How to Crop

Most plums are consumed fresh. The remainder are processed and used as canned or dried fruit.

Cabbage is vulnerable to several diseases. All can be controlled to a greater or lesser extent, but in some cases the only solution is to plant a resistant variety.

Some farming enterprises, such as wild harvesting, require particular care to ensure long-term sustainability and protect the environment.

Pecans are not only delicious; they are amongst the healthiest nuts available, says vegetable specialist Bill Kerr.

Tomato seedlings grow best in a well-drained seedbed under full sun and protected from strong wind. Irrigation should be frequent but light.

This winter weed is widespread throughout Southern Africa. It has small seeds and is a shallow germinator.

This crop is targeted by a wide range of pests. Infestation will vary from place to place, and from season to season, but some form of pest control will invariably be necessary.

Livestock manure is a popular form of fertiliser, particularly when budgets do not allow for commercial fertiliser. But Dr Gerhardus Nortjé, a senior lecturer at Unisa, says that because manure varies in its composition and nutrient density, farmers should take care not to over-apply it and risk damaging their crops.

If you apply too much water, you’re in danger of leaching nitrogen out of reach of the plant roots, says vegetable expert Bill Kerr.

Achieving optimal yields is greatly dependent on providing crops with the right nutrition at the right time. Understanding the role of fertilisers and ensuring the correct application can make the difference between profit and loss.

The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) originated in Africa, where tribes in arid areas used it as an emergency water source.

This new series will outline the basics of growing nutritious vegetables without the use of soil.