Sorrel, a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, comes in green and red varieties. It’s easy to grow, especially when potted, and can be propagated from roots or rhizomes. Best grown in semi-shade or full sun, it’s rich in micronutrients such as vitamins A, C and iron.
Sunchoke, also known as Jerusalem artichoke, is a low-maintenance perennial root vegetable from the sunflower family, known for its bright orange flowers. It thrives in well-drained sandy soils, and its tubers are sweet due to inulin, making them popular with diabetics. The plant, native to South America, is valued for its beauty and diverse uses.
Chicory is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that grows in various soil types. It can be eaten in salads and cooked dishes, and the roots can be brewed into caffeine-free coffee or used for livestock feed and herbal remedies. Chicory plants protect soil and microbes, and the roots can be used to grow more chicory plants.
Loose leaf Spadona chicory Read More »
Vegetables, Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
Egyptian spinach, also known as Molokhia, is a nutritious annual vegetable that is easy to grow and can survive with minimal water. It provides a continuous supply of leaves and seeds throughout the year, making it a great addition to any vegetable garden. The leaves can be used to thicken soups, stews, and salads while also containing high levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, K, C, and E. We recommend storing the seeds in airtight plastic bags for up to three years. We highly recommend growing Egyptian spinach for a versatile and nutritious crop.
Egyptian spinach (Corchorus olitorius) Read More »
Vegetables, Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
Beans are low-maintenance, nutrient-rich crops, ideal for urban farming due to their rapid growth and soil-enriching properties. Their protein-rich beans and versatile leaves can be continuously harvested, providing a steady vegetable source. Growing them in pots can help conserve water and avoid root competition. Regular harvesting helps manage size and prevent disease while saving some beans for replanting, ensuring a year-round supply.
Busala, a yam variety endemic to southern Zambia, is a vegetarian staple due to its meat-like preparation. Germination requires moist, dark conditions, with young rhizomes germinating more readily. Its growth in reusable polybags makes harvesting simple. Busala can be cooked in various dishes, mixing well with meat or vegetables. The yam is rich in fibre, Vitamin B, iron, and copper.
Growing Busala (Dioscorea Hirtiflora Benth) Read More »
Vegetables, Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
The Abelmoschus Manihot, a large tropical plant from the Malvaceae family, is known for its drought resilience and garden enhancement abilities. Its vast foliage provides shelter for less heat-resistant plants. They experience minor pest problems, primarily from snails, but recover quickly due to their fast growth. The leaves and flowers are edible, nutrient-rich, and can be used in salads or cooked lightly. Regular maintenance includes weekly watering and periodic composting.
Salad Tree (Abelmoschus Manihot) Gallery Read More »
Ornamentables, Vegetables, Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
Leeks, a member of the Allium family, are a low-maintenance, pot-friendly, and sustainable vegetable alternative to onions. They offer great nutritional benefits, versatility in dishes, and have an aesthetic appeal. Potted cultivation of leeks reduces the need for large spaces and chemical treatments. Mature leeks self-seed in hot, dry seasons, promoting continuous crop availability and easy collection of seeds for future sowing.
Growing Potted Leeks in your kitchen garden Read More »
Herbs & Spices, Vegetables, What is thriving this season?
Malabar spinach, or Basella alba/ rubra, is a tropical vine suitable for hot, humid climates. Despite not being ideal for subtropical zones with dry seasons and droughts, it can regrow from seeds under improved conditions. Cultivated for its nutrient-rich leaves, it requires minimal care and can serve as a privacy screen or gazebo cover. Its leaves, rich in vitamins A, C, B, and manganese, can be used in various dishes or as livestock feed and soil protectors in adverse conditions.
Malabar spinach: Thriving In Lusaka; Through Winter Frost Nights To Hot Drought Read More »
Vegetables, Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
New Zealand spinach, a versatile, self-seeding plant that thrives in various light conditions and weather patterns, is suitable for small and large garden spaces or container gardening. Despite low germination rates of imported seeds, the plant is easily propagated from cuttings or stem burial. It is nutritionally rich, with significant volumes of vitamins C, A, B1, and B2, providing a mild flavour and firm texture for diverse culinary applications, including salads, soups, and pickled dishes.
New Zealand Spinach: Thriving Through Winter Frost Nights To Hot Drought Read More »
Vegetables, What is thriving this season?
During summer, perennial vegetables such as Brazilian spinach thrive with new leaves sprouting. To encourage this, older leaves should be removed. These plants grow well in pots to prevent unwanted spreading and require weekly watering and compost. They flourish under any amount of sunlight, adding nutritious beauty to gardens and kitchens.
Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) Read More »
Vegetables, What is thriving this season?
Chayote plants exhibit a growth spurt in summer, regrowing shoots after a winter hiatus. Predominantly nurtured in 2.5L polybags to avoid disorderly expansion, these plants produce tender leaves that shrink less during cooking compared to pumpkin leaves. Chayote leaves can be creatively used in diverse culinary recipes, providing a rich texture and flavor. The prolific vines serve as excellent ground cover and can be shared as a precious gift.
Chayote (Sechium edule) growing in polybags. Read More »
Vegetables, What is thriving this season?