Grow to Eat

Summer is my favourite season, and not just for the sunny South African weather. The garden is packed with activity, whether that be from pollinators buzzing around the garden, or from us tending to our precious plants and enjoying our harvests. In t

With a focus on sustainability, organic principles, and a deep respect for the natural world, Fiona Massey has transformed her property into a thriving haven of vegetables, fruit trees, herbs and even a bustling chicken coop. The family moved to the

Pumpkins are believed to have originated in central America around 7,500 years ago. Available all over the world now and all year round, pumpkin leaves are used in many cultures, particularly in America, Asia and Africa. In India they are used as a s

Malabar spinach, known scientifically as Basella var. alba or rubra, is a lush, vining tropical plant packed with nutrients. Originating from the East Indies and the Malabar coast of India, it has travelled the world, leaving a trail of fascinated ga

It’s hard not to love a potato, be it fried, roasted, mashed or in a potato salad. In fact, in my in-laws’ home meals are planned by asking, “So, what should we have with our potatoes?” Dangerous family politics aside, potatoes have to be just about

In this world of limited time to do chores in the garden, there are some great time-savers like smart irrigation systems that come with tap timers, robotic lawn mowers that can mow while you sleep, moisture level monitors that tell you when to water

A fragrant twist to the traditional wreath, a herb wreath is both decorative and aromatic. • Start with a wire wreath frame, available at craft stores or online. • Use gardening wire to attach bundles of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. •

Even plants that are classified as water-wise need a good start in life. Give them that, and when they’re established they will be fully equipped to deal with whatever the sun throws at them. We recommend a good-sized planting hole improved with a to

Choose a mixture of plants that would be suitable to ‘live’ together in one pot, that not only look good, but must be useful too. Mixed lettuce grows wonderfully in a pot, as does radish, parsley, basil, and coriander; then add some colour like nastu

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is a delicate and aromatic herb that belongs to the parsley family. It is native to Europe and is particularly popular in French cuisine with its mild, slightly sweet flavour with just a hint of anise. Chervil combines

Like many gardening tasks, harvesting is best done early in the day before the heat of the day sets in. The oils in the herbs are at their peak concentration in the morning, making them the most flavourful when harvested at this time. As a general ru

Bananas, one of the world’s most beloved fruits, should be ready for harvesting in summer. Ensuring bananas are picked at the right time is crucial, not just for flavour but also for their post-harvest longevity. Make the most of your banana plant an

Grapes are such an exotic, luxurious, romantic fruit. Subject them to some mysterious alchemy and they will give you champagne, red wine, white wine, port, sherry, and on and on. But even on their own, in all their glory, grapes are a magnificent thi

Tried and tested fruit pie recipes are perfect for anytime of the day, month or year. Let’s explore some twists and turns that bring the fruit pie into the 21st century and build on the original classics. You won’t find a pie much more traditional th

South Africa is not only a land of breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, but is also a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna. Among its many natural wonders, the Carissa macrocarpa, commonly known as Natal plum, stands out as a fascinating

Summer means salads and sunshine, and there’s nothing better than home-made and homegrown foods to put a bounce in your step. Add a little French flair this year with mesclun leaves and coloured beans. Mesclun mixes originated in French markets when

With the bounty of summer comes a host of wildlife to discourage from our fruitful labours. We decided to create ‘Joseppi’, our true Italian sunflower hero, to help Gracie protect our special crops. This DIY was so much fun and no power tools are nee

By feeding your plants, you feed the soil which in turn will save money. Good soil helps move nutrients and water through the plant’s root and shoot systems, keeping them healthy. Healthy soil means, healthy plants that are less stressed and ultimate

Artichokes, basil, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, mealies, potatoes, pumpkin, Swiss chard, squashes, sunflowers, turnips Strawberries, cherries, peaches, early tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers, zucchini, pumpkin, radi

Carrots, beetroot, late summer squashes, radishes, bush beans, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, celery, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, spinach, turnips, endive, mint, garlic, spring onions Mange tout, tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers, melons

Lettuce, mustard greens sweetcorn, Brussels sprouts, basil, carrots, dill, leeks, radishes, turnips, bush beans, climbing beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages Stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), berries (strawberries, raspberries), eggplants, o

Cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, beetroot, carrots, coriander, horseradish, garlic, mint, pak choy, peas, spinach, celery, leeks, lettuce Grapes, lemons, apples, melons, pumpkins, butternut squashes, late beans, broccoli, broad beans, carrot