Once the basics are out of the way (how much sun, water, fertiliser, etc) other frequently asked questions reveal all the interesting ins and outs of veggie gardening.
Can I use grey water on my veggies? What do I do about brown blotches on the veggie leaves? How do I get rid of snails? Can I make my own potting mix? And more. Just answering all the questions could fill several books.
Back to basics (we all need a reminder!)
What do veggies need?
Full sun in winter and shelter from the wind. At least six hours of sun in summer, preferably morning sun and afternoon shade.
The area should be as level as possible. It's easier to work and you won't have problems with water runoff. A slight slope is not a problem but rather terrace a steep slope. Be close to a tap for easy watering.
Veggies like fertile soil that drains well. Lighten heavy clay soil by adding compost and other organic material and carbon-based soil conditioners. Very sandy soil also needs compost and other organics to help it retain water.
When is the best time to plant veggies?
The two main planting seasons are spring (September, October, November) and autumn (March, April, May). Seed packets will give the best time to sow and days until harvest to help with your planning. The weather plays a role, but working around the harvest date will be your best guide. The last sowing in autumn should be three to four weeks before the first frost, usually the end of May. The safest time to sow in spring is after the last frost, around 15 September.
How do I work out how much to plant?
This story is from the June 2023 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2023 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FIRE AND Feathers!
On a dreary winter's day, a screen of fiery and feathery leaves puts up a fight against dullness!
GET THE ladies in!
At this time of year, early-flowering shrubs vie with each other to get the most attention. We say: Trust those with female names for frills and butterflies. They go the extra mile to flower their hearts out.
Vegetable Soups and dumplings
Vegetables make the most delicious soups and classic combinations are always a winner.
Yummy sweet potatoes for your good health
Boiled, baked or braaied, sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a delicious and healthy winter comfort food. Just a dollop of butter, a little seasoning and you are good to go.
Pretty and functional
If cooking is your main thing, you would probably be more interested in the culinary value of the three herbs and some of their varieties we are describing.
Dried Seedheads & Pods
Autumn and winter are the best times to see what flowers produce the best seedheads that can be left on the plants to feed the birds and bugs and for harvesting for dried arrangements.
SO MANY FACES and so many choices...
Whoever associated a Cotyledon orbiculata (pig's ear) with the ear of a pig obviously did not know about all the varieties and cultivars this species in the genus Cotyledon has.
COLOURFUL Cold Weather WINNERS!
If it comes to a vote, these dependable shrubs will be the top candidates for prime performance in winter and in other seasons...
What makes a garden sustainable?
It is interesting to note that the United Nations defines sustainable development as: “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Nurturing NATURE-The Story of Kraal Garden's Transformation
Nestled within Prince Albert's rustic embrace lies a gem that is a testament to the transformative power of human vision and nature's bounty.
