Growing lettuce for the home garden – part 2
This issue we look at the different kinds of lettuce available and which are best for your home garden.
‘Goliath’ of the fynbos industry
In 2012, Jacky Goliath won many awards for Nursery which she co-owns and runs in Simondium near Franschhoek. She and business partner Elton Jefthas started a backyard business growing 1...
Controlling the African bollworm
As a tomato grower you always need to be on the lookout for the African bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), no matter the season.
Market agents – will they never learn?
Recently a senior market agent was complaining to me about other market agents on the market bad-mouthing his sales staff when talking to producers. As he spoke, my hackles rose.
From fruit hawker to successful farmer
Richard Myburgh started out small, buying fruit from producers and selling it to small businesses. But his business grew quickly and when he eventually outgrew the packhouse that he was...
Doing it ourselves
Many of us are quick to find fault in the business sector where we operate, but we’re slow to implement changes.
Spray your tomatoes effectively
Everyone who knows anything about tomatoes knows that spraying and disease control are extremely important. Tomatoes have a reputation for being especially susceptible to a host of pests and diseases.
Big winners Van Loveren’s four cousins
Winners of the Agricultural Writers of South Africa’s Farmer of the Year award for 2012, the Retiefs from Van Loveren in Robertson believe in value for money and doing things...
Still too high!
Wastage of fresh fruit and vegetables is a costly part of the business. When the products you’re handling are highly perishable, then the best efforts to preserve them can only...
Fertilising tomatoes after planting
When it comes to fertilising tomatoes after planting, much will depend on what fertiliser you used in the pre-planting stages and the condition of the soil.
Investing in knowledge
We all know the Shoprite/Checkers stores, but how many people outside the fresh produce trade know of Freshmark, the company that distributes their fresh produce throughout South Africa and into...
