Latest articles
A guide to farming saffron in South Africa
Thousands of corns yield just a few grams of saffron. South Africa’s first saffron farmer, Renske van Zyl, explains the process of growing this delicate spice. Jay Ferreira reports.
Improving seedling production
To meet the demand for seedlings without compromising on quality requires a willingness to adopt new technologies and to implement strategic planning. Lloyd Phillips reports.
Common watermelon fungal diseases
Watermelons are generally grown in fairly dry climates as this reduces the risk of diseases considerably.
Profiting by a softer approach
This beef and vegetable farmer has successfully merged organic products into his conventional spraying programme and is building the soil with green manure crops.
Fresh produce conference season
We’re approaching the fresh produce sector’s ‘conference season’ once again.
Watermelon weeding & watering
Weed control depends on a farmer’s particular situation. For example, where weeds are rife, a weedkiller may be needed.
Producers returning to markets?
Quite a few market insiders have told me that producers have had enough of supplying supermarkets and are stepping up their deliveries to the markets.
OMET farming better than hydroponics?
The inventor of Organic Medium Enclosed Trough farming claims that his method has higher yields than hydroponics, and is simpler. Jay Ferreira visits Helmuth Rohrer to find out more.
Planting watermelon seeds and seedlings
Success with watermelons, as with most fruit and vegetables, begins with getting the basics right.
Expansion through vision & planning
Investing in soil fertility and modern farm equipment has allowed Kranskop farmer Carl Gathmann and his sons to tap into the benefits of economy of scale.
Quality sells
Supplying a quality product is easier said than done. Within the farming context there are many challenges that have to be overcome before quality products can be produced.
Give your watermelons the correct nutrient mix
There are several important considerations when planning a fertiliser programme for your watermelon crop.
Challenges facing SA fruit farmers
Hannes Toua (34) is the Agri Western Cape/Santam Agriculture Young Farmer of the Year 2013. He spoke to Denene Erasmus about some of the challenges and opportunities facing South African fruit farmers.
Project Rebirth going forward
Readers will recall my regular updates on Project Rebirth. Launched by the Institute of Market Agents of South Africa (Imasa) at its 2011 AGM, it seeks to facilitate the upgrading and improvement of the country’s fresh produce markets.
An early start to the watermelon season
Watermelons command a higher price earlier in the season. Because of this, you might want to choose a variety that’s ready sooner, even if it’s lower-yielding.
The Apac brand
Following a recent meeting at the Agricultural Produce Agents’ Council (Apac) office in Boksburg, we were each presented with an attractive shopping bag, a pen and a water bottle, all branded with the Apac logo.
Making wine in the Malutis
When John and Trish Critchley settled in the scenic Eastern Free State in 2006, their dream was to create a tranquil haven for city dwellers. Little did they know that they would end up making groundbreaking wine. Nicky Rehbock reports.
About poison leaf
Dichapetalum cymosum, commonly known as gifblaar in Afrikaans, mogau in SeTswana, and poison leaf in English (right), is a small, low-growing shrub found in the northern parts of southern Africa.
Sharing market information
To ‘communicate’ is to impart or share knowledge. In this latter sense, communication between producer and market agent is crucial when it comes to determining price on a market floor.
Growing watermelons – part 1
Watermelons are a warm season crop, but can be started in winter in areas where conditions are milder.
