How To Propagate Fig Cuttings
June 30, 2024 1:33 pmOne fig tree per household is probably enough, but if you can dish out small fig trees grown by your…
DIY Seed Spacer
June 30, 2024 11:39 amThis little planting spacer takes 15 minutes to make and saves time whenever you’re sowing seeds. Let’s check out this…
Food Gardening on a Budget
April 18, 2024 12:51 pmAs a gardener, I can’t resist tips that promise to be budget beaters and I am probably not alone. With…
Small Food Garden Ideas
January 30, 2024 1:11 pmSmall food gardens with maximum output Small food gardens the size of a door, a balcony, or a series of…
5-Minute Fruit Picker
January 24, 2024 10:30 amThis really easy DIY will have you picking ripe fruit from the higher reaches of the trees in no time.…
DIY Cucumber Trellis
January 24, 2024 9:23 amGrow your own cucumbers up an A-frame trellis with this really easy DIY for the food garden. You will need:…
How to create a straw bale garden
November 22, 2023 1:01 pmLooking for an easy way to set up an instant raised bed garden and help your plants grow better at…
Summer Basket Of Goodies
November 13, 2023 12:40 pmTake a look at some useful goodies that can help you in your veggie garden over the summer season. Earthworm…
Wooden Herb Stripper
November 1, 2023 12:29 pmIf you love cooking but the tedious task of stripping the leaves off your home-grown herbs is a frustration, this…
Gifts And Decor From The Garden
October 25, 2023 3:26 pmThere is so much a food garden can give you besides just something to eat. Here are some ideas for…
Vegetables for Hanging Baskets
October 10, 2023 8:27 amSmall food gardeners and those with only a balcony are always on the lookout for ways to maximise the number…
Herb Infused Soaps
October 5, 2023 9:02 pmWash away the dust of the day with these homemade herbal soaps Making herbal soaps to use yourself or to…
Growing Kumquats
May 12, 2023 3:52 pmIf you know nothing about kumquats you might think that they’re just stunted or dwarf oranges. You might have seen…
Make your Own Cold Frame
May 12, 2023 3:24 pmGrow all year round with this simple cold frame made from plywood and an old wooden window. Place your young…
Organic farming done right!
January 26, 2023 11:24 amA showcase organic farm is being established in KZN, and we can’t wait to see it grow from strength to…
The Luxury of Vanilla
January 26, 2023 10:55 amThe most exotic of spices Life isn’t fair, is it? Vanilla adds such a luxurious flavour to baked goods, ice-cream,…
Summer Squashes
January 26, 2023 10:48 amSqueeze these squashes into your garden this summer. Squashes might not be the first thing you think about when you…
Chillies
January 26, 2023 10:37 amChillies can be polarising: there are people who sweat at the thought of a hot sauce, and other’s who feel…
Jerusalem Artichokes
January 23, 2023 1:53 pmIf you love potatoes and artichokes, you simply have to give Jerusalem artichokes a try! You’d think that the name…
Turkish Orange Brinjal
January 23, 2023 1:02 pmOrange is the new black Even more beautiful than the brinjal you’re used to, the Turkish orange brinjal is a…
Detox in a Pot
January 23, 2023 11:11 amWe can thank the plant world for providing a cornucopia of herbs that deliver not only essential vitamins and minerals,…
Fruit trees and Cross-pollination
December 13, 2022 12:00 pmFruit trees are a fabulous addition to any garden: not only do they add a home-grown element to your table,…
How to water veggies without wasting
December 13, 2022 10:42 amVegetables need regular watering, because drought-stressed vegetables don’t produce good-quality fruit or tasty leaves. They are also more susceptible to…
How to attract ladybirds to the veggie garden
December 13, 2022 10:16 amLadybirds are not just delightful visitors to the garden, they are also effective predators of aphids, mites, and even whitefly.…
Companion Planting Combos
November 25, 2022 10:26 amCompanion planting is one of the best ways to control pests and attract pollinators. But it also brings beauty, colour,…
Growing Vegetables Without a Back Yard
November 25, 2022 9:59 amSolutions for space-strapped gardeners Next generation gardeners face a struggle in vegetable gardening: space – we don’t have much of…
The Science Behind Fertilising
November 23, 2022 3:51 pmSimply put, fertiliser is required for soils that are lacking in nutrients that a plant needs to perform at its…
Groundcover Herbs
November 23, 2022 3:22 pmDon’t overlook groundcover herbs for plant health and fragrance. Do groundcover herbs have a role to play in the food…
Pawpaw
November 23, 2022 9:49 amNot only are they decorative, but if you are faster than the local wildlife then they will also provide an…
Edible Hedge Options
November 23, 2022 9:29 amHedges can be more than mere barriers. Creating edible hedges can also help to feed and heal you. Hedges are…
Olla Irrigation
November 22, 2022 3:46 pmKeep your plants hydrated this summer with this 10-minute DIY! We saw this olla irrigation idea on Pinterest and loved…
How to grow chillies from seed
November 22, 2022 2:57 pmChillies have a reputation for being difficult to grow from seed. They need heat to germinate, and the hotter the…
Gardens For Growth
November 22, 2022 10:05 amAquacraft has partnered with the Siyakhana Growth and Development Project. The initiative is called ‘Garden for Growth’ and its purpose…
Sugar-Snap Peas
October 28, 2022 2:44 pmSugar-snap peas are the ultimate garden fast food. There are few things more delicious than sugar-snap peas fresh from the…
Growing Asparagus – Spears of Green
October 28, 2022 2:27 pmIt may take time, but growing your own luxurious spears of asparagus is very doable. Roasted with olive oil, pan-fried…
The Flavours of the Med
October 28, 2022 11:48 amJam-packed with flavour, a Mediterranean garden virtually looks after itself. Mediterranean flavours are ones we all love – tomatoes, herbs…
Spring Checklist
October 28, 2022 11:08 amFollow our Spring Checklist and try these tips for your edible spring garden to make the most out of the…
Grow Productively, In Any Space!
