The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant – also known as the R350 grant – is expected to be extended to the end of March 2024. This as government continues to consider options for a replacement for the grant with no decision taken yet on how the replacement will be financed. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the extension of the grant during his presentation of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. “The SRD grant was introduced in May 2020 as a temporary measure to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable, who were affected by [COVID-19 induced] lockdown measures. It has been extended several times since then. Discussions on the future of the grant are ongoing and involve very difficult trade-offs and financing decisions,” he said. As a result of the extension of the SRD grants, other social grants – such as old age grants and disability grants – will increase lower than inflation. According to Treasury, the SRD grant is ex
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| Winter gardening tips for beginners |
Here are some winter gardening tips for beginners:
1. Choose the right plants. Not all plants are suited for winter gardening. Some plants, such as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, can tolerate cold weather and still produce a harvest. Other plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, will not survive the winter.
2. Prepare your soil. Before you plant anything, it is important to prepare your soil. This includes adding compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Water regularly. Even though the weather is colder in winter, your plants still need water. Water them deeply and regularly, especially during periods of drought.
4. Mulch around your plants. Mulch helps to insulate the roots of your plants and prevent them from freezing. You can use straw, wood chips, or even leaves as mulch.
5. Protect your plants from the cold. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your plants from the cold. You can do this by covering them with a tarp or sheet, or by moving them to a more sheltered location.
6. Enjoy your winter garden! With a little planning and care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables even in the winter.
Here are some additional tips for winter gardening:
- Start early. The best time to start winter gardening is in the fall. This will give your plants time to establish themselves before the cold weather arrives.
- Choose a sunny spot. Winter gardens need at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Use a cold frame. A cold frame is a small greenhouse that can help to protect your plants from the cold.
- Fertilize regularly. Even though the weather is colder in winter, your plants still need fertilizer. Fertilize them every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Watch for pests and diseases. Winter pests and diseases can be just as damaging as summer pests and diseases. Be on the lookout for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot can also be a problem in winter gardens.
- Harvest regularly. Harvest your vegetables regularly to encourage new growth.
By following these tips, you can have a successful winter garden.
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