The Household Garden Blog

Compost vs fertiliser vs soil, what is the difference

Soil, compost and fertiliser do three different jobs, and mixing them up trips up a lot of gardeners. What each one is for, and how to use them together well.

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.

A pet-friendly garden: what to plant, what to avoid, and how pots help

A practical guide to making a South African garden safer for dogs and cats, from the plants worth removing to the pots and mulches that keep curious noses out of trouble.

Companion planting that works in South Africa, in beds and in pots

An honest look at companion planting for South African gardeners, separating the pairings with real evidence behind them from the ones that are simply tradition.

Gardening with children: easy wins that keep them interested

A practical guide to gardening with children in South Africa, built around fast-growing seeds, a pot they own, and small jobs that suit their age.

The easiest fruit trees to grow in pots in South Africa

Which fruit trees actually crop in containers in South Africa, how big the pot needs to be, and how to get them through winter.

How to bring more birds into a South African garden

Water first, then nectar and berry plants, shelter and no poisons: a practical guide to filling a South African garden with birds.

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.

The best type of soil for plants, and what to use in pots

Your soil decides whether plants thrive or struggle. How to tell what you have, sand, clay or loam, how to improve it, and the best soil to use in pots.

Vegetable gardening for beginners in South Africa

A beginner friendly guide to growing vegetables in South Africa, covering sun hours, soil, watering rhythm, planting seasons and when a pot beats a bed.

When and how to plant seedlings in South Africa

A practical guide to timing, hardening off and planting out seedlings in South African gardens and pots, from the Highveld to the coast.

Plants that keep pests away, and how far they really go

An evidence-based look at which pest repelling plants actually earn their place in a South African garden, and which ones are mostly folklore.