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Thanks for watching and for the great tip! Broad beans are definitely a fantastic crop, both for nutrition and for teaching kids about gardening. I love the idea of getting kids involved with picking and peeling them-it's such a fun way to introduce them to growing their own food. And saving seeds for the next season is always a win. Appreciate your support!

Hi Lady Bev! That's awesome! Broad beans are such a reliable crop and definitely a great staple to have each year. I'm glad you found the information helpful -thanks for watching and for your continued support!

Hi Zandi! Thank you so much! Broad beans are definitely one of my favorites for the cooler months! But there's always next season! I'm sure whatever you are growing now is going to do great. Appreciate the support!

Thank you so much for the kind feedback! I really appreciate it!

You are most welcome ! Pak Choi is definitely an amazing cut n come again crop. Thanks for watching!

Hi there! Thank you so much for watching! I wish you an abundant harvest! Keep on Sowing and Growing!

Hi Debby! Thanks for sharing that tip! Much appreciated!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support!

You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the information helpful. As for the soil, I focus a lot on building fertility through organic methods. I use a combination of compost (both from kitchen scraps and my Bokashi compost system), aged manure, and sometimes organic fertilizers like bone meal, depending on what the plants need. Mulching with leaves and grass clippings also helps to retain moisture and add nutrients back into the soil. Please see the link of 5 Organic soil improvers: ruclips.net/video/PYlQPBpgabs/видео.htmlsi=Z4Z7IxoW8xMLmNNy Thanks you so much for watching!

Thank you so much for your support! I'm really glad you're enjoying the channel. It's great to connect with fellow South African gardeners! I'm based in the Western Cape, but it's always interesting to hear how things are going in other provinces like KZN. Thank you so much for watching!

Thank you so much! Your support is much appreciated! Keep on sowing and growing!

Thank you so much

Hi Kristel! It's always refreshing to read your comments, and I really appreciate how detailed and thoughtful this one is! Your insights on the best growing conditions for turnips and the importance of understanding microclimates are spot on. Since Cape Town’s spring temperatures are not too hot, I was thinking of trying my luck with turnips! I think it is best to what for autumn! I love that you are using a thermometer app to track different temperatures around your garden-that’s a fantastic tip for maximizing germination success! The story of Robert Reid and Reid’s yellow dent corn is fascinating! It's amazing how sometimes nature works in unexpected ways. Your method for planting squash and pumpkins on a mound, especially with watering at the base to prevent powdery mildew, is brilliant. I’m definitely going to try this in my garden! And I completely agree with you about Nantes carrots-they're such a reliable and beautiful variety, perfect for gardeners at any level. Thanks again for your continued support, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the content! 🌱😊

1. Cancer bush 2. Geraniums 3. Fever tea 4. Hoodia 5. Devil's claw 6. Rooivos and Honeybush 7. African ginger 8. Buchu 9. Aloe There is a free downloadable pdf from the Department of Agriculture available online ( Google) Titled The Medical plants of South Africa

The Department of Agriculture provided a free downloadable booklet titled Medicinal plants of South Africa. If you type in the title on Google search bar you'll easily find it.

@@mchasisimahlangu6106 Will do! Thanks for the suggestion.

@@mchasisimahlangu6106 Will do thanks for the suggestion!

Tomatoes are sun loving plants. Plants grow leggy when they're don't receiving adequate sunlight. They are literally putting in all their energy to grow taller, reaching for the sun.

@KristelViljoen Thank you for your help

Remember if you are not planning to plant them directly into your garden to plant them in a larger container. Snip off the first set of bottom leaves and plant your tomato plants deep into the soil. The hairs on the stem of the tomato plants will turn into roots underneath the soil. Only tomato plants can do that so don't plant your other veggie seedlings too deep.

@KristelViljoen wow that is so helpful thank you Kristel

Texas grano is my favorite onion variety. Congratulations with your success. Keep growing ❤

@@seanimadavha1051 Hi Sean! That is great news! I rejoice with you! Thanks for watching n kind words!

@@icewolfmaiden Will do ! Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!

