Where did it all begin?
I have to give credit where it is due…much of what I aspire to do on our farm and in our market garden is based on what Jolly Good Farm is already doing on their urban veggie farm.
When Anique walked into my restaurant to offer up some farm fresh veggies, I had no idea that this bubbly woman, with dark framed glasses and a wide brimmed farmer’s hat, had a farm just a few minutes down the street. I imagined she was coming to me from Magaliesburg, South Johannesburg, the Cradle…maybe Kyalami. It was a hell of a surprise when I first went to visit the farm, opened the location in google maps, only to be directed 5 minutes down the street.
Anique and Jonathan’s story of growing food begins with a small 2×3 meter space in a Linden. Passionate about growing food, they didn’t mind how big the space was. They were going to figure it out. However, the passion to grow a little turned into the desire to grow a lot. When they noticed that there was unused land in the neighborhood, they approached the landowner and struck up a deal to rent.
That is how Jolly Good Farm began: turning some unused former sports fields and a parking lot into a beautiful urban farm.
The farm
The farm is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city. You only have to sit there drinking coffee and eating Woolies rusks for a few minutes to realize how special it is.
With just about 1000 square meters of total space and about 600-700 square meters of growing space (honestly not much bigger than a lot of backyards in the surrounding neighborhoods here in Johannesburg), they grow an epic amount of vegetables.
What to do with the produce?
Anique and Jonathan’s first idea was selling farm boxes to friends and family, who quickly spread the word about how amazing their veggies are. Soon there was a waiting list. They had far more demand for product than supply. A good problem to have, but sad none the less for those of us desperate to get a box.
They also contacted restaurants like mine, Sweet Tea and Chickadee, and local delis in town like The Leopard, who believe in farm to table goodness. They worked to supply the fresh produce we need on a weekly basis, which is a challenge in and of itself. We have menus and customers. We need to know that our suppliers will have produce on a regular basis so we can plan accordingly. This is challenging to say the least when you are dealing with nature and it’s unpredictably. However, over the years they have formed systems and figured out how to guarantee that we get what we need straight from their urban veggie farm.
The best part about the farm
It is by far their commitment to organic growing. Or as they like to call it “BEYOND ORGANIC”.
While much of the fruit and veg out there, even some that is marked “organic” has been treated with pesticides or herbicides. This farm has none of that. Jolly Good’s focus is on soil health and plant nutrition. “It is all about Biology,” Jonathan explains.
It is never, and will never be, an option to spray any sort of pesticide or herbicide on any of their crops.
This is a commitment that is both admirable and necessary if we are to look at our health and future.
What’s Next?
While they still love the farm boxes and selling produce, Anique has recently become very passionate about helping others learn to grow food themselves. When I asked her about the future of the business, she said she imagines always working the farm, but expanding to help others. She is specifically interested in helping home growers, who want to turn their backyards into urban farms or veggie gardens of their own. She would love to consult and help others to become more self sufficient.
How Jolly Good Farm can help and serve you
Do you need help in your garden? Do you want to create a urban farm of your own but you have no idea where to start? If you have the desire to get started, don’t hesitate to give Anique a call to consult.
Maybe you need a kg of swiss chard, a head of lettuce, or a pound of beans? Shoot them a message and see if they can accommodate. Their “beyond organic” seasonal veggies will certainly not disappoint and I guarantee will taste completely different to those that you get in the grocery store.
Here are the contact details
Check out, follow, and contact Jolly Good Farm on Instagram.
Or contact Anique directly on her WhatsApp 0767112092.