September 26, 2022 3:15 pmDon’t think that limited space should limit your veggie gardening. These great products allow you to create your own little…
How to Make a Pizza Garden
July 15, 2022 2:37 pmA themed planting of pizza toppings is sure to be a winner with the whole family. And if you feel…
Growing veggies in tune with your physical limits
July 12, 2022 11:54 amGrowing vegetables has many rewards including the pleasure of eating fresh, tasty veggies, as well as the physical and mental…
Growing Lettuce in the Winter
June 8, 2022 3:17 pmShop-bought lettuce is available all year round, but for the home gardener growing lettuce in the winter is can be…
Growing an Ancient Grain Like Barley
May 13, 2022 4:35 pmBarley, a member of the prestigious ‘ancient grains’ club, is one of the healthiest crops around, along with other health-craze…
Electric Daisy – Comfortably Numb Tongue
May 13, 2022 4:21 pmThis strange flower will leave you speechless – because you’ve got no feeling in your tongue. The electric daisy is…
Seeds or Seedlings
May 13, 2022 4:10 pmBoth have their attractions, but which will work best for you, seeds or seedlings? So you’ve got your garden laid…
All the tea in china, at home
May 13, 2022 1:21 pmLady Bonin, renowned tea expert, gives us some insight into her world Tea has been my obsessive passion for the…
Good Old Grapefruit
May 13, 2022 11:51 amEvery time I eat a grapefruit I wonder why it is named after a grape of all things? First of…
How To Grow and Enjoy Chickpeas
April 13, 2022 3:15 pmChickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are legumes that need 100 days to reach harvest, but what could be better than…
Grow More Tang: Grow Sorrel
April 13, 2022 3:01 pmSorrel may look like old lettuce, but it’s actually far from it, with a tangy lemon-zest flavour that will brighten…
Cherry Tomatoes
April 11, 2022 2:50 pmSweet and small, but big on flavour. Cherry tomatoes! The name says it all: they’re small and super-sweet, bite-sized like…
Plant a Soup Garden
April 7, 2022 4:41 pmSoup is winter’s best treat, and whether you like your soup thick and chunky, consommé or as a tangy Asian…
Top 10 Plant Friends
March 29, 2022 1:49 pmSome plants grow well together and some don’t. In the vegetable garden you can get the best out of a…
Buckets of Charm
March 29, 2022 1:21 pmWe made a rustic lattice and hung cute herb buckets for herbs and veggies. What you need to make herb…
Runner Beans
March 24, 2022 4:03 pmFor many home cooks, the term ‘green beans’ doesn’t go beyond the steamed pods that accompany a roast for Sunday…
Spinach Alternatives
March 24, 2022 3:47 pmWe’re always told to eat spinach, but what are the other leafy greens that can fill this role in our…
Autumn and Winter Checklist
March 18, 2022 9:16 amHere’s the autumn and winter checklist of tasks in the food garden to take you through the cooler seasons. Micro…
How to extend the harvest of baby marrows
March 4, 2022 12:54 pmBy March baby marrows are usually at the end of their productive lives, with most leaves covered in powdery mildew.…
Climb A Slinky
February 18, 2022 3:43 pmHave some fun in the garden creating this ‘climb a slinky’ and some beans or peas. This is actually too…
Growing Mangoes
February 17, 2022 3:57 pmTropical gardens are incomplete without a mango tree. It’s a pretty tree with large leaves and it rewards with large,…
The Mystery of Mushrooms
January 21, 2022 1:51 pmGetting to grips with the many faces of the mushroom family. As passionate gardeners, we are occasionally startled and surprised…
The Madumbe: the potato of the tropics
January 18, 2022 4:04 pmGrowing in popularity, the madumbe is a healthy alternative to the potato, traditional or sweet. Depending on who you ask…
Make the Veggie Garden Your Happy Place
December 1, 2021 2:14 pmDo you have a happy place in your veggie garden? Just being in the veggie garden is enough for most…
Changing Society, One Garden At A Time
November 30, 2021 8:54 pmAccording to the United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP), hunger kills more people in Africa than Aids, malaria and TB…
5 Delicious Snack Veggies
November 24, 2021 3:54 pmDon’t we all love to snack? It’s not always because we are hungry, say the behaviourists who have studied the…
