This week I’m planting potatoes, and if you’ve followed VanZylStead for a while, you’ll know that my favourite way to grow potatoes is in hay. I’ve grown potatoes in the ground, in containers and in raised beds, but I keep coming back to hay. It’s simple, harvesting...
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...
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You walk into your orchard and spot the perfect orange hanging on the tree. Or maybe it's a peach that's finally ready to pick. It looks beautiful. Then you cut it open and discover a worm has beaten you to it. Like most gardeners, your first thought is probably,...
Soil pH: The Gardening Topic Everyone Talks About... But Do You Really Need to Worry? With spring just around the corner, thousands of South Africans are preparing their vegetable gardens. Compost is being spread, seedlings are being bought, seed packets are coming...
Hybrid, Heirloom or GMO? The Truth Hidden Inside Your Seed Packet Walk into any garden centre and you'll be greeted by a colourful wall of seed packets. Tomatoes, carrots, beans, lettuce… they all promise bumper harvests and beautiful vegetables. But hidden in the...
Have you ever looked at the soggy coffee grounds in your filter and wondered... "Surely these must be good for something?" For years, gardeners have been tipping them around roses, tomatoes, blueberries and just about anything else that grows. Some swear their plants...
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...
It might feel like spring is still a long way off, especially when the mornings are cold and the garden seems quiet. But if there is one thing years of growing food have taught me, it is this: The best spring gardens are planned in winter. Many gardeners wait until...
News From The Coop Welcome back to another Friday edition of News From The Coop, where the chickens continue reminding us that no matter how much planning you do, they are always in charge. The biggest news from the orchard this week is that our two new girls, Cher...
With the rising cost of groceries, many South Africans are looking for ways to stretch their food budget without sacrificing quality. The good news is that you don't need a large farm or even a big backyard to start growing your own food. A few well-chosen vegetables...
We spend so much time worrying about what goes into our food, but how often do we stop and think about what is sitting on the outside of it? Whether you grow your own food, buy from a local market, or fill your trolley at the supermarket, washing vegetables is one of...
News From The Coop Welcome back to another Friday edition of News From The Coop, where the chickens continue proving that life would be significantly quieter and more organised without them. This week was a big one in the orchard because we officially welcomed two new...
June is not the month to close the garden gate and wait for spring. In fact, June is one of the best months to get your winter veggie garden going properly, especially if you love peas, beetroot, carrots, brassicas, kale and lettuce. The garden may feel slower now....
One of the biggest mistakes I see every winter is gardeners leaving their beds completely bare because they think nothing is growing. The tomatoes are finished, the beans are gone, and suddenly the veggie garden looks like it has gone into hibernation. The problem is...
One of the most common messages we get during autumn and winter is: “Tash… what is this black sticky stuff all over my citrus leaves?” And honestly, once you notice it, you suddenly start seeing it EVERYWHERE on citrus trees. That black layer underneath the leaves —...
There is something incredibly satisfying about finding simple, old-fashioned gardening methods that still work beautifully today — and ollas are exactly that. An olla (pronounced oy-ya) is one of the oldest watering methods in the world, dating back thousands of years. And honestly? Sometimes the oldest methods are still the smartest.
An olla is simply an unglazed terracotta pot buried in the soil and filled with water. The magic happens because the terracotta slowly releases moisture directly into the surrounding soil exactly where plant roots need it most. Instead of watering from above and losing huge amounts of water through evaporation, wind or runoff, the water slowly seeps deep into the soil over time. Plants then naturally pull the moisture they need as the soil dries out.
And honestly… they just work. Sometimes gardening gadgets can feel complicated or expensive, but ollas are beautifully simple. You can make one yourself in less than an hour.
Welcome to a brand new Friday insert here at VanZylStead — News From The Coop. Because apparently somewhere along our suburban homesteading journey, we became “chicken people.” And honestly? These girls are simultaneously the best decision and the most annoying...
We all know the feeling! One minute your garden feels bright and productive in summer… and then winter arrives and suddenly half the garden feels cold, damp and permanently shady. The sun sits lower in the sky, walls cast longer shadows, trees block precious light and...
Recently someone asked me this question: “I've heard that there are specific dates that seeds need to be planted and it all feels quite complicated and overwhelming sometimes. Is it such an exact science? Probably also depends on where you live. Does winter/summer...
If you grow brassicas, you probably know the heartbreak. One day your cabbages, kale, broccoli, cauliflower or pak choi look perfect. The next day they look like someone attacked them with a tiny hole punch. And usually, the culprit is hiding right there under the...
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...
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...
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.
