The Household Garden Blog

What size pot does a tree need? A tree by tree guide

A tree by tree guide to choosing the right size pot for olives, citrus, bay, figs, wild olive and strelitzia, with filling, feeding and wind advice.

Fibreglass or concrete pond? A buying guide for South African gardens

How to choose between a fibreglass and a concrete pond, with honest advice on depth, fish, siting, pumps, power and upkeep for South African gardens.

Best pots for a balcony or patio in South Africa

A practical guide to choosing pots for a South African balcony or patio, covering weight limits, wind, heat, drip trays, the shapes that work and what to grow in them.

Concrete pots, explained: the honest guide to read before you buy

Everything a careful buyer wants to know about hand-cast concrete pots before spending on one: cracking, weight, drainage, size, finishes, care and what to plant.

Large garden pots: how to choose, fill, move and plant a big pot

A practical guide to choosing, placing, filling, planting, watering and moving a large garden pot, with frost and cracking advice for South African conditions.

Concrete vs plastic vs fibreglass vs terracotta pots: which lasts in South Africa?

A frank comparison of terracotta, plastic, fibreglass and concrete pots in South African sun, wind and frost, with a clear recommendation for each situation.

Concrete garden furniture in South Africa: an honest buying guide

An honest guide to choosing concrete garden furniture for South African conditions, from pieces and comfort to placement, care and the weight trade-off.

How to choose a water feature for a South African garden

How to choose a water feature by sound, size and spot, with our range as examples, plus pumps, power, safety, finishes and upkeep.