Creating an Edible Patio with Herbs
October 13, 2021 4:21 pm5 tips for patio herbs Herbs need sunshine, but in midsummer they will do better with morning sun and afternoon…
Getting ready for your summer vegetable garden
August 23, 2021 3:53 pmWhat does a good vegetable garden need? • A soil-type medium to hold the plants; • Sufficient good nutrition at…
Raised Beds for Veggies
August 3, 2021 8:43 pmBoxing clever in the veggie garden Want to make your veggie garden more productive? Raised beds provide better drainage (which…
Veggie Garden Design
July 12, 2021 12:11 pmGrowing vegetables has become a serious undertaking in the era of Covid-19. While vegetable gardens need to be practical and…
Forward Thinking for the Spring Season
July 9, 2021 9:14 pmBeing mid-winter, July is usually a rest time for the garden and gardeners and a good time to get ready…
Vertical Vegetable Gardening
July 7, 2021 11:12 amSaving space is not the only reason for vertical vegetable gardening. Veggies twining up obelisks, tumbling over archways, vining up…
Flowers for the veggie garden
June 8, 2021 9:26 pmImagine a winter veggie garden as full of flowers as it is of vegetables? Broccoli mixed with calendulas, violas bordering…
How To Blanch Leeks
May 18, 2021 12:45 pmBlanch leeks to help them grow whiter stems with improved flavour. If you sowed Leeks in February in South Africa,…
On The Up – DIY Vertical Pumpkin Growing
May 17, 2021 2:44 pmGoing vertical is one way to give your squashes and pumpkins extra room to spread their tendrils. We made a…
Water Chestnuts
May 13, 2021 9:30 pmHere’s something so exotic, but so easy to grow It’s fun to grow new things, so with this in mind…
Sheet Mulching for New Beds
May 12, 2021 9:33 pmAvoid the backbreaking work of starting a new garden from scratch and try sheet mulching. Rather than digging out existing…
The Ups and Downs of Hugelkultur
May 12, 2021 8:56 pmThe hills are alive with the sound of plants growing. We first came across ‘hugelkultur’ (pronounce it as you will,…
Swinging Salads – Floating Veggie Garden
April 20, 2021 1:49 pmIn the 21st century, fewer and fewer people have enough space to plant a substantial vegetable garden, but that shouldn’t…
Grow your own mushrooms
March 31, 2021 4:35 pmOyster mushrooms are one of the quickest and easiest mushrooms to grow yourself. They are a great addition to your…
Ever thought of growing vegetables on your roof?
March 31, 2021 9:39 amProducing fresh, organic and healthy food does not need to be restricted by a lack of space. This dilemma is…
Planting Strawberries
March 23, 2021 9:51 pmStrawberry pots are designed specifically for strawberries and can be stacked to make the most of limited space. They also…
A Green Heart In the City
March 4, 2021 9:28 amThis urban rooftop farm should be an example to us all. In the centre of Durban, amidst a cacophony of…
Grow Your Own Smoothies
February 24, 2021 10:32 amCheck out the sowing guide for February and you’ll notice that it is mainly greens. There is a saying that…
Bombs Away! DIY Seed Bombs
February 23, 2021 11:45 amGet your kids into the garden this spring with these fun and practical DIY seed bombs! Seed balls or seed…
Give a Fig a Try – How To Grow Figs Successfully
February 23, 2021 10:57 amThis most Mediterranean of fruits needs very little to give you so much. I have a confession to make: I…
Microgreens Made Simple – Eat Your Greens
February 4, 2021 8:32 pmMicrogreens are a great way of eating your greens and topping up your antioxidants, and a KZN entrepreneur has made…
10 Cut and Come Again Veggies
February 4, 2021 2:48 pmThese are some of our favourite greens that keep on giving. Cut and come again veggies are so satisfying, and…
Get Pumped About Pumpkins
February 1, 2021 10:29 pmPumpkins must place on the list of South Africa’s favourite holiday vegetables, whether mashed, in pampoenkoekies or in a classic…
Double Agent Veggies
January 29, 2021 9:21 amAppearances can be deceptive, even in the veggie garden. Did you know there are double agent veggies? They can go…
Harvesting Summer’s Bounty
January 28, 2021 11:27 amWe plan and plant with the harvest in mind, and just as timing is critical for sowing, so it is…
Get composting!
