It’s a great time to plant a vegetable garden if you have the lawn space at home. The sun is high in the sky and the summer rain provides plenty of water. You can easily save money on your grocery bill while feeling fulfilled at having played a part in growing the food that graces your table.
Here are some things to consider when starting your own backyard garden:
Location. Choose a suitable site where the ground is level and if not you can terrace the beds. If you have pets, place a simple fence around your vegetable patch.
Sunlight and Water. Most plants need six hours of sunlight a day and you will also want your garden close enough to a hose for regular watering. Plant vegetables in containers and move around if proximity to light or water is an issue
Soil quality. Organic matter is comparable to food for soil and enriches it with minerals and nutrients. Nourish your ground before starting with compost, fertiliser or manure.
Pest and weed control. Controlling bugs and unwanted plants is a simple but very important part of a successful garden. Mulch can help keep unwanted weeds out and moisture in. It is often made from wood chips, hay, straw and even cardboard. Most garden insects can be controlled with a homemade bug-spray of peppers, onion, garlic and a bit of soap.
Veggies to plant in Johannesburg in Summer/Autumn: beetroot, lettuce, swiss chard, turnip, carrot, cabbage, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, onion, legumes
