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.
Born to farm: A vegetable farmer’s tale of perseverance
Koketso Baloyi Mofokeng started full-time farming in 2018 after encouragement from her husband, Katiso. Despite facing many challenges, the young photographer-turned-farmer remains passionate about the cabbage, green beans, peppers and...
Aphids: a potentially deadly threat to brassicas
Aphids suck the sap out of leaves, damaging them. They are also a vector of cauliflower mosaic virus, which causes yellow patches on the leaves and stunting. The message is...
A successful cabbage crop starts with good seedlings
Growing your own seedlings requires experience. Mistakes are inevitable and you’ll need to adjust your system accordingly, says Bill Kerr.
Swiss chard: seeds or seedlings?
Farmers can plant Swiss chard in one of two ways: direct seeding or seedling transplants. Bill Kerr explains the pros and cons of each approach, and advises how to get...
Cabbage: an ancient, nutritious crop more popular than ever
Cabbage, which is native to western Europe, has been cultivated for at least 3 000 years and is today a major crop worldwide, says Bill Kerr.
The importance of timing in your farming operation
You may know all that’s necessary about growing a crop, but if your timing is off, your profits will suffer severely, says Bill Kerr.
Fertilising cucurbits: how much to apply and when to do it
Fertiliser is expensive, so it’s important to start with a soil analysis, and to get the balance right, says Bill Kerr.
Minor cucurbit pests
Bill Kerr looks at the leaf miner, cucurbit ladybird beetle and African bollworm, all of which, despite being minor pests, can cause damage.vd
Dealing with weeds in cucurbits
Uncontrolled weeds can rob pumpkins and other cucurbits of the nutrients they need for a good yield. Yet weeds can also protect pumpkins at a later phase in their growth,...
Defeat Liriomyza leaf miner without paying a cent
Leaf miners are a serious threat to tomato plants. Yet tiny parastic wasps are on hand to help bring their numbers down. All it requires is a bit of patience...
Cucurbits: A fascinating history of cultivation for over 11 000 years
These much-loved vegetables, which are technically fruits, were among the earliest cultivated crops in the world, says Bill Kerr.
Cucurbit planting strategies
To ensure a successful crop, it’s crucial to plant out the seedlings at the optimal time. Getting it wrong may prove expensive, says Bill Kerr.
The pros and cons of tunnel tomatoes
Growing tomatoes in tunnels is not as easy or affordable as some people think. Do your research before committing yourself, cautions Bill Kerr.
Bacterial wilt: a threat in tropical and subtropical areas
Once bacterial wilt has infected tomato plants, there is no way to stop its spread. Prevention is the only option, says Bill Kerr.
Taking care of tomatoes after transplanting
You can save money by scouting your tomatoes regularly and catching diseases and pests such as African bollworm early, before they establish a bridgehead in your crop, says Bill Kerr.
How to identify and control eelworm
Potatoes are vulnerable to eelworm, which can significantly reduce yield and create unsightly marks on tubers, says Bill Kerr.
Understanding a tomato seedling’s instincts
Plants are programmed to fight for survival in the competition for nutrients and light. To get the best fruit out of a tomato plant, for example, you have to fool...
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