Something new to bring to Cuba.

[El Presidente]

I hadn't thought about this before but I will certainly do so next time. 

Packets of Vegetable seeds (herbs, tomatoes, capsicum/peppers, cucumber, beans, cauliflower etc etc) take up no space in luggage and can be grown in remarkably small spaces (balconies, rooftops) and communal areas. 

Big bang for buck. 

 

https://havanatimes.org/features/cuba-planting-on-rooftops-and-in-backyards/

Cuba: Planting on Rooftops and in Backyards

 February 10, 2021

Text and Photos by Ernesto Verdecia  (El Toque)

The winter season is the most productive, especially in gardens that are exposed to great heat in the summertime.

HAVANA TIMES – I had just gone to four markets and come home with only a quarter of what I had managed to get the previous week. A dormant desire was awakened. Could I plant some of the food I eat, provide some basic products for myself, reducing costs and have a more balanced and healthy diet?

I started researching; there must be someone who is at least growing their own ají cachucha (peppers). What I discovered exceeded my expectations.

After some phone calls and common friends, Ricardo welcomed me in his backyard, in the Santa Fe neighborhood. What I saw was a nice surprise: there were radishes, cabbages, beetroots, carrots, all kinds of peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, a huge range of aromatic herbs and a whole lot more.

As Ricardo himself explained, he plants everything he can, always when it’s their optimal season. He has learned, from experience, how to use varieties that are better adapted to our climate. He’s had a go with some seeds brought over from abroad, and he’s had some luck with some of them and failed with others.

In the shade of his vegetable beds, Ricardo puts down organic material such as dry leaves that then decompose and go into the soil.

He says that he started all of this with his father’s help, six years ago. With everything you need to set up at least two rows – a kind of furrow that he uses as a vegetable bed -, then you can set it up in just two weeks, it’s that simple, he tells me. From then on, it’s just effort, dedication and love.

According to Mayan mythology, the hummingbird is the messenger to the Gods, who brings us a message of hope from people in our world or from beyond. He is happy to see a hummingbird come every day, which reminds him of his father.

Ricardo has quite a lot in his little plot; it’s how he’s made use of the space, his dedication and the knowledge he has to make beds that are just 30cm wide burst with life, that really stand out. He has a lot more than what he alone can consume, so he ends up often giving some away to friends and family.

Ricardo puts the theory of crop association into practice, which, in addition to benefits in terms of space, also helps to control pests and improves nutrient distribution in soil.

“The main challenge I face is trying to get my own seeds. Buying most of them, sometimes they aren’t very good quality and their germination percentage is very low. This is the most disappointing part of doing this. I don’t dedicate all of my time to this, but I would like it to become financially sustainable. Ricardo also controls pests with natural and eco-friendly techniques, as well as products he buys when available made from specific plants such as petiveria.

The aromas in his backyard are intense and pleasant. Photo: Ernesto Verdecia.

My adventure now takes me to a roof terrace in the Playa neighborhood, where Oscar collaborates with friends on a joint project that came about during lockdown. They have worked wonders with such a small amount of space.

It all began with some cherry tomato plants, which have taken over the whole roof in less than a year. He now has two more varieties. Like in Ricardo’s space, these aren’t small fruits, they are big and beautiful tomatoes that have been grown without any artificial products, that’s a guarantee. Plus, he has a wide variety of spices, lettuce, turmeric, cabbage and even strawberries. His Mexican and habanero chilli plants are particularly striking, as well as his sweet peppers. He assures me that you only need two plants of the latter to meet an entire household’s needs.

Ricardo is very dutiful and gives you some of whatever he has, as well as giving you all of his secrets and information without any hesitation.

Oscar compares growing things in his small but well-organized vegetable garden, with the feeling of finding money in your pocket. Every day, he can come get something to eat. More than resources, he’s put a whole lot of dedication into getting the results he has.

Oscar. Systematic pruning in the early phase of development helps a plant to grow a lot more dense, and helps you to eat it a lot faster.

Oscar explains that the most complex tasks (in addition to finding quality seeds) is to find plant pots and compost, which you can buy or get by decomposing organic matter.

Cultivating the land and using spaces to feed oneself is something that can be learned and practiced in cities too. With a bit of determination, you can make it sustainable. Just like there is now a widespread culture of growing decorative plants, a more significant movement could gain momentum, helping to alleviate food shortages for people. Personally, I already have my first seeds and seedlings.

Getting your own seeds is key, it assures a quality, plus new generations are better adapted to its particular conditions.

Oscar explains that strong winds are a great challenge on the roof terrace, that is why he has to protect his plants with netting.

He takes care of his plants as if they were his loved ones.

Understanding the amount of soil every plant needs and the quality of this soil is crucial to getting good results.

[Cigar Surgeon]

Isn't the importation of seeds something that's prohibited by most countries Rob?

[El Presidente]

  On 2/10/2021 at 9:02 PM, Cigar Surgeon said:

Isn't the importation of seeds something that's prohibited by most countries Rob?

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If the vegetable seed is declared, packaged commercially, unopened, and grown/sold openly in the country, it isn't a problem. 

 

Seeds permitted into Australia are listed in BICON. ... be free from live insects, soil, disease symptoms, contaminant seed, other plant material (leaf, stem material, fruit pulp, pod material, etc.), animal material (animal faeces, feathers, etc.) and any other material of biosecurity concern.

 

 

[Nino]

  On 2/10/2021 at 9:02 PM, Cigar Surgeon said:

Isn't the importation of seeds something that's prohibited by most countries Rob?

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Never had a problem taking Thai Chili pepper seeds to Havana, never declared them and never was asked.

Passed them to the then director of El Laguito and they were planted in the yards around the factory where they still produce peppers.

[Cigar Surgeon]

  On 2/10/2021 at 9:12 PM, El Presidente said:

If the vegetable seed is declared, packaged commercially, unopened, and grown/sold openly in the country, it isn't a problem. 

 

Seeds permitted into Australia are listed in BICON. ... be free from live insects, soil, disease symptoms, contaminant seed, other plant material (leaf, stem material, fruit pulp, pod material, etc.), animal material (animal faeces, feathers, etc.) and any other material of biosecurity concern.

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Interesting. I guess I'm just used to transiting between the US and Canada where vegetables, fruits, and seeds are taken pretty seriously by border agents.

[Puros Y Vino]

  On 2/10/2021 at 9:22 PM, Cigar Surgeon said:

Interesting. I guess I'm just used to transiting between the US and Canada where vegetables, fruits, and seeds are taken pretty seriously by border agents.

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Especially tobacco, grain based spirits and fermented grapes.

 

[StogieSteve23]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing, Prez. 

[JohnnyO]

The seeds are illegal in Cuba. Dont declare them, mix them up in other items. Dont take down a bulk bag. If you do get caught explain to them that you grind them up and put them in your salad. According to Cubas Aduana page (customs) you need a license to import them. John

[djrey]

Had a friend that would import seeds back and forth to Europe by putting them in the folds of his tie. Always worked well.