Sacha Inchi is a high-protein, high-in-omega fatty-acids nut native to South America. It’s a low-input, adaptable tree nut that can thrive in subtropical climates. The pods are harvested for roasting and can be added to various foods. #LoveHomeGrown
Growing Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis) In Lusaka, Zambia Read More »
Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
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.
Orangeberry, also gin berry, is cultivated for its edible pink fruits. This small evergreen plant thrives in pots and its sweet-sour fruits are reminiscent of kumquats, making it a valuable addition to any edible garden. #LoveHomeGrown
Growing Orangeberry in Lusaka Read More »
Citrus fruits, Very Low Maintenance Plants
Granadilla is a purple passion fruit with a yellow version called Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa that is more tart and juicy. They can be grown in small garden spaces as they require little maintenance but need strong support. They provide shade and protection to other trees, and their flowers attract pollinators. Although usually pest-free, mealybugs, scale insects, and fungal infections may thrive. Granadilla fruit is versatile and can be used for juices, jams, desserts, or eaten fresh, and the leaves can be eaten or used as livestock feed.
Growing Granadilla in 2023 Read More »
Very Low Maintenance Plants, What is thriving this season?
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?
Bird’s eye chilli is easy to grow, produces abundant peppers, and can add a spicy kick to many dishes. It can also be used as a natural pest control. Caution should be exercised when handling it. Store it in oil, dry it, or turn it into powder to preserve it.
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?
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?
Lumanda, a vegetable popular in Zambia that thrives with minimal care, is wrongly identified as Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) on some online platforms. In reality, red Lumanda is Hibiscus acetosella and the concept of green Lumanda could possibly be Hibiscus surattensis or calyphyllus. Utilization of these plants varies from food to fabric production.
Edible Hibiscus: Red and Green Lumanda Read More »
Very Low Maintenance Plants