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...
Boost soil health and yields by increasing organic matter
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Tasty, nutritious beans come in many forms
Beans originated in Central and South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years, says Bill Kerr.
Choosing the right nitrogen fertiliser
Various nitrogenous fertilisers are available. Your choice will depend on environmental considerations, cost, availability, and so on, writes Bill Kerr
Building a self-sustaining farm: soil and pest management insights
Bill Kerr shares how he transformed nutrient-deficient soil into a thriving, self-sustaining farm. Learn about pest control methods and soil improvement techniques.
Conduct a soil analysis before starting a vegetable farm
Starting a small vegetable farm can yield good results from the first year, but conducting a soil analysis is important. This ensures you know what your soil needs for optimal...
Starting a no-frills vegetable project on a small farm
The concept of no-till is growing in leaps and bounds and is a major way of farming in countries like Brazil. South Africans should also adopt this successful method, advises...
Understanding carrot fertilisation
Whether to apply fertiliser or not depends on which crops were grown in the land previously, among various factors, writes Bill Kerr.
Nitrogen applications until the cabbages are harvested
LAN is the preferred fertiliser for post-plant fertilisation of the cabbage crop. It contains nitrate that is available to the crop but unfortunately also easily leached from the soil, writes...
Managing a Swiss chard crop for a high, ongoing yield
This leafy vegetable is a voracious feeder that requires plenty of nitrogen, and must be protected from frost and eelworm, says Bill Kerr.
Carrot irrigation should be different
A carrot plant’s fine roots can reach up to 2m deep. Most farmers do not exploit this potential and irrigate more or less the same as they do for other...
Getting your soil ready for carrot planting
Carrots have a deep root system and this needs to be taken into account when preparing the soil for this crop, says Bill Kerr.
Some physiological disorders of cabbages
Oedema, bursting cabbages, tip burn and cold damage may cause concern but they can be prevented and managed, writes Bill Kerr.
Be aware of cauliflower’s special requirements
Cauliflower is very sensitive to a boron deficiency, much more so than other cruciferous crops, writes Bill Kerr.
Before going into carrot production, read this
Carrot farming has changed considerably over the past 30 years, making it difficult for new entrants to get into the market, says Bill Kerr.
The critical element that determines cabbage yield
Farmers know that nitrogen is necessary for growing cabbages and other crops, but many do not fully understand its importance for maximising yields, writes Bill Kerr.
Achieving success with broccoli
Plant breeding has progressed to the point where one can now plant two or three varieties of broccoli over the year, says Bill Kerr.
Black rot: take care to prevent this destructive disease
Xanthomonas campestris can destroy a cabbage plant. It can also occur on dead organic matter under the proper conditions, warns Bill Kerr.
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