When we started out on our farm, our soil was beach sand. The raging wind rushed through during the hot, dry summers. When we finally managed to grow a crop of something, baboons or mole rats would come and clear an entire row, crop or bed right before harvest. So I dwelled on how difficult our growing conditions were.

But our farm also has a trillion advantages over our previous tiny growing spaces. The sandy soil means that even in the heaviest rain, it never floods. The temperature never drops below freezing. We get to farm on an acre! In the city! We have great neighbours who don’t mind our quirky growing experiments.

In our case, when I was focused on the growing challenges of our acre, I was slow to get organised and push the limits of what is possible on our land. And so much is possible.

It’s very normal to compare our conditions and circumstances in our garden, and in our lives, to others. In one study of olympic medalists, researchers found that bronze medalists were happier than silver medalists, because the silver medalists wished they had achieved gold, whereas the bronze medalists compared themselves with fourth place finishers and felt proud and grateful! This social comparison is accentuated in social media, where we constantly receive images of other peoples’ successes. Yet this comparison can stop us moving forward and making the most of our great circumstances, whatever those great circumstances might be.

If you can, look at the advantages of your space, whatever growing space you have. If you have a shady sheltered garden, there are advantages to that. If you are in the middle of nowhere, there are advantages to that. If you have a slope, how cool are the water harvesting possibilities?! If you only have a verandah or balcony to grow on, you have a reasonable chance of actually making the most of your space! Don’t waste a growing season wishing for something different, there is so much to be said for whatever you have.

Every space can grow something, and everyone has enough time to start with something.

Growing well this time of year in Cape Town:

• Brassicas: Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale. peas, onions, spring onion, leek, spinach, lettuce, carrots, potatoes. So much!

• Veg grows relatively slower the colder it gets, which can make starting seedlings more difficult. Having a warm, light corner for seedlings can really help get plants a good start.

• Carrots and radishes can be started year round, with the exception of July. It’s best to direct seed. They’re a great choice for beds you haven’t been able to compost recently.

• Potatoes are a great option if you don’t have time, energy or attention right now. They grow well in bags or buckets, and just require offcuts from your actual potatoes.

• Focus on improving both your skills and your space in a slow, incremental way. Tiny improvements compound!!!

Here’s to growing together, and to a week of planting and harvesting. I’d love to hear how your growing is going!

This weekend has TWO workshops!

Veg Growing workshop 9-10:30 Saturday 30 May

Kimchi workshop 9-10:30 Sunday 31 May

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