December 1, 2020 2:41 pmNew products from Mon Exteriors have made composting easier than ever before! Whenever you speak to someone with an incredible…
10 Easy Steps to Start Your Own Vegetable Garden
November 17, 2020 11:10 amThere are many reasons why people from different walks of life grow their own vegetables: it’s fun, rewarding, you get…
The EduPlant School Gardening and Nutrition Competition
November 16, 2020 3:40 pmEduPlant focuses on schools, learners, and their surrounding communities. It develops school-linked food security clusters in under-resourced communities and townships.…
Turning scraps into garden gold
November 16, 2020 12:21 pmThere are a few ways that you can turn garden and kitchen waste into a valuable gardening product. We all…
DIY Soil Tamper – Plant Seeds Easily
November 13, 2020 8:47 amDIY Creative Gardening! It may look simple, but this tamper is surprisingly useful in the garden when planting seeds! For…
DIY Planting Spacer – Keep Your Seedlings Neat!
November 13, 2020 8:13 amThis easy DIY planting spacer makes planting neat rows of seedlings a cinch! What You Need For Your Spacer 2…
Keep Seedlings Safe – DIY Shade Frame
November 10, 2020 8:45 pmKeep newly germinated seedlings sheltered from the sun and safe from pests with this simple DIY shade frame. For Your…
5 Companion Herbs for Healthy Summer Crops
November 10, 2020 11:18 amPlanting companion herbs is the mainstay of organic gardening. This is because of the role it plays in combatting pests…
Cool Cucumber
November 9, 2020 10:11 pmCucumbers (Cucumis sativus) are one of the few vegetables that can still be sown in December in most areas –…
Rewarding Zucchini
November 9, 2020 9:21 pmThe zucchini, also known as baby marrow or courgette, is the most rewarding plant for the home veggie gardener to…
It’s All About Alliums
November 9, 2020 1:39 pmWhen you come across pungent, sinus clearing vegetables, they’re probably Alliums and hail from the Allium genus. That description doesn’t…
A Pollinator Garden – Everyone is Welcome!
November 5, 2020 10:12 pmA fresh start, for the bees After clearing the mess from a pumpkin patch disaster, we sat down and drew…
Spice Up Your Popcorn!
November 5, 2020 9:25 pmHow to grow your own chemical-free popcorn crop. While gently shovelling mounds of popcorn into your mouth during a thrilling…
Tamarillo – Tree Tomato
November 5, 2020 8:36 pmThe trusty tomato is a household staple and doesn’t necessarily scream ‘exotic’. However, there is one tomato that stands out…
Grow Your Own Health
November 3, 2020 10:28 pmHerbs to Plant in Spring The mantra of organic gardeners is that ‘healthy soil makes healthy vegetables makes healthy people’.…
Sowing Fine Seed
October 2, 2020 1:19 pmFine seed like that of carrots and lettuce, as well as small seed like that of broccoli, Chinese cabbage, cabbage,…
Sweet Summer Rewards
August 31, 2020 11:12 amGrowing your own Organic Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines There’s no better reward for your effort than picking sweet, juicy, fresh,…
Tanks you don’t have to hide
August 31, 2020 11:11 amHere’s proof that rain-water tanks don’t have to be ugly! Spring may be here, which means warmer temperatures, faster plant…
Anyone can grow food
August 31, 2020 10:56 amAs we always say when starting a vegetable garden, start small and grow the things you will eat. This Elho…
Growing vegetables can inspire the farmer in anyone
July 23, 2020 1:02 pmHere’s a little-known secret: most vegetables can be grown in containers. If you don’t have room for a big vegetable…
Getting Started With Compost
March 20, 2020 2:31 pmCompost – making it, storing it and getting rid of kitchen waste in it – is always an issue. A…
Container Gardening with Corrugated Iron
January 23, 2020 12:53 pmOur office veggie garden is a trial garden of sorts so is always evolving and changing. We like to try…
Growing Microgreens
December 3, 2019 12:47 pmThe juicy, tender shoots of vegetable and herb mini seedlings are all the rage. They taste great and are perfect…
From Green Manures to Microgreens
December 2, 2019 12:42 pmEven if you are not a fan of winter veggies, don’t leave the beds bare during winter. Rather sow green-manure…
