Radishes and rhubarb were the first plants to be planted this year. In the meantime, lush green basil is growing next to young tomatoes in the backyard on Maximilianstrasse. Potatoes - the old blue and pink varieties - are already in the ground, as are zucchini, pumpkin, corn and beans. Everything is going according to plan, of course. A diverse field plan has been drawn up for the gardening group. "In 13 years, not even the same thing will grow here," explains Virginia Boye, who now works for Ackerpause and helps people grow their own vegetables.
Something is growing together here
* This page has been translated via Google's Cloud Translation API. HOWOGE does not edit the content.
In the courtyard of Maximilianstrasse in Lichtenberg, neighbors tend a vegetable garden together. During regular gardening sessions and planting workshops, participants learn a lot and get to know each other.
The joint project between HOWOGE and Ackerpause began in 2019. After tenants on Sophienstrasse had already successfully cultivated their backyards, the plan was to add more plots and transform them into usable spaces. The benefits: shady greenery in the residential area, flowering areas for insects, fruit and vegetables for the residents, and a sense of community. Initially, the volunteer gardeners are supported by a gardening coach. In planting workshops, during joint planting sessions, and in gardening consultation hours, the HOWOGE gardening groups learn how to cultivate plants appropriately for the location and conserve water. "Eventually, Ackerpause withdraws, and the gardening group can garden independently," explains Boye in the green courtyard on Maximilianstrasse, as she shares her valuable knowledge with a small group of tenants in early July.
Just like thousands of years ago
Together, the dedicated tenants of HOWOGE are learning how to build ollas – an ancient irrigation system that saves water and eliminates the need for daily watering. Meanwhile, basil is being planted using a particularly water-efficient method. It now grows right next to the tomatoes, where it enhances the plants' flavor. "Just like on a plate," Boye laughs. The companion planting in the surrounding beds also follows a system: the pumpkin grows next to the corn so it can climb up it. In return, the pumpkin plant covers and protects the corn, and the beans provide valuable nitrogen to the soil. A clever trio that was already on the rise 5,000 years ago. "We're all about water-saving gardening," says Boye. And about a healthy work-plant balance. She knows that fresh vegetables from one's own garden and time spent outdoors are good for the soul. This motivates the participants. And yet, for this volunteer gardening community, there's even more to it than that.
“Fruit and vegetables are secondary”
Marlies Rother is already retired. In 2020, she came to the field on Maximilianstrasse through an appeal in the HOWOGE tenants' newspaper. "The exchange in the residential area was important to me. The fact that I also harvest fruit and vegetables here was a minor matter for me." The Berliner comes to the bed as often as she can to have a nice chat and meet people from the neighborhood. At the moment, however, she hardly has a chance to chat: there is too much to do for too few hands. Gernot Hahn, who has had his own garden in the yard since 2010, is also involved with her. Gardening makes him happy. "What could be better than sitting in the cool greenery on hot days after work, right outside your own front door?" There is something to do every day. Michael B., who comes once or twice a week to water, knows that too. The family always had a garden, he reports. Today he is happy to share his knowledge and learn new things. For example, that weeds can be left alone because they have a use. As soon as he retires, he hopes to have more time for the community field. Until then, however, hopefully more people will come forward to help with the farming, planting, watering and harvesting. There will certainly be enough vegetables for everyone, even if that is actually only a minor matter.