Turn every scrap into garden gold—fast, clean, and perfect for winter If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen wondering where all that food waste goes… Bokashi might just change the way you see everything. At VanZylStead, Bokashi is a core part of our closed-loop system....
Small space, big harvests… even in winter
May in the garden is a shift. The air cools, the soil stays wetter for longer, and growth slows down—but if you get your containers right now, winter can be one of the most rewarding seasons to grow. Whether you’re gardening in the rainy Western Cape, the frosty Highveld, or even colder climates elsewhere, containers give you something incredibly valuable this time of year: control. You can move them out of the rain, into the sun, and protect them from cold snaps, creating a small but powerful growing environment right at home.
There’s something about winter gardening that feels slower, calmer… and then rust arrives and reminds you that the garden never really rests. One week your garlic is standing tall, your onions are pushing on, and everything feels steady. The next, you notice those...
April is that sneaky month in the garden. The heat starts fading, the mornings get cooler, the soil stays damp for longer… and suddenly the problems shift. You’re not only dealing with summer pests anymore — now it’s slugs, snails, fungal issues, and those pests that...
Winter in the garden can be incredibly rewarding… but let’s be honest — it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Between hungry birds, heavy rain, icy mornings, and that relentless Cape wind, your veggies need a little extra protection this time of year.
At VanZylStead, we’ve tested quite a few methods over the seasons — some worked, some didn’t. And one thing we’ve learned?
What works in one garden might not work in another.
For example… those shiny CDs hanging in the garden?
They look like they should work… but in our garden, the birds honestly couldn’t care less 😅 They sit right next to them and carry on eating. That said — in your space, it might just do the trick. Gardening is always a bit of trial and error.
There’s something about winter that makes us slow down a little… warmer meals, slower mornings, more time in the kitchen. And this is exactly why April is such a powerful month in your garden. Because while everyone thinks the garden is winding down… this is actually...
Pine needles… you either love them or you’ve been told to avoid them at all costs. If you’ve spent any time in gardening groups, you’ve probably heard this; “Don’t use pine needles — they make your soil too acidic!” But here’s the truth… it’s not that simple. And like...
April in the Garden: Where Your Winter Begins There’s something special about April in the garden. The air softens. The harsh edge of summer fades. Mornings feel gentler, and the soil — still holding onto the warmth of the past few months — becomes the perfect place...
The Secret Beneath the Surface: Getting Your Soil Right for Root Vegetables
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt over the years in our garden, it’s this: you don’t grow root vegetables above ground — you grow them below it.
Carrots, beetroot, radishes, turnips… all of them rely on what’s happening under the surface. And if your soil isn’t right, no amount of watering, feeding, or hoping will fix it.
So let’s get this right from the start — because once your soil is sorted, root veggies become some of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow.
There’s something comforting about watering your garden every day. A quick spray, a light sprinkle… it feels like you’re caring for your plants. But beneath the surface, something very different is happening. Because when it comes to watering, the habit of giving your...
Winter rain can feel like a gift — especially in areas that rely on it — but rain on its own doesn’t build a thriving garden. The real difference lies in what happens after the rain falls.
Too often, water runs off, drains away too quickly, or disappears before your soil has had a chance to truly benefit from it. Healthy soil should act like a sponge — holding onto moisture and releasing it slowly over time. And winter is the perfect season to start building that kind of system into your garden.
How to Harvest for Weeks — By Simply Choosing the Right Varieties There’s something most of us were taught about succession planting: “Sow every 2–3 weeks.” And yes… that works beautifully. But in a real garden — with kids, life, work, and everything in between —...
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If you’d like to learn how we grow, harvest, dry, and prepare our wilde als step-by-step — including exactly how we use it in our own home through the seasons — read the full guide below and discover how to turn this powerful plant into a safe, practical part of your natural toolkit.
African wormwood might just be the most underrated plant in your garden. 🌿 While many use it for medicine, few realise how powerful it is as natural pest control. Instead of harsh chemicals, this indigenous plant quietly protects your veggies by repelling insects and restoring balance. Curious how it works — and how to turn it into an effective homemade spray? Let me show you why wilde als deserves a permanent spot in your garden.
Why Does Wilde Als Get Black Aphids – And Why It’s Often a Good Sign If you’ve ever noticed your wilde als suddenly covered in black aphids, it can feel alarming. One week it looks strong and healthy, and the next it seems “infested.” But before reaching for a spray...
It is simple to build, costs almost nothing, and once it is in place, it quietly starts working for you beneath the soil surface.
