Ginger - worth growing

For the those willing to tread the natural path to healing both for preventative therapies and for treating states of discomfort, a series of easily obtained alternative medicinals follows in the next lot of newsletters. It is unlikely that corporates will control these foods, which could be used for medication. Guaranteed some will try and with the continued centralization of the powers of greed and system mongers, the future outcome is dicey. What may happen is that the large pharmaceutical corporations could get control of the alternative herbal and mineral market. They are trying hard enough motivated by a gnawing greed. Bayer is trying to merge with Monsanto. This would make Bayer control most of the world food supply, leader in genetic manipulation of the basic food crops , major purveyor of pesticides which attack the soul of the earth and corrupt enough to write the safety rules for the medicine it peddles. This kind of evil promotes questions and actually confirms the insanity of the so called normal system permeating the planet. At the same time one cannot disregard the wonders of healing brought about by mainstream medication, even though the medical profession including most doctors of all kinds, alternative healers and most hospitals are perceived by many to be lacking in intrinsic value. If you don't want to receive this newsletter just return it with un subscribe in the subject POPULAR AND EASY OBTAINED HERBS. GINGER Zingiber officinale A synergist is not an outcast from a right wing religious group. Rather like a preacher at Hyde Park corner, it spreads the word--it makes open the way. Ginger works so with drugs and other herbs to facilitate their spread throughout the body and enhance their action so ye with cold feet leave the bottle and head for the eastern gift, a cup of ginger. Apart from calming nervous tension it eases the passage of blood to the extremities by opening the blood vessel walls and thinning the collection of platelets, which thicken the blood, and in so doing lowers high blood pressure and helps in thrombosis and heart disease. It may help pain of the digestive system from cramps of ulcerative colitis to mild dyspepsia. Because of its pain relieving ability and anti-inflammatory properties it has been used in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and other chronic inflammations with no side effects unlike Isoprofen... Issues which have escalated because of the ""we want it now syndrome" have resulted in serious resistance to antibiotics--this will put us back into the medical dark ages. Technology helps but have we ever left that era? Some "people" think it may be a good thing that antibiotics are becoming useless and we may be due for major global epidemics since the planet earth can only hold so many people and we are getting close to point zero. Even the patient mother Gaia is giving warning with climate change and increases in catastrophes. Tsunamis and earthquakes are but a few symptoms of an earthly healing crisis. Natural antibiotics will become used more regularly; e.g. raw honey has a great record over the past few thousand years. This reality is extreme and frightening and if you feel nauseous, cups of ginger tea will help. Indeed any type of nausea and vomiting can be helped. Air and seasickness, morning sickness nausea and nausea from chemotherapy (which is being questioned regarding its effectiveness as a therapy) may be relieved with a cup of ginger tea. Migraine sufferers may benefit from a cuppa to quell the associated nausea. The current tea preparing procedure is to use dried ginger--about 1/5th of a teaspoon of powdered ginger to a cup of boiling water. At this dosage it can be had about 4x per day. Add a bit of honey and lemon. The classic method of in depth therapy is to juice 4-thumb size pieces of fresh ginger: add 2.5 cups of hot water, a teaspoon of honey and a dash of lemon--cover (to prevent the volatile oils from evaporating) and brew for 4 hours--drink a little every few hours. If you don't have a juicer, grate a thumb size portion of fresh ginger and treat it the same way as the juice. It is strong and may burn hence the addition of honey and lemon or lime but it is potent for coughs and colds and some bacterial infections caused by streptococcus and other bacteria, which have become resistant to antibacterials --- sore throat and some digestive system cancers such as stomach and colon cancer may benefit. Being a synergist it also helps the passage of antibiotics to where they are meant to be. For a sweetarian, a nice and effective way of getting ginger into the system is via eating crystallized ginger. Bacterial diarrhoea is a major cause of death in undeveloped countries--research has shown that gingers' volatile oil Zingerone is as effective as any antibiotic currently used and without any side effects, so W.H.O is it not time to do some good instead of propping up big Pharma. Gingers' effect on flatulence is likely due to its effect on increasing the flow of bile into the intestines (cholagogue) Its function in fat metabolism could be used for slimming purposes and social grace. If you suffer from gallstones it is not advisable to drink ginger otherwise no side effects are recorded. Ginger may boost the immune system in preventing certain cancers-researchers indicate that leukaemia liver, lung, stomach cancer to mention a few, benefit by the volatile oils stimulating the apoptosis (cell death) of the cancer cells. So, can a pharmaceutical company manufacture a drug that does all that and also lowers cholesterol and has a great effect in healing the effects of diabetes mellitus? Nope--go home Monsanto. We don't want genetic culling of humanity yet - we need a chance to migrate to the stars. When dealing with a breakdown in one aspect of the body health, it may be wise to treat the whole system rather than focus on a single organ or system. In this way mixtures of herbs may work more effectively than a single herb--some helping with elimination and detoxing.Our mixtures contain herbs, which do all that and fortify the mineral and vitamin supply hence providing a more complete healing process with no side effects. The process of cutting a herb generates heat so the finer the cut of the herb so too does the potency diminish that little bit. So I recommend the rough tea cut rather than teabags even though it appears to be a mission to make in the rush rush everyday world. Guidance with professional health practitioners from the naturopath, sangoma, dietician, alternative healer to a MD is an responsible course of action when dealing with any substance affecting your health. For more in depth details about herbs visit < our website > or go to <> IN MOST CASES WE REFER TO DRIED HERB WHEN ADVOCATING AMOUNTS IN TEASPOON FOR TEAS . DOUBLE THE AMOUNT WHEN USING FRESH HERB. These herb properties are directly connected to and derived from the forces of nature - if you want to call it Godhead, Greater hierarchy, Krishna, Yaveh, Allah, it does not matter--these are the forces that we can trust today. So treat the herbs with the respect due to a great natural force, never mind the ravings of a semi lunatic political, media force doing their best to undermine common sense. Prevention is better than cure.

