It's almost winter




Prepare beds by adding organic compost and work it in to spade-depth. Most of the vegetables can be grown from seed. If you sow carrots, beetroot and onions, it is better to sow it thickly and to thin it out later on, instead of sowing sparsely.


Cabbage, lettuce and spinach can be planted out and you can sow it in a small area, where it can stay until the plants are big enough to replant. Celery is also easy to replant. Fertilise your garden with organic fertiliser to ensure the  healthiest vegetables for you and your family.


Tips

Mix garlic, onion juice and chilli powder, water and baby shampoo as a remedy against bugs and other pests.


Use an organic ground cover (mulch) to save water, since vegetables need a lot of water.


List of winter vegetables which can be planted:

Onions, carrots, beetroot, radishes, lettuce, all types of cabbage, celery and chives. 

A winter garden is at its best in spring. It should not be hard for you to take out a plant to make provision for your summer garden - plant accordingly. Due to the price of plants, I suggest that you plant in the sunny focus areas - use petunias, pansies and Namaqua daisies.


Shady areas

There is nothing like primulas to chase away the winter blues. They sow themselves and will come up again next year.


Water

Spray off the frost before sunrise. It will prevent a lot of damage to the garden. Don't water during the late afternoon - the water will freeze after sunset, particularly in sub-zero temperatures.


Remember to fertilise your whole garden to make sure all your plants are ready for spring.


Lastly, don't remove leaves from your beds, since they protect your plants against the cold.


Enjoy the winter season and stay organic!