Thank you so much for your kind words about my garden! 🌼 Will see what we can do regarding the request for seeds 😊

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you are finding the tips helpful, and I think removing the lawn for more veggie space is a great idea, especially in a small garden. Every bit of space can make a big difference! As for your question on ginger, it typically takes around 8 to 10 months for ginger to mature and be ready for harvesting. You will know it's time when the leaves start to yellow and die back. If you are short on space, you can even grow ginger in pots! Just make sure it's in a sunny spot and keep the soil consistently moist. Banana water is a great way to add extra nutrients for your plants too! Keep up the great work, and happy gardening! 😊🌱

Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for the kind words and support! I'm really glad you found the video helpful 🌱

@@pumlambiza3922 This is great, Happy Gardening 💃💯💫

That’s awesome! 🎉 It sounds like your garden is off to a great start with those varieties! Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and bell peppers are such a great combination🌱😊 The waiting game can be tough, but it will be so rewarding once they reach transplant size. Keep them happy and healthy, and you will have a thriving garden in no time. Keep us updated!

Hope you have a bumper harvest. Keep growing.

Hi there! That's awesome! I actually had a volunteer tomatoes pop up, and I decided to grow them on my windowsill during the winter. It's always exciting to see what surprises nature has for us. Trying new varieties is definitely part of the fun-there’s always something to learn and enjoy from each season! Best of luck with your tomatoes!

I think they will grow quickly into mature plants. Just ad a little bit of super phosphate to give them a good Jumpstart as soon as they are around 50 to 60 cm in height. Wishing you a bumper crop❤

You are most welcome! Thank you so much for watching!

Hi Lady Bev! Thank you so much for your kind words! It's always interesting to see how gardening seasons differ depending on where we are. While you're winding down and getting ready to put your bed to rest, we are just starting to gear up for a busy planting season here. It’s one of the joys of connecting with gardeners around the world - we get to share experiences across the seasons. Wishing you a restful break and a great start to your next growing season when the time comes. Happy gardening to you too! 🌱😊

In return all us would diligently start watching everyone on the other side of the world when the Northern Hemisphere growing season kicks off for inspirational ideas, and to keep the winter blues at bay.Lots of.❤ from South Africa.

Hey Portia, don't worry, Patience is key! 🤞🏾💯 Germination can sometimes take up to 14 days. Let's give it some time and see what happens. 💫

@@SelloMametse thanks

Hi Portia! You're off to a great start! 🌱 As mentioned by Sello patience is key-tomato seeds usually germinate between 7-14 days, onions can take a bit longer, and green peppers can sometimes be slow too. Just make sure the soil stays warm and moist, and they should pop up soon. All the best and thanks for reaching out!

Hi Sello, that's such a thoughtful and encouraging response! 🌱🙏🏾 Thank you for supporting the community with your advice and positivity. Much appreciated!

Thank you so much Zandi! I truly appreciate your support!

Hey! Sorry to hear your first round of seeds didn’t sprout-sometimes that happens, especially if the conditions weren’t quite right. It could have been the soil temperature, moisture level, or even the quality of the seeds themselves. Glad to hear you replanted, though! Stay patient and keep an eye on the watering; too much or too little can impact germination. Keep on sowing and growing!

Mna I don't know what is eating my beets and chard. Am struggling there

@@mchasisimahlangu6106 Yoo they don't give problem most of the times, Mina I just spray everything with, teaspoon of bicarbonate, sunlight,oil in 3liter bottle hope this will help

If it is eaten from the edge it is worms. If it is small random holes on the leaves it is slugs or snails. Place a plank underneath the plant and lift it a bit with a few small rocks. Lift the plank up early morning after the sun is up. If it is snails or slugs they will be hiding underneath the plank. If it is worms you will find them underneath the leaves hiding from the sun and you will see small black droppings. Check germination temperature. Germination temp is the lowest night temperature. Resow and maybe leave the seedling trays inside your home. Keep the soil warm and moist but not wet.

