Planting maize
The most heat- and water-sensitive growth stage of maize – flowering – must not coincide with midsummer drought.
How to grow maize
An overview of the growth stages of the maize plant, from planting the seed to maturity.
Understanding maize production – Part 3
Optimal climate and soil conditions, and the structure of the maize kernel.
How to grow celery
This is not the easiest crop to grow as it does not like extremes in climate, cautions Bill Kerr.
A guide on how to grow beetroots
Beetroot is one of the most popular vegetables for a garden since it's quite easy to grow.
Understanding maize production – Part 1
This staple, South Africa’s most important grain crop, is produced throughout the country.
Dealing with sooty mould
This mould is a result of a by-product, honeydew, that comes from aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, scale insects and psyllids.
How to grow parsley
This crop is usually grown by small producers for the winter soup season, says Bill Kerr.
Growing parsnips
Many farmers have tried growing this crop but have given up due to germination problems. Fortunately, these can be overcome, says Bill Kerr.
Earthworms: the farmer’s best friend
Earthworms have been around for approximately 120 million years, and it’s fair to say that without them, the soil we farm would be a very different entity, says Paul Donovan.
Growing leeks
Rather than forming a tight bulb like the onion, the leek produces a long cylinder of bundled leaf sheaths. Bill Kerr takes us through the basics of growing this vegetable.
Assassin bugs
Spiders are regarded as apex predators in biopest control, but assassin bugs are jostling for an equal share of recognition, says Paul Donovan.
Know your crop pests: cotton stainer
Cotton stainers resemble assassin bugs and may be up to 2cm in length, with males being smaller than females.
Dealing with sorghum pests
The pests on sorghum are many and varied, from aphids, beetles and locusts to flies, grasshoppers and spider mites. Bio-control works well against many of these, notes Paul Donovan.
Know your crop pests: The mole cricket
Many pests are easily spotted or leave evidence of their presence, enabling us to identify and deal with them. Pests such as the mole cricket, however, are more difficult to...
Know your soil – Part 1
This year has been designated the International Year of Soils by the United Nations, so it’s a fitting time to learn more about the properties of soil and how to...
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