SOME LINKS WHICH MAY BE USEFUL SOME LINKS WHICH MAY BE USEFUL Index to other newsletters----http://herbsorganic.co.za/INDEX%20TO%20THE%20NEWSLETTERS.htm Pictures and info on herbs------http://herbsorganic.co.za/pages/working%20on/pictures%20and%20information.htm To view our products--------http://herbsorganic.co.za/pages/Our%20Products.htm To view references---http://herbsorganic.co.za/newsletter/herbal%20news%20thyme%20and%20colds%20etc%20/fovourite%20references.html\\ To view strange terms----http://herbsorganic.co.za/pages/template%20GLOSSARY.htm To contact us--------http://herbsorganic.co.za/pages/contact%20us.htm New laws governing health products---------http://naturalhealthalliance.co.za/about.htm To un subscribe-----mossie@raversranch.co.za

Have been off line for some time as I lost my sight.  Now I can see again and what a joy to be able to see my garden and my veggies growing .  I have redone my aloe garden and put in other features.  I will post pictures soon.  I have planted a herb section behind my garage where I have herbs and lettuce as well as spinach and rocket all ready to pick fresh for my kitchen. 
As I could not see I did not notice the weeds and overgrowth and have had all that cleared and now see roses blooming.  Now we can keep up to date on the condition of the garden.

Autumn in Zimbabwe - disposing of leaves

On Behalf Of Dr Lisa Marabini awaretrust@gmail.com

Autumn is here, the leaves are falling and already an alarming number of residential bonfires are being set. Choking on an inconsiderate neighbour's leaf smoke is more than just an irritation: it can pose serious health risks. The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons (similar to those found in tobacco smoke), which contain a number of toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, as well as carbon monoxide.

1.  The particulate matter consists of tiny particles (<10 2.5="" ability="" air.="" air="" also="" and="" are="" as="" asthma="" attacks.="" attacks="" blood="" breathing="" can="" cause="" chances="" concern="" deepest="" for="" heart="" impair="" increase="" infection="" inhaled="" lead="" less="" lung="" lungs="" matter="" microns="" months.="" most="" of="" particles="" particulate="" penetrate="" reach="" reduce="" regions="" remain="" respiratory="" span="" strokes.="" than="" that="" the="" there="" these="" to="" trigger="" use="" vessels="" volume="">

·    2. Because leaves are often moist and burn without proper air circulation (those insidious smouldering fires that last all night!), they often burn poorly, producing high levels of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are chemicals, e.g. aldehydes and ketones, that can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and can cause cancer in the long term.