​​​​@@mchasisimahlangu6106 If it is holes in the center or around the leaves it is slugs, snails or Xmas beetles. If it is eaten from the edge of the leaves it is worms. Place a plank lifted slightly with small pebbles or rocks or an lifted upside down flower pot or container next to the plant. Lift the pot up the next day after the sun is up. Slugs and snails would go and hide underneath it. If it is worms after sun up they will hide underneath the leaves of the plant and leave reminance of worm castings. ( small black droppings.) The beetle are called Chafer beetles or in the Northern Hemisphere June bugs. In our part of the world they are highly visible during Xmas time and on the Northern side of the world during the Month of June.

Welcome 😊

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support and kind feedback!

Hi Pauline, When I start my sweet potato slips, I place a healthy sweet potato in a container with compost, which helps the slips develop strong and healthy roots. If you're asking about what to plant with sweet potatoes once they're in the garden, they do well with a few companion plants. You can try planting them alongside beans, which help fix nitrogen in the soil, or with herbs like thyme, which can help deter pests. Just be mindful that sweet potatoes can spread, so it's best to pair them with plants that don't compete for space or resources. Let me know if you'd like more details!

Hi Kristel! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible tips! It’s always inspiring to hear how you're making the most of your garden-especially with food prices on the rise. I completely agree that as home gardeners, we find ways to maximize every crop. Your experience with growing rosemary from roadside cuttings is such a great example of how resilient and easy-to-propagate some herbs can be. I had no idea that carrot tops could be used as a parsley substitute-that’s amazing! I will definitely be experimenting with that in my own cooking, especially knowing how much vitamin C they contain. And I love how you’re growing carrots not just for their roots, but also for their tops and seeds. It’s so clever and sustainable. Your advice on regrowing leeks and fennel is spot on too. I have got to give your fennel method a try-sounds like it has some real potential! Thank you again Kristel for all your support and the amazing tips you bring to the Veggies and Herbs community. Wishing you a prosperous growing season as well! 🌿

​@@veggiesandherbswithruebenm2065❤

Hi Tia! I mainly use the Bokashi method to build soil health. It's a great way to recycle kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Once I have harvested a plant, I enrich the soil, sometimes, with commercial compost from a nursery to keep it healthy and full of nutrients for the next crop. It helps keep the garden productive throughout the seasons! Thank you so much for watching and reaching out!

​@@veggiesandherbswithruebenm2065Wow what.a.great idea and information ❤

I plant pak Choi that I keep on sowing and harvesting right through the summer months. I keep the plants small and succession plant continually. Love their sweet flavour and they are great for stirfry or fresh in salads. Loose leaf lettuce also do great if you harvest them small and again sucession plant. As soon as you transplant your seedlings, resow in a seedling tray to transplant after you harvest the first batch. Choumoellier kale can take heat very well. Fordhook swisschard is the only chard variety that I know that can stand the summer heat if you add a thick layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and leaving enough space for adequate airflow between the plants. The best tip I can give you is plant your leafy greens on the southern side of your home in full sun or plant next to a shrub or wall that block the sun halfway through the day so that the plants get only 6 hours of sunlight. You can draw a sun map. If you know where the sun falls you can strategically place your plants in your garden according to their light requirements. Take a aerial view screenshot from your property on your phone ( Google maps) and map out your garden. Oh, I forgot, Tronchuda cabbage. This plant has never let me down.

​@@KristelViljoenThanks for the great advice! Much appreciated!

Hi Lisa, Kristel has provided such amazing advice here! Pak Choi is indeed a great choice, and I love how she mentions sowing and harvesting throughout the summer while keeping the plants small with succession planting-it’s a fantastic approach. I plan to implement this method in my own garden as well! I hope this helps with your request. Let me know if you try it out!

