Get access to the ebook
How to build soil and learn about soil nutrients
Practical tips for no-dig gardening in Cape Town
Composting and adding fertility to your garden
Sun, Wind, Water and Microclimates
Low cost raised Vegetable Beds
Specific growing tips for 25+ vegetables in Cape Town
A grower's calendar for planting in our area.
Our Story
From Container Gardening to Permaculture Paradise
In 2015, my husband Eugene and I embarked on a journey to transform a vacant lot in Lochiel Smallholdings into a thriving one-acre permaculture farm. Fast forward eight years, and our farm now sustains our family of five. My parents moved in, and we have the invaluable expertise of Chris, our resident horticulturist. Together, we have 50+ years of experience growing locally.
Our initial struggles with growing vegetables were real. I faced challenges, from lost crops to sad-looking veggies, and blamed it on our seemingly harsh climate. Little did I know, the Far South has a rich history of farming. It wasn't the climate; it was my lack of experience and knowledge.
Our Book
Your Personal Guide to Successful Vegetable Gardening
Ever wished for a guide that caters specifically to our unique conditions? I did too, and that's why I've penned down the insights and lessons I wished I had when starting out. This guide isn't just a collection of tips; it's a tailored to the challenges of our region – no frost but raging winds, potential mole rat havoc, and the slow transformation of sandy soil.
Our Knowledge
The knowledge of a community
For the past year, I've hosted a WhatsApp group, answering questions from fellow gardeners facing challenges in Cape Town. This experience has broadened my perspective on the hurdles faced by growers in our area and highlighted information gaps. Now, I want to share this knowledge with you.
You will receive free updates as we expand our knowledge and get feedback from readers like you.
Our Lives
Cultivate Your Garden, Cultivate Your Life
Gardening teaches invaluable life skills – patience, persistence, and understanding the limits of our knowledge. There's no such thing as a green thumb; successful gardening is about aligning your strengths, weaknesses, time, and resources. In this guide, I'll share insights on soil building, seasonal considerations, and the crucial topic of summer watering.
The guide provides a calendar to time your growing schedule.
This is the book that could have saved me time, money, heartaches & backaches!
Growing our own food has changed our diets, our health and our lives. It wasn't easy for us, so we wanted to make it easier for others.
© Heart & Soil Homestead 2023
Cape Town, South Africa