In 2007 Patrick HARRY visited me in Belgium.  Strongly motivated by the idea and opportunities of developing container gardening in his home country Malawi, he started  applying this gardening method in Lilongwe.

At his return home in December 2007, he founded immediately a non-governmental organisation, called “THE FUTURE OF MALAWI (FOM)“.  I have already described some of his actions in a couple of postings on this blog (search for “Malawi” on right hand top).

The growing success of this action and the enthusiasm of boys and girls to participate in his initiative to alleviate malnutrition and hunger stimulates Patrick to create an “Education Centre for Container Gardening“.

2009 : Patrick HARRY with his team of youngsters (FOM : Future of Malawi"), proudly showing the nice results of container gardening in plastic bottles and bags. (Photo Patrick HARRY).

Today he describes the first steps towards such a Centre.

“As I already mentioned earlier, the priority area is to purchase land for Container Gardening. After thorough search that land has been purchased at the prize of MK50,000.  Thus, the dream  of finding the right place for an Education Centre for the project has been fulfilled.

The size of the land is 50m by 50m and it is located along the lake shore road which connects all the three main cities : Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu.

The  land has been found in the Nkhotakota district (central region of Malawi ) together with districts like Lilongwe, Tchisi, Dowa, Kasungu and Mchinji.  It is located 150 km to the east of the capital city of Lilongwe.

These are the reasons why that area has been chosen:

1. Serious deforestation is occurring in the area, so that the project can help to combat desertification.
2. There is serious poverty in this area and the project could improve the living standards of local people through Container Gardening
3. Shortage of food is also a major problem and the project can help to alleviate malnutrition of children and hunger.
4. Poor sanitation conditions in the village, with littering everywhere, can be improved with sensibilization actions of the project.
5. Good communication in this area is primordial, so the project needs a mobile phone, a digital camera and a laptop with internet connection.
6. This is a very good area for ecotourism and visits to the Education Centre to learn more about this remarkable way of gardening
7. Poor agricultural practices in the area motivated me to target it because the Centre will also set up training sessions about the importance of using cheap compost manure.
8. Lastly purchasing of the land has been rather cheap, because the area is located in rural region where the living standard is very poor.

Let me also tell you that I am now busy with several asignments like  researching on all the necessities for the Education Centre and the costs.  I will send you all the findings soon.

May God bless you.

Patrick Harry

——————-

People who want to contribute to the creation of this Education Centre can transfer small donations to :

PATRICK YOUNG,
BOX 30222,
LILONGWE 3.
MALAWI.

Account details are as follows :

ACCOUNT NAME: Patrick  Harry,
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0121207094200.
BANK NAME: STANDARD BANK
SWIFT CODE:  SIBC  MW MX

Read at : Fine Gardening

• About the Special Issue

Softcover magazine
Published 2010
Product #044023

An expert guide to growing from seed. This special issue from Fine Gardening has all the answers for anyone who wants to start plants directly from seed — beginners to advanced gardeners, and even folks who never gardened before. The easy step-by-step instructions demystify the process and help you get the best possible results.

Trusted advice from Fine Gardening. This complete guide brings together the best, in-depth information and answers to the most-asked questions on all aspects of growing from seed. And no one provides more trusted advice than Fine Gardening. Our articles are written by top horticulturists, growers, plantsmen, and hands-on experts — and our staff includes many experienced gardeners, as well.

The basics and beyond. From starting old-fashioned annuals to growing the tastiest tomatoes, Starting from Seed covers the most popular plants to start from seed. Plus it helps you grow disease-free seedlings and learn how to successfully transplant and nurture them throughout the growing cycle. And it tells you all about the products you need — and which ones you don’t.

A great way to save! These days everyone is thinking: value. With this guide, you can save big by growing your own instead of purchasing starter trays of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and tomatoes. With help from this information-packed guide, you can save money, grow more plants at less cost, acquire plants, like wildflowers, that are hard to find or unavailable at nurseries.

Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own! BUY NOW.

*Our free shipping offer applies to standard U.S. and Canadian shipping only. Your account will not be billed until shipment.

Starting from seed — no longer a mystery! Our special issue delivers everything you need to successfully start annuals, perennials, and veggies directly from seed — plus how to nurture, transplant, and keep them disease free. We even show you how to successfully use those handy new seed blocks!

Grow more, pay less! Save big by growing your own instead of purchasing flats. Plus you can now grow hard-to-find plants, like wildflowers and heirloom annuals, that are seldom found at nurseries. Your savings will more than cover the low $7.99 price.

