Today I woke up early and headed straight to my small okra plot here in Lusaka. The sun was just rising, casting that beautiful golden light over the field. There's something peaceful about being in the garden at this hour — the air is fresh, the birds are singing, and the plants are still covered with morning dew.
I spent the better part of the morning removing the old feeds (dried maize stalks and crop residue) that were still lying between the rows. It was important to clear them out so that my young okra plants can get enough sunlight, air circulation, and space to grow strong. These little okra seedlings are coming up nicely — you can see their heart-shaped leaves starting to spread out. Some are already showing healthy growth along the irrigation pipe.
Looking at the second picture, you can see the reality of farming — it's not always neat and tidy. There are dry stalks, stones, and uneven soil, but that's part of the journey. In the background, my helpers are also busy working on other sections of the field. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Growing okra has been such a rewarding experience. From preparing the land, planting the seeds, to now tending these young plants — every stage teaches patience and hope. Okra is not just a vegetable in our Zambian homes; it's a staple that brings families together — whether in nshima, soup, or relish.
Challenges? Of course there are many — pests, unpredictable weather, and the manual work involved. But seeing these green leaves pushing through the soil gives me renewed energy. I believe with consistent care, proper weeding, watering, and maybe some organic manure, we'll have a good harvest in the coming months.
To all my fellow farmers and gardeners out there — whether you have a big commercial farm or just a small backyard plot like mine — keep pushing. The work we do with our hands today will feed our families and communities tomorrow.
