How to grow sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are easy to plant, need little looking after and deliver high yields. They are usually grown in sandy soil, which makes them easier to dig up. But they...
Plan your harvest
When planting a crop on a continuous basis, the tendency is to plant the same quantity regularly. This seems logical, but it's not the best way to proceed, as yields...
Growing onions
Onions are one of the first crops of spring. They are very versatile and can be stored during winter. They are frost resistant and grow in most climates.
How to grow and harvest carrots
Carrots grow well and develop long straight roots when planted in loose, deep, rock-free, sandy loam soil.
Growing your own seedlings
If you don't want to buy seedlings from a commercial nursery, you can grow your own. If they are successful, you could maybe even sell them.
How to transplant seedlings
Last week we discussed planting seed directly into the ground. While this works for some plants, for most it's better if the seed is first planted in seedling trays or...
Planting seeds – part 1
Now that you are done with preparing your beds and ready to plant, you have to decide how you want to go about planting your seeds.
Preparing a vegetable plot
Preparing a vegetable plot can be hard work, but it's rewarding when you harvest your first crop.
How chickens can fertilise your crops
Chicken manure can add many nutrients to your soil, and works better than most other manures.
Sowing & selling chillies
Considering a chili crop? Two of the biggest aspects to consider before buying your first chilli plants are sowing and selling.
Regulate nitrogen on beans with great care
There is very little room for error when applying nitrogen to beans. Too much or too little will reduce yields.
Eliminate risks and ensure a uniform stand
Much attention should be given to planting bean seed as carelessness at this stage can be very costly.
Handle bean seeds with care
Labour Legislation Has Forced many farmers, who used to plant by hand, to mechanise their planting and harvesting. However, mechanical planting can damage vulnerable bean seeds.
Give your seedling transplant TLC
From emergence to pulling, seedling growers spend five to eight weeks providing their seedlings with daily care. Farmers usually provide good care once the transplants are planted and irrigated, but...
Clean out viruses before spring
If you remove virus-infected plants and insects at the start of the season, you can start off with a clean slate.
Dealing with cold snaps
Damaging cold snaps are inevitable, but damage can be reduced with some understanding and preparation.
Common element deficiencies in cauliflower
This subject has been covered to some extent in a previous article on cabbages, but as cauliflower is more prone to certain deficiencies, I will discuss these in greater detail.
Cauliflower is no longer out of season
Nowadays Plant breeding is so advanced that some winter crops can successfully be planted throughout the year. Issue date 8 June 2007
Diamond back moth – the pest that beats the rest
Of the range of Brassica pests the diamond back moth (DBM) is the most prominent. This white moth derives its name from the dark, diamond-shaped markings on its back. Its...
