Green Power in Kiribati

Bantii Terabwena is one of the green-fingered participants in ChildFund Kiribati’s vertical gardening competition. We talked to him about his passion for gardening and asked for some gardening tips.

Since my father had a passion for gardening and I was essentially the only one to assist him when I was a child, I grew up with a desire for gardening. I began cultivating my own plants from the age of 18.

In my garden, I have grown Several root crops, fruits, and vegetables, including cabbage, chillies, snake beans, tapioka, egg plants, mint, capsicum and sweet potatoes.

Getting the required nutrients (compost) for the plants was one of several difficulties I encountered when I first started planting. Because of this problem, I had to hire a boat to travel to North Tarawa to collect compost for my plants.

For those who are just starting out in gardening, it is crucial to choose a safe location for your plant so that they won't get killed by animals, make sure all the necessary nutrients (compost) are available and prepare your potted plants. You can, use common items like bottles or basins for your plants. Then prepare all the necessary planting resources, and last but not least, be completely dedicated to your plants and grow them with your heart.

I've been gardening for a very long time, and healthy plants I am currently growing are chillies, watermelons, egg plants, and snake beans. I particularly like making stir-fry with chillie, cabbage, eggplants, snake beans, and eating it with rice.

I would advise my fellow Kiribati to start their gardens right away so they may acquire healthy food for free instead of buying it from the shop.