Best Plants to Grow in South African Soil (With a Little Help from Compost!)

South Africa’s diverse climate and rich, varied soils offer incredible opportunities for gardening—if you know what to plant and how to support it. Whether you’re in the Highveld, coastal regions, or the dry Karoo, one thing stays constant: compost gives your soil the boost it needs to help your plants truly thrive.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best plants to grow in South African soil, and how composting can elevate your garden—from urban balconies to backyard beds.

Why Compost Matters in South African Soil 🌱

Many parts of South Africa face challenges like sandy, clay-heavy, or depleted soils—all of which benefit from compost. Here’s how compost helps:

✅ Improves water retention in dry areas.

✅ Loosens compacted clay soils, making it easier for roots to grow.

✅ Adds nutrients and beneficial microbes to support plant health.

✅ Balances pH levels, especially in soil that’s too acidic or alkaline.

💡 Whether you’re planting veggies or flowers, composted soil creates a living foundation that supports vibrant, resilient plant life.

Top Indigenous Plants That Love Compost-Rich Soil 🌼

1. Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)

A hardy, beautiful plant with purple flowers that repels pests and thrives in most South African gardens.

✅ Loves compost-rich, well-drained soil.

✅ Grows well in full sun or partial shade.

✅ Attracts pollinators and deters harmful insects.

2. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra)

Known as the “carbon sponge,” this water-wise succulent is a South African superstar.

✅ Grows in poor soil—but compost helps it grow faster and fuller.

✅ Stores water in its leaves, ideal for dry zones.

✅ Excellent for eco-conscious, low-maintenance gardens.

3. African Daisy (Dimorphotheca spp.)

These cheerful, drought-tolerant flowers burst with colour and are perfect for compost-fed soil.

✅ Sow in early spring or autumn.

✅ Thrives in sunny areas with compost-enriched beds.

✅ Great for attracting bees and butterflies.

4. Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon)

A bold, flowering tree that offers shade and attracts birds.

✅ Prefers deep, rich soil—boost growth with compost at the root zone.

✅ Use compost mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)

A fast-growing shrub or climber with orange-red flowers that bloom year-round in warmer regions.

✅ Responds well to compost-enriched soil.

✅ Ideal for hedges, trellises, or wild gardens.

✅ Loved by sunbirds and bees.

Top Edible Plants to Grow with Compost in SA Gardens 🥕🍅

1. Spinach (Swiss Chard)

One of the easiest and most productive greens for South African gardens.

✅ Thrives in full sun and compost-rich soil.

✅ Fast grower—harvest often to encourage more leaves.

✅ Grows year-round in many regions.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and compost is their best friend.

✅ Add compost to planting holes and top-dress regularly.

✅ Improves flavour, size, and disease resistance.

✅ Pair with basil or marigold for natural pest control.

3. Carrots

Need loose, well-draining soil to develop straight, healthy roots.

✅ Mix compost with sandy soil to improve texture and nutrition.

✅ Avoid fresh compost—let it break down first to prevent forked roots.

4. Green Beans

A reliable crop that fixes nitrogen in the soil, and performs even better with compost.

✅ Compost improves yields and water retention.

✅ Easy to grow from seed, even in containers.

5. Coriander (Dhania)

A popular herb in South African kitchens that can struggle in poor soils.

✅ Loves fertile, cool soil with good drainage.

✅ Compost encourages fast growth and deeper flavour.

Tips for Growing with Compost in South African Soil

✅ Work compost into soil before planting—don’t just layer it on top.

✅ Top-dress existing plants with a 2–3 cm layer of compost in spring and autumn.

✅ Mulch with compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

✅ Make compost tea from mature compost to feed plants via watering or foliar spray.

💡 Compost is especially helpful in urban Johannesburg gardens, where soils can be dry, compacted, or depleted from past development.

Want to Grow a Thriving Garden Without the Mess?

If you don’t have space, time, or energy to compost at home, The Compost Kitchen has your back. We collect your food scraps, compost them using vermiculture (with earthworms), and return nutrient-rich compost to help your garden flourish—all while reducing waste and emissions.

🌿 Join The Compost Kitchen today and grow stronger, healthier plants in South African soil—naturally.