Learn How to Crop Farm | Farmer's Weekly

Prevention can outsmart pests and diseases

Magda du Toit — Sun, 28 May 2023 08:00:39 +0000

Successful pest and disease management depends on scouting and monitoring crops. Magda du Toit spoke to a major citrus producer, as well as pest-control experts from various organisations.

Plant citrus to supplement your income

Shane Brody — Sat, 06 May 2023 08:00:39 +0000

Citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, fetch a good price. Consider starting a co-operative system in your community, planting trees in a number of yards and buying inputs in bulk to save money, says Shane Brody.

Natural fertilisers for vegetables

Staff Reporter — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 08:00:11 +0000

Use these fertilisers as a source of plant nutrition or to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil and avoid over-fertilisation.

How to make a simple, sturdy plastic tunnel at minimal cost

Bill Kerr — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:00:12 +0000

Tunnels ensure faster growth and healthier plants. Bill Kerr explains how to construct a basic tunnel out of plastic sheeting draped over steel hoops. You’ll need a few basic tools and welding equipment.

Pest and disease control in pearl millet production

Staff Reporter — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:00:28 +0000

Chinch bugs, nematodes, mildew, seed rot, rust and other pests and diseases are all threats to pearl millet. Here’s how to deal with them.

How to grow okra in South Africa

Staff Reporter — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 12:33:32 +0000

Originating in Africa, okra is a popular vegetable cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm, temperate regions.

Call up your soil microbe army and win the battle for profit!

Susan Marais — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 13:22:30 +0000

The return on investment for conventional farms has declined by an average of 1,4% per year in real terms since 1986. But every farmer has a microbe army that can fight back against this trend. Susan Marais found out more at a recent regenerative conservation agriculture farmers’ day in Mpumalanga.

The benefits of conservation agriculture

Susan Marais — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 08:36:17 +0000

Erosion and climate change have created a food insecurity time bomb for Africa. Palesa Motaung, a soil scientist working for Asset Research, and Themakholo Mathebula, a field officer with the Mahlatini Development Foundation, explained at a recent research symposium how conservation agriculture is helping smallholder farmers face these daunting challenges.

Want easier, better farming? Add humus and earthworms

Bill Kerr — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 12:53:04 +0000

The commercial vermicasts sold to farmers and gardeners are an excellent fertiliser, but very expensive. Earthworms give us this for free exactly where it is needed. They also provide many other services to farmers, says vegetable expert Bill Kerr.

Choose the right hydroponics system for your operation

Magda du Toit — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:23:37 +0000

There are a number of farming systems available to producers that involve the growing of plants in water. Magda du Toit looks at the fundamentals of these methods, as well as their advantages and drawbacks.