From Rev. Wasike

Our garden project started as many project here start, by taking small steps with big hearts and strong wills. Since the plot of land that our temporary school stands on is too small, the planting was done in various places in the area; depending on the free portion of land donated for this season by the Kimilili community.

We managed to plant cassava plant, maize, cow peace, and kale (sukuma wiki). We are hoping to raise some funds so that we can purchase some land adjoining the school, as well as a plot of land 15 minutes walk away that is bordering on the river.

From Malcolm

Malcolm kindly sent up the following information about how to divide up our 1/2 acre garden lot and how to plant the seedlings.
Start with this first:
 
Divide the plot like this: 400 sq m for Swiss chard, eggplant and green peppers, cabbages and green beans or okra.
 
On the outsides of each bed on the north side: plant tomato plants and on both of the two sides, plant marigolds as a natural insect repeller.
 
In between the cabbage seedlings: plant a radish crop, which will act as a natural insect repeller. In between the rows of spinach: plant some garlic or spring onions to also act as a natural insect repeller.
 
For the eggplant you will plant as follows:
 
2 eggplants in a row with a space of 40 cm from stalk to stalk and then a 50 cm space. From this 50 cm space plant 2 green pepper plants at 35 cm from the edge of the 50 cm mark and then again at 70 cm from the edge of 50 cm mark. Then leave another 50 cm space and repeat the process with eggplants, then green pepper till you reach the end of the bed. See photo.
 
If you cannot get cabbage, then use kale.