Durban - The humble vegetable garden is back in fashion. Visit the Pietermaritzburg Sunday Tribune Garden and Leisure Show and find out how you can enjoy the simple pleasure of biting into a warm tomato picked from your own food patch.
“We are very excited about introducing our range of vegetable seeds and growing packs to the visitors at this wonderful garden event,” says Sean Freeman, owner of Living Seeds, South Africa’s first online heirloom vegetable seed store.
The business started in 2009 with 34 seed options on its website. It now lists more than 400 varieties and grows over 90 percent of its stock.
”Growing one’s own food means more sustainable living, breaking away from genetically modified products and saving on grocery bills,” says Freeman.
And you don’t need a large space. “Vegetable container gardening is a wonderful option for veggie gardeners with limited space, who live in complexes or who can no longer kneel down,” he explains.
Freeman has a few hints that will help you and your plants get off to a good start.
* Containers: choose a large pot/container. This will give plants the best chance of producing for an extended period. Larger containers are easier to maintain. The more soil a container can hold, the more moisture it will retain.
* Sun: Vegetables need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day – anything less is a waste of time.
* Water: The goal is to keep the soil moist but not wet. To figure out if the plants need water, stick your finger into the soil, up to your first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, add water. Proper watering is the most important part of vegetable container gardening.
* Soil: Quality potting soil is really important for vegetables. Use a quality mix of 10 percent vermiculite, 30 percent compost and 60 percent potting soil. Replace 50 percent of the pot mixture every year.
* Drainage: Drainage is the key to keep plants from drowning. Ensure plants do not sit in water or soggy soil. Make sure the container has one large hole or several smaller ones.
* Fertiliser: Use a good organic fertiliser.
* General maintenance: Keep a good watch on the plants for pests. Remove by hand or use an organic spray to control them. - Sunday Tribune
Show information: September 27-29, 9am to 5pm. R50 for adults and R35 for children under 12 and pensioners. Contact 033 345 6274 or see www.royalshow.co.za.