The Household Garden Blog

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.

Soil health for pot gardeners: what living soil is and how to keep it alive in a container

A practical guide to soil health for container gardeners: what living soil is, why it dies in a pot, and the compost, mulch and drainage habits that keep it working.

How to Care for Succulents

If you’re looking to add some greenery to your home or office, succulents are an excellent choice. However, like all plants, they require proper care to thrive. In this article, we’ll go over the b...

Why growing your own vegetables is worth it in South Africa

An honest look at what home-grown vegetables actually save, what they taste like, and why pots and troughs make it realistic in a South African yard, patio or balcony.

How to choose the right size pot: a practical guide with real measurements

A measurements-first guide to choosing pot size for trees, shrubs, vegetables, spreading plants and entrances, using real Pot Shack pot dimensions.

Growing Vegetables in Shady Areas: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Harvest

In this article, we will share valuable tips and insights on growing vegetables in shady areas.

Growing herbs for tea in pots: mint, lemon verbena, chamomile and other favourites

A practical South African guide to growing, harvesting and drying tea herbs in pots, from mint and lemon verbena to chamomile and indigenous fever tea.