The Household Garden Blog

How to choose garden pots that last, and keep them looking new

Cheap pots crack, fade and tip over fast. How to spot a pot that will last outdoors, and the bit of care that keeps it looking new for years.

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.

Why pots are the water-wise way to garden in South Africa

Why a garden grown in pots uses less water than one grown in open beds, and how concrete, mulch, soil mix and plant choice make the saving real.

A season-by-season garden care guide for South Africa

A season-by-season garden care guide for South Africa, covering spring, summer, autumn and winter jobs by region, plus year-round care for concrete pots and outdoor furniture.

Fertiliser for pots and gardens: what to use, when, and how much

An honest, practical guide to fertiliser for South African pots and beds: what NPK means, organic versus synthetic, slow-release versus liquid, how often to feed containers, and how to read the lea...

Getting your garden ready for spring: a South African checklist in plain words

A plain-words spring preparation guide for South African gardens, covering frost timing, pruning, refreshing pots, top-dressing beds and lawns, and cleaning concrete pots.

A kitchen herb garden in pots: which pot, which herbs, and how to keep them going

How to set up a kitchen herb garden in pots that actually lasts, covering pot depth, drainage, sun, grouping herbs by water needs and winter care in South Africa.

How to build a container garden that actually thrives

A practical guide to building a container garden in South Africa, from drainage and potting mix to plant combinations, watering rhythm and feeding.

How to style concrete pots: ideas that work in South African gardens

Practical styling advice for concrete pots in South African gardens, covering grouping, finish, colour in harsh sun, entrance statements and troughs used as living screens.

Fibre concrete vs terracotta and clay pots: which is better for South Africa?

A straight comparison of fibre-reinforced concrete and terracotta pots for South African conditions, covering frost, sun, watering, weight, ageing and long-term cost.

How to keep a supermarket plant alive once you get it home

A warm, practical guide to keeping a supermarket houseplant alive: unwrap it, check the roots, let it acclimatise, repot into a pot with drainage and water only when dry.

Indoor gardening in South Africa: light, pots and the plants that cope with our homes

A practical guide to indoor gardening in South African homes, covering which windows give the best light, winter watering, soil, and the pots and trays that keep floors safe.