Use and Storage of Runoff Rainwater

Read at : Kenny Point – Veggie Gardening Tips

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001WeBrwlP3VB2-nHTeJOkyCh35NHOfLIUmEJa207Mw09hVE3FAHBNVnoxItoalSk-KEwZPJ1QYpY1haC9XvWBbwVzShZvEG5lbKIq6yJxf0B07HC1EG5e-C40y8H3l_NbM74vkOwFD9W3_Do6gkVc4kBshRJ-030JH

One thing that really stood out was the importance that is placed on water conservation in St. Croix despite the fact that the land is situated in the midst of a vast ocean. Fresh water is crucial to survival and a resource that is valued and preserved.

Every building is required by law to incorporate a design to capture and recycle runoff rain water rather than allow it to simply filter into the ground. Most businesses and residences sit atop cisterns that store thousands of gallons of runoff water for future use.

At the sustainable farm where I stayed, all of the irrigation water is distributed through drip tape and lines arranged on the soil’s surface to reduce losses through evaporation or spray drifts and to deliver the water precisely where individual plants are growing.

There are many advantages to the commercial use of drip irrigation systems and emitters but I’m beginning to consider experimenting with some type of drip system for my backyard in the near future.

Rain Reserve Water Conservation Kit

Your water supply may not be as dire as what I noted in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but here is a great system for catching roof water runoff and putting that rain water to better uses around your home and garden.

This kit includes everything that you need except the barrels (which can easily be sourced locally) to convert your homes downspout system into a water saving source of pure, distilled rainwater for irrigation and other non potable uses.

Best of all, this is a two barrel system that will provide you with twice the water storage capacity that you’ll find elsewhere. I used this kit to convert my downspout this past summer and the process was quick, easy, and painless! Now I always have a reserve of clean rainwater on hand to use in the garden, pond, or patio anytime I need it.

(continued)

Since 2007 we are collecting seeds of tropical fruits and the classical vegetables in order to offer them for free to development projects on different continents.  This initiative soon became a huge success, many “sponsors of seeds” understanding that this is a very simple and practical way to help undernourished people to fresh food, in particular the rural people in the drylands.

Nowadays, seeds are sent from all over the world to my personal address in Belgium, where we select the species which would adapt to particular climates and then send them to development projects in Asia, Africa and South America (see www.seedsforfood.org).

It is interesting to see that a number of people have questions concerning the possible invasive nature of some vegetables or fruits.

To the best of my knowledge there are no invasive vegetables.  And if there are, I would like to know them.  My logic says : if one or another “foreign” vegetable invades a new area where it is cultivated, no harm would be done because more vegetables would mean more food.  Would people really mind such an invasive vegetable to spread easily, in particular the rural people in the drylands ?  Suppose a variety of tomato, parsley, onion, beetroot, carrot, orange, lemon, avocado, papaya, etc. would invade a desertlike area or a rural area in a Sahel country.  Would people really mind ?  Would such a variety be an ecological catastrophe or would the local population appreciate the proliferation of that new kind of “free fresh food”.

I would like to know the views of other people about this “problem”.

Here is a message from Adam STUART (UK) who has a number of questions on the topic :

“My name is Adam Stuart, and I will be living abroad in Malawi, Africa for a number of years. I came upon your website or blog describing container gardening while I was searching to determine what seeds might be best to bring for gardening that would not be harmful to Malawian ecology. It appeared from my preview of your work that perhaps you might have some insight into what vegetables may not be good candidates. I’m hoping that you may be able to shed some light on the subject, and hope it is alright to contact you in this regard.

As an example, I am a huge fan of tomatoes. Having grown tomatoes in my own garden, however, I recognize that tomatoes are most likely to reproduce year after year; although, I haven’t found that they are likely to spread easily. If I may ask, what is your opinion on this matter? Would tomatoes be an invasive species in Africa? Are there specific tomato species that might be safer than others?

Of course, I’m also interested in knowing what species would be ideal and/or not ideal for gardening in Africa. I don’t want to be responsible for introducing invasive species when I’ll be living in Malawi to help develop sustainable economic practices that help protect natural resources instead of degrade them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I understand you are likely to be busy, so I appreciate what assistance you may be able to provide.

Best Regards,

Adam Stuart”

———————————–

I have sent the following reply to Adam :

Hello Adam,

…………….

Good to hear that you will be living in Malawi for a certain time, where my good friend Patrick HARRY is promoting container gardening since 2007.  It would be good if you contact him over email (see his address).

To the best of my knowledge there are no invasive vegetables.  Even if one or another species would invade a certain area, it would be excellent for people and animals (getting more food that way).  I am sure people would not mind at all and harvest that species for their own benefit.

It is difficult to say which are the best species for Africa.  All depends upon the climate.   But seemingly the seeds of melons and pumpkins I gave to Patrick did wonderfully well.

I would rather try different species and see what is going best (Trial and Error) . Seeds not germinating are still a contribution to the organic content of the soil.  So, no harm done.