Growing Tomatoes
November 13, 2019 7:07 pmCan you imagine life without tomatoes? It’s hard – they’re such a basic ingredient of so many of our favourite…
Growing Baby Marrows
November 7, 2019 11:14 amBaby marrows, also known as courgettes or zucchinis, are the most rewarding plants for the home vegetable gardener to grow.…
Growing Onions
November 7, 2019 10:58 amOnions (Allium cepa) is a member of the Allium family and contains a number of sulfides that are similar to…
Green Manures
November 7, 2019 10:42 amManure is usually something that we think of as smelly, albeit useful for our garden. However, it is sometimes difficult…
Growing Potatoes
November 7, 2019 10:38 amPotatoes are an easy crop that can be grown all year round. The first crop is planted in August or…
Growing organic vegetables
November 7, 2019 9:30 amWhy grow Organic? Like generations before us, we are again discovering the joys and benefits of growing healthy, homegrown vegetables.…
Pots of flavour in small spaces
September 18, 2019 2:57 pmYou don’t need acres of garden to grow fresh salads and veggies. All you need is a balcony, patio or…
Cucamelons
September 10, 2019 1:34 pmThe little fruit of many names – mouse melon, Mexican mini watermelon, Mexican sour cucumber, Mexican sour gherkin, pepquino or…
DIY Bug Hotel
September 10, 2019 12:33 pmGive those good bugs a place to call home in your garden. Bug hotels are a wonderful way to attract…
Herbs to Grow
July 2, 2019 8:10 amRosemary is a woody evergreen shrub that grows up to 2m high, with aromatic, needle-like foliage. It produces blue or…
3 herbs for your next spicy dish
June 4, 2019 11:31 amOregano ‘Hot and spicy’ has chilli-flavoured leaves that add a fiery edge to a dish. Use it as a substitute…
Red Curry Paste
May 20, 2019 8:00 amHerbs are the major ingredient in Thai curry paste, which forms the base of vegetarian curries as well as chicken,…
3 trees to grow in a pot
April 25, 2019 8:42 amIt doesn’t take much to grow a healthy tree these days – all it takes is a bit of regular…
3 herb-infused pampering ideas
April 24, 2019 8:13 amMother’s Day is on its way, and if you want to be more original than giving Mum choccies and smelly…
File Your Seeds!
March 11, 2019 8:00 amWe love this idea, of making your own seed strips and storing them in a file. Seed tapes or seed…
5 tips for potted fruit
March 11, 2019 8:00 amBy growing your fruit trees in pots, you can add another dimension to your edible garden. Fruit trees like lemons,…
5 favourites to grow in Winter
March 11, 2019 8:00 am1. Lemon Grass This clump-forming perennial with strongly lemon-scented leaves is the perfect addition to any South East Asian dishes.…
Late Summer Planting
February 7, 2019 1:42 pmUrban Gardening, Late Summer Planting The end of a summer is a bitter sweet time. But as the temperature starts…
Rosemary
January 21, 2019 8:00 amRosemary imparts a delicious flavour and aroma to food. It is a healing herb for the body and soul, a…
Summer Season Checklist
December 10, 2018 11:42 amCheck out these super tips for the food garden this season. 1. Super berries They say that the blueberry (Vaccinium…
Turmeric
December 10, 2018 8:00 amAlso known as Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica is believed to have originated in India. The name ‘turmeric’ is thought to…
Marvellous Mint
December 3, 2018 9:35 amMint is often seen as the delinquent in the food garden, overgrowing other plants, slurping up their food and water,…
7 herbs for this holiday season
November 21, 2018 3:35 pm1. Sweet basil does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Grow in fertile, wellcomposted soil that drains well. For…
Sweet Potatoes
October 25, 2018 11:01 amSweet potatoes are not a run-of-the- mill veggie where you just buy a packet of seeds, sow them and watch…
Windowsill Farming
October 1, 2018 11:59 amHave the freshest leaves at your fingertips by growing them on your kitchen windowsills. If you think you need a…
Oranges and Lemons
May 18, 2018 1:32 pmOranges & lemons – A must have in any organic garden Citrus must be the juiciest, fresh and health giving…
Don't Slow Down Now!
