Soo (second right) and her team members (from left) Tan Kok Chiang, Chan Chee Hiong and Alex Leong pose for a photograph.
KUCHING (July 9): Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) is embarking on a container vegetable gardening project in response to the challenging food predicament experienced by poor households during this Covid-19 pandemic.
In announcing this yesterday, Aspirasi president Lina Soo said the pandemic which resulted in lockdowns all over the world had seen a vigorous revival of vegetable gardening at home.
“As the coronavirus sweeps its way across all nations, many poor households are exposed to hunger and starvation at an unprecedented level, and container gardening is one way to alleviate the food security problem.
“No space, no problem. Container gardening is growing plants in pots, planters, tubs, half barrels, old boots, used can, plastic bags or any other thing that can hold some potting soil and a plant.
“Container vegetable gardening is trending again, and whether one lives in a flat, apartment or house, with a balcony, a small yard or driveway, anyone can successfully grow vegetables and herbs, even without a garden plot,” she said in a statement.
Soo said that growing one’s own vegetables at home has seen a surge in popularity as it encompasses three huge benefits, namely saving money, eating clean and organic to boost health, and knowing exactly where one’s vegetable comes from.
With the Covid-19 infections unlikely to go away soon, she said nothing is more important than to boost one’s immune system.
“And taking organic vegetables for the immune system is one way to take care of ourselves.”
She said plants that are suitable for container gardening include tomatoes, chilli, bell peppers, eggplant, ginger, spring onions and herbs.
For those who have yet to embark on home vegetable gardening, Soo suggested they start small with just one container pot, until they become accustomed to the level of care required to grow and harvest the vegetable.
She said the party would form a container gardening enthusiasts group to share knowledge on gardening and health.
“A container gardening competition is also being planned to showcase creative and inspiring ideas to promote home grown vegetable gardening,” she added.
To help beginners, she said they would give away a container, a bag of soil and the starter plant which are chilli, aloe vera or mulberry.
Delivery will begin as soon as the Emergency is lifted.
Those interested can WhatsApp to 014-5950511 or 016-8888848 to register. The container gardening starter kit is given away for free only while stock lasts.