Olli has the right knack for tomatoes

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.

But it is important. Because no pesticides may be used in organic farming. "Organic. That's without chemicals - or whatever it's called," says the man in the green work clothes and adds: "Everything grows well and tastes good. Especially the little tomatoes - they're nice and sweet." Oliver Wackerow now has little helpers to ensure that they soon hang from the plants in magnificent red clusters. They are brought into the greenhouse in a bright green box. Then the furry bumblebees buzz off through the flight holes. "They pollinate the flowers. They do a good job too," says the man, who everyone here calls "Olli", happily.

He is slowly getting too warm in his purple jumper. "In summer, it's as hot here as in Africa. It's not good that the earth is getting warmer and warmer," he says. But he is sceptical about how much he can contribute to environmental protection. "Organic vegetables. That's good. And I also travel by bus," he says. Back home, for example, where his cat "Mufasa" is waiting for him after work. She could also practise organic crop protection - by catching mice.

Text: Heike Lepkojis | Photos: Sarah Jonek

This story simply told

Oliver Wackerow has been working in a nursery belonging to the Bethel workshop for people with disabilities in Bielefeld-Eckardtsheim for 20 years. He grows tomatoes and plants seedlings in a greenhouse. Sometimes he works alone, sometimes with colleagues. He likes the work - he just doesn't like weeding.

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