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145 guidesGrowing tomatoes in Namibia: planting to harvest and storage
Grow tomatoes at a scale you can water, support and harvest consistently. This guide follows the crop from variety choice and planting through pruning, pest checks, ripening and storage, with options for a small courtyard as well as a larger garden.
Soil
The Power of Organic Garden Soil Hey, fellow garden lovers! Have you ever wondered why some gardens seem to have super happy and hearty plants? Well, the secret might just be in the soil! We’re talking about organic garden soil – it’s like plant magic! This article is all about how this special soil helps […]
Organic Fertiliser
Understanding Organic Fertilizers Organic fertilizers are like a gourmet meal for your plants, sourced from natural materials such as plants, animals, and minerals. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, these fertilizers release nutrients gradually, ensuring a sustained and balanced supply. They do more than just feed your plants – they improve soil quality, boost microbial activity, and […]
Worm farm, bin or bath
A worm farm is a simple way to keep compost worms and harvest their vermicompost and worm tea for use as fertiliser or insect spray. You can keep compost worms in a simple bin, in a clever three tray worm farm or in an old bathtub called a worm bath. Here we explain all three […]
Compost Worms
Compost worms benefits Plants need food, just like animals do. To have a productive farm, you need to focus on feeding the soil in which the plants live. Luckily we can make our own plant food cheaply with compost, worms and mulch. Compost worms are super cool little creatures that help turn our kitchen scraps […]
Plant Hardiness Zone Map
What’s a plant hardiness zone map? A plant hardiness zone map is a geographical tool used to help gardeners, farmers, and horticulturists determine the suitability of various plant species for a particular region based on its climatic conditions. It divides different areas into zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperatures. These zones are […]
Vermicompost
Vermicompost, also known as worm castings or worm compost, is a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that is produced through the process of vermicomposting. This process involves the use of specialized composting worms, such as red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), to break down organic materials like kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable matter. The worms consume the […]
Salvinia molesta (Kariba weed): a careful, contained option for village feed in dry Namibia?
Kariba Weed (Salvinia molesta) is a very fast-growing floating fern. In Namibia it is an alien invasive that causes problems in natural wetlands, especially in the Zambezi Region. But in our dry villages, it cannot survive outside water for long. With tight containment (tanks, filters, no leaks) and no chemicals, small communities can trial it […]
Biochar
Biochar, a carbon-rich substance born from the depths of pyrolysis, is making waves in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. This black gold holds the promise of enhancing soil fertility, mitigating climate change, and revolutionizing the way we cultivate our lands. What is Biochar? Biochar is a type of charcoal produced through the pyrolysis of organic […]
Keep healthy soil during winter and droughts
Maintaining a healthy soil biome during challenging conditions such as winter and drought is crucial in organic farming. Here are some strategies to help keep the soil ecosystem active and thriving during these times: 1. Mulching: Applying a thick layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, helps to insulate the soil […]
Sandy Soil
How to permanently improve sandy soil! Improving sandy soil permanently and organically involves increasing its water retention, nutrient content, and structure. Here are some key methods to achieve this: 1. Add Organic Matter:Continuously adding organic matter is one of the most effective ways to improve sandy soil. Organic materials such as compost, aged manure, leaf […]
Urban Agriculture
Urban Agriculture: Thriving in Arid Environments Through Permaculture Introduction Urban agriculture is gaining popularity as cities expand and the need for sustainable living becomes more critical. In arid regions, where water is scarce and environmental conditions are challenging, urban agriculture not only provides a source of local food but also contributes to the ecological health […]