·    3. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that results from incomplete combustion in burning leaf piles. Carbon monoxide is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and combines with red blood cells. This reduces the amount of oxygen the red blood cells can absorb and supply to body tissues. Unborn children, newborn infants, smokers, the elderly, and persons with heart and chronic lung disease are the most susceptible to carbon monoxide.

Additionally, burning organic matter also releases carbon dioxide into the air which can contribute to global warming and climate change. Current CO2 levels in the world are 391 parts per million (ppm), a whopping 111ppm greater than pre-industrial levels of 280ppm! 

We need to take protecting our air quality seriously. I'm sure nobody wants to don respirators just to go outside as residents have to do in Beijing. Our children may well be faced with that prospect if we do not do something. There are 7 billion people that we share this planet with, and we each need to make sure we are not part of the problem.

The eco-friendly alternative of disposing leaves is to make compost. Composting is a simple process that involves placing yard trimmings and other organic materials such as vegetable peelings into a pile or bin. Microorganisms gradually break down the yard trimmings. The process is speeded up by watering the compost heap and turning it occasionally to mix in oxygen. You can cover with plastic once watered to keep the moisture in. Use the compost to enrich your soil - your plants will love it.

Also, don't be afraid to educate your neighbours on the hazards of leaf burning. Awareness is needed. 

GOOD AIR QUALITY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY! 

Dr Lisa Marabini

BVSc, MRCVS

Director, AWARE Trust

Cell: 0712 886650

Natural Flea Deterrent

 Natural Flea Deterrent If you have fleas in your area I have discovered Fennel is the answer. Bought for under $5 at most nurseries (or they can get it in for you). Plant it in a pot outside your dog kennel or in 500mls of hot water place about 3 generous sprigs (crushed up)and let cool strain and spray the water inside kennel, or you can pick fennel, scrunch it in your hand until the juices flow and rub it into your dogs coat (my dogs don't mind) they seem to like the aniseed flavour and the fleas hate it. If you plant it in your garden keep it away from all beans, tomatoes, kohlrabi and coriander.

National Botanical gardens in harare

The 58-hectare National Botanic Gardens contain examples of the diverse plant life that thrive in Harare's pleasant climate. Most Zimbabwean species are  represented, as well as specimens from Southern Africa. It's a great place to spend the day.  One can walk one's dog, have a light meal in the restaurant and generally enjoy the situation.  Societies such as the Tree Society and the Aloe and Cactus Society are regular visitors.  It is good to know that this park is still very much in existance.  There is a herbarium when specimens can be identified and a plant nursery.  For anyone interested in Zimbabwe plants this is one definate place to visit.

It is summer again!

At last summer is with us although, like the rest of the world our weather has changed.  It is cool and wet  - meaning our vegetables are suffering - what was a good vegetable garden is now producing weather damaged crops!  Anyway at least we have fresh and organically grown produce.

The worst hit seem to be the marrows and squash - a pity as we love to eat them.  Perhaps we will have a day of sun shortly!

Epsom Salt Fertilizer

Now spring is nearly with us in Zimbabwe we are planting seeds for our veggie garden.  We do not use any form of fertiliser but we do use compost and i have come across this recipe which sounds quite useful and harmless..  It is good as Houseplant food, Vegetable fertilizer and Rose fertiliser.

Mix:

•1 Tablespoon Epsom Salt

•1 gallon water

in a watering can

Use the solution to water your plants.

Repeat once a month.

Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate – both vital plant nutrients. Some magnesium-loving plants to try it on: are houseplants, roses, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.

Good gardening!

Winter is still here

Looking round the garden this morning it is very evident that winter is still here.  The dry season has caused brown patches in lawn.  Plants have died back and even having a bore hole has not saved us from lack of rain.  This year has been cold but no frost has settled - thank goodness.  Although one knows that as soon as the rains return we will get green grass again it is still sad to see so little colour. 

