SEVEN years ago, Luvandhra Naidoo’s love for plants bloomed after an excursion to a nursery.
The now 12-year-old of Vereeniging said he turned that love into a passion for growing plants and vegetables in his own garden.
As we celebrate the month of Spring, the Grade 6 pupil said he was excited to be back in his garden and start planting.
“I was five-years-old and still remember that we were given a plant to take home. I loved looking after mine. I was also amazed when my sister showed me how to sprout a sugar bean. I think this is how my passion to plant vegetables started.
“I was curious and would ask a lot of questions. My dad taught me a lot about the different types of plants - which was edible and was even used as medicine. We live on a farm and I decided that I wanted to start my own garden - which I was to with the support and help of my grandfather.
“However, in the beginning, the plants wouldn’t grow or would die, but I never gave up. I would do a lot of research, and soon I had a variety of plants and vegetables in my garden,” he said.
Luvandhra said among the vegetables he grew was beetroot, green beans, spinach, tomatoes, onions, cabbages, pumpkins, and chillies, among others.
He also planted sunflowers, orchids and marigolds, as well as grows a variety of herbs including coriander (dhania), parsley, thyme, rosemary and mint.
“What is most satisfying is that these vegetables and herbs are used by my mum to prepare our meals. Now that it is Spring, I am excited to be able to start planting again as it is really cold during Winter to be out in the garden.
“I enjoy spending time in the garden - planting, watering and harvesting. When I grow up, my dream is to have a big farm where I can grow all types of vegetables which can be used in our home and also sold at markets,” he said.
Luvandhra said he encouraged other young people to start their own gardens.
“It is very rewarding as you get to eat food that you have grown.”
Chantal Naidoo, his mother, said she was proud to see him interested in gardening and growing his own vegetables at a young age.
“A treat for him would be a visit to the nursery and browse around .He would carry a notebook, where he would write down all of the things he learnt or would need for his own garden.
“We see the satisfaction and pride when he brings in something from the garden and I use it in a meal. We are also fortunate to be able to live on a plot so he gets to spend a lot of time outdoors. This hobby has also taught him patience, tolerance, and appreciation for nature. It has also motivated him to do better and gain knowledge in this field,” she said.