When we get excited about summer gardening, we usually think about sowing tomatoes, harvesting cucumbers, feeding our strawberries and filling every empty space with vegetables. But have you ever stopped to think about the tiny creatures that help make all of that...
If you've spent any time in a gardening Facebook group, you've probably seen it. "Save your eggshells!" "Crush them around your tomatoes!" "They stop slugs!" "They're packed with calcium!" Poor little eggshells have become one of the biggest celebrities in the...
Do Strawberries Really Poison Their Own Soil? "I've always wanted to grow strawberries, but everyone tells me they poison their own soil." This is a question I had recently. It's one of those gardening sayings that has been passed down for generations, much like...
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There is something incredibly satisfying about pruning fruit trees in winter. I know it can feel a little intimidating. Standing there with a pair of secateurs, wondering if you're about to cut off next season's fruit! But the truth is, a well-pruned fruit tree is...
If there's one thing that has completely changed the way we garden at VanZylStead, it's composting. People often ask me what fertiliser I use, expecting there to be one magic product that makes all the difference. But the truth is that the healthiest gardens don't...
If you've been following VanZylStead for a while, you'll know one thing about us… We don't believe July is a quiet month in the garden. In fact, I honestly think it's one of the most important months of the year. While many people are waiting for spring before they...