What colour there is comes from the aloes with their lovely yellow, orange or pink flowers - much loved by the sun birds.

We have been against watering anything but what we need to water in the garden - letting it rest during winter and conserving the underground water supply.  So many people water their garden throughout the year - even the verges outside their houses and then wonder why their bore holes dry up!

In two weeks we should be ready to start planting the seeds which need spring - and within a short time the garden will be returned to its glory.

Planting at this time of year

I have been silennt for a while due to power failures, load shedding and Internet problems.

Anyway in our part of the world these are the best things to do this month in your garden:

Sow root crops in July. Sow/plant hardy spring edible flowers such as borage and violas. Mulch beds.

Harvest medicinal herbs and crops that are to be dried such as broad beans. Zap any weeds and pests that are still around.

Plan your spring garden. Water and fertilize as needed. .

Prune Roses!  - this weekend is the best time!

Good gardening!

Herbal remedies for TB

This shows how important it is that we grow garlic, herbs and other natural foods in our gardens. Although we have a different climate to Europe many of the herbs mentioned below can be grown hee.

Another very good source of natural antibiotic is honey - we may not grow it but the plants we do grow help the bees to make it.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an illness related to the respiratory system.
It is a disease caused by a germ mainly found in your lungs. It is a contagious disease, which means you have to take extra precaution for the safety of other people.
By continuous sneezing, talking and coughing these air-borne germs can spread to other people.
It can turn into a dangerous disease if proper care is not taken.
Due to lack of symptoms, doctors have distinguished it into TB infection and Active TB.
TB infection provides no symptoms and is not contagious.
On the other hand, Active TB can make you sick and is very contagious.
Even though we may think TB is no longer a threat, it has still taken many lives. Millions have died even though we have proper medicines to prevent it.
The need for proper care becomes very crucial for the survival of the patient. The symptoms remain dormant, which makes the situation even worse.

Home remedies for TB
l Garlic is a great remedy to prevent tuberculosis. You can have raw garlic three times a day or have garlic capsule.
l Tuberculosis patients lack silica in their bone, which is one of the most important weapons to fight diseases. To increase that resistance level you must have one tablespoon of horsetail juice three times daily.
l Nettle juice taken raw is rich in calcium. You can use it in soups and salads to add taste and health in your food. Have nettle juice with carrot to make it more appetising. Have at least one tablespoon daily to find the right changes in your body.
l Any herbal tea made by using one part each of mullein, bugleweed, knotgrass and sage, including three parts each of chamomile and horsetail, which work immensely against the coughing problem.
For daily usage use three cups of boiling water over one teaspoon of this herbal concoction and have three to four cups daily.
l Consume natural antibiotics by having horseradish, watercress and nasturtium juice. Have one tablespoon of these juices daily or have them in your salad.

l Source: http://www.healthguidance.org

The way forward

Herbal Therapy Transforms Villagers Lives

Herbert Chifamba

7 May 2010

From the Herald 07 May 2010

Harare — Exactly two years ago, Ambuya Ednara Mushonga of Nyamajenjere Village in Guruve was afflicted by illnesses that saw her go through a horrendous patch, which left her incapable of performing any household chores.
She had essentially become a vegetable.

Today that "human wreck" has been miraculously revitalised and is up and about doing everything the younger generation is capable of, thanks to various herbal concoctions she took and the natural diet to which she simultaneously switched.

When The Herald visited the village recently, she was among scores of women who took to the stage gyrating energetically to the welcoming lyrics the villagers sang to receive the news crew.

"For more than a year, I suffered from swelling legs and hands, excessive weakness of the joints and excruciating pain in the kidneys, which left me unable to do anything and entirely dependent on my grandchildren.

"My situation changed for the better immediately after I started taking herbs in porridge and tea and eating purely natural foods that are not processed, a piece of advice I got from another villager," she said when the dancing team finally decided to take a break.

Ambuya Mushonga is now a member of the village Natural Health Action group that was formed at the instigation of one Bellington Nyamhondoro, who incidentally became the director of the programme that has since spread to many districts in the province and even some suburbs of Harare.

