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 in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [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...]
Community in the Gap talking for Nature
The great spiritual getaway - for me - has always been to the burly mountains of the Northern Drakensberg. Every year some inexplicable force lures me towards the Amphitheatre, where I let myself be swept away by its healing magnificence. Here, it seems, I can touch divinity. For here, the ever invasive human footprint has been managed and kept to a minimum. All that, it seems, … [Read more...]
Celebrating a decade of giving on Mandela Day
The Woolworths Trust was formed in 2003 and has been making a tangible difference in South Africa for the past 10 years. 2013 marks its 10 year birthday! The Trust strives to make a meaningful impact in local communities by supporting programmes that improve food security, reduce child vulnerability and uplift education. For example, over the past 10 years they … [Read more...]
Grow your own food step 5: Who likes who in the zoo?
Who likes who in your food garden? Just like people, there are some that benefit each other and offer natural protection against predators. So it helps to know a little about companion planting when you plan your food garden. This way we can treasure their very unique natures and understand their ecology better. Growing our ecological intelligence, grows awareness and … [Read more...]
Grow your own food step 4: Veggie planting & managing pests
Our next garden lesson involves the planning and planting of your seedlings, in your veggie beds. Just to revise… some plants that are not suitable to transplant are: carrots, radish, beetroot, peas, beans, corn, pumpkin, melons & butternut. These are generally to be planted straight into the veggie beds. Veggies suitable to be transplanted from a seed box or tray are … [Read more...]
Protecting potatoes against common scab naturally
Incorporating cabbage and mustard residue are effective and natural ways to reduce potato common scab. Of these three Brassica crops incorporating mustard residue is definitely the best biofumigation method. This is the advice of Dr Reinette Gouws, who in March 2013 received her doctoral degree in plant pathology in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University. She … [Read more...]
Corporate gardens feed hungry children
If it is possible to transform a dead piece of grey gravel along a corporate building into a row of vegetable gardens abundantly delivering organic nourishment to hungry children attending a soup kitchen, then one can surely grow food almost anywhere? This was what happened alongside the Nedbank Contact Centre in Mount Edgecomb, Durban. The man in charge of this hopeful … [Read more...]
Grow your own food step 3: Digging a trench bed
There are many ways in which you could create a good bed for your vegetable plants. We are going to describe how to do one type for now – that of a Trench Bed (TB). This model was especially developed for water stressed African conditions and has been used with huge success in many township as well as suburban gardens. It is also ideal for those who believe they don’t have … [Read more...]
