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Capsicum pubescens: the very different chilli pepper

This species is grossly underrated, most probably due to climatic restrictions as to where it can be grown, writes Bill Kerr.

Good chillies for making a fiery hot sauce

There is a distinct fruity aroma associated with the Capsicum frutescens species of chilli pepper, and it’s also quite pungent.

A fruity chilli species that deserves more recognition

There are many different varieties within Capsicum baccatum, ranging widely in size, shape, colour, flavour, and potency.

Growing onion sets

Bill Kerr discusses what onion sets are, and how and when to produce them to obtain the maximum financial benefit.

The benefits of treating seed before sowing it

Pathogens can be removed from vegetable seed by treating it with hot water at 51°C for about half an hour. Bill Kerr explains this procedure as well as using trisodium phosphate to kill seed viruses.

A different seedling tray for each specific purpose

Bill Kerr explains the different types of seedling trays available to vegetable producers. They vary in type of material and shape of cavities.

How to make the decision to throw out old seedlings

Whether older seedlings will be productive depends on their size and age, and with seed prices going up, one needs to think carefully before throwing out plants that could still be productive.

Preparing seedlings for the season and your conditions

Seedlings should vary according to the season. Bill Kerr shares how he learnt this vital lesson, and offers tips on how to harden seedlings.

Viruses that can attack a bean crop

Bill Kerr explains how bean common mosaic virus and bean yellow mosaic virus can infect a field and spread, leading to major crop losses.

What growers gain by having a seedling germination room

A germination chamber set at about 25°C leads to a high germination percentage and shortens the time span before seedlings are placed out in the nursery, saving the grower money.

New farmers’ seedling pitfalls

Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead, advises Bill Kerr.

Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production

Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results.

Learn to solve your own crop problems

So-called experts often tell farmers what the problems are with their crops without being sure and just hoping for the best when suggesting solutions. Rather use your own experience to figure out the cause, says Bill Kerr.

The pitfalls of gambling with vegetables on the market

The decision of what to plant should be based on average market prices in the long term, which enables vegetable growers to calculate what the market price fluctuations will be, says Bill Kerr.

How quality and marketing drive success for small farms

It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.

How to build up humus in your vegetable crop

The importance of building up humus in vegetable fields cannot be overstated. Without achieving this, the soil will not become self-sustainable, writes Bill Kerr.

Bacterial diseases in beans are your crop’s biggest threat

Bill Kerr says he can’t overemphasise the importance of making sure that the bean seed you purchase is disease free.

Ways in which soil microbes and plants interact

A very important part of the success of this project is an understanding of the soil food web, in other words, how organisms that live in the soil interact with plants, writes Bill Kerr.