Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

21 August 2025

2-minute read

Growing up in the dusty villages of Limpopo, Solomon Kgolani was exposed to gardening from a very young age by his parents. He went on to study Agricultural and Environmental Studies and became a passionate garden consultant.

In a world where food prices keep climbing and green spaces are shrinking, ‘Sol Green Fingers’, as he is affectionately known on social media, is helping communities take back control—one seed at a time. He’s on a mission to make gardening simple, accessible, and rewarding, by teaching people how to start their own veggie gardens and farms. Helping kids get their own gardens started at schools “boosts their confidence,” says Solomon. It’s all about sharing knowledge and making gardening more accessible for underprivileged communities.

Season dependent, Solomon formulates a “need list” for clients, showing them seasonal plants, then doing a soil analysis of the area where they want to set up the garden, and improving soil that is of poor quality. Clients select plants that they prefer from the list to plant, and Solomon guides them on planting and taking care of the crops.

The results? Apart from sustainable gardens, Solomon says his projects foster stronger social bonds, improves mental wellbeing and encourages shared responsibilities.

Solomon’s environmental education courses for kids focuses on water conservation, teaching about native plants and pollinators, as well as the methods of companion planting to avoid the use of chemicals and pesticides. A school he worked with to provide environmental education now has a thriving garden, where parents have started donating seeds and seedlings to the school after sampling the produce. Gardening, planting, and digging gives children, especially those with autism, a feeling of peace and calms them down.

Solomon’s vision is to see “no family go hungry.” He hopes to see every community having a community garden where they will volunteer, help struggling families get access to fresh vegetables, and learn to grow their own food, “minimising going to the grocery store”.

From schoolyards to backyards, Solomon is planting the seeds of change, teaching people how to grow food, live sustainably, and reconnect with the earth.

Listen to the full interview with Solomon Kgolane and Ml Sulaimaan Ravat.