The Household Garden Blog

Starting a garden from scratch in South Africa: where to begin

How to start a garden from scratch in South Africa, from reading the sun and soil to choosing a first bed, first plants and pots for the spots where nothing will grow in the ground.

How to make a small garden look bigger

Design principles that make a small South African garden or patio feel larger, from one statement pot to repeated finishes, diagonal lines and vertical layers.

Gardening on a budget in South Africa: plants and tricks that stretch a rand

Practical ways to build a full garden on very little money, from seed and free cuttings to home compost and pots that do not need replacing.

How to grow lavender, a complete South African guide

Lavender is tougher than it looks and thrives in South African gardens. Which variety to grow, how to give it sun and drainage, and how to prune it to last.

Why your pot plants keep drying out, and how to stop it

Pots dry out fast, and it is where most container plants fail. How to read over versus under watering, how much to water, and how to keep pots alive while away.

5 easy herbs to grow in pots

How to grow mint, parsley, rosemary, basil and oregano in containers in South Africa, including the pot size and depth each one actually needs.

Planting up a patio: what to think about before you buy the pots

A practical guide to planning a South African patio garden, covering sun, wind, drainage, weight and scale before you choose a single pot.

How to plant a shade container that looks full and stays healthy

How to read the shade you actually have and plant a container that fills out and lasts, using clivia, ferns, plectranthus and streptocarpus.

Watering outdoor potted plants: What you need to know

Potted outdoor plants add that special something to a garden, while they look equally magnificent on a veranda. But although many people choose to include potted plants in their landscaping and as ...

How to plant a concrete pot so it drains well and lasts

How to plant a concrete pot so it drains well and never sits in water, with the evidence on drainage layers, pot feet and the right potting mix.