COVID-19: You could earn from home gardening during lockdown

May 06, 2020

This has interrupted supply chains even when we see more economies and countries doing advisory measures in order to stem the spread of the virus.

HEALTH  COVID-19

 

COVID-19 has shocked the world with its ravaging spread continuing to affect global economic growth and development.

 

COVID-19 outbreak has had ramifications on economic growth and development. Globally, every corner of the earth's surface has been affected.

 

The virus has interrupted supply chains even when we see countries doing advisory measures to stem the spread of the virus.

 

The lockdown that was imposed by the Ugandan government has affected our economy. People's Businesses have adversely been affected. The lockdown in the country now exceeds 40 days.

 

How to profit from this period

 

With this lockdown period, your stay home plans can either profit you or leave you at a loss. 

 

                                    Vegetables can be grown anywhere in a home

 

For Sarah Iga, she has put her mind to better use, considering how she has productively utilised her small piece of land.

 

Sarah has grown tomatoes, cabbages, eggplants, green pepper, carrots, onions, bitter berries (entula) on a 50x50 ft plot.

 

The mother of four is a rare client in the local market. Actually, instead of being a buyer, she sometimes supplies the market.

 

"Even before COVID-19, I realised some space was lying idle in my backyard. At that time, I was a stay home mother. My small garden now keeps me busy," she said.

  

She decided to venture into vegetable growing, a decision she has never regretted. Iga says, her garden has in a way helped the family to save money. "We always get fresh vegetables from the garden."

 

She says, other than saving money, she also has a variety of foodstuff to pick from without any limitations. Her family can have all the necessary nutrients at all times.

 

 

 

Iga's children have become a part of the farming process which has helped them to learn practically about different foods.

  

Being a good neighbour, she also gives out some of her harvests to the neighbours, "I have done this during this lockdown", she explains.

 

According to Iga even in the dry season, there can still be something for the day. "I don't remember the last time I bought tomatoes or greens from the market. They are always in my small garden," Iga says.

 

Keeping a backyard garden

 

A backyard garden requires some attention like weeding, pruning and sometimes watering especially in the dry season.

 

Applying manure is also important for healthy growth and bearing good fruit. They mostly use coffee husks, sawdust and chicken fowl.

 

 

 

Additional fertilisers are also recommended for the vegetable garden to give much produce.

 

However, for vegetable gardens, pesticides and herbicides are not recommended, unless when used with caution because they tend to pose health threats.

 

Tips for backyard gardening

 

Know what to plant. It is very important to have a variety in your small garden so as to maximise value. Partitioning your small space would go a long way to enable you achieve this.

 

With simple technics like watering, you can be able to plant all year round. 

 

 

Engage the family especially children in the process. You could also apportion them a small space where they can have their ‘practicals.

 

Take it one step at a time. Let it not take a toll on your energy, or you risk eventually giving up on the whole idea.