Wishing you a lot of success and greetings to Patrick,

Willem

———————————————-

Today, my good friend Patrick HARRY (Malawi) sent a message with some very interesting data on vegetable production with container gardening :

“I was reading very carefully your e-mail  on the topic of introducing new seeds in Africa. It is of great interest to hear people like Stuart having interest to stay in Malawi and try to help in the development of Container Gardening.

Tomatoes, which he said he grow in his garden, can also do well in Malawi despite the difference in climate.   However it depends on the species.

The melons and pumpkins seeds, which you offered me as a gift when I was in Belgium in 2007, are good examples of seeds which are introduced from Europe to Africa.  They  do well despite the difference in climate. Those seeds, even if they were newly introduced, survived the warm climate of  Malawi and finally healthy fruits were produced.  This was a significant success through container gardening.

2009 – Malawi container gardening project : look what the seeds we were collecting did for these kids. Let us multiplicate such initiatives like container gardening and school gardening for the benefit of all those hungry kids in the world. Ladies and Gentlemen at the decison-level of the international scene, this green ball is laying in your camp ! (Photo Patrick HARRY)

I am therefore encouraging Stuart to bring with him a lot of vegetables and some tree species from Europe, which can be introduced in Malawi through container gardening.  I am ready to meet him and he is welcome to contribute to the project for the better of the people of Malawi, so that hunger, poverty and desertification can be combated all together through container gardening.

I wish you all the best.

NOTE: The e-mail address for container gardening project is containergardeningmw@yahoo.com.

Patrick Harry.
(Director/ Coordinator of Container gardening project- Malawi)”

2009 – Malawi container gardening project : Kids in particular love to participate in container gardening, apparently with astonishing success. Something to consider when taking initiatives to halt malnutrition in the drylands. (Photo Patrick HARRY)

———————————
What a pleasure to hear that melon and pumpkin did so well in Malawi.  Our sincere thanks go to all our sponsors of seeds.  Can you imagine that eating a melon or a pumpkin in Europe, Canada, the USA or Australia, saving the seeds instead of throwing them in the garbage bin or on the compost heap, is helping a number of kids in Malawi to juicy fruits or a tasty pumpkin soup ?

Do I hear more critics on our action “Seeds for Food” ?  Invasive species ?  Not in Malawi !  No where !

Please read the interesting message :

SCHOOL MEALS KEY TO FEEDING AND EDUCATING MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN – UN REPORT

on my desertification blog : http://desertification.wordpress.com

This UN report describes the excellent work of the World Food Programme (WFP) ;

“In partnership with the World Bank, WFP is working with nations to create the next generation of school meal programmes that are sustainable and effective – drawing, where possible, from the produce of local farmers,…..“.

“The introduction of  free meal programmes not only ensures children are fed, but are crucial to keeping the poorest and most vulnerable in school while providing a boost to learning and health, …….“

“The report noted that school meal programmes are most effective when twinned with other measures such as de-worming and provision of micronutrient-fortified snacks and biscuits, or vitamin supplements.  In many countries, such programmes – along with abolition of school fees – are key incentives for children to attend school, especially girls and the poorest. “.

I cannot agree more with the need for these “key incentives” to feed the hungry children and I feel very happy about the indication that school meal programmes are most effective when twinned with other measures (micronutrient-fortified snacks, vitamin supplements, de-worming, etc.), in particular when the produce of local farmers serves to compose the school meals.

However, I keep wondering why among these accompanying measures the decision-makers are not mentioning the lay-out of school gardens.

2006-12 : A splendid school garden in Draria (Algiers) with vegetables, fruit trees and ornamentals.

What can be more effective and sustainable in a food programme than to create opportunities for a local food production at the school premises themselves ?  No one will doubt about the high educational value of a school garden, where children can learn a lot about cultivating vegetables and fruits under the local circumstances.  No one will doubt about the “food security” involved for the school.

2006-12 : Draria school garden. The school director gets technical advice from consultant Bernard PERRAUT (SOS Vilages d’Enfants à Draria)

Imagine the pleasure for children to be enabled to grow their own daily fresh vegetables and fruits, and to use them as a valuable supplement to the school meals, provided by WFPs school meal programme.  Imagine the high value of “responsabilization” of the children, members of the “School Garden Board”.

2006-12 : School Garden Board, responsible for all the activities in and about the school garden in Draria (Algiers).

A very important aspect of a school garden is the tremendous opportunity to motivate the children for “container gardening”.  Using plastic bottles, plastic bags, yoghurt pots and the like, these youngsters are experimenting themselves the growth of different species, growing all kinds of vegetables and even trees in many different “containers”, only using a minimum of irrigation water (less evapotranspiration).