A worm tower turns your garden bed into a self-feeding system. Instead of adding compost on top and hoping nutrients reach the roots, the worms do the work for you. They move in and out of the tower, carrying nutrients directly into the soil where your plants need them most. At the same time, they improve soil structure, help the soil hold moisture longer, and create a healthier growing environment overall.
This is not just composting kitchen scraps. It is about building living, fertile soil from within — creating a stronger, more resilient garden that improves with time.
Continue reading below for the simple step-by-step guide to build your own worm tower and start feeding your soil naturally.
How I Care for Our Citrus at VanZylStead Now — So Winter Rewards Us If you’ve been following VanZylStead for a while, you’ll know our citrus trees are not just trees. They’re part of our rhythm. The lemons for winter honey tea. The naartjies the kids peel on the...
February is one of those months in the garden where you feel like you’re doing everything at once.You’re still harvesting summer crops, trying to keep things alive through the heat, fighting pests like it’s a full-time job… and at the same time you’re already...
My Mid-January Garden Feeding Routine (To Carry Us to the End of the Season + Prep for Winter) Mid-January is usually when I do a slow walk through the garden and I can feel what’s happening. Everything is still producing, still growing, still trying… but the soil...
Mid-January Tomato Rescue: How I Keep My Tomatoes Strong Until the End of the Season If you’re reading this in mid-January, you’re probably standing in your garden doing that tomato look… You know the one.The plants are still producing, but suddenly they look a...
Beds vs Containers — and what we’ve learned at VanZylStead Every December, I get dozens of panicked messages that all sound the same:“Tash… we’re going away for a week. Will my garden die?” And honestly — I get it.We pour our hearts (and our compost!) into these...
December always feels like the garden is holding its breath — the heat kicks in, the wind arrives with drama (as always), and suddenly the whole veggie patch is either thriving… or sulking. Every year around this time, I get so many messages asking, “Tash, what on...
Why I Always Go Back to My Faithful Contender Bush Beans There’s something wonderfully simple about growing beans. They’re quick to germinate, rewarding to harvest, and they somehow make the veggie garden feel instantly productive. But not all beans are created equal...
If you’re like me, you hate wasting good kitchen scraps and you’re always wondering, “Can I use this in the garden?” Lately, banana water — or banana peel tea — has been popping up all over social media. Some call it the ultimate natural fertilizer. Others (especially...
When Are Your Carrots Ready to Harvest? The art of patience beneath the soil. I’ll be honest — carrots test your patience more than almost any other veggie in the garden.They sit quietly underground, giving you no obvious sign of progress while everything else around...
Baking Soda in the Veggie Garden — Miracle or Myth? There’s something about “old-school” garden remedies that I absolutely love.The kind of tips passed down by oumas, neighbours, and that one uncle who swears he’s found the secret to the best tomatoes on the block....
People are always asking me, “Tash, is it cheaper to grow your own food?”And my honest answer?No — not always. When we started growing our own food, it wasn’t because it was cheaper. It was because of a diagnosis that changed everything about how we saw food, health,...
Why Your Cucumber Tastes Bitter (and How to Fix It) There’s nothing quite like biting into that first cucumber of the season — crisp, cool, fresh from the vine. But every gardener knows that awful moment when the excitement turns into a grimace. Bitter. Sharp. Almost...
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from picking a ripe, sun-warmed tomato straight from your own patio pot. Whether you’re growing cherry tomatoes for lunchbox snacks or big juicy ones for homemade sauces, keeping your tomato plants happy in containers can be a...
Summer in South Africa is full of sunshine, buzzing bees, and that daily urge to grab the hose and give the garden a good soak. But not every veggie enjoys a “rain shower” from above. In fact, some of our favourite summer crops absolutely hate getting their leaves wet...
There’s something magical about waking up to the sound of birds in the garden. Their songs drift through the trees, soft and familiar, filling the morning with life. At VanZylStead, our garden isn’t just for growing food — it’s a shared space, and the birds are part...
I first heard about kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) in conversations with herbal-curious friends and through South African folklore.It felt like finding a quiet secret hidden in the dry hills, warmed by the sun and carried on the desert breeze. The word kanna, in the...
Every gardener eventually hits that point where they think, “There must be an easier way to keep everything watered!”For me, that moment came one scorching Cape Town summer when I’d water the garden in the morning, and by lunchtime, it looked like I hadn’t touched it....
There’s a moment every summer when the sun stops being “warm and lovely” and turns into a full-blown garden bully. Whether you’re gardening under Cape Town’s dry summer skies, Durban’s humid heat, or the scorching inland Lowveld, your veggie patch will face the same...
Every season seems to come with its own set of challenges in the veggie patch, and right now mine is leaf miner—showing up loud and proud on my cucumbers. At first glance, I noticed those strange pale, squiggly lines winding through the leaves, almost like someone had...
