Loving sunshine

Warmer weather means more time in the garden planting those lovely summer annuals.

We’re planting … Alstroemeria River Valley that’s a mini version of the fabulously showy bedding alstroemeria, also known as the Inca lily. It has striking green and cream variegated leaves (a most unusual feature) and only grows 30cm high and wide. It stays compact and doesn’t fall open or become untidy like the taller growing varieties. Plant it in fertile, organically rich soil that drains well in sun or semi-shade. It requires moderate watering and should not dry out completely. Container plants do best in morning sun with afternoon shade and regular watering. It is frost tender and should be protected from frost. Details: www.ballstraathof.co.za

VEGGIE OF THE MONTH

Eggfruit ‘Long Purple’ is an heirloom variety named for its long deep purple fruit. This staple of Mediterranean cuisine is often used with tomatoes, onions and zucchini in rich, saucy dishes such as eggplant parmesan or ratatouille. Eggfruit need sun and soil that drains well. Sow in seed trays or directly into the soil. Keep moist during germination and transplant from seed trays when seedlings are about 5- 8cm high. Two weeks after germination fertilise with Margaret Roberts Organic Supercharger. Good companions for eggfruit are beans, tarragon, thyme, and cornflowers as they enhance each other’s growth. Details: kirchhoffs.co.za

 

INDOOR PLANT OF THE MONTH
Guzmania’ s love the warmer weather, bringing a touch of tropical luxury into the home with their red, yellow, orange or pink star-shaped flower bracts. The flower bracts last for two months or more then the plant dies, leaving behind new plants, called pups, that become the next generation Guzmania. Like other members of the bromeliad family, they thrive in a warm room with good humidity and medium to bright indirect light. Keep water in the central cup; that’s the space where the leaves meet and form a cup (or tank) toward the base of the plant. If possible use filtered or distilled water and keep the potting soil moist during summer. A light misting during hot, dry weather will keep them looking at their best. Details: www.lvgplant.co.za

 

FOUR REASONS TO COMPOST USING TECH
Food waste – food that is perfectly fine to consume but is often thrown away – is recognised as a global problem. In South Africa, a country already gripped by drought and hunger, a third of all food – approximately 10 million tons a year – ends up at rubbish dumps. Much of this food waste occurs in our homes – by cooking or serving too much, food getting spoiled due to improper storage, poor meal prep and overbuying. So how can you reduce your food waste and make a small difference to better food security? One easy way is to invest in a home composting device, one which will allow you to cut down on your food waste, reduce methane (a type of greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere and help your home garden thrive. Investing in yet another gadget when you could compost the old-school way seems wasteful but the benefits far outweigh the cost.

1. Keep odours and bugs out of your home Composting has long been a guilt-free way to recycle food scraps but for many, the hassle and stench is not worth it. There is also the potential for a compost pile to attract worms and maggots or for the liquids from rotting foods to start leaking through compost bags. An electronic composter works within a matter of hours and eliminates odours so you’ll never have to worry about bringing bugs or funny smells into your home.
2. Automatically – and quickly – compost organic materials Unlike traditional methods of composting organic waste, composting devices are fast working, completing the entire compost process within a few hours at just a touch of a button. The iCompost, for example, turns all types of food waste – including coffee grounds, tea bags and eggshells – into a dry, natural and nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used in pot plants and gardens within five to six hours.
3. Save money, reduce noise and use less space Compost machines also have low operating expenses and, depending on the type of machine you purchase, takes up very little space.
4. Easy to use, easy to clean With traditional compost heaps, there exists a threat of humans contracting diseases while using the compost, especially when it’s been sitting out for a while. With a compost device, many of which work at the push of a button, the compost produced has a longer shelf life while added features, such as those with a carbon-filter system and self-clean function, eliminates fungi, bacteria and other biological organisms for safer handling.

Details: For more information on food waste recycling and iCompost, visit icompost.co.za

Text: ALICE COETZEE & KYM ARGO