Under the programme, the villagers are in the process of establishing herbal gardens and training each other in the processing and cookery of natural foodstuffs to boost their immune systems in the face of the innumerable diseases that threaten mankind.

There are more than 10 pilot herbal gardens at the moment in Ward 5, incidentally the one under which Nyamajenjere Village falls.

"The herbs that we use here have seen people responding to treatment almost immediately and we have assisted thousands in many different parts of the country to address chronic sicknesses and other prominent diseases like cancer and asthma.

"We have also helped people who have reacted negatively to drugs for different health complaints, for instance those on anti-retroviral treatment," Nyamhondoro explained.

He said the programme began in 2005 when he was invited and trained by Environment Africa in the propagation, processing and use of herbs.

From there Nyamhondoro would go out and train communities holding workshops and it was during such exercises that he also introduced the use of the immune booster moringa tree in areas like Guruve, Zvimba, Mudzi and along the Nyamapanda border area.

"We taught the people how to process both the bark and leaves of the tree, a process that involves drying the stuff before pounding it into pulp or in some cases taking it to the grinding mill.

"Other herbs like 'gotakota', (a panacea for many diseases), 'borage' (a pain killer and blood purifier that is taken in just like tea) and 'resurrection' (an immune booster and panacea for backaches, stomach disorders and even renal problems) are among the herbs that we taught people to use," he added.

Nyamhondoro and his team of trainers also focussed on the use of other herbal remedies like makoni tea (immune booster and cure for flu and colds, remedy for swellings resulting from use of anti-retroviral drugs) and "allena" for tooth aches, oral thrush and ulcers.

"We have a combination of different drugs called 'murapa' that is used for such complaints as sore arms and legs and asthma and we work hand in hand with the University of Zimbabwe's school of medicine and do tests in their laboratories," he said.

The advantage with natural herbs is that they do not have any known side effects at the moment compared to other drugs that have chemical residues that may have the adverse effect of weakening blood cells and destroying the individual if used wrongly.

To date more than 2 000 people have benefited from use of the herbs and their various health complaints have ended while more than 5 000 country-wide have also been trained to train others in places like Guruve, Mudzi, Chitungwiza and Harare's Mabvuku, Warren Park and Highfield suburbs.

Apart from the use of herbs, Nyamhondoro and his team have also broadened their scope to the adoption of nutritional diets and natural foods.

"We have trained people on the use of natural foods as very reliable sources of nutrition and therefore key in boosting immunity of the body.

"They now know how to process mbambaira (sweet potatoes) into flour, biscuits, chips, buns, jam, meat and most interestingly, a drink that is very nutritious and almost the equivalent of orange crush," the programmes manager Privilege Muchenje explained.

Recent developments at Nyamajenjere Village explicitly testified to Muchenje's claims, as the villagers put on display different foodstuffs processed from their local agricultural produce, trees and other plants from the wild.

"We process Soya beans into milk, chunks that are meaty in taste and we can also use it for making tea with the residue left after processing usable for stock feeds.

"Hatinwe tii tsvuku muGuruve isu (we do not drink black tea in Guruve) as even those without livestock can still make milk from Soya beans," a Nyamajenjere villager, Judith Kanhanga said.

Scores of other villagers also gave testimonies of how they had been cured of different health complaints by herbs introduced by Nyamhondoro and his team before joining the Natural Health Action Programme.

By processing crop produce or wild fruit and plants into herbs and natural foods, the villagers are actually adding value to the natural resources paving the way for them to sell them at competitive prices.
The majority of the villagers have since forgotten what it is like to buy groceries from shops, as they only need things like sugar and salt only while the rest is locally produced.

"It pains me to note that we used to sell produce to cities or industry and the same produce would return processed and asking for a fortune.

"We are now doing it ourselves and getting the value of our produce at no cost at all," area co-ordinator of the programme, Chiwanza Kadamuto said.

The villagers have now focussed their sights on establishing a big communal herbal garden for the project and are appealing for well-wishers to help with funds for building infrastructure like sheds for storage and the processing of the herbs and other produce.

