How to set up a small-scale hydroponic vegetable farm
Hydroponic production offers an alternative for small-scale vegetable growers who without access to arable land or sufficient space. While upfront costs tend to be high, hydroponic farming can be a...
Getting started with lettuce
Lettuce has a relatively short growth cycle and can be harvested multiple times a year, providing farmers with a consistent income stream. However, successful production depends on careful cultivar selection,...
A drought-proofing how-to for South African farmers
As droughts become more frequent and severe across South Africa, farmers are under increasing pressure to adapt their practices to protect their livelihoods.
The role of cover crops in regenerative farming
As global human populations surge and climate volatility intensifies, the pressure on South Africa’s agriculture sector continues to mount. The demand for more food, produced more sustainably, has never been...
Feeding garden birds to help them survive the winter
During the warmer months, birds have access to plentiful seeds, fruit, and insects, so supplementary feeding is unnecessary. It’s also an important time for fledglings to learn how to forage....
Bonsai: combining horticulture with artistic expression
Bonsai, the traditional Japanese art form of cultivating miniature trees in containers, involves the careful pruning, pinching, and wiring of trees to train them into various shapes.
Growing onions as a market gardener or small-scale producer
When choosing which vegetables to plant, factors like demand, shelf life, and pest resistance should be considered. Shane Brody says onions are a good option in this regard, and explains...
Getting started with dry beans
Dry beans are highly water efficient, making them an ideal crop for drier production areas. They are advantageous in crop rotation systems, helping to reduce input costs and manage risk.
Swiss chard: a simple crop for large and small scale farmers
Growing Swiss chard is simple, making it an easy crop for new and small-scale farmers. With its ability to withstand cooler temperatures, it can be cultivated across South Africa.
Choosing the right cultivar for profitable potato production
Before planting, it is essential to consider the market, as well as climatic and overall farming conditions. South Africa has over 80 potato cultivars available, although commercial producers primary focus...
A beginner’s guide to planting potatoes in South Africa
Potatoes are a high value crop that requires a well-thought-out production strategy. With high demands for moisture, fertiliser and crop protection, farmers considering this crop need to pay attention to...
Soil preparation for wheat and other cereals
For seed to germinate and plants to grow, soil often needs to be prepared. The manner in which it is done depends on the type of soil, the organic matter...
