A new year brings more than just a fresh calendar – it’s a chance to try new things, focus on your resolutions, or finally begin that project you’ve been putting off, like creating your own food garden.
You don’t need lots of land or a big budget to get started. With a few smart strategies, you can transform a small space into a vibrant garden filled with fresh produce.
Starting small with spinach
For Khetha Biyela, a mixed farmer from Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, starting with spinach was a smart choice. She explains that spinach requires little maintenance and can be grown using various methods.
“You just need to water it early in the morning and after hours,” she says.
She adds that watering before sunrise and after sunset helps minimise water evaporation.
“During the cooler parts of the day, like early morning and evening, the air temperature is lower, and the sun isn’t as hot. This means less water evaporates, allowing more to soak into the soil and reach the roots.”
Khetha Biyela
Biyela also suggests using containers or old pots to grow cherry tomatoes and spinach. “Spinach and cherry tomatoes are easy to care for and thrive on balconies, indoors, or even in vertical gardens,” she says.
Practical tips for busy gardeners
For those with a busy lifestyle, growing your own produce doesn’t have to be a hassle. Tabisa Nose, a horticulturist based in Cape Town, recommends easy-to-care-for plants like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and herbs such as basil. These are ideal choices for anyone looking to enjoy homegrown freshness without the time commitment.
Nose suggests beginners start with small soil patches, sowing seeds every one to two weeks for a continuous harvest. She also advises that containers should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth.
“Record your gardening progress – growth rate, pest challenges – this will help you do better in your next season.”
Nose recommends trying out these gardening methods:
- Vertical gardening: This method is great for maximising space and reducing maintenance.
- Container gardening: Using self-watering containers minimises watering chores. It saves water and makes it easy to move your crops around.
- Ground gardening: When choosing this method, consider investing in a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
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Maximising small spaces with vertical gardening
Lettuce and other leafy greens grow quickly and can usually be harvested within 21 days of seeding, making them a good option for gardeners with limited time, says Thabile Nkunjana, a senior agricultural economist with the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC).
He explains that spinach is a practical choice because it’s easy to grow and doesn’t require much attention, though it may need some protection from the intense summer heat.
“Keep the soil wet and look for a location with afternoon shade.”
Nkunjana adds that spinach is fast-growing, and you can either remove the whole plant about five to six weeks after seeding or pick the leaves as they develop.
For those with limited space, Nkunjana advises making the most of small areas. He recommends vertical gardening techniques like hanging baskets or stacked containers.
“There are countless ways to create lush and welcoming outdoor settings with containers, whether you’re growing in a suburban backyard, township or urban apartment.”
Thabile Nkunjana
He says containers help protect plants from pests and invasive weeds, making it easier to spot signs of disease or insects early, so you can act quickly. However, container plants require regular fertilisation as they rely on you for nutrients.
Balancing water and nutrients
Nkunjana explains that while the summertime heat encourages rapid growth, crops can become unhealthy and stunted if they don’t receive enough water and nutrients. He adds that it’s a balancing act, as overwatering or underwatering can both harm your crops.
“Therefore, maintaining balance in this can be both informative and enjoyable, and at the end of the day, you will receive food to add to your basket and possibly save money.”
Furthermore, he says providing a consistent supply of water and nutrients is one of the most important things you can do for your garden.
This article was first published by our sister publication, Food For Mzansi.
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