If you’re thinking of starting an indoor vegetable garden or need some advice on which vegetables to plant in South Africa, then read on! A lot of vegetables can be grown indoors, given the right environment. If you have enough space and the right equipment, such as grow lights and hydroponic systems, indoor gardening can be extremely rewarding and fun! Here are five great vegetables to consider planting in February in South Africa – they won’t take up much space, but they will reward you with plenty of tasty food throughout the year!
1) Lettuce
Lettuce is both a salad staple and a good filler for stir-fries. Plus, it germinates quickly, so you can get a jump start on your growing season even before spring arrives. Lettuce seeds are available at most seed shops. Keep them moist and warm—ideally between 20C and 25C—and germination should be complete within 10 days or so.
2) Broccoli
Broccoli has very high levels of vitamin C, Vitamin K, and A and also contains large amounts of dietary fiber, manganese and phosphorus. Broccoli can help prevent cancer and heart disease, boost your immune system and improve your eye health.
3) Cabbage
Cabbage is well-known as an ingredient in salads and coleslaw, but did you know it also makes for a great stand-alone vegetable crop? Cabbages need a good amount of space to grow and will reach full maturity about one month after planting. If you have extra space on your vegetable plot, consider planting cabbage (also known as white cabbage) instead of another type of vegetable.
4) Spinach
Rich in folate and vitamin K, spinach is a fantastic choice for those who are looking to improve their bone health. A cup of cooked spinach has around 10 mg of calcium, approximately 40 percent of your recommended daily intake. For maximum absorption, it’s best to enjoy your spinach with a healthy fat such as olive oil.
