How to Crop

Parasitic weeds remain a major threat to crop production across Africa, particularly in grain-based systems. Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, director of food security and safety research at North-West University, offers a practical guide to managing these weeds through improved soil health and sustainable farming practices.

What began as a routine monthly clean-up in Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb uncovered something far worse than litter: a permanent illegal dumpsite wedged between family homes, scarred by deep pits carved out by sand poachers.

Getting to know and properly understanding the requirements to effectively produce cabbages will always give the producer the competitive edge, writes Shane Brody.

You can attract a variety of bird species to your garden with a cost-effective, easy-to-make feeder constructed with repurposed or common materials available from your local hardware store, writes Linda Piegl.

Onions are susceptible to several diseases, which can significantly impact their yield and quality. Bill Kerr takes a look at some of the major ones.

Grazing systems that mimic game behaviour are appealing in theory, but natural processes are complex. Before switching strategies, farmers should consider local conditions, costs, and evidence, since rainfall ultimately drives veld condition more than any management system.

Poor planting decisions can significantly reduce winter crop yields. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to agronomists about the common mistakes South African farmers make, including incorrect cultivar choice and fertiliser mismanagement.

Zimbabwe aims to develop 496 000ha of land under irrigation by 2030 to reduce reliance on rain-fed [rainfed] farming, a key pillar of its National Development Strategy.

The 2025/26 fruit and wine harvests are drawing to a close after a hot, dry start, heavy rain at peak harvest, and a March heatwave, creating uncertainty across the Western Cape. Karen van der Westhuizen, a soil scientist and irrigation consultant, spoke to Farmer’s Weekly about the benefits of digging profile holes.

Hot, dry conditions test even the best irrigation strategies. Christo van der Westhuizen, agronomist at Netafim Southern and East Africa, explained to Glenneis Kriel how farmers can manage water efficiently to protect crops during hot days.

Soil coverage and living root maintenance are vital for successful conservation agriculture. However, a study has revealed that farmers find these aspects the most challenging when converting to no-tillage practices. Agronomist Dr Hendrik Smith discusses best practices.

Willem van der Westhuizen, business development manager at Orizon Agriculture, speaks to Zunel van Eeden about what regenerative agriculture entails, and how farmers can potentially earn an income from it.

Martin Booyens, InteliGro’s biological solutions technical specialist, spoke at the Bio-Alliance SA-Brazil 2025 Conference in Pretoria, hosted by the South African Bioproducts Organisation and the Brazilian Embassy, outlining steps to implement integrated pest management programmes.

The continual practice of ‘monoculture’ planting by farmers is becoming increasingly detrimental to the quality of produce in the longer term, so cyclical rotation is a better option, writes Shane Brody.

Farmers living in communal farming regions may feel that they are unable to grow cabbages because they don’t have access to places selling seedlings. Shane Brody has a solution for them.

At the 25th Nematological Society of Southern Africa Symposium in Mpumalanga, Hans Helder, associate professor at the Laboratory of Nematology at Wageningen University & Research, highlighted soil health and how long-read DNA sequencing can identify beneficial and harmful nematodes.

Regenerative agriculture offers a strategic alternative to input-heavy conventional farming. It is a biologically driven, systems-based approach that rebuilds soil health and functioning to support long-term productivity, profitability, and environmental resilience, while reducing farmers’ dependence on external inputs.

Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on how biotechnology has revolutionised agriculture, offering innovative solutions to challenges such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and food security.

From living stones to wandering dudes, Linda Piegl looks at strangely named plants and how to grow them in your garden.

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 lucrative venture if approached and implemented carefully.