For years, our blueberries sulked. We’d plant, pamper, and hope… and still get yellow leaves, weak growth, and a handful of berries at best. This season we pulled the beds apart and started again from scratch—and something clicked. The big lightbulb moment? Our...
Every season our garden teaches us new lessons about teamwork — not ours, but the plants’. Some crops simply do better when they grow together. At the beginning of the season, I pay special attention to companion planting to create natural shade and protection,...
If you’ve been following our garden journey for a while, you’ll know I’m not quick to reach for chemicals when it comes to pest control. Over the years, our garden has become a little ecosystem of its own – with pests, yes, but also with pollinators, ladybugs,...
The Easiest Veggies to Start Growing for Beginners When we started our veggie garden more than ten years ago, I had no idea how much joy and healing it would bring to our family. Back then, I thought I needed a big piece of land, complicated tools, and endless time to...
How Big Does a Veggie Garden Need to Be for a Family of Four? One of the most common questions I hear is: “How big does my garden need to be to feed my family?” It’s a fair question — after all, not everyone has a large backyard, and the thought of growing enough food...
What Really Happens When You Plant the Same Veggies Together in One Bed One of the most common questions I get from our VanZylStead community is: “If I plant two different varieties of the same veggie in one bed, will they cross-pollinate? Will my harvest turn out...
Growing Trees in Containers (and the Magic of Espalier) When most people think about fruit trees, they imagine sprawling orchards with deep roots spreading into the soil. But here’s the secret: you don’t need an orchard to enjoy fresh fruit at home. With the right...
Growing Food in Small Spaces: My Love for Container Gardening When I first started gardening, I thought I needed a big patch of land, raised beds, and endless rows of veggies to really make it work. But here’s the truth I discovered along the way: you don’t need much...
Why Cleaning Your Water Tank is More Important Than You Think I’ll be honest — for years I assumed my rainwater tanks were “self-cleaning.” After all, it’s just rainwater, right? Fresh, clean, straight from the sky. That’s what I thought too… until I discovered the...
Turning Dog Poo Into Garden Gold With Worm Farms If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably stood in the garden with a bag of dog poo in your hand and wondered: What on earth am I supposed to do with this? For years, I dreaded scooping up after Ben and Max, our two...
One of the most common questions I get is: “How do you know when seedlings are ready to move into the garden?” It’s tempting to rush them out as soon as that first little green sprout pops through the soil, but timing really matters. Move them too early, and they may...
Why Planting Marigolds This Summer Is a Brilliant Idea Every summer I find myself reaching for marigold seeds. Not just because they’re bright and cheerful, but because they’ve become one of my little garden secrets. When we first started growing food, I thought...
Looking Back to Grow Forward: Why Last Season’s Garden Matters One of my favourite moments in gardening is sitting down with a cup of tea, my notebook, and a fresh page to plan the next season’s veggie garden. But before I draw a single bed or choose a single seed, I...
Why I Leave Roots in the Soil – And Why You Might Want To As Well I still remember the first time I harvested a row of beetroot and, in my excitement, yanked the whole plant—roots, leaves, and all—straight out of the soil. It looked neat and tidy, but what I didn’t...
Seed Stories – Why Knowing What You Plant Matters When we first started gardening, I’ll be honest — I bought seeds without even looking at the packet. If it said “tomato” or “carrot,” into my basket it went. I had no idea there were different types of seeds, each with...
How We Start Sowing Seeds – Our August Guide I don’t think there’s anything in gardening that gives me the same quiet joy as sowing seeds. It’s such a small act, but it carries so much hope. You tuck these tiny specks into the soil, water them in, and then… wait for...
How You Can Grow More Veggies in Just a Few Squares When we first started growing food at VanZylStead, I always thought a big garden meant long rows and a lot of space. But over time, I’ve seen just how clever square gardening can be — especially if you’re short on...
If you've ever planted up a container with high hopes—only to be met with sad lettuce, yellowing leaves, or a tomato plant that just gives up—you are not alone. Trust me, I've been there. In fact, some of my early container gardens were more like sad experiments than...
Winter has a way of sneaking into the bones, doesn’t it? There’s something about grey skies, wet socks, and the sun setting just after tea that makes me crave warmth in every corner of our home. And over the years, I’ve found that filling our winter spaces with living...
There was a time when we did what most people do—filled our shopping trolley with whatever was cheapest, quickest, and had the longest shelf life. We didn’t question the system. It was easy, convenient, and “good enough”… until it wasn’t. Our turning point came...
