Are you interested in vegetable gardening – or even a small backyard farm? Then Budding Farmers can get you started, whether you are young or a senior citizen, whether you have green thumbs or not, and even if your space is limited.

Grace Henry says a budding farmer is a beginner, “anyone willing to try their hand and feed themselves and their families”.

During the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons’ (CCRP’s) weekly radio update, she added: “You will go through the tests and enjoy the successes.”

In other words, backyard gardening and farming is an experience you will learn from and enjoy.

Henry, founder of Budding Farmers, was inspired to start the organisation in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her children were bored at home, but she put them to work sowing seeds and they were excited and engaged as they soon saw the results of their efforts.

Now she offers the tools, information and advice for aspiring farmers to get started.

Her new digital magazine will also be dropping into inboxes soon. 

Henry pointed out that, for older Jamaicans, there are many benefits. If they have excess produce to sell, it may give them some financial independence. They may even move on to commercial farming. Even more importantly, it will bring good health to them and their families.

“We want to change the perception that it is hard to eat healthy, because it costs too much,” stressed Henry.

It will actually save you money, and “you won’t go hungry,” she vowed.

“If you buy a pack of pak choy seeds for just $200 – it can feed you for a month!”

Watching crops grow and develop sparks enjoyable conversations, too. Budding farmers can compare notes with neighbours and family, and the backyard farm can certainly become a source of pride – even a little competition!

Gardening is not a lonely occupation, but can become an opportunity to share knowledge. It may be surprising to some, but gardening itself is a healthy occupation. For seniors it is an opportunity to get out of the house, get some fresh air, and burn some energy. All that bending and stretching is an excellent workout and, for older people, it is important to keep moving.

Henry’s enthusiasm is infectious.

As she described the programmes she offers for senior citizens and for children (she would like to support school gardens and suggested also adopting a garden at a senior care facility), her phone started ringing.

“Please, call me back tomorrow!” she said with a laugh.

You can find Budding Farmers on Facebook and Instagram.