Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2023/2024 i 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 this issue, we’ve got all your summer vegetable garden essentials covered. The classic potato is in the spotlight but with a twist – we’re growing in containers. You’ll also find unique ways to use your pumpkins without waste, and a guide on how to grow the nutritious and delicious Malabar spinach. A summer issue also wouldn’t be complete without some tips for the holidays. For some natural holiday festive decor, we have a couple of crafty DIYs to get you inspired (and to save your bank balance). In…

I want to dry my summer flowers from the garden to preserve them, but they always become brittle and lose their colour. How can I make them last longer? Although the rapid methods of drying (like using the oven) deliver the quickest results, the flowers often lose their colour and shape. The best way to dry flowers for long-term use is to hang them upside down in a dry and dark room. Hanging upside down will keep the stems strong, while lack of light will retain colour. If you’re really pressed for time, a quick hack is to leave your flowers in a hot car for a day – just make sure they are hidden from direct sun.…

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 everyone’s favourite starch. But is there more to the faithful ‘tatoe than sublime deliciousness and versatility? Health benefits Don’t believe the bad press that spuds get – they can definitely be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Yup, a potato is actually a healthy little tuber (and that’s before we get to the mental health benefits of a good roast potato). Rich in essential nutrients, they are a great source of complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy and aiding in maintaining stable…

Harvest early 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 rule, it’s best to harvest herbs when they are young and tender, as the leaves will be tastier. There are some exceptions, like woody herbs (rosemary and thyme) which can actually develop more flavour as they mature. For cold-sensitive plants, make sure you harvest before temperatures drop too low to avoid losing your plants to frost. Don’t wait for flowering (in most cases) Herbs are most flavourful before they start to flower. Once the plant starts to flower, its energy is focused…

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. Apple pie You won’t find a pie much more traditional than an apple pie. Every family I know has a recipe and it’s usually one passed down through generations. This open apple pie with rosettes like roses is modern and makes an ideal display at a party. For the pastry Use a premade sweet shortcrust pastry or use this recipe: 125g butter100g castor sugar250g flour7ml baking powder1 eggA little milk Cut the butter into the flour and baking powder and mix until it’s like breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, egg and milk until it…

Sow Artichokes, basil, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, mealies, potatoes, pumpkin, Swiss chard, squashes, sunflowers, turnips Harvest Strawberries, cherries, peaches, early tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers, zucchini, pumpkin, radishes, red onions, sweet potato, spinach, lemons, paw paws, corn Mulch As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to protect your soil from drying out. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health. Consider using organic mulch like straw or compost for optimal results. Plant sunflowers Sunflowers capture the essence of summer like no other, and now is the time to plant them. Opt for a location that receives ample sunlight and well-draining soil. And they’re not just great cut flowers – sunflower seeds are a treat for both humans and birds. Going up Climbers in your edible garden need supports…

Although this issue is focused on summer, we’ve also included March in our checklist as the transition into autumn. So, once you’ve enjoyed all your summer gardening, don’t forget to wrap up the season with these tips: • Collect seeds from your favourite produce to plant again next year. • Once you’ve harvested the last of your produce, pull the plants to make way for seasonal autumn veg. • Feed the soil at the end of the season to replenish lost nutrients. • If you’ve dotted any flowers around the edible garden, pick the last of them and dry them indoors for long-lasting autumn beauty.…

Earthworm magic Discover the magic of earthworm castings with 3Sixty Nutricast™, a natural multi-purpose and highly nutritional organic fertiliser that will feed and enhance your garden soil, improve fertility and increase water holding capacity. The result – healthy, thriving plants and abundant harvests for you and your family. Find your Nutricast™ at Lifestyle Home Garden or shop online at lifestyle.co.za. Hot new chilli range Dive into a world of fiery flavours with Starke Ayres’ brand-new chilli range. Whether you’re a seasoned spice enthusiast or just starting your pepper journey, our carefully curated selection offers something for everyone. From mild to wild, we’ve got the perfect pepper for your palate. www.starkeayres.com New finger limes Just in time to add a dash of something different to summer drinks and desserts, the very…

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 substitute for spinach and winter greens in curries, or as wraps for rice and meat. In Africa they are mainly used as a side dish for meat. Pumpkin leaves are not often found in supermarkets, which is perhaps why they are not very popular in some areas. But if you grow your own pumpkins, don’t waste the leaves and give them a go. Nutritional benefits The leaves of the pumpkin plant are a rich source of minerals such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and potassium and…

