Welcome to VanZylStead
….where urban homesteading meets the embrace of natural living. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, our homestead is a sanctuary of simplicity and sustainability.
We are firm believers in the power of returning to our roots, cultivating our own nourishment, and cherishing the bounties of nature. Guided by our faith and a deep reverence for the Earth, we strive to live harmoniously with our surroundings, embracing a lifestyle that is both gentle on the planet and enriching for our souls.
Join us on our journey as we share our passion for holistic health, organic gardening, and the pursuit of a simpler, more intentional way of life.
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Your guide to slow living
Companion Planting for Brassicas: How Trap Crops Can Help Save Your Winter Garden
If you’ve ever walked out into your winter garden feeling proud of your beautiful broccoli, cabbage, or kale… only to discover holes everywhere and little green caterpillars having the feast of their lives — welcome to brassica season. Brassicas are some of the most...
What’s Eating My Cabbage?!
The Most Common Cabbage Pests & How to Stop Them You walk into the garden feeling proud of your cabbages… And then suddenly, holes everywhere, slimy trails, curled leaves, tiny green caterpillars hiding deep inside the heads, and aphids having a full family...
5 Incredible Winter Garden Teas (+ Powerful Herb Combinations to Try)
Winter in the garden somehow turns all of us into tea people 😅 One minute you’re outside in two jerseys trying to pull weeds between the rain… and the next minute you’re standing in the kitchen clutching a giant mug of something warm while staring dramatically out the window at your cabbages.
And honestly? Some of the best winter teas can come straight from the garden. A few sprigs of mint, thyme, rosemary, or lemon verbena can completely change a cold winter morning. Not only do these herbs smell incredible, but many have traditionally been used to help soothe sore throats, warm the body, calm upset stomachs, and simply make winter feel a little more cozy.
The best part? Most of them are incredibly easy to grow here in South Africa — even in containers. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to turn your garden into a little winter tea station… this is it
Here are my top 5 herbs to drink through winter, what they are traditionally used for, and some delicious herb combinations that work beautifully together.
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