April 10, 2018 2:51 pmDon’t Slow Down Now! TEXT Alice Spenser-Higgs Autumn is a good time to grow vegetables in containers. The milder days…
Earthworm Value
March 16, 2018 1:03 pmThe value of earthworms Charles Darwin, one of the world’s greatest naturalists, spent many years studying earthworms. He concluded that…
Watermelon
March 14, 2018 6:09 pmOne of the highlights of summer is homegrown watermelon Watermelons are easy to grow but require space; because each plant…
Growing Herbs In Pots
February 16, 2018 10:12 amThere is no need to ever be without herbs. For a year-round supply, grow them in pots. Herbs grow so well…
Colourful Herbs
February 5, 2018 2:43 pmTry something different in your next herb pot by using a variety of flowering herbs and variegated leaves. Utilise taller…
Sage
February 5, 2018 10:36 amSage Winter is generally a difficult time for growing herbs, but one herb that is certainly worth nursing through this…
Ooh, Melons!
February 5, 2018 8:57 amOoh, Melons! Known as cantaloupe in much of the world, here the sweet melon is generally referred to as spanspek…
Pomegranate
January 30, 2018 8:50 amPomegranate Cut a pomegranate fruit in half and the beauty that is revealed inspires artists to paint it, draw it,…
Perfect Peaches
January 29, 2018 2:22 pmPerfect Peaches Imagine the taste of a juicy peach, picked straight off the tree that you have nurtured through the…
Kiwi Fruit
January 29, 2018 12:35 pmCommon name: Kiwi fruit, also called Chinese gooseberryBotanical name: Actinidia deliciosaOrigin: China History At least 300 years ago the Chinese…
Noble Bay
January 29, 2018 11:53 amBay, the noblest of leaves It may come as a surprise, but sweet bay (Laurus nobilis) has a long association…
Dilly for Dill
January 29, 2018 10:35 amDilly for Dill With its feathery, blue-green leaves and clusters of yellow flowers in summer, dill (Anethum graveolens) is an…
The Wonders of Lovage
January 26, 2018 2:58 pmThe strong, meaty taste of lovage leaves is a delicious base for soups, stews, tomato-based sauces, and stock. A little…
Watercress Wonders
January 26, 2018 9:31 amThe wonders of watercress. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is a creeping perennial that is one of the oldest leafy vegetables to…
Pattypans
January 26, 2018 8:59 amPattypan squash (Cucurbita pepo) Pattypans look like little yellow, green or stripy spaceships and, like baby marrows, these bushy squashes…
Growing Garlic
January 25, 2018 1:59 pmPlanting garlic The bulbs should be planted in autumn (March or April) about 10cm deep, pointed end up, and covered…
Flavourful Fennel
January 25, 2018 1:06 pmFlavourful Fennel Spicy and sweet, fennel is a cook’s dream and a delight for gardeners who love its striking foliage…
Winter Cut Flowers For The Veggie Garden
January 24, 2018 10:29 amIf you are hooked on the pleasure of picking your own grown veggies and herbs, you should extend that to…
Go Goji
January 24, 2018 9:30 amGrowing your own berries has become a trend over the last couple of years for many reasons: berries are expensive…
Making Apple Cider
January 24, 2018 9:17 amMaking Your Own Apple Cider An apple a day, the doctor’s way… When it comes to apple season there’s always…
A+ Apples
January 24, 2018 8:31 amA+ Apples There is archaeological evidence that apples (Malus domestica) have been eaten since as far back as 6500 BC,…
Hot Pot Herbs
January 23, 2018 2:55 pmHerbs for a hot pot Herbs grow so well in pots that there is almost no excuse for not growing…
Brassica Troubleshooting Guide
January 23, 2018 2:35 pmAs families go, the brassicas are demanding and temperamental, especially if they’re expected to perform outside their comfort zone (which…
Cold Season Crop Tips
January 23, 2018 9:03 amCold Season Crop Tips 5 Tips for Growing Brussels Sprouts Plant in firm soil. This will keep the plant well…
Step-Up Veggies
January 22, 2018 4:08 pmStep-Up Veggies Growing vertically is a great way to make the most of limited space. This handy DIY ladder allows…
Earthworm Rescue
January 22, 2018 2:38 pmEarthworms to the Rescue! The best way to convert organic kitchen waste into a power tonic for your plants and…
Hot and Spicy Oregano
January 22, 2018 2:19 pmThis herb can take the heat There’s no place for mild herbs in Mexico’s hot and spicy food. Herbs have…
Food Garden Roses
January 22, 2018 1:32 pmRoses in the food garden We grow roses for their beauty in the garden and for picking. So what are…
A Bee-Friendly Veggie Garden
January 22, 2018 12:00 pmBees help pollinate many fruits and ‘fruiting’ veggies – they’re natural allies! Plant some of these bee-friendly choices in your…
Eating Microgreens
January 22, 2018 10:50 amEat your Microgreens Packed with flavour and nutrition, these gourmet greens are the perfect solution for urban gardeners. But even…