Elder trees

We have a lovely Elder tree growing in our garden. lots of lovely white flowers loved by us and the birds.

Did you know that the  flowers from elderberry trees must be cooked before eating. They can be used to flavour cooked fruit and jam and desserts. Elderflower contains natural yeast which is key to making elderflower champagne.
The flour heads can be combined with citric acid to make cordial, which in turn makes a useful ingredient for adding to sauces and jellies.

Steeped in boiling water and strained the white flowers make a good skin tonic suitable for most skins.

When I bought my tree it was very small and I had no idea how large it would grow.  Perhaps our good soil and plenty of water have helped it.  it is a wonderful tree for the birds who roost in in at night and are in and out of its foleage all day.

The elder tree itself has been known as the "witch's tree" and has been both seen as a protection against witchcraft and a favourite form that a witch may take. Perhaps and ideal plant for the cyberwitch's garden?

Now is the time to plant strawberries

There is nothing quite like picking a few strawberries to eat there and then when you walk your garden. But time is running out. You have to plant your strawberries right now

With their low growing, creeping habit they are perhaps the easiest of all the berries to grow, and they are also the most adaptable to different growing conditions. You can grow them in beds, as borders or even in pots and hanging baskets. they flourish among your vegetables and give great satisfaction.

Give them an open, sunny position. The soil should be well composted and well drained. . Do not let the plants dry out, but beware of over watering. They can withstand light frost but if you get severe frost it pays to protect the plants.

Here in Zimbabwe they should grow well in almost any situation.

Nothing better than a good home grown strawberry that you know has no incesterside or fertiliser!

They will flowerin spring. The plants will stay productive for at least three years.

These are useful as tips on what to do in your garden this month -

Theses tips come from from Di-Di Hoffman, SA's Blogging Herb Man - they are equally vaklid for Zimbabwe gardens as well.  I follow these guidelines and have done so for years - and they work.  remember i only use organic products and NO Chemicals even for keeping insects at bay!
Planning and Recordkeeping

□ Now is the time to think about some colour in the winter garden. Consider winter flowering bulbs and Namaqualand daisies.

□ Consider sowing Calendula officinalis for winter skin ointments.

□ Prepare strawberry beds now. They do better in a slightly acid soil. Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure and/or compost. Scatter a cupful of 3:1:5 per square meter.

□ Keep weekly gardening diary and records up to date.

□ Compare actual results and actions with plans and make notes for next year where necessary.


Herb Propagation

Maintain the succession of seed sowing of:

□ Nasturtiums

□ Flat-leaf parsley

□ Chives

Start Sowing:

□ Coriander

□ Sage


Start taking cuttings of:

□ Lavender

□ Lemon Balm

□ Mint

□ Oregano

□ Rosemary

□ Thyme


Tip: When taking cuttings select healthy growth and cut just below a node or leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves. Many cuttings root better if the ends are dipped into a root-forming hormone before inserting the cutting in a rooting medium. Your local nursery will be able to advise.


Tip: If you have perennials such as yarrow, bulbine, echinaceae and bergamot now is a good time to divide them. Water the clumps the day before dividing. After lifting, do not let the roots dry out. For replanting choose healthy young growths from the outer edge of the clump.


Veggie Propagation

Maintain the succession of seed sowing of:

□ Cabbage - last month to sow cabbage

□ Spinach

□ Swiss chard

□ Lettuce

□ Rocket

□ Carrots

□ Beetroot

□ Radishes

□ Peas


Start sowing:

□ Green Beans


Planting and Thinning Out

Tip: If you don't like propagating your own herbs you can buy all herbs on our recommended varieties list and transplant into permanent beds or bigger containers. The same goes for veggies. Buy seedlings from your local nurseries.

□ Thin out beetroots, carrots, lettuces to the desired distances.

Watering

□ Check garden and containers daily during hot spells, especially salad crops and chili bushes.

□ Supplement rainfall (in summer rainfall areas) with thorough waterings.

Fertilizing

□ Fertilize once with a liquid fertilizer like Groweasier (Available and made in Zimbabwe)

□ Containers need a diluted feeding once a week.