​@@KristelViljoenwow thanks for taking the time to give me such a detailed response, I really appreciate the info you have shared here. I will certainly follow your advice 🌱🌿💚

Scientificly you can use the push pull method. Plant flowers that draw aphids towards them and away from your veggies. Aphids love Nasturtium flowers. Spidermite love Marigolds. Or you can plant flowers or shrubs such as lavendar that draw bees uncluding carpenter bees to your plants.If there is heavy traffic of pollinators, pests seems to stay away. Another thing you can do is use plants that give off a strong smell. Insects are drawn first by smell before they see their host plant. They call it olfactory. If you plant Tulbaghias ( they are indigenous to South Africa and very relisient as well as drought tolerant)- between your veggies their garlicky smell can help to hide the smell of your veggies and deter pests. Know the life cycle of beneficial insects such as praymantis, lacewings and ladybugs and how they look in their diffrent stages such as pupae, juvenile, egg etc. so that you know how to look out for them and not to mistake them for pests. Create micro climates and allow leave litter and twigs litter decompose so that the beneficial insects can overwinter safely in your garden. Place some rocks and other material in the corner of your garden to provide shelter. You can built a bug hotel or put up a beehive in your garden. Place waterbaths strategically in your garden to attract birds to your garden, they are excellent at pest control. I recently built a bat nesting box that I attached high up to an old telephone pole. Bat's easily eat their own body weight in insects in one night. One bat can eat up to 1000 mosquitoes within an hour.

Hi Rebecca, thank you so much for reaching out! Kristel has offered some fantastic advice here! Let me know how it goes with trying out some of these strategies! Keep on sowing and growing!

Wow Phumla! You are so kind 😀Thank you so much for your support and kind words! 😊 It means a lot to me that you are inspired by the content. Every view, like, and comment helps grow the Veggies and Herbs community, and I'm grateful for each one of you. Let's keep sharing our gardening journeys and learning together! 🌱❤Much love and respect!!!!

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I'm really glad you enjoyed the fresh produce harvest. Your support means a lot, and I’ll definitely keep the garden updates coming. Keep on sowing and growing!!

@@veggiesandherbswithruebenm2065 🥰🥰

Hi Phumla! Thank you so much! 😊 Beet root leaves are packed with nutrients and taste similar to spinach or Swiss chard. You can add them to salads, soups, or stir-fries. As for your Swiss chard, if it doesn't have colourful stems, you might have the classic swiss chard variety with white stems, instead of the rainbow colours variety. Both taste great, though! 🌿 Keep on sowing and growing and thank you so much for the support!!

The Italians chop and steam the white stalks after harvesting the green parts of chard leaves. Let it cool down and drizzle grape or balsamic vinegar and olive oil over it. Add milled black pepper and salt. I ❤ it.

@@veggiesandherbswithruebenm2065 thanks a lot for this info 🙏🏿

@@KristelViljoen Wow! Thanks I just add them to stews. Will definitely try your recipe.

Thank you so much for subscribing and for your kind words! I'm really glad you're enjoying the content. Welcome to the Veggies and Herbs community! Feel free to share gardening tips or questions ! Keep on sowing and growing! 🌱😊

Hi there! 😊 Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm really happy to hear that my garden has inspired you! It’s always encouraging to know that the journey I share can motivate others. Wishing you all the best with your gardening!

Hi Johan! ! I'm glad you're enjoying the content! I really appreciate you kind feedback! For starting my seedlings, I use a mix of 2 parts compost, 2 parts Coir (coconut coir), 1 part perlite, and 1 part vermiculite. This mix provides good drainage and nutrition for healthy seedling growth. You can check out my detailed seed starting mix and process in this video [ruclips.net/video/Ri_DEso86DA/видео.html ] It's a great way to save costs and have control over your plants from the very beginning. Thanks again for watching !

Hi Mathapelo! Thanks for reaching out! I normally get my manure at nursery or at builders warehouse. Hope this helps! Keep on Sowing and Growing!

Thank you so much for watching!

Thank you for watching and for the kind words! Yes, the heavy rains this winter in the Cape definitely brought some challenges. One of my beds got seriously flooded. I also noticed an increase in slugs, particularly around my leafy greens. They really took advantage of the damp conditions! What pests did you notice an increase in on your side? Always interesting to hear how others managed in this unpredictable weather!

My pleasure 😊 thanks for kind feedback! Much appreciated!

Awesome! I am sure you will have a great growing season! Keep on Sowing and Growing!

Thank you so much Zandi! You are much appreciated!

You are most welcome! Thank u so much for watching!

Thank you so much for watching and kind feedback. Ek waardeer dit baie!