It's cosy and warm in the Bethel greenhouses. The sun heats up the air under the glass roofs, even when it's cold outside. This is exactly what the tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs and co. need to grow vigorously. However, more is needed for a good harvest in certified organic cultivation. Today, for example, Oliver Wackerow's programme includes thinning. He is one of around 28 people with disabilities who work on the farm in the Bethel village of Eckardtsheim in Bielefeld. The 44-year-old walks along the rows of tomatoes with a trained eye. As soon as he discovers a superfluous shoot on the plants, he sharpens his thumb and forefinger and removes the tender greenery with a quick twist.
Oliver Wackerow has been working in the nursery, which is part of the Bethel workshops for people with disabilities, for more than 20 years. It all started with an internship after leaving special school. "I really liked that. And then I thought: I can do this here forever!" he says. He likes the variety in his job. Sometimes he is alone in one of the greenhouses, hearing only the squeaking of the ventilation and the buzzing of insects. Sometimes he's potting up seedlings with his colleagues and the radio is blaring. Travelling in the van and delivering vegetables is very popular. Everything is fun. If only it weren't for the annoying weeding. "Nah. I don't like doing that!" says Oliver Wackerow, grimacing.