Urban farming providers in Singapore see rise in micro-garden demand

STUDENTS, SENIORS WORKING TOGETHER

At the school in Bukit Batok, around 220 Primary 4 students take turns to manage the garden. They are involved in every step, from preparing seedlings and transplanting vegetables to harvesting them.

“I hope to see more urban farms in our school, as this way we can have more plants and also eat them. And I hope we can, next time, (grow) more of these plants around our school,” said student Valen Tan.

Supporting them is a group of “silver farmers” – seniors from a nearby active ageing centre. Five of them are assigned every week to guide the students and help maintain the farm.

The school’s principal Teo Eng Hui said the partnership helps address the challenge of keeping the farm running outside term time.

“School holidays (are) always a tricky part in school gardens,” Ms Teo added.

Alongside seniors, the school also works with parents to help maintain the garden during school holidays.