5 Best Tips to Prepare Your Winter Garden for a Thriving Spring I’ll be honest — winter is not my season. I’d much rather be out in the sun, hands in the soil, with everything in full bloom. But over the years, I’ve learned that winter is the secret season — the quiet...
Here are the answers to our Instagram “Ask Me Anything” Friday! You sent in your questions, and we’ve put together all the answers right here — from garden struggles to tips and personal favourites. Let’s get into it! Q: Help!!! Slugs are eating my garden A: Set beer...
Why Winter Sun Matters for Summer Planning The sun in winter is a completely different creature to the bold, high summer sun. It rises lower in the sky, casts longer shadows, and shifts further north (if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, like us here in South...
Why You Should Keep Growing in Winter Even the quiet seasons feed the soul — and your soil. There’s something about the slower pace, the muted tones, the misty mornings, and the dew-soaked mulch that feels like a reset — not just for the garden, but for the gardener...
Why Container Gardening Is a Whole New Game I remember when I planted my first veggies in containers. I thought, "Easy! Same seeds, same sun, just in a pot instead of the ground." Spoiler alert: it did not go as planned. The soil dried out faster, the plants were more...
Tried, Tested & Thriving: My Go-To Container Veggies There’s something magical about container gardening. It’s neat, contained (obviously), and incredibly rewarding — especially when space is limited, or when I just want to keep a few favourites close to the...
Why Growing According to the Season Matters (and What Happens If You Don’t) If there’s one lesson my garden has taught me over and over again, it’s this: timing is everything. When we first started planting food in our backyard at VanZylStead, I was full of...
What Vegetables to Grow in June – Region by Region in South Africa As the mornings get crisper and the sun takes a little longer to rise, you might think the veggie garden is ready to rest. But June is far from a dormant month—especially if you know what to plant and...
Not All Earthworms Are Created Equal What I’ve learned about composting worms vs garden worms — and why it matters As someone who loves growing food, talking about compost, and getting my hands into healthy soil, I’ve always believed in the magic of earthworms. I...
Worms and Raised Beds: Should You Add Them Manually or Let Nature Decide? When we built our first raised bed, I was so excited to get things going that I considered ordering a batch of composting worms online. It seemed like the ultimate shortcut to soil health,...
Why I Wash Every Veggie That Comes into My Kitchen I love growing my own food. There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a carrot from the soil or plucking a tomato off the vine, knowing exactly what went into it. But let’s be real — I don’t grow everything....
Why I Grow My Own: A Look at the Recent Tomato Recall in the U.S. Every now and then, something in the news reminds me exactly why I plant, water, weed, and harvest my own food — even if it’s just a few beds in the backyard. This week, it was the tomato recall in the...
Vermicompost: The Secret Ingredient My Garden Can’t Live Without If you’ve been following VanZylStead for a while, you’ve probably heard me wax lyrical about worm farms. But today, I want to go a bit deeper — right into the heart of what makes these wiggly little...
Why Every Gardener Needs a Worm Farm: A Simple Solution for a Healthier Garden If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working in the garden, it’s that nature has all the answers—especially when it comes to waste management and soil health. One of the best ways to work...
“When to Feed What”: Knowing When Your Garden Needs N, P, or K Now that we know those three little numbers on your fertiliser bag stand for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) — the next question is:"But when do I actually need each one?" Just like us,...
“Know Your Numbers”: What Do the Three Numbers on a Fertilizer Bag Mean? Ever walked down the garden aisle, spotted a bag of fertilizer, and noticed those bold three numbers on the front? 10-10-10, 3-1-5, 5-1-4… It can feel like a secret code that only seasoned...
I’ll never forget my first real winter with a veggie garden. I assumed the cold meant less work, so I cut back my watering a lot. A few weeks later, my poor lettuce was limp, my garlic wasn’t sprouting, and the spinach had gone yellow. Whoops. Turns out that winter...
As the chill creeps in and we wrap ourselves in scarves and beanies, it’s easy to assume our veggie gardens are safe from pests during winter. I used to think the same — until I walked out one frosty morning and found my cabbages full of holes and my spinach looking...
There’s something truly magical about watching birds flit through your garden. Their bright colors, cheerful songs, and lively movements bring a sense of life to any outdoor space. Beyond their beauty, birds play a crucial role in keeping your garden healthy and...
Autumn might not seem like the obvious time to start a vegetable garden, but it’s actually one of the best seasons to prepare for a successful spring planting. By taking the right steps now, you’ll improve your soil, reduce weeds and pests, and ensure your garden is...
