Turn your garden into a food garden this winter

With the autumn weather upon us and winter drawing ever nearer, now is the time to reconsider what is growing in your garden.

A food garden is a great option for this time of the year. Growing your own herbs and vegetables is not only economical and healthier, but they taste better.

Root crops tend to be more prominent as temperatures drop, however, there are several herbs, fruits and vegetables that can be grown.

Here are some ideas on what to grow in your winter garden:

•  Berries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. These fruits are high in nutrients and high in antioxidants. They should form part of everybody’s diet. It is best to plant them in autumn to give you a crop during the first weeks of spring. The more sun they receive, the better the flowering, which in turn gives you more fruit.
•  South Africa’s climate is ideal for several of the olive tree species, as well as grapes and granadillas. Bananas can also be grown in a protected courtyard.
•  Try different varieties of carrots. They are a great way to teach children about plants and growing food. Nantes is a thinner variety of carrot, which generally makes them sweeter. Chantenay Karoo is a thicker carrot, making ideal ideal for stews. Carrots grow in semi-shade to sun in most soil conditions. Fine textured soil with sand and compost dug into it is ideal. The soil needs to be loosened, depending on the size of the carrot, to a depth which will allow the carrots to grow down into the ground easily. Stones should be removed to prevent distortion and forked roots.
•  Beetroot is another perfect idea for colder months. Grow them in moist, fertile soil in a sunny spot. They will also grow well in raised beds or pots. Sow the seeds into the soil during and towards late autumn. Beetroot is ready to be picked, depending on the variety, when the roots are between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball.

Tips:

If you are going to eat the leaves, it is advisable to grow the vegetables in a bit more shade. If you are going to eat the fruit or flowers, grow them in an area with more sun.

Plants grown in the correct growing conditions are more disease resistant. Make sure the soil is healthy. It is advisable to apply BounceBack, a fertiliser, when planting. Repeat every six to eight weeks until it is time to harvest.

Feed container-grown veggies and herbs with Nitrosol, a plant food, every two weeks.

Organically fed vegetables and herbs are stronger than those fed with chemical fertiliser.

Information courtesy of Eckards.