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

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

The secret that nobody seems to be sharing is that a beautiful garden begins with healthy soil. Healthy soil is the foundation for successful plant growth and a thriving ecosystem. It is a balanced combination of organic matter, minerals, water, air, and microorganisms that support the vitality of plants. However, soil can deteriorate over time due to various factors: Soil erosion is one problem that occurs when the topsoil is depleted or washed away, leaving infertile soil b