In recent years South Africa has seen a growing trend towards healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Options such as home recycling collections and increasing availability of natural and organic products in stores and via home delivery means people are able to make informed choices for a healthier environment and society. The Urban Harvest offers a complete and holistic approach towards sustainable and healthy living at home.

Imagine eating the freshest, healthiest homegrown food every day while reducing your carbon footprint and saving money. Whether you have a garden, balcony or stoep you can transform it, using ecological and/or Permaculture principles, into a beautiful, edible garden that will nourish you and your family, body and soul. Broccoli, beetroot, carrots, rocket, beans, salads and so much more await you in your own ‘backyard’ - whatever the size!

This is the “Urban Harvest” concept. Empowered urban individuals, communities and schools can harvest affordable, organic produce on their doorsteps as and when they need it. Harvesting fresh produce from your own garden and eating it within minutes is entirely satisfying, without compromise, and so easy. If growing your own food is on your 2010 to-do list, here are six tips to get you started:

INTELLIGENT DESIGN

• Situate your edible garden eco-logically. Ideally your garden should get plenty of morning sun, be sheltered from harsh winds, be close to your kitchen and near a water source.
• Make sure the beds are level; this will conserve water and nutrients in your system. Never step on edible garden beds. Design the garden so that you can reach all areas of your garden beds from clearly defined pathways and/ or stepping-stones without ever having to step on the carefully prepared soil.

SOIL MANAGEMENT

• Cover the soil with mulch. Straw, wood chips, dried grass and dried leaves are examples of good, available mulch you could use to cover your soil wherever it is exposed.
• Make your own compost and apply it regularly.
• Start an earthworm farm. Earthworms will process your food scraps into the highest quality compost and also provide you with an organic liquid fertilizer with which to feed your plants.

NEED HELP GROWING YOUR OWN FOOD?

Companies like Urban Harvest in Cape Town can support you with design, set-up, maintenance services and courses that will result in a selfsufficient edible gardens.

For a free quote contact Urban Harvest (CT) on 072 475 2977, info@urbanharvest.co.za or visit www.urbanharvest.co.za
Gauteng readers can try Caro Sebacha 082 817 4450 from Room to Grow: www.room-to-grow.co.za