When creating a kitchen garden, the possibilities are endless: Plant an edible hedge along the boundary of your property or a few fruit trees around your garden. Pot up some containers for your patio with dwarf fruit specimens or herbs, and if you’ve only got a balcony, start your very own edible vertical garden.
Check with your local accredited garden centre what is best for your area. Especially if you’re a first timer, you’ll want to make sure you get the best possible advice to ensure that you’re indulging in your own produce in no time.
A kitchen garden would not be complete without rocket, basil and parsley, so why not start with them? These cover the basic herbs you need for cooking, salads, sauces and sandwiches; while providing a variety of garnish options for the more aspirational chef.
A countrywide winner as an edible hedge is the Natal Plum (Noem Noem), which is available in January. This hardy shrub has edible berries that birds love and can survive harsh storms in windy areas.
If your patio or balcony is wanting for a pot with something sweet planted in it, then you should give Calamondin a try. Calamondin is a cross between a naartjie and kumquat. It’s small like a kumquat, sweet like a naartjie, and is available at your local garden centre this month.
Gauteng in January is hot and dry, and watering is essential for anything you plant, particularly vegetable and herb seedlings. Using mulch on your garden beds is a wonderful way to conserve water so pick some up while you’re picking out your produce.
Fruit trees for the bigger Gauteng garden include:
• peach
• plum
• pear
• pomegranate
• avocado
Some veggies to start your kitchen garden:
• tomatoes
• spinach
• green peppers
• chillies
• lettuce
Content provided by Life is a Garden.
