Gauteng is South Africa's smallest province by land area but has diverse geography, making it good for farming. It is on the Highveld plateau, which has high altitudes (around 1,300 to 1,700 meters above sea level) and a temperate climate. The region gets summer rain, with thunderstorms from November to March. This is good for crops that like warm, wet conditions.

The soil quality varies across the province. In the Magaliesberg and the Vaal River valley, the soil is fertile. This supports fruit, vegetable, and flower farming. Some areas need irrigation because rainfall is moderate, around 600-700mm a year. Winters are dry and cool, which limits the growing season for certain crops unless greenhouses or other farming techniques are used.

Gauteng's geography is more urbanized, but there are still significant farming pockets in peri-urban areas like the outskirts of Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the Magaliesberg region. These areas focus on small-scale farming.

Seasonal Produce in Gauteng

The seasonality of produce is influenced by its temperate climate, with distinct growing seasons based on the summer rainfall and drier winters. Here’s a general breakdown of the most common fruits, vegetables, and herbs available during different times of the year:

Summer (November to March)

• Fruits:

  • Peaches
  • Plums
  • Nectarines
  • Grapes
  • Melons (Watermelon, Cantaloupe)
  • Figs
  • Strawberries

• Vegetables:

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Peppers
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Corn

• Herbs:

  • Basil
  • Mint
  • Cilantro (Coriander)
  • Dill

Autumn (April to May)

• Fruits:

  • Apples
  • Pears
  • Pomegranates

• Vegetables:

  • Butternut Squash
  • Pumpkins
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Leeks

• Herbs:

  • Parsley
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Oregano

Winter (June to August)

• Fruits:

  • Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit)
  • Guavas
  • Apples (late-season varieties)
  • Avocados

• Vegetables:

  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Swiss Chard
  • Peas
  • Onions
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Carrots

• Herbs:

  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Mint (can grow year-round)

Spring (September to October)

• Fruits:

  • Strawberries (early season)
  • Early varieties of peaches and plums
  • Avocados

• Vegetables:

  • Lettuce
  • Radishes
  • Spring Onions
  • Peas
  • Beets
  • Spinach
  • Asparagus

• Herbs:

  • Chives
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Parsley

Certain vegetables and herbs can be grown year-round due to its relatively mild climate and the use of greenhouses and irrigation:

• Vegetables: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, and Swiss Chard can often be grown throughout the year with proper care.
• Herbs: Herbs like parsley, mint, and rosemary thrive in Gauteng’s climate and can be harvested year-round.

The farm-to-table movement often takes advantage of the year-round availability of leafy greens, while the seasonal nature of fruits like citrus, peaches, and apples is highly appreciated by local chefs and consumers looking for fresh, local produce at its peak quality.