can't grow? buy from here..

let me start out by saying that my favorite way to garden is on a budget! growing food is not supposed to be a super expensive thing to do, it's hard work and if money will be an issue as well it might be better simply to buy your veggies from farmers or shops who in my opinion really need your support!

here are 5 of my favourite spots in and around johannesburg to buy veg that is grown in a sustainable way.

1. community garden on corner weltevreden and pendoring roads, blackheath

i can't give you contact details for this one unfortunately as this garden is managed by a group of local people who generally find themselves in tough financial situations to be extremely pc! they therefore need your support as much as you need their amazing products. they don't advertise either or have a sign on the gate, so if the gate is open, go in and say hi. their produce is extremely 'cost effective' and they stock only what is in season, so this is more of a hit and miss outlet that you need to grow a relationship with. the garden is clearly visible from the road behind an old scout hall (i think), check out the map above.

2. kerk straat, johannesburg cbd

the best place to get a huge variety of f&v every day of the week! easy to find on foot, but not so simple if you drive a car.. try to find parking pretty much anywhere in marshalltown and go on foot to the market which is on the street roughly between eloff and simmonds streets. everything is extremely cheap and most things are good! there is unfortunately no way to tell at this market whether or not the produce is organic etc so use your eyes, irregular shapes and stalls with a smaller seasonal variety of goods usually point out the homegrown stuff!


3. the fordsburg saturday night market

photograph from www.fordsburg.com

love love love this market!!! the only night market left in johannesburg that caters to everyone, these guys sell everything, not just food. check out their website for more info on the town.
i do tours with jo buitendach and Past Experiences to this market from time to time, best place to check this out: past experiences





 
4. the Joburg Market

the largest fresh produce market in africa, it might be a little out of the way, but you will be able to get absolutely anything there!! make sure to ask the suppliers about growing methods etc before buying as a lot of these guys farm on a huge scale. the market is also planning on expanding in the near future to include meat and fish to their offerings.
another location to which we do tours, please contact Past Experiences here for more info please
visit past experiences

5. organic box schemes (deliveries)


here is another great way to get good food! why not subscribe to an organic small box scheme? so far there aren't so many in jozi, but follow the link above for a few options. this innovation brings your veg to you at your home or office and is great for people on the go with little or no time to investigate the markets.

this list is not intended to be a directory of all places that you can visit, but rather to show that not all vegetable shopping has to be expensive or a mission to do.

if you know of any other market spaces that you thin i should check out, please send me the details!?! i'm always up for exploring my city! :)