Over the years, modern farming methods have helped us make incredible progress in agriculture. Yields have gone up, and food has become more accessible. But now, more than ever, with the changing climate, we’re realising the importance of working with nature rather than against it. Nature sustains itself without chemicals. It regenerates, recycles nutrients, and feeds countless living things, all without human interference. And now, we’re learning to follow those same princip

In the city, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the food we eat. Supermarkets offer fresh vegetables, but rising prices, limited variety, and long supply chains make urban households vulnerable. That’s why I turned to vertical bag farming -a simple, space-saving way to grow food, even in the smallest urban areas. Urban living comes with challenges: limited land, poor soil, and busy schedules. Vertical bag farming turns these challenges into opportunities. By stacking soil-f

If you’re in Lusaka, Kabwe, Ndola, Kitwe, or any urban area in Zambia, now is the time to rethink what’s possible with your home space. Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a sunny window — you can grow, raise, make, and build.

How I successfully started a sack garden

Across Zambia, truckloads of “black soil” roll into suburbs every day, promising lush lawns and thriving flowerbeds. To many gardeners, this seems like a shortcut to greener gardens. But in reality, every load represents a piece of woodland or wetland stripped bare, and a rural ecosystem put at risk. Soil harvesting may look harmless, but it is quietly destroying our catchments, woodlands, and rivers. And gardeners are part of the problem. By demanding black soil, we are payi

As July approaches, the winter chill has settled into Zambian gardens. If you are being responsible then your garden is more brown than green. It does however, feel as if the temperature is warmer than it would usually be at this time of the y ear. Winter is still a time when many plants begin their dormant phase, a natural rhythm that's crucial for their survival. Dormancy helps plants conserve energy and withstand the colder temperatures. Examples of plants that commonly

For many middle income Zambian households, lawns are a staple of every garden, and in fact when building, the first part of the garden people think of if the yard is big enough is if there is any lawn. The fact of it is that other than the gardener, very few of us spend much time in the garden although we do admire it, seated from the veranda. Part of the reason we are so proud of the lawns is of the status connected with it, and stem from when only rich landowners in Europe

Zambia holds vast potential for industries centered on sustainability, offering promising avenues worth exploring. While initial setup costs may be substantial, the potential rewards, including job creation and positive environmental impact, are significant. Here are three industries which we feel could benefit from more industry players. Collection and processing of garden waste for making compost & potting soil In Lusaka, the disposal of garden waste often involves its inc

It can sometimes be hard to 'think outside the box' when you have an already established garden, especially if it involves making significant changes to existing planting, especially where you have a well developed lawn. The best gardens thrive because they have a realistic amount of time and resources given to them. Good lawns need time, water, expertise and financial investment to keep them looking pristine. Many Zambians have already embraced the concept of succulent pla

Lusaka has been on a well-heeled historical adventure with ample evidence of green literature, maps, provided by contributors such as the...

Lusaka developed as a popular hub for historic regional and international conventions that have improved the lives of African residents...

Suggestions for which plants to plant in a drought garden.

History of how green space was incorporated into the city planning.

As May begins and the cool, dry weather sets in, it's the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and prepare our gardens for the months...

With the early onset of the dry season, we will already be finding small animals venturing into our yards to look for food. Dealing with...

Palms are common in most urban ornamental gardens across Zambia. There is a wide array of palm species grown across the country hailing...

Introduction: El Niño has brought hot and dry conditions to Zambia, disrupting our usual weather patterns. We are experiencing October temperatures and dry heat. According the the Meteorology Department the forecast continues to be bleak. Increased temperatures and reduced rainfall pose significant challenges to our gardens such as water stress and heat damage. Understanding its effects can help us safeguard our gardens. Protecting Our Home Gardens As Zambian home gardener

Zambia is a country blessed with breath-taking, natural beauty, from the vast Liuwa Plains to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and its...

A simple guide to selecting which trees to plant around your home.

Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, is known for its hot and dry weather conditions. Historically, we regularly experience flooding within the city during the rainy season. Fortunately, some of this sinks down to the water table which is an underground water reservoir that develops in certain areas. In contrast, the dry season the city becomes very dry and extremely dusty as vegetation dies back. The water table slowly sinks lower and underground water becomes harder to reach

So if you are reading this, chances are that you have a very tactile pet that enjoys pulling things apart with their mouth. It's one thing when they are pulling apart your socks but a bit more dangerous when they pull up plants in the garden. Dogs especially, love to venture into potted plants or newly planted beds and do their own landscaping. Here's a list of pet-friendly houseplants that are generally considered safe for cats and dogs. However, it's important to note that

Zambia has such a favourable climate that most plants can be planted through the year. In the extreme, heat of October and November or...

If you're looking to add a touch of natural beauty and practical benefits to your garden, consider planting aloes. These fascinating and hardy plants have been cherished for centuries for their unique charm and a range of advantages they bring to any outdoor space. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding aloes to your garden and how they can enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your green haven. Aloes are Easy to Grow: Even if you're new to garde

Here are some of the jobs we are working on in the garden this September