Avocado's in the Lowveld Mpumalanga

In our case Heaven.

Some time back myself and my beloved found ourselves spending a Long Weekend (Well deserved one I might add) at an Avocado Farm in the middle of the Lowveld near Sabie. The farm was nested in between the Sappi Forests, with only a long dirt road giving it away from the (Main)road. On leaving the main road there is nothing to see but massive tree's hanging over what is a real farm road, little streams running from side to side every 100 – 200 Meters, tracter tyre patterns still freshly pressed in the soft fertile soil. One cant help but notice and feel the peaceful surroundings already wrapping her arms around you, nobody seems to be complaining as they gaze out the windows without uttering a word.

It takes us around 40 minutes to arrive at a rusted unlocked and already open Main Gate. Strange how we were all taken back by this, as in the City you wouldn't dare attempt such brave habits if you were to call it that. Never the less we proceed through the gate to find what was called the main farm house with three smaller houses around it. This was where the farming family lived and stored all there goods together with their tools. Everybody here is content / happy / peaceful and most refreshingly helpful. After no hassle nor fuss we were shown to our Humble little House for the weekend.

It took us all of about 10 minutes of unpacking and already we could not fight the urge anymore. We had to walk, explore the rolling hills which were perfectly planted with fruit baring tree's. Off we go, beer in hand and only nature's sweet peaceful sounds to fill your ears. Within minutes we find ourselves in the middle of a Avocado and Macadamia Nut Plantation. Walking through the isle's, one cannot help but notice how long they are, each row of tree's must easily be 1 kilometer long with each row having every single bit of information about them. Date Planted / Number of Tree's / Last Harvest Date and their own individual names. One can only wonder how passionate the farmers are about their Plantations.

Tired of walking we decide to sit, rest and take in our surroundings. While resting we noticed just how big these Avocado's hanging off the tree where. You would never find such a Huge Avocado in the shops, even for the ridicules prices we pay. We decide to pinch one off the tree, Oh Ok it was just one Promise (we did tell the farmer).

Sitting on the soft soil in between the rows of tree's we decide to cut the Avocado open and eat it. As we cut it open all this juice poured out, we thought there was something wrong with it as the one's in the shops do not do this (typical city folk ha ha ha ha).Taking a bite of it after sometime of inspection released this sensational taste bud frenzy, it was unlike any other Avocado I had tasted, full of juice and flavor.

Question : Was the Avocado that much better because it was Stolen ?

Stay tuned for the Macadamia Nut half of the plantation, and the rest of our stay on the Farm including Farm Animals.

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Join us while we show you how to make your very own Veggie Patch while we make our's

A – Z of Subsistence Farming

Subsistence Farming or a Veggie Patch as many people know it, is one of the easiest ways of contributing to Global Warming and even Saving Money in these times. On City Bushman we will provide you with a Step by Step guide on how to start your very own Veggie Patch while we make our very own Veggie Patch.

First of all when Starting out, you will need to find a suitable place to put your Veggie Patch. Keep in mind that you do not want to put it where there will be a lot of activity around your new Veggie Patch. Somewhere quiet and out of harms way is the best remedy. Keeping in mind your Veggies will require at least 4 -5 Hours of sun light each day.

Once you have decided on a location for your Veggie Patch it is recommended you mark or determine the size of your Veggie Patch (Do Not make it to large if you are not able to maintain the Veggie Patch)

Keep it Large enough for you to maintain and at the same time not to small, as you wont be able to plant enough Veggies if its to small. The next step is to Turn or Loosen the soil until its soft enough for you to work with (This takes some time). The deeper you dig the better you Plants will grow. Use quiet a substantial amount of water, this will help soften the soil (Not to much as it will become very Muddy).

Once you have loosened all the soil, it is very important you take all the weeds / grass and any large stones and sticks out of your soil. This will ensure easy maintenance and planting of your new Veggie Patch.

The next step once you have finished loosening the soil, make designated rows for each type of Veggie you intend planting. Make sure that you do not bury the seed's to deep, each pack comes with the recommended depth at which to plant your seeds. Once you have planted your seeds (make sure that you do not plant them to close to each other) water and mark each row as to know where which plant will grow.

We will keep you updated every step of the way with pictures included of our Veggie Patch. If you would like to share your stories with us please feel free.
 
We always value your input and support.
(Stay Lean and eat Green)