Winter frosts – be prepared
Cold areas will soon get their first winter frosts. Minimise the damage by taking certain measures. Most often, a light frost will occur about a week into May in cold...
What about farmers’ markets?
The concept of a farmers’ market is probably the oldest version of agricultural marketing we know and remains a popular choice for many all over the world.
Fertilising cucurbits for crop success
You don’t fertilise cucurbits solely according to the plant’s requirements – you also have to take into account the soil’s fertility.
Spacing of Cucurbitaceae
I’ve been devoting so much time to the spacing of Cucurbitaceae because this aspect is so little understood and has been a limiting factor for countless producers over the years.
The relationship business
Last week, I provided a ‘Market Agent’s Checklist’. But, as with most things in life, it turns out this checklist is far from one-sided.
How to fine-tune pumpkin spacing
In the last issue, the importance of spacing Cucurbitaceae was discussed. Aspects other than climate will influence the spacing.
Market agent’s checklist
The list that follows is by no means complete, but should serve as a guide to any producer who wants to check if they’re getting the best value for their...
From farm labourer to an award-winning tomato producer
Starting as a farm labourer at the age of 10, with no formal education, Ntuseni Nesane became a leading black commercial farmer and an award-winning tomato producer. The University of...
Laws to look out for
Market agents, by the very nature of their occupations – they represent producers in a financial capacity – have a law especially written to regulate their activities and protect the...
Get the spacing right with these veggies
When planting any pumpkin, marrow, gem or other Cucurbitaceae, it’s important to get the spacing right. Get it wrong, and you could lose 50% or more of your yield.
Fix the basics – please!
I’m sure most readers find it perplexing if the management of a business spends precious money on ‘beautification’ when the basic infrastructure is crumbling into non-existence.
Things to think about when going under cover
It’s extremely risky to plant tomatoes in the open in areas where hail and three-day spells of rain are common.