All About Avocados
January 22, 2018 9:23 amIt’s a big space investment, but if you live in a warmer part of the country try to squeeze an…
Tomato Planter
January 22, 2018 8:31 amUpside-Down Tomato Planter Home-grown tomatoes always taste better, and to make the most of available space they can even be…
Everyone Loves Butternut
January 19, 2018 11:13 amIt’s worth allocating some space and time to this melt-in-the-mouth veggie. Although butternuts, like pumpkins, take up more space than…
Sweetest Sweetcorn
January 19, 2018 10:32 amIt’s at its sweetest fresh off the cob before the sugars start converting, so it’s always best to grow your…
Devilishly Wicked Chillies
January 19, 2018 10:01 amIf you’re addicted to chillies, here’s how to grow them successfully from seed – there’s a world of unusual varieties…
Hot Season Crop Tips
January 18, 2018 3:41 pmMore Brinjals. Increase the yield of your brinjals by pinching out the growing tip when five or six leaves have…
Kokedama Balls
January 18, 2018 2:16 pmHave a ball with Kokedama The space-saving trend of kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in moss balls, is…
Food Garden Flowers
January 18, 2018 1:46 pmDo flowers belong in a food garden? They certainly do, and not only those with edible petals! Many flowers double…
Make the Most of Winter
January 18, 2018 12:31 pmEach season we take a look at what’s happening in the Soil for Life garden. Soil for Life is an…
Harvesting Winter Veggies
January 18, 2018 11:44 amTips for harvesting winter veggies • Harvest broccoli heads before the flower buds open and when they are still firm…
How to Dry Herbs
January 18, 2018 11:29 amHow to dry herbs The most natural process of preserving herbs is to dry them in a cool, airy room,…
Thyme for All Seasons
January 18, 2018 11:20 amThyme for All Seasons Although its growing season is in the warmer months, thyme is the perfect choice for the…
Winter Ways with Rosemary
January 18, 2018 11:14 amFrost-hardy rosemary is a boon in winter: it makes the perfect protective, edible hedge, infuses a steamy bath with its…
Grow Microgreens
January 18, 2018 10:56 amA great project for winter is to grow your own microgreens and baby salad leaves. This can be done in…
Berries in a Basket
January 18, 2018 10:51 amStrawberries do very well in containers and are perfect for hanging baskets Grow the very best home-planted strawberries using a…
Strawberry Fields
January 18, 2018 10:39 amStrawberry Fields To enjoy sweet strawberries in spring and early summer you should be preparing and planting now The best…
How to Prune Plums
January 18, 2018 10:22 amHow to prune plums Pruning is the most important winter task for your plum trees. Here’s how to do it…
Plant a Plum Tree
January 18, 2018 10:12 amPlant a Plum Tree this Winter Success with plums is as easy as following these steps There is no juicier…
Hearty Kale
January 18, 2018 9:17 amA potent superfood that’s now touted by celebrity chefs, kale is one of the few veggies that regularly crop through…
Growing Parsnips
January 18, 2018 9:01 amParsnips (Pastinaca sativa) aren’t a vegetable that springs to mind, being more common in the colder countries than in South…
Growing Leeks
January 18, 2018 8:32 amEssential flavourings for cold season soups and stews, garlic, leeks, chives and onions are the kitchen garden’s storm troopers against…
Cauliflower is King!
January 17, 2018 3:37 pmWith plant-based diets now a popular choice for many people, the humble cauliflower has become an exciting addition to mealtimes.…
Start a Food Garden
January 17, 2018 2:24 pmTop ten tips to start a food garden! The best time to start a food garden is when you are…
Peanut Tips
January 17, 2018 11:35 amTips on Growing Peanuts ● Keep the peanuts in their shells until ready to plant, to keep them fresh and…
Robust Rhubarb
January 17, 2018 11:08 amIt’s known as a vegetable, produces stalks that are considered a fruit, and it has been known for centuries as…
Herbal Eye Candy
January 17, 2018 10:38 amAlthough herbs are mostly grown for practical reasons such as for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic uses, there are herbal plants…
A Perfect Match
January 17, 2018 8:31 amRoses and vegetables are an obvious pairing for so many reasons. Roses and vegetables have a history of being grown…
Grey Water
January 17, 2018 8:20 amGrey Water Growing veggies with grey water Grey water is waste water collected from the shower, bath, hand basin and…
Radish With a Difference
January 15, 2018 2:44 pmRadish With a Difference Radishes are a quick and easy spring crop, and there is a new Asian variety that…
Prized Pumpkins
January 15, 2018 2:13 pmPrized Pumpkins Pumpkins are the big daddy of vegetables, and they certainly like to ramble. Although not ideal for small…
