinach, which they harvest 3 times a week for sale and for their kitchen. It was also discussed during their training, that the other crops will give them experience during the second planting cycle.
As a result of the outcomes in the Sunshine garden in Walvis Bay, the local people became interested in starting veggie gardens at their homes for their own household.
Mr. Graham Platt sponsored a fence for the whole garden in response to a recommendation by Emmanuel, in his first report.
Many solutions were proposed during this visit on how to run the project, how to management skills and further instruction on crop growing and their water usage.
Summer Planting.
Emmanuel and the gardeners planted some Legumes (Peas and Beans) in the veggie tunnels.
Due to a request from the community, for the center to supply fresh herbs also, they were shown how to start a seedling project with they Rosemary herb. The plan is to grow the seedlings and sell them to the community, to generate income for the garden expenses.
Conclusion.
Emmanuel also discussed the concept of an irrigation system with them and explained how the whole process works.
Emmanuel Muyumba
Trainer of Trainers in Organic Horticulture
DiHokoHoko - Divundu
+264813899866
PO Box 4774
Windhoek
Namibia
The Picture Story:
The Picture Story:
