Pricilla Mukokobi

MERCY Liswani and her husband Tetlow have cultivated more than a garden; they have sown the seeds of self-sustainability. 

Motivated by a desire to produce their own food, the couple tends a flourishing plot boasting a vibrant array of produce, including green peppers, carrots, spinach, spring onions, tomatoes, beetroot, lettuce, and even a thriving mango and orange tree orchard in Osona Village in Okahandja.

“The garden is like our overtime work. It is
attended weekly after 17h00, so it keeps us busy
after work. Our garden has a direct impact on our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. It is stress-relieving; watching a seed turn into a
plant and bear fruit has a spiritual meaning behind it, which has edified our spiritual journey. It teaches one to be hopeful and gentle and brings out a lot of patience. We celebrate every harvest joyfully. We share that with those near us,” the couple said. 

Despite the good harvest at most times, pests are the biggest challenge the couple faces.

The couple said knowing seasonal pests helps them to grow appropriate plants at the right time. Most of their vegetables have been disease-free because they use organic compost only.

“Our favourite rewarding moments from our gardening experience is harvesting carrots, tomatoes, and green peppers which have significantly helped us financially,” the couple stated.

The couple share the gardening tasks; Mercy waters the garden in Tetlow’s absence, and they weed and tend the plants together.

“We implemented sustainable practices in our gardening efforts, the use of natural compost is an eco-friendly practice that we religiously employ in our garden,” Mercy said.

-priscillamukokobi@gmail.com