Would you believe, this whole building is filled with male tenants? I mean able souls, with only two females: the landlady and I. Fortunately, the structural design of the building was great, the building was moved to the back and has enough space in the front. The only straw that breaks its camel's back is the compound always being bushy. Anyone that entered would wonder if there was any human living there at all. The fear of snakes and allegators crept in. No one in the house showed any concern, even the men matched the bush to their doorsteps. I felt so uncomfortable with the sight. After all, we had all gardening tools needed to cut the grass and make it befitting. There were cutlasses, hoe rake and more .
So, I stood up, with not so much energy to clear the whole bush though, I determined to do the little I could. The first day I worked in the compound clearing the bush, it was not easy, I felt like giving up, besides, other tenants did not even give a damn. I however continued, even on the second day. After much work had been done in the compound, 'this must not be a waste ' I thought within me, coupled with the fact that I have always envisioned a thriving garden a long time ago. I decided to make use of the land and cultivated a garden. I started cultivating my garden and planted varieties such as banana, plantain, cocoyam, cassava, bitter leaf and the likes.
To my surprise, my co tenants who earlier had no interest were thrilled and could not wait to eat from my garden.
Months after, my garden has flourished so well. I then decided to add other things recently, like 'African spinach', that is also known as 'Amaranth'. I bought spinach seeds and okra seeds. It all sprang out its green leaves. Weeks after planting, I discovered a stunted growth in the vegetables and then perforated leafs. The space I planted the spinach was deserted as if it were eaten up by a spirit.
The spinach that was supposed to blossom was becoming yellowish and very short. Some leafs had like black foam on them. 'What is this?' It was indeed spooky! Even at one month, it was so short and changing colours, while the okra planted by the side was growing well.' I thought vegetables was the easiest to plant, What could be happening?' I wondered. Could it be the soil?, I doubt it, because It was actually on the same land with the okra that did so well. What could be the culprit behind this spooky phenomenon? I questioned everything. Could it be water? I don't think so, we're in the raining season. There was enough water for it, even if it did not rain, I watered it when need be. Sunlight? This could not also be the problem, it was well exposed and not in the shadow of other plants. Could something be wrong with its seed before planting? I bought the seed at an Agric store. Could they have sold bad seeds to me? I even bought the spinach seeds and that of okra at the same place. Each potential suspect seemed innocent. The more I pondered, and tried to unravel the enigma, the more confused I became. It was strange. My okra, plantain, bitter leaf, we're growing well, I even did some cassava harvesting, except for my spinach.
Probably, the spinash was overwatered as a result of rain, but I did not use to wet it on a raining day because it would have had enough water.
So painful it was! My African spinach was spoilt. There would not be spinach soup until further notice. I however take solace in other things that I planted that are thriving. I will also hold on to the lesson that even in the most nurturing environment, mysteries can still unfold. While I do not give up on planting spinach again, I look forward to clearing my confusion. Hence, I would take professional advice and clarity from my friends and garden enthusiasts on this platform in the comment section.
All photos were shot by me.
