Vegetable gardens

The “Vegetable Garden Project” is a community initiative that aims to promote nutritional independence among families in the Jahalin tribe, improve the appearance of the environment, and strengthen community through the establishment of small home gardens in the heart of the desert environment. The project combines practical guidance, learning “by doing,” and strengthening entrepreneurial women in the community to enable self-growing of some vegetables and fruits, improving nutritional components, and cultivating the living environment in a way that respects the local lifestyle and conditions in the field.
As part of the activity, volunteers led by Gili Sharon brought women entrepreneurs fruits and vegetables from which seeds can be produced, and began a gradual process of building basic knowledge and tools. During the meetings, key activities were learned: how to extract seeds from vegetables, how to prepare the soil for planting, what is the correct way to plant, and how to care for seedlings over time, including watering, protection from harsh weather conditions, and coping with the challenges of the desert.
In some cases where it was necessary, soil was also provided, which was transported to the site using donkeys, a simple and adapted solution for the area, allowing the garden to be started even when the local soil is not suitable for immediate planting.
After a short period of time, the seedlings began to sprout, the gardens flourished, and tomatoes and other vegetables from the garden began to be integrated into the family menu. At the same time, the participants learned to turn food scraps into compost, which serves as a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and supports the continuity of growth. Thus, the project not only adds fresh produce to the table, but also encourages environmental thinking and tools for sustainability in an accessible and practical way.
But it was not only edible seedlings that were planted. Alongside the vegetable crops, ornamental plants suitable for desert conditions were also introduced, and they began to color the area with green and add a sense of vitality, beauty, and local pride. For many families, such a change in the living environment, even if small, affects the sense of home and security, and strengthens the connection between people and the space in which they live.