Article: Meagan Karstens from women24
Image: Getty Images

Laurie Crook is our Green Goddess who goes gaga for anything organic. "There's something special," she boasts, "about cooking and serving my very own spinach."

Harvesting your own
Nick Stodel, a veteran gardener and General Manager of the Stodels Nurseries' chain, offers his expertise when harvesting some of our favourite veggies:

Tomatoes
Position your crop so that it's fully exposed to sunlight. Tomatoes grow best from spring to autumn and the good news is that they require little maintenance. Plant them in a hanging basket by the window or outside in a garden bed and only water them once or twice a week. Be sure to stake the plants because tomatoes need support to grow.

Lettuce
Being an all-round crop stands in this veggie's favour because if harvested correctly, you can bear its produce throughout the year. This leafy vegetable grows best in part shade / part sun. And depending on the quantity you wish to produce, you can either plant them in a large garden bed, pot or in a box near the window. Nick warns that because lettuce has a tendency to dehydrate very fast, keeping them well-moistened is vital.

Peas
It's been reported that we're heading toward a fresh pea shortage. So unless you're willing to settle for the frozen kind, it's best you take these instructions to heart.

"Seeds should be planted in direct sunlight," says Nick, "and they also require a support trellis to climb onto."

Spinach
This vegetable has seen its popularity grow since the dawn of Popeye. It's a power-veg, packed with goodness. Remember: although spinach can be harvested throughout the year, the most flavourful months are those between spring and summertime.

Cabbage
What is a Sunday lunch without some steamed cabbage? Some like it crunchy while others prefer it soft. Whatever your style, remember that cabbage grows in full sunlight. If you're planting it in winter, then harvest your crop in spring.

Soil
"When planting vegetables," advises Nick, "use compost, bonemeal, and kraalmanure." Nick also recommends Feramol for snails.

And if you prefer your garden completely pesticide-free, then try this mixture:

Basil and onion bug spray