Watermelons are greedy. They need a lot of room to spread, a lot of water, good drainage, lots of sunlight and lots of nutrients. Despite all these needs, they are very easy to grow. Watermelons grow from seed. However, don’t use seed out of melons you bought because they probably hybrids which are special crosses that… Read More How To Grow Watermelons
Growing your own vegetable garden can do more than provide tasty produce. Gardening can improve health, save money and even boost mood. Nyambe is a Zambian small scale farmer that never buys vegetables. She grows here own in her backyard.“I love growing my own food. And the best part is, I don’t have to worry… Read More “My backyard garden gives me varieties of fresh veggies”
Water is not only essential for the production of crops, fisheries and livestock, but also for the processing and preparation of these foods and products. Water is the lifeblood of ecosystems, including forests, lakes, and wetlands, on which the food and nutritional security of present and future generations depends. From soil to seed, to growth… Read More Water for Africa: From soil to seed and growth to harvesting
When you grow your cabbage successfully, you’re guaranteed bumper harvests. What’s more is the fact that you can plant cabbages throughout the year. All you need is enough land to rotate your crops as well as disease and pest control and you can enjoy non-stop harvests.
The global population is careening toward 11 billion by 2100, up 52.7% from the 7.2 billion recorded in 2014. Looking at a more immediate date and in our lifetime, 2050, the projected population climbs to 9.1 billion. Is current agriculture production equipped to feed these masses, especially those in poorer, undeveloped regions? Can farmers keep… Read More Smart Data Yields Big Harvests to Feed the World
If you want your herbs to grow into their most luscious, abundant self, then you need to know how to prune them. Pruning herbs or cutting off leaves and parts of stems helps them grow well. Left unpruned, your plant will grow and blossom but also starts to die. Regular pruning also alerts you to disease… Read More How To Prune Herbs
Most lettuce varieties are quick and easy to grow and produce a harvest within a month or two. Lettuce does NOT like hot weather. Therefore, you can only grow it during the cooler months from May to July. Although it grows faster in full sun, it is one of the few vegetables that tolerates some shade.… Read More Growing Lettuce: An Overview
Sweet potatoes are tropical plants that grow best when it’s hot. The plants are sensitive to shade which leads to low yield. However, for maximum root filling to occur, the temperature should be between 25-32°C. Higher temperatures slow photosynthesis leading to vegetative growth (lots of kalembula) and not for tuber filling. Preparing to plant Sweet… Read More Sweet Potatoes: From Planting To Harvesting
Potato starch and potato flour are two value added potato products that bring in valuable returns to food processors. And, a smart farmer trying to diversify knows that the global consumption of potato as food is shifting from fresh potatoes to added-value, processed food products.
Banana plantations can last a long time. However, if you want good harvests, you must dig up the plantation after 7 to 10 years. Some commercial farmers dig up after 4 years. You’ll also have to practice crop rotation and plant legumes such as beans for 2 years before you plant on the land again.
