Enjoy the taste of fresh garden peas!
These days, most people opt for frozen peas for convenience. They don’t know what they’re missing, says Bill Kerr. Fresh peas are far tastier and sweeter.
The basics of groundwater recharge
Recharge may be impeded by farming activities, leading to loss of topsoil and reduced water infiltration.
The basics of maize production
Also known as corn, maize was first domesticated in southern Mexico nearly 10 000 years ago. Many varieties have been bred to suit a range of conditions.
Ever considered sorghum?
Grain sorghum is not just for making soft porridge; it has many other uses. Climate change has sparked renewed interest in the crop in South Africa, says Prof John Taylor of the Department of Food Science at the University of Pretoria.
The main types of irrigation
Overhead irrigation is commonly used for pasture irrigation, while drip irrigation can be used for feed crops such as maize.
Tips on how to grow aloe
This plant yields juice and gel which are used for processing in the cosmetics industry.
Getting the best out of beans
Beans are a versatile, easy-to-grow and highly productive vegetable. All of this makes them a handy crop for the home garden. Bill Kerr explains how to grow and care for them.
Learn how to grow carrots
So many home gardeners find it difficult to grow these vegetables, but there’s no need to give up on carrots, says Bill Kerr.
Determining wheat yield
It’s important to adapt and revise your management strategies as the cropping environment, yield potential, commodity prices and input costs change.
Cutting propagation made easy!
Many people think that growing new plants or trees from cuttings should be left to qualified horticulturists. In fact, this technique is relatively simple, says Shane Brody.
How to grow beetroot in your home garden
This vegetable is ideal for the home garden. It’s easy to grow, tasty, and highly nutritious, says Bill Kerr.
Bacterial blight of cowpeas
This is one of the most destructive diseases of cowpeas, according to Dr Alina Mofokeng of the Agricultural Research Council’s Grain Crops Institute.
Groundnuts: a useful rotation crop
In South Africa, groundnuts are grown in the summer rainfall areas under irrigation or dryland conditions. Farmers with limited resources, particularly those in the northern and eastern parts of South Africa grow groundnuts mainly for their own consumption.
Tips on growing Swiss chard
Dark green vegetables help strengthen bones and are generally excellent for health, especially in older people.
Growing apricots: a brief overview
A brief overview on cultivating this versatile fruit, which arrived in South Africa in the 17th century.
Growing lettuce at home
Plant lettuce types that enable you to harvest the leaves as required over a long period, says vegetable specialist, Bill Kerr.
Getting started with brinjals
The brinjal or eggplant is a species of nightshade, and therefore related to the potato and tomato.
Preparing your vegetable patch
In preparing your vegetable patch, the ideal is to prepare the soil only once, and then switch to no-till.
Learn the basics of growing tea
Tea is a challenging crop, but can be financially worthwhile under the right conditions.
Some tips for growing garlic
Closely related to the onion, shallot and chive, garlic has long been used as a seasoning worldwide.