Invest in a sustainable food future for your family knowing where your food comes from and what you used to grow it. Aerospring hydroponic systems use patented low-pressure aeroponic technology, allowing for increased air and oxygen to the root zone, promoting greater growth. When using the grow tent with highly-reflective panels, and grow lights, production can be increased by 30% while using 90% less water. The systems are designed and built with the highest quality materials and components. This includes food-grade materials, best in class pumps, OxfordD600 tent material, LED full spectrum lights, air filter and fans (model dependant). Grow outdoors on your balcony, patio or garden where you have sufficient sun with the Aerospring Outdoor model or grow year round inside your home with the aesthetically pleasing Aerospring Indoor…

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 needed, only your imagination! What you will need • 2 wooden broomsticks (1 x 1,2m and 1 x 800mm)• Cable ties• Bag of hay• Hessian (500 x 500mm)• Scissors• Old long-sleeved shirt• Old shorts• Pair of gardening gloves• Wig• Straw hat• Plastic flowers• Paint and brushes 1. Create a cross with the 2 broomsticks, the 800mm length representing the arms, and tie together with cable ties. 2. Lay out the material and fill with hay, bringing the corners together, creating a ball. Place over the upright…

Sow Lettuce, mustard greens sweetcorn, Brussels sprouts, basil, carrots, dill, leeks, radishes, turnips, bush beans, climbing beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages Harvest Stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines), berries (strawberries, raspberries), eggplants, okra, asparagus, zucchini, beetroot, carrots, celery, radishes, green beans, corn, patty pans, pumpkins, spinach Harvest stone fruits January is the time when peaches, plums, and nectarines are at their juiciest. Make sure to pick them at the right time and indulge in their sweet and tart flavours. Sow summer salad greens Refreshing summer salads are a delight, and what better way to enjoy them than with greens from your own garden? Plant varieties like rocket, lettuce, and mustard greens. They’re quick to grow, and nothing beats the crispness of freshly harvested leaves on a hot day. Keep them well-watered and…

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Veg in One Bed Grow Your Own Food in One Raised Bed, Month by Month In just one raised bed, Huw Richards shows you how to grow vegetables, organically, abundantly and inexpensively so you have something to harvest every month of the year. Try becoming more self-sufficient in a small garden or balcony. Everything is explained in clear, photographed steps from building your bed, growing from seed, planting, feeding and harvesting. Huw shows how to guarantee early success by starting off young plants on a windowsill. He suggests what to grow in each part of the bed, and provides alternative vegetables to swap in or out depending on what you like eating. For online sales visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za.…

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 property in 1995. A farmer’s daughter, Fiona’s natural instincts immediately kicked in and she straightaway started on her first vegetable bed. This is the tale of Fiona’s remarkable journey into the world of organic gardening, companion planting, and permaculture, and how her unique approach is not only a source of sustenance, but also a haven for biodiversity. A Garden Transformed Fiona’s garden is a departure from the typical manicured lawns of Bryanston. Instead, the majority of her one-acre property is dedicated to the cultivation of vegetables and fruit trees,…

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 gardeners and chefs. While its name may suggest a relation to the common spinach we know and love, Malabar spinach is an entirely different species with its own unique set of characteristics and benefits. And thanks to its heat tolerance, it’s a great alternative to true spinach for South African gardens. Growing Malabar spinach Malabar spinach isn’t a common ingredient in your local produce section. So, if you’re captivated by the idea of harvesting this green in your backyard (or even on your balcony or patio), here are some steps…

Herb wreath A fragrant twist to the traditional wreath, a herb wreath is both decorative and aromatic. Steps • 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. • Intersperse with dried lavender or eucalyptus for added fragrance and variety. • Hang on your door for a fresh, welcoming scent every time you enter. Dress your candle with rosemary twigs Infuse Christmas cheer into your home with the subtle scent of rosemary wrapped around the base of a candle. Steps • Take a pillar candle and place aromatic rosemary stalks around its base. • Secure with twine or a decorative ribbon. • As the candle burns, the warmth will release the heavenly…

Chervil 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 well with parsley, tarragon and chives, and is often used in salads, pasta dishes, sauces, and omelettes. This pretty herb can be grown from seed or seedlings. If you choose to use seed, sow it directly into the soil in early spring. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which can take between two and three weeks. Once the seeds have germinated and reached the two-leaf stage, the seedlings can be thinned out so that the remaining plants are at least 15cm apart, planted in rows 30cm apart.…

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 thing, crisp and sweet, and oh so delicious. Growing your own table grapes sounds unachievable, doesn’t it? But with some patience and forethought, you could be cutting verdant bunches of grapes from your own vine, and then enjoying them in the shade of its leaves. Health benefits Grapes offer a plethora of health benefits, which is a relief because it’s hard to stop eating them. Rich in antioxidants like resveratrol, flavonoids and Vitamin C, grapes help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby supporting a healthy immune system…