2009-11 : Schoolchildren learn how to plant Moringa tree seeds in plastic bottles at a school in Smara Refugee Camp (S.W. Algeria), a resumption of a work that was done before.(Photo Eng. Taleb BRAHIM)

It is never my intention to deny the importance of WFP’s fantastic work, e.g. the magnificent one performed in Tindouf (Algeria).  I only hope that,  in the future, school gardens will be added as a measure to be twinned with the school meal programme.

Remember the Chinese proberb : “Don’ give this man a fish, but teach him how to fish” !

Interested in this subject ?  Please have a look at a video :

http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/videos/easy-methods-for-best-compost.aspx?nterms=74866

Garden ideas from books to the Web

Read at : Google Alert – gardening

http://www.thenewstribune.com/apheadlines/homeandgarden/story/947228.html

By SUSAN SMITH-DURISEK; McClatchy Newspapers

Wouldn’t you like to have some fresh ideas, month after month, for projects and plants to try in your garden or home landscape? All sorts of garden magazines offer color photographs of model gardens, articles on topics ranging from specific plant profiles to general how-to advice, and plenty of sources for decorative elements and supplies that gardeners need.

If you’re trying to think of holiday gifts for gardening friends and relatives, subscriptions will deliver a year-round present. Rates vary, so look for special holiday offers.

Here are some favorites:

Community food gardens

Read at : Google Alert – gardening

http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/352/1/Community-food-gardens.html

By Green Living Tips

What is a community food garden?

// <![CDATA[//
// <![CDATA[//

In previous articles I’ve covered “alternative” natural food sourcing and production arrangements such as CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) and natural food cooperatives.

Another concept gaining popularity is community food gardens.

 

A community food garden is a piece of land, usually rented from local government, collectively worked by a group of people who share the harvest. It differs a little from the UK allotment concept in that allotments are usually rented out to individuals.

Community food gardens offer individuals a way of growing a portion of their own food in a collaborative environment, benefiting from the experience of other members. Community food gardens can provide greater food security along with a reduction in the food mile impact of participants’ diets. Quite a few of these groups also observe environmentally friendly methods of food production – anything from using heritage or heirloom seeds or natural fertilizers, to full blown organic gardening.

Gardening: Pavement, other hardscape can be ‘landscaped’ using plants in pots

Read at : Google Alert – gardening

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_13748895?source=most_emailed

By Tony Tomeo

for Los Gatos Weekly-Times

//

// 0){
document.getElementById(‘articleViewerGroup’).style.width = requestedWidth + “px”;
document.getElementById(‘articleViewerGroup’).style.margin = “0px 0px 10px 10px”;
}
// ]]>In my own garden, I prefer to grow everything in the ground. Pots and planters simply require a little more attention than I want to give them. To me, pots should be reserved mostly for houseplants and bonsai, which are both very different topics from potted plants in the garden. However, I have grown many potted plants in the garden for various reasons.

The main reason in the garden of my former residence is that there was so much pavement. It was all useful pavement, such as driveways and patio space, so none of it should have been removed. Yet, the portions of the large driveway that were not in use at the time were “landscaped” with large plants in large nursery cans. Corners of the patio were similarly landscaped, with nothing actually in the ground. The black vinyl cans were obscured and shaded (to keep them cool) by common iceplant that spilled out onto the pavement.

Do you already have an ADENIUM Gift Book?

 

In 1999 I published a unique book together with Marleen Van Lancker (Merelbeke, Belgium) well known for her flower arrangements: it’s called ADENIUM.

It turned out to be an impressive gift book with dozens of colour charts of superb flower creations, made by Marleen and ordered according to the 4 seasons. As a botanist I gave a description of the family of plants with every arrangement in 4 languages: Dutch, French, English and German.

Photo Kurt Dekeyzer

The family of plants was selected according to one of the species of plants found in the flower arrangement.  With some of the families of plants I put in a drawing, featuring a certain species of this family. This way the book turned out to be also a valuable guideline to the botanic knowledge of people having an interest in flower arrangements.

Here are a couple of drawings featuring a specific species of the family of plants concerned.

As there are still a small number of copies of ADENIUM available, Marleen and I decided to offer the book at a bargain price. A considerable part of the money collected this way will be used for supporting some of our development projects of “Seeds for Food” (see www.seedsforfood.org.

Do not hesitate and get to know this unique offer, a wonderful gift for people of all ages. For you it’s a splendid gift, for us a means to lay out new family gardens and school gardens. We count on you all!

Copies can be ordered at the exceptional price of 40 EUR (original price 65 EUR) by bank transfer on account nr:

290-0199697-92
IBAN     BE 12 29OO199697 92
BIC       GEBABEBB
van
Marleen VAN LANCKER
Van Goethemstraat 45
9820 MERELBEKE
+32(0)92307721

After receipt of your remittance the book will be sent to you by registered mail.

If you buy one or more books, you automatically support our developing projects. I rely on the support of many people until stocks are totally depleted.