The liming miracle
The results speak for themselves and it’s not for nothing that lime can be called the soil’s ‘antacid’.
Give credit where it’s due
Since it opened six or seven years ago, I have had a love-hate relationship with the Kei Fresh Produce Market (KFPM) in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
How to harden seedlings
Seedlings need to be hardened to enable the plants to survive in the new environment where they are planted. But, as you will see, hardening has another advantage.
Still the best option
This week I want to discuss orderly marketing on the local fresh produce commission markets. This can be a harsh school for the unwary, but it can also be beneficial...
Know your seedling needs
Vegetable seedlings vary quite a bit, so make sure you tell your seedling grower what you need.
The 10 commandments of fruit marketing
I came across one of my previous columns (Farmer’s Weekly March 2002), and make no apology for repeating it, because it is sound advice that applies to all fresh produce.
Leaf miner control problems
There’s absolutely no reason for leaf miners to be a problem any longer – other than in isolated cases, that is. .
Marketing is key
A young farmer recently asked me about marketing. His two basic questions were, “How do I go about supplying the markets?” and “What about...
Dealing with leaf miners
The leaf miner, which was once so feared, should now only be a mild irritation or no problem at all. If this is not...
The challenges ahead
With all eyes on the road ahead in 2012, I would like to share a few thoughts with you. A positive ending to 2011...
Why hard times are good for vegetable producers
Many vegetable farmers are currently unhappy about the low prices they’re receiving for a wide range of vegetable products. Add increased input costs and...
The nutritional requirements of onions
"With onions, in the early stages, you need just enough nitrogen to keep the colour of the leaves right."
Sustainability depends on ethics
"Sustainability requires us to adapt to, and adopt, new values and trading practices."
Top companies vs important companies
'You can't feed all those people with platinum, gold or computer chips.'
Working around onion bolting
I am sure that anyone who grows onions has experienced bolting at some time or another if you haven't you're probably losing some of the crop's potential.
Higher prices?
'Every farmer wants higher prices, but higher compared to which benchmark?' asks Mike Cordes.
Use sets instead of seed for onions
'With sets you'll get a perfect stand regardless of the weather and be able to harvest earlier.'
The importance of side dressing
Many vegetable crops fail due to a lack of nitrogen. Side dressing is a safe way of ensuring that plants get enough of this element, says Bill Kerr.
Veggies galore!
'The Chinese eat an average 440kg of vegetables per capita a year against a world average of 200kg.'
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