Vegetables

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

Since he started farming in 2017, Gauteng vegetable farmer Jaco Botes has gone through a process of trial and error to find the right mix of crops, the best cultivars, and market agents he can count on. Lindi Botha reports on his strategies, insights, and breakthroughs.

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

Seed onion production is proving a valuable drought risk mitigation strategy for several farmers in the Karoo Highlands of the Northern Cape, around Williston, Fraserburg, and Calvinia. Hannes Esterhuyse spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about his mixed operation.

Seniren Naidoo, who farms in Upper Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, has merged ancestral wisdom with modern business acumen to build a thriving agricultural enterprise. He spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel about his operation, which is rooted in indigenous crops, sustainability, and innovation.

Father-and-son team Kallie Snr and Kallie Jnr of CPJ Erasmus & Seun Boerdery in Limpopo’s Letsitele Valley have built a thriving pepper enterprise in a region dominated by citrus production and are regarded as leading pepper producers in South Africa.

Thulani Magida is the poster child for communal farming in South Africa, demonstrating that commercial success is possible. But his journey also highlights the challenges this segment faces, providing valuable lessons to those questioning the slow pace of transformation.

Among the Brassica genus types, broccoli has been one of the popular choices for farmers in cooler climates. In the past, broccoli was rotated out in summer, but farmers like Danie Barnard have used lower summer temperatures and advancements in cultivars to plant high volumes all year around. Henning Naudé spoke to Barnard about his production approach to satisfy market demand while maintaining high-quality yields.

Successful hydroponics farming is about more than just the ability to harvest a quality crop. As a capital intensive industry, it also requires collaboration, flexibility and negotiating skills to raise funding and establish the operation. Lindi Botha spoke to farmer Zandile Kumalo about her journey to hydroponics success.

Roadway Farms in Albert Falls, KwaZulu-Natal, is implementing a model intended to keep the family operation financially viable and sustainable into the future. Vegetable farmer and entrepreneur Shakti Satyapal talks about how they have reimagined the business in recent years.

When Pumeza Maseti speaks about her journey into agriculture, her passion and creativity shine through. She now manages 1,6ha in Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, through Sinemihlali, a co-operative established to create jobs and build skills.

Mathabang Lekhula-Legula has transformed a smelly dumping site in Welkom, Free State, into a thriving vegetable farm. Her success is proof that when a producer is supported by the right partners, waste can be turned into wealth, and despair into growth.

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

As the temperature drops and plant growth slows down, preparing your garden for winter is essential to protect your plants and ensure a strong start in spring. From mulching and pruning to covering frost-sensitive species, a few simple steps can make all the difference.

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

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.

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

Vegetable farmer Sophy Litshani Musabeni doesn’t miss an opportunity to broaden her knowledge on agriculture. Doing her own research and speaking to those in the know, she has catapulted herself from a small-scale emerging farmer to a commercial success in just seven years.

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.

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