More Jamaicans getting involved in backyard gardening

Increasingly, Jamaicans are now getting involved in backyard gardening as a means of bolstering their food security.

Backyard farmer, Donald Lewis, the decision to cultivate his space was an easy one, and with ample room in his yard, he began planting tomatoes and peppers, staples that thrive in small gardens.

Over time, his garden grew to feature other crops such as leafy greens and fruit trees.

Lewis’s backyard farm not only provides fresh, organic produce for his household but also fosters a sense of community, as when his harvest yields more than he needs, he happily shares the surplus with his neighbours.

"It’s a joy to give fresh vegetables to someone down the road who might need it," he stated.

Backyard farming offers flexibility, by allowing growers to start small and expand over time.

Urban dwellers with limited space can embrace container gardening or vertical planters, while those like Lewis with larger yards can experiment with diverse crops and techniques.

Lewis shared that backyard farming fosters a deeper connection to nature and promotes well-being.

“It’s not just about the produce but the joy of caring plants and seeing them grow,” he stated.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, encouraged Jamaicans to transform their backyards into productive farming areas.

“Regardless of where you live, you should be planting something in your backyard,” Green said.

He said that farming can be done in small spaces using creative methods such as containers, tyres, rooftops, vertical setups, or even soil-free techniques with water.

The minister also encouraged individuals to embrace technology in agriculture, emphasising its potential to enhance productivity and sustainability.