Companion planting is the art of combining different plant species in a group so all the plants in the group benefit from each other. A group of mutually beneficial companion plants are known as a guild. Companion planting brings a range of benefits to a food garden. It can improve soil fertility, attract beneficial creatures to the garden, help repel pests and diseases, … [Read more...]
Insects – an organic food gardener’s best friend
The idea that insects are a good thing for a food garden might seem contradictory. After all, most food gardeners have battled against caterpillars chomping leaves into lace, aphids sucking the life out of plants, or cutworms decapitating newly planted seedlings. But there is a whole host of beneficial insects out there and encouraging these into your garden is vital if you … [Read more...]
Food Gardening part 3: Planning a food garden
The key to having a successful food garden lies in being realistic about what you hope to achieve, given the resources you have available. These are some things to think about that will help ensure success. All food gardens require regular attention in the form of weeding, watering and other small tasks that ensure the crops grow well. The amount of attention a food … [Read more...]
Tree Talk Part 1: A tree in an instant
That planting trees is a good idea is not disputed by many. But which trees and when? We are happy to start a tree series by arborist Caroline de Villiers from Themba Trees to help us all along: Trees are not known for their speed and they sometimes seem out of place in this modern, bustling world of instant gratification. They like to take their time, gradually easing … [Read more...]
Why your life depends on healthy soil
In the first of a series of articles on growing your own food, Valerie Payn starts at the root of the matter – how human health depends on fertile soil. “Healthy societies depend on healthy soil, healthy soil depends on healthy biology, and healthy biology depends on what goes into the soil,” said Sir Albert Howard, one of the 18C founders of the organic movement who became … [Read more...]
Keeping your greywater clean and useful
My wife and I were chatting recently about using more greywater in the garden. She told me about a conversation she overheard, where a woman was asking what ‘greywater’ actually was and it got me thinking. Firstly, how often does my wife eaves drop on other people’s conversations… and secondly; perhaps a vast majority of people are not only unaware of the benefits of using … [Read more...]
Rekindling our sacred connection with the soil
We are at the cusp of empires falling and worlds colliding. While this may be a bold statement. In the seeming chaos of collapsing economies, unprecedented and endless wars, unpredictable weather patterns and huge animal die-offs, our most appropriate response appears to be some sort of foundational re-structuring. We find ourselves at the foundations of a new reality, a New … [Read more...]
Four easy ways to preserve herbs
Farmers’ markets and gardens are bursting with tasty fresh herbs this time of the year, so it is a perfect time not only to enjoy them fresh but also to try preserving them for use later—especially the frost-tender ones, such as basil and pineapple sage, which will be gone with the first nip of frost. Preserve summer herbs in vinegar Preserving fresh organic herbs is a great … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia Theatre in Gardens. The film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grass roots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers … [Read more...]
Biodynamic Preparations: Principles and Practices
With French biodynamic adviser and prepmaker Vincent Masson and local biodynamic prepmaker Wendy Lilje A unique, 1st time ever opportunity to dedicate 3 full days to deepening our understanding and practices of the Biodynamic Preparations. The Biodynamic Preparations are at the heart of Biodynamic Agriculture as they articulate both the principled approach and the … [Read more...]
Setting new standards for greywater recycling
As South Africa becomes more environmentally aware, there has been an increase in “green” technologies and greywater recycling is no exception. However in the past, grey water has been often associated with foul odours and the inconvenience of having to move a sprinkler around the garden every time you want to water a different area. The affordable, award winning, easy to … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 4: Purslane
Puslane is delicious and nutritious. A great option for those who are just starting to forage and haven’t yet developed the taste for it yet. It is also super easy to grow and is a great little ground cover that helps to stop the soil from drying out too much in summer. Soft, succulent purslane leaves have more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green and even more … [Read more...]
Being the change we want to see
A small group of environmental activists and food growers have started the Mpophomeni Conservation Group (MCG) under the auspices of Midlands Conservancies Forum. They host walks and talks, screen environmental movies and facilitate the Mpop Kidz Club which meets after school a couple of times a week, with support from N3 Toll Concession. MCG plan to inspire others in their … [Read more...]
