Here's a list of 10 affordable and easy-to-grow foods that you can start cultivating in your home, balcony, or garden.
1. Tomatoes: The Easy Starter
Tomatoes are like the "apple" of home gardening. They are simple to grow and provide a lot of fruit. Think of them as the "quick win" in your garden. Whether you have a garden or a balcony, tomatoes can thrive in pots or containers. They need a lot of sunlight, so place them in a sunny spot. In South Africa, tomatoes are used in almost every meal - whether in stews, salads, or on a braai. Imagine growing them at home instead of constantly buying them at the shop!
How to grow: Plant tomato seeds or seedlings in well-drained soil. Water them regularly, but not too much - tomatoes don't like soggy roots. They grow well in pots on balconies too!
2. Spinach: A Nutrient-Packed Green
Spinach is a great leafy green that's full of vitamins and minerals. The "spinach of savings" only need a small space to grow in, and it thrives quickly. In South Africa, you can find spinach in a lot of local dishes like "stamp and beans", so why not have your own fresh supply?
How to grow: Spinach loves cooler temperatures, but it's quite hardy. You can grow it in small pots on your windowsill or balcony. Water it regularly, and it will grow in just a few weeks.
3. Lettuce: Fresh and Fast
Lettuce is a vegetable that grows quickly and doesn't need much space, making it perfect for South African homes or apartments. Think of it like a salad in a pot - a fast-growing addition to your table. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, or even on burgers.
How to grow: Lettuce needs just a little sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. It's perfect for balcony gardening. Plant your seeds, water them, and in no time, you'll have fresh leaves.
4. Herbs: Flavour on a Budget
Herbs like basil, coriander (cilantro), and parsley can be grown easily at home, adding flavour to your dishes without the need to spend on store-bought herbs. Herbs are the "spices of savings." You only need a small pot to grow them, and they make a big difference in the taste of your food.
How to grow: Herbs prefer plenty of sunlight, so keep them in a bright area. They're easy to grow in pots, and you can even start them from cuttings or seeds.
5. Potatoes: The Pantry Staple
Potatoes are a staple in many South African meals, from mashed potatoes to pap. Growing them at home is like having your own "spud bank." You can plant them in large containers or garden beds, and they don't need much maintenance. A small patch of your garden or a container on the balcony can provide a steady supply of fresh potatoes.
How to grow: Simply plant potato "seedlings" (which are small pieces of potato with buds). Keep the soil loose and well-drained. Potatoes grow underground, so all you need is to keep the soil healthy and water it when necessary.
6. Carrots: Easy to Grow, Fun to Harvest
Carrots are a great crop for beginners. They're like the "hidden gems" of your garden, growing below the surface. In South Africa, carrots are used in stews, salads, and even as a side dish with a simple meal. By growing your own, you'll save money while having fresh, crunchy carrots on hand.
How to grow: Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil. Just plant the seeds, water them regularly, and wait for the magic to happen beneath the soil. It takes a few months, but the reward is worth it.
7. Peas: A Sweet Snack
Peas are a sweet addition to your garden. They're like the "snackable" plants - they grow fast and are fun to harvest. In South Africa, they can be used in stews, salads, or even as a side dish. Growing peas is as simple as planting seeds and watching them grow.
How to grow: Peas grow well in cooler temperatures, so plant them during the South African winter months. They prefer well-drained soil and can be grown in containers or directly in the garden.
8. Chillies and Peppers: For the Spice Lovers
If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, chillies are the perfect addition to your home garden. They're small but powerful, and they grow well in containers on balconies or windowsills. Chillies are called the "fire" of the kitchen - they add flavour and heat to your dishes.
How to grow: Plant chilli seeds in small pots, ensure they get plenty of sunlight, and water them regularly. They love the warmth, so they'll thrive in South African summers.
9. Onions: A Kitchen Essential
Onions are essential for cooking, and growing them at home is a great way to save money. Onions are often the "base" of most South African dishes, from curries to stews. Growing them is easy, and you don't need a lot of space.
How to grow: Plant onion bulbs in well-drained soil. Onions grow best in full sunlight and need regular watering. They can be grown in containers or garden beds.
10. Garlic: Simple, but Mighty
Garlic is another must-have kitchen staple that you can grow with little effort. It's like the "flavour bomb" of your garden - small in size but huge in taste. South African dishes often use garlic for flavouring, making it a valuable plant to grow at home.
How to grow: Plant garlic cloves in the soil with the pointed end facing up. Garlic prefers well-drained, fertile soil, and you'll need to water it regularly. After a few months, you'll have fresh garlic ready for your dishes.
You can also grow them for their leaves as they are delicious when chopped over salads, sandwiches or stews. Stand the cloves in shallow water until new roots develop. Plant the oves out and wait for the strongly flavoured leaves to grow.
Grow Your Own Food, Save Money, and Eat Fresh
By growing these 10 easy-to-grow foods, you can save money, eat healthier, and enjoy the satisfaction of producing food right at home. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony, there's something on this list for every South African home.
Start small, and with time, you'll have a steady supply of fresh, homegrown produce. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding experience that brings you closer to your food.
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