Companion Planting for Autumn: Boost Growth Naturally As the warm days of summer fade and autumn sets in, it's the perfect time to refresh your veggie garden with cool-season crops. One of the best ways to ensure a healthy, productive garden is by using companion...
In our garden, there is a spot under the guava tree where water tends to pool during the winter and rainy season. I needed to find a quick solution to prevent my guava tree from dying. Last year, we removed some trees, so I decided to dig swales in the garden around...
Growing veggies in the shade Two years ago, we removed most of the large trees in our garden to allow more sunlight in. Now, as we transition into winter and living in an urban area, the boundary walls and our neighbours' trees are starting to cast shade on areas that...
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, is a powerful adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family and is primarily cultivated in India,...
Indoor plants are known to purify the air, but how do they accomplish this? I’m the proud mamma of 30 indoor plants, and they do so much more than just brighten up my space. They truly feel like a part of my family! Not only do they bring life and color into my home,...
Have you noticed how much leftover food you put in your bin after dinner every evening? School lunchbox leftovers? Raw bones? Stale bread? That food ends up in the landfill. You might ask me, "But Tash, what's the problem? If it goes to the landfill, won't it...
My Umbrella Fig recently started losing all its leaves, and I was worried I was going to lose this beautiful indoor plant. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the soil deeper in the container was soggy. I stopped watering immediately, and fortunately, my plant...
Cats can be wonderful companions, but when they start digging up your vegetable beds, using them as litter boxes, or trampling delicate plants, they become a gardener’s challenge. Fortunately, there are humane and effective ways to keep cats away from your veggie...
What is Neem Oil? Neem oil is a natural pesticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), which is native to India but grows in many parts of South Africa. We have all heard of it, and seen it in the local nurseries. When used correctly, it is...
We grew up with Castor oil. If it was not mom that drank it to get your little baby brother or sister to come quicker, it was mom that gave it to you if you were constipated. Little did my mom know what a wonder oil Castor oil is. Let's get scientific for a moment....
Let me introduce you to Taro! Taro or elephant ears are grown for their huge and velvety heart-shaped leaves in shades of lime green, purple, or black. Also known as cocoyam, dasheen, godere, and eddo, it has been cultivated as a food crop in many parts of the world...
In 1986, *The Little Shop of Horrors* was released, introducing audiences to carnivorous plants. While it focused more on horror than science, it sparked an interest in plants like the Venus flytrap, which soon became popular in many kitchens. Carnivorous plants...
Scientifically known as *Tillandsia*, air plants comprise a fascinating group of over 700 species from South America, the southern US and the Carribbean. They have captured the hearts of many plant enthusiasts, including my own. Air plants seem almost otherworldly in...
The one room that is often overlooked for indoor plants is your kitchen. Adding houseplants to the kitchen can freshen up the space and provide practical benefits. The right plants can help purify the air and add a splash of colour. However, not all plants thrive in...
Planning an end-of-year getaway is exciting, but if you're like me and a parent to indoor plants, the anticipation is mixed with worry about leaving my plant babies home alone. I proudly care for 45 plants, and the thought of coming home to find some of them dead is...
Nothing worse than Toothache This week, Warren had a toothache and wanted to reach for painkillers immediately. However, as the good naturalist that I am, I suggested trying a clove oil and jojoba compress first. We soaked some cotton wool in a mixture of clove...
Tomatoes are one of the most satisfying crops for me to grow in the garden. This season, we have 36 plants in the garden, which will be used to make tomato paste, pizza sauce, pasta sauce, and so much more. Tomatoes are not immune to pests and disease and with...
The wonder of Earthworms! You have seen them when you dig in the soil, and my dad used those little wriggles as bait on fishing weekends. When you see an earthworm, you know you are on the right track with your soil. Why are earthworms so good and why do we need...
For the love of Tomatillo!! I fell in love with these fruits a few years ago when I was gifted a seedling. I germinated them from seed this season, and I am so excited to start harvesting these little fruits. Although their name means "little tomato" in Spanish, a...
My journey with plants started many years ago in a bachelor's flat fresh out of my parent's house and a little cacti that I called Henry. Henry was rehomed, and today, I am the proud mamma of 42 indoor plants, and my collection is growing monthly. According to...
A trap crop is a plant that attracts pests away from a specific crop, protecting it from damage. Like most animals, insects have a preference for certain types of foods. Given a choice, insects will likely select their preferred food. If no option is given, they will...
We have all bought a bag of potatoes, and before you can use them, they start sprouting. We are often asked, "Can I grow potatoes from grocery store-bought potatoes?" The simple answer is yes, but there are a few things to consider: the disease that the potatoes might...
