Vegetable planting
Vegetable planting part 19: Crop rotation and crop calendar
Vegetable crops offer a good source of income for both small- and largescale farmers. But it takes so much more than placing a seed in the soil and harvesting the plants at the end of the season. It takes care, diligence, nutrients, and knowledge on caring for crops. Now[...]
Vegetable planting part 18: Eggplant
Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal, whatever you would like to call them, this vegetable has probably made an appearance on your plate and is definitely worth growing in your garden or on your smallholding. The plant, Solanum melongena, is originally from India, but has spread to the rest of the[...]
Vegetable planting guide part 12: Peeling the layers off onion farming
Evidence suggests that onions have been part of the human diet for over 5 000 years. This means that it may have been one of the first cultivated crops. Knowing this, a quote by American cooking teacher, Julia Child, rings true: “It’s hard to imagine society without onions.” The[...]
Vegetable planting guide Part 11: Beetroot
Beetroot or beets, as they are known in other parts of the world, is a versatile vegetable, known for its rich, dark red colour and sweet taste when consumed raw. Beetroot refers to the large taproot, but both the roots and the leaves of the beet plant can be[...]
Vegetable planting guide Part 10: Sweet potatoes
The yellow sweet potato is rich in many vitamins, including vitamin A.(Source: Pixabay) Sweet potatoes are high in beta carotene, vitamin E, C and B6, as well as iron and potassium. Orange types are also high in vitamin A. The high carbohydrate content is a key source of energy.[...]