Eight thousand Thessalonians made their own box – Cultivators, aged from 18 to … 87 years old

For their own box at the University Farm of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH)a breath away from the city center, “hit” this year, for the first time in ten years, Dozens of candidate amateur growers, aged from 18 to … 87 years old. This was pointed out while speaking to APE-MPE by the director of the AUTh Farm and responsible for the organization of the program of organic vegetable gardens, which has been “running” since 2012, Dr. Anastasios Lithourgidisnoting that to date they have gone through 45 acres of vegetable gardens for about 8,000 growers.

«“I found that in the years 2020 and 2021, when the coronavirus pandemic was on the rise, there was a greater demand for a place in the vegetable gardens of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki”, he stressed characteristically, explaining that while traditionally required after each announcement about 20 days to to cover the 100-150 vegetable gardens that are released, “in March 2020 it took only ten days, in March 2021 they were reduced to seven and this year, while for 2022 for the first time in history we did not even make an announcement. Whichever vegetable gardens were released, they were immediately covered by the long waiting list we had».

Interpreting the intense interest of the citizens of Thessaloniki for the cultivation of land on the farm of AUThMr. Lithourgidis estimated that this is due to “the restrictions and measures imposed by the pandemic. Many saw this employment as a way out, in this difficult time. Engaging in the vegetable garden, in addition to relaxation and entertainment, is also safe during a pandemic, as it is an outdoor activity, with long distances without socializing. In addition, it provides the most vegetables, necessary for every table».

However, despite the intense interest recorded for the vegetable gardens of AUTh (located at the “Green Lanterns”, next to the airport “Macedonia”), Mr. Lithourgidis noted that “we decided that their number should not exceed 500, so that they are manageable and thus respond adequately to the requirements of growers».

The farm and the… benefits

Each vegetable garden on the farm of AUTh is 100 sq.m. and is usually cultivated by two families, “which means” according to Mr. Lithourgidis that in all the vegetable gardens “we are talking about an active society of about a thousand people».

From the AUTh Farm and the Department of Agriculture, amateur growers are provided with advisory support by students and agronomistswhich according to him, “gives the opportunity even to someone who is completely ignorant, to come and learn here to grow his summer and winter vegetables».

The farm also has nursery from which the relevant plant supplies can be made, water is provided for irrigation, with independent supply to each plot, the cultivation is done according to the principles of organic agriculture and the cost of granting a vegetable garden amounts to 120 euros per year.

In the two growing seasons (summer and winter) sown or planted by amateur growers tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, green beans, okra, zucchini and cucumbers, but also cabbage, broccoli, leeks and spinach.

As far as summer plants are concerned, according to Mr. Lithourgidis, it is necessary to work three times a week for three hours “in order to have an excellent garden”, while for the winter, “once a week for two / three hours is more than enough».

In the 10 years that the program “runs” Mr. Lithourgidis stated that what still fascinates him today is when families with young children and the elderly, flood the farm space and fill it with voices and joy. «The most beautiful moment is during the harvest. It is then that you see the little children enthusiastically cutting the tomato from their parents’ garden, wiping it and eating it immediately above the plant“, write down.

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