When you see those mucus lines in the garden, you know your plants were under attack last night. Fun Fact: Well, not so fun is that snails and slugs eat with a jaw and a flexible band of thousands of microscopic teeth called a radula. The radula scrapes up, or rasps,...
Over the years, we have learned that herbs are an essential part of our vegetable garden, not only because when in flower, they are beautiful and attract beneficial insects, but they also play an essential part in the culinary world, making for delicious teas, and,...
Rooibos tea - packed with health benefits and classified as a superfood, AND it is brilliant for your garden. Much has been said about the multiple health benefits of Rooibos or ‘red bush’ tea, derived from the unique herbal shrub native to the Western Cape region of...
Vegetables that will grow in light shade Staying in the city, we have to deal with boundary walls, neighbours houses, large trees and other structures that cast shade into our garden. The general rule is that vegetables need 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. A garden...
We see it in the local nurseries. Piles of bags of topsoil, compost, and potting soil. All three play a very important part in the garden, but because of their different compositions, we use them for different purposes in the garden. Topsoil True topsoil is the...
You should always clean your cutting board after each use, especially if you are using your board to cut raw meat, fish, or poultry. "If you've been working with raw meat, it's especially important to clean it right away as this poses a high risk of cross-contamination of harmful bacteria like salmonella or E.
Your kitchen is one of the most hard working rooms in your house and one of the rooms that is cleaned the most. Conventional cleaning products contain tons of chemicals like synthetic fragrances and synthetic preservatives that have been shown to harmfully affect our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Coffee from the mesquite seedpods? Meet Brandt Coetzee, who took the invasive, Mesquite tree, and brewed a cuppa caffeine-free coffee substitute from the roasted beans. Seedpod to coffee has not been an easy journey. It all started back in 1996. Back then...
Diffusers and why use it? Our journey with essentials oils started a long time ago, but in 2022, we decided it was time for the family to actively start living a non-toxic life. That included looking at our lifes holistically. This meant understanding preventive...
Shade in your garden? Think you can't grow edibles here? Think again! Shady spots in your garden need not be dead spots where you can't grow any vegetables or herbs. We stay in urban areas where boundary walls and neighbours houses block the sun, and this is the...
This homemade cleaner will leave your windows and mirrors sparkling. Combine these ingredients and pour them into a spray bottle to make a cleaner with the ingredients you already have. Not only does it do a great job cleaning, but the orange essential oil gives it a pleasant natural citrus scent, and the rubbing alcohol helps it evaporate quickly to minimize spots and streaks.
The season for sniffles and colds is here. This is our go-to throat spray, and everyone in the family will agree that it is a simple recipe but very effective. Kids will keep this spray with them and spray it as often as needed.
Earth Again is a company founded by two friends, Sam Christianson and Tom Pretorius. Our friendship began a few years ago while working at the Oranjezicht Farmers Market. We bonded over a shared love for surfing and a commitment to sustainable practices. Sam was...
**Free Fertilizer?** Yes, you read that correctly! It is possible to grow fertilizer at home, and this homemade fertilizer can be some of the best for your garden. Your plants may need a nutrient boost, especially during the main growing seasons. Fertilizer provides...
This past season, I struggled with green stink bugs in my garden for the first time. I found them on all my tomatoes and eggplant bushes. So, let's look into this little monster and learn more about them. Stink bugs are “large, oval-shaped insects” and...
We at VanZylStead are fortunate to have Heleen Meyer as one of our chefs, showing us how to use seasonal produce and create delicious yet simple dishes. Heleen Meyer is an independent food consultant based in Cape Town. She’s a mom of two and is passionate about...
Biochar is a word increasingly used in agricultural circles. What is it? What is it used for? What is the hype around this? Biochar has been used in traditional agricultural practices in the Amazon Basin of South America for more than 2,500 years. Dark, charcoal-rich...
Can I use Wood Ash in my garden beds? With winter in full swing, fireplaces burn daily. Wood ash is often thrown away without a second thought, and without you realising, you might be missing out on some good nutrients for your garden. The short answer to whether you...
Caterpillars!! The battle with these worms is real, and they are the bane of my frustration this season in the garden. Those white butterflies are pretty, but you can be assured that if your crops are not protected, they will deposit their offspring onto your plants....
Most people want Indoor Plants for low light – but some homes, especially those along Camps Bay & Sea Point, are flooded with sunlight, as are some balconies, and need plants that can take high light to full sun.
So – here’s another list of plants that want lots of light…
Garden tools are not needed to garden, but oh boy, do they make things a bit easier and much more enjoyable. You should never feel discouraged about the lack of tools to make a home garden happen, but I must mention that if you can, spend a little bit more money on...