Sweet Pineapples
January 15, 2018 1:18 pmSweet Pineapples Common name: Pineapple Botanical name: Ananas comosus Origin: Tropical Mesoamerica Suitable climates Pineapples are one of the most…
Basil Varieties
January 15, 2018 12:52 pmSweet basil is the basil that everyone knows, with large, soft green leaves and sprays of white flowers. It grows…
Sweet Peppers
January 15, 2018 12:04 pmCapsicum annuum is the best-known domesticated species of pepper in the world and contains a huge number of varieties including…
Spinach by Any Other Name
January 15, 2018 11:43 amSpinach by any other name Most of us use the terms ‘spinach’ and ‘Swiss chard’ interchangeably when referring to our…
Bright And Beautiful Beetroot
January 15, 2018 10:46 amBeetroot is a stalwart of the garden. It is an efficient crop, grown year-round for its root and foliage, that…
Potato Tower
January 15, 2018 10:18 amPotato Tower A simple way to grow potatoes in limited space. What you will need: 25mm x 25mm fencing wire…
Ocimum Basilicum
January 8, 2018 12:56 pmSweet Basil Ocimum basilicum Sweet basil has a unique taste that is closely related to its spicy sweet fragrance. Of…
Lavandula angustifolia
January 8, 2018 9:12 amEnglish lavender No cottage garden can be complete without copious amounts of Lavender sprawling about the place. The aromatic grey…
Raised Veggie Bed and Cover
November 28, 2017 9:43 amRaised Veggie Bed and Cover: This clever project keeps your veggies safe from pests and raises them for easy planting…
Summer Heat with Chillies
November 27, 2017 12:50 pmThis summer up the heat in the garden and the kitchen with a selection of chillies and peppers. Christopher Columbus…
Veggie Planter
November 27, 2017 10:56 amA Nifty Veggie Planter Having your herbs or veggies at raised level makes it a pleasure to cultivate them –…
Raise a Kitchen Garden
November 6, 2017 12:45 pmRaise a Kitchen Garden: The initial effort required to build a raised garden is handsomely rewarded once it is up…
Companion Planting for Pest Control
November 3, 2017 11:57 amCompanion planting has a long tradition in organic gardening practice. The principle behind companion planting is that certain plants either…
Sowing Guide for December
November 2, 2017 7:05 amLeaf vegetables: spinach, rocket Root vegetables: beetroot (cooler areas) Legumes: bush and runner beans Brassicas: broccoli (first sowing for cooler…
How to Sow Cucumber Seeds
June 2, 2017 10:31 amIn the spirit of World Cucumber Day on June 14, Tanya shows us how to sow cucumber seeds and grow…
Stumpery Pot recipe
February 20, 2017 12:29 pmDon’t have the space for a stumpery? Try this mini version in a pot! What you need Container of your…
Eat your begonia flowers!
November 2, 2016 6:04 pmWhile people have been eating flowers forever, they have never been trendier than they are right now. Some are used…
Veggies and Herbs for light shade
January 18, 2016 8:00 amIf your eagerness to grow your own herbs and vegetables is being stymied by the lack of an area that…
Sowing Seeds in August
January 15, 2016 7:16 amIt’s August which means it’s time to start sowing seeds. August is the best time to get out those seed…
Punica Granatum
September 4, 2015 8:37 amPomegranate tree There was a time when pomegranate trees or shrubs were quite common in gardens. Then they became old…
Preparing for a Summer Herb Garden
September 4, 2015 6:45 amHerbs are an organic gardener’s best resource, especially when it comes to preparing the garden for summer. Quite a number…
Potted Tomatoes
September 4, 2015 6:40 amOne of the joys of growing tomatoes in pots is that they do so well, and if the pots can…
Planning a winter food garden
September 2, 2015 9:22 amStart planning your winter food garden now, before summer becomes autumn, as dictated by the March solstice.
Peppers
September 2, 2015 8:29 amEarly December presents the last chance in the season to plant both the hot and the sweet capsicums, so whether…
Olives – Olea Europaea
September 1, 2015 12:10 pmAn olive, to many, is no more than a humble lump at the bottom of a martini… Olives have oiled…
Savour Your Roots
July 23, 2015 11:30 amAlthough it may not yet feel like it, autumn is on its way and root vegetables, including carrots, beetroot, onions,…
Garden Gifts from the Vegetable Garden
July 14, 2015 8:42 amMany food gardeners have mixed feelings about the December holiday season. It is peak harvesting season for summer vegetables, weeds…
Cuminum Cyminum
April 20, 2015 8:51 amCumin Cuminum cyminum by Margaret Roberts Cumin is a true exotic, a flavour-filled treasure! It has played a vital role…
A How To For Avocado Lovers
August 22, 2014 9:21 amLovers of avocado will find an investment in a tree or two well worth their while. Common name: Avocado Botanical…