Pruning

□ Give hedges a final clipping.

□ Expose the fruit of tomatoes to the sun by removing the covering leaves.

□ Prune all herbs to keep them in shape.


Weeding

□ Remove weeds regularly as they appear. Don’t give them a chance to flower and seed.


Pests and Disease

□ Note the occurrence of pest and disease, measures taken (if any), and results.

□ Be on the lookout for aphids, caterpillars and red spider mite.

Harvesting

□ It is a good month to start harvesting seed. Especially coriander and dill. Cut ripe seed heads and place in brown paper bags to dry thoroughly.

□ Harvest perennials and start making oils and vinegars.

□ Harvest herbs and veggies as required for daily use.

□ Harvest annuals as soon as they come into full flower by cutting back by about two thirds. Dry, freeze or preserve in oil or vinegar for winter use.


Clean-up

□ Remove unused chili fruit and either process or discard.

□ Remove debris to the compost heap, or use as a mulch elsewhere in the garden.

□ Dispose of any insect or disease infested plant material.

Using tin cans to replenish the soil

We have long been into recycling and have made our own compost for years but this is a new idea put out by Environment 2000 - if it works it gives us a better soil and stops pollution!

If one can remove the aluminium at the top of the can - the key that one has to pull to open the can -the tin can be used in pit beds in the garden as it puts the necessary nutrients back into the soil.

Vegetable gardening in Zimbabwe

A lot is being written about how people in Zimbabwe are turning their gardens into vegetable plots! We are managing to produce more than we can cope with in our garden. We have a modest garden and we make sure that we only grow as much as we, and our neighbours and staff, can cope with at one time. By careful planning this is possible.

We love spinach and this time of year is when we have rain - this means the spinach droops and dies off.

We have discovered that by growing it under the eaves of the house we can keep our spinach on the go almost all year.

Another discovery this year has been that the coloured spinach called 'bright lights' (actually kale) does not mind the rain - we now have green, red and yellow spinach on our table on a regular basis!

No Fungus this year!

At this time of year we usually have an abundance of fungus of many varieties.

This year - nothing!

Our rains have been good and our soil is ideal - but why no mushrooms?

Let us hope that later on in the seson we will see them.

The toad tree is so called as it's seed pods resemble a toad in shape and colour. this tree was grown from seed from the Chiredzi area. It is about four years old and has yet to produce seed - however it is a lovely tree in any garden

A new addition to the garden

This is a new stapelia in our garden.

It is Obea variegata. The very attractive flowers do not smell nearly as bad as the other varieties we have growing in our rockery.

The plany originated in the cape region of South Africa.

This variety has a flower that is yellow and reddish brown but the flowers, even on the same plant can develop differently.

When to Water Your Food Garden

These tips come from Timeless Herb Secrets and they are correct for our climate here in Zimbabwe:

Drying out of the soil (or water loss) begins at the top of the soil and works its way down. Because you cannot see inside the soil, you need to test your soil to see how wet or dry it is. This will tell you whether your plants need water or not.

Before you apply water, test how dry or wet your soil is by doing the 'knuckle test':
Press your finger (up to the first joint) into the soil. If you are checking a seedling tray, scratch the soil in the tray.
If your soil is dry at this level, the plants have used up all the available water, so you need to water.
If your soil is moist (damp) at this level, your plants are getting enough water and you are watering correctly.
If your soil is soggy at this level, your plants are in danger of 'drowning', and depending on weather conditions and other factors, you can miss a watering session or delay it till later in the day.

With experience you will be able to check whether your plants need water or not, just by looking at them and your soil. Whenever you are in doubt, do the knuckle test as described above.
Remember: your plants need to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Just like humans, plants do not like to have feet that are constantly wet.
Make checking the water condition of the soil part of your morning routine. When possible, water plants in the cool of the early morning because less water is lost to evaporation and this will give you the peace of mind that your crops are supplied with this vital nutrient for the day.
In very dry hot spells recheck the watering needs once more during the day. Water at any time of the day when plants show a need for it. Don't wait till the morning.