Walking into your local store, you will find an endless supply of household cleaning products. You find a different cleaning solution for every room in your house, and most of these products are all filled with Ammonia, Sodium Carbonate, and Ammonium chloride, to...
Why must I deal with my kitchen scraps? Why not just throw it in the bin? A shocking quantity of food is wasted in South Africa each year, up to a third of all food produced. This translates into around 10 million tonnes that mostly end up in our refuse...
Fiddle Leaf Figs have developed quite a reputation, a star status in a way, a much-coveted plant that almost becomes a pet to its owner. Why is this so? It needs to be cared for, and responds endearingly amazingly responsively by growing a new leaf! And a new leaf is a large event – the entire plantscape changes!
Two plants that are excellent for beginners, even those who neglect their plants, as they actually love being overcrowded and under-watered! Both have interesting succulent-type bulbs a little exposed above the soil, adding special textural interest to these plants.
Diatomaceous earth and how it works Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulate in the sediment of...
Over ten years ago, when we decided to dedicate a section of our garden to a vegetable patch, I was determined to grow only vegetables that we could eat. This approach turned out to be my first major mistake in gardening. As a beginner gardener, I struggled to control...
I love the Afrikaans movie "Pad na my hart." Donnalee Roberts introduced us to the humble little spekboom traveling with her as her oxygen engine. Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra) is a succulent plant indigenous to the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Many have...
Aphids are the bane of my existence in the garden. Somedays in the garden, I feel I will NEVER win the battle with these little monsters. Have you ever found that they have completely ruined a crop? Sitting with your hands in your head and thinking, I am done! They...
Unlike salt scrubs, which can be harsh and dry, sugar has small, dissolvable particles that are gentle on even the most sensitive skin. Plus, sugar leaves your skin feeling hydrated and moisturized, thanks to its ability to lock in moisture. Regular use of a body...
Epsom salt is one of many naturally occurring mineral salts. It is a compound of magnesium and sulfate found in rock-like formations. The name “Epsom salt” comes from Epsom, located near London in England, where the salt was discovered about 400 years ago. The...
What is Epsom salt Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. Despite its name, Epsom salt is a completely different compound than table salt. It was most likely termed “salt” because of its chemical...
What is mulch? Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil. There are a wide variety of mulches—both organic and inorganic—that have different uses in the garden. Mulch suppresses weed growth and helps retain soil moisture. It also protects the soil...
The days are getting shorter, and you feel a distinct temperature change in the air. April is the month to start thinking about how to protect vegetable gardens from wind, rain, cold, and frost. In the words of Benjamin Franklin. “An ounce of prevention is worth a...
As winter approaches, we start to think of soups and stews—food filled with comfort, warmth, and flavour. These nine herbs are winter staples. When planning your autumn garden, consider where you will plant them. Thyme and Rosemary These two herbs form the base of...
2024 is around the corner, and as the house is still covered in gold, red, and green with all the Christmas decorations, and so to the vines at home are starting to produce fruit. I can't wait for the RED jewel off the garden to ripen. Nothing screams summer for me...
Spring is in the air. Days are getting longer, and there is no sharp chill in the morning air. Time to start looking at your garden and see where you could start the new veggie bed for spring. It all starts with the soil. Healthy soil = Healthy plants My first bit of...
Why is comfrey so good? By now, you probably heard about comfrey and its use in the garden. We love growing this hardy perennial. It grows quickly and easily, has beautiful flowers, and, best of all, it provides us with a completely free, nutrient-rich source of...
What is the buzz about? What is Microgreens and why are they good for you? To start, they are powerfully flavourful, ranging from lemony to sweet to earthy to bitter. And despite their compact size, these little greens pack a serious nutritional punch. The word...
Days are getting warmer and as we leave home early on weekdays, for the school run, we see how the days are starting to get longer. For any gardener and especially you, that grows or wanting to grow your own veggies at home this means that summer is coming, bringing...
Carrier oils are usually vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin. That's because essential oils are potent and can cause...
Our journey with essentials oils started a long time ago, but a year ago, I decided it was time for the family to actively start living a non-toxic life. That included looking at our life holistically. This meant understanding preventive techniques rather than with...
We have just been through a crazy 10 days. Mom's been in the hospital with the RSV virus and subsequently been diagnosed with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). A chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Mom, never...
Years ago, I was dreaming of pulling my own fresh carrots out of the soil and cutting juicy tomatoes off the vine for dinner. I was dreaming of walking through trellises that was heavy with fruiting pumpkins and enjoying a late afternoon drink in the shade of a bean...
