Growing papayas – Part 4
Using mulch and dealing with weeds, pests and diseases in a papaya orchard.
Growing papayas – Part 3
Escalating land prices and production costs increase the pressure to enhance yield.
Growing papayas – Part 2
A papaya orchard’s four-year lifespan makes the cost of planting material an extremely important economic factor.
Growing papayas – Part 1
Although papayas are to some extent drought-resistant, yield will be low if they do not receive sufficient water.
Sunflower basics – Part 3
Compared with a grain crop, sunflower utilises soil nutrients exceptionally well. Here is an overview of the crop’s fertiliser requirements.
Sunflower: learning the basics – Part 1
A sunflower crop performs well in dry conditions, but will struggle in sandy soils.
Nitrogen in fertiliser: why it is important
Nitrogen is found in the chlorophyll of plants and is responsible for good vegetative growth.
Growing cowpeas
This protein-rich nitrogen-fixing legume has a beneficial effect on follow-up crops.
The advantages of liming
There are many advantages to using lime. It neutralises acid soil and rectifies the pH so that the highest yield can be obtained.
How snakes can help farmers
Most people know about the destructive effect of insects on crops, but rodents can be equally destructive. This is where snakes enter the picture, says Paul Donovan.
When to water your plants
Whether you’re starting a new garden from scratch, or have an existing one, always look for ways to save water.
Preparing the soil for litchi production
If your soil is suitable for litchi production, it must be prepared well in advance.
How to apply mulch
Mulch is nature’s way of preventing water loss and helping plants grow strong and healthy. We look at mulch application.
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.
