When “inputs” (resources) are scarce, as they certainly are in Haiti, we use techniques such as intercropping and companion planting to optimize the output from the scarce tillable land. The difference between “intercropping” and “companion planting” is slight, but each involves planting multiple crops together.

In intercropping, you plant crops together in the same space as a space-saving technique, using plants that do not compete with each other. Like planting sweet potatoes among tomatoes or peppers, whose roots enjoy the shade from the potato vines. And, as you see in these pictures, Wilner is instructing the ATC students to plant peppers, broccoli, beets, and carrots in the spaces between the Papaya trees of our big Papaya project. Now, the water, manure, mulch, and pesticides that benefit the vegetables will also benefit and nourish the Papaya.

In companion planting, you also plant different crops together in the same space, but the plants actually benefit each other, like beans and corn together, because the beans give nitrogen to the soil and the corn needs nitrogen from the soil.

Every input for gardening is scarce in Haiti – fertile land, water, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, etc. – so sharing those resources in intercropped and companion planted areas is a smart way to get the most out of a garden.

Wilner Exil, the Director of our Agricultural Training Center (ATC), is a special teacher whose passion for Agronomy and Jesus helps him teach “Farming God’s Way” to our students. They learn together, work together, and even eat and fellowship together. Your support of our Sustainability Programs promotes our Love A Child Godly gardening club in Haiti.

Thank you and God Bless you,

Rad Hazelip, Assistant Executive Director