Getting started with onions
Onions are either an easy crop to grow or a disaster. Bill Kerr offers basic guidelines for success.
Better parasite control
‘Selective target treatment’ seems to be gaining ground in areas where sheep and goats are mostly run on dry veld, says Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Sunflower seed bug
Nearly all parts of a plant are targeted by pests. However, most pests ignore the seeds, as they are often unpalatable or covered by a hard shell.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 3
Getting your spraying right is especially important, says Bill Kerr.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 2
Before fertilising your tomato crop, carry out a soil analysis. This is well worth the cost, explains Bill Kerr.
Starting with tomatoes – Part 1
This is an expensive crop to grow, so do your homework before you start, cautions Bill Kerr.
Dealing with fig pests and diseases
SA’s fig-growing industry, although relatively small, produces a significant harvest for export. Here are useful tips to treat diseases and pests on this plant.
Milkweed bug: a seed-eating nuisance
This is a medium-sized (1,5cm long) red and black insect with long antennae. The eyes are large and bulging.
About pyrethrum
This is a handy biodegradable organic insecticide you can make yourself, says Paul Donovan.
Beetroot for beginners: pests and diseases
Vegetable expert Bill Kerr explains how to deal with pests and diseases, and discusses two popular beetroot cultivars.
Signs of plant toxicity
In South Africa, there are many toxic plants that can be fatal to livestock, or make them extremely ill.
Beetroot for beginners – Part 2
Vegetable expert Bill Kerr takes us through the steps of planting a beetroot crop.
When the veld turns toxic
Toxic plants can cause disease and death in livestock, and must be vigorously controlled.
Beetroot for beginners (1)
This crop is ideal for small-scale farmers, says veggie expert Bill Kerr.
Getting your crop into the ground
A brief guide to sowing seed and planting seedlings in the correct way.
Crop rotation basics explained
It is not good practice to plant the same crop on the same land year after year. Don’t plant any crop on a land more often than once every three years.
Imbricate cactus: the devil to destroy
Controlling this cactus can be hard work, cautions Roelof Bezuidenhout.
Know your crop pests: Citrus swallowtail
This is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 8cm (females are slightly bigger than males).
