This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
As a seasoned agronomist, I've seen many farmers struggle with growing tomatoes due to their delicate nature. But with the right approach, you can minimize losses and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Published on August 7, 2020, I embarked on a journey to share my expertise with first-time farmers like Moses, who were eager to learn the ropes. Our goal was to grow high-quality tomatoes in Kajiado County, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal.
Before we began, we considered several factors, including water availability, soil type, topography, and irrigation systems. We opted for a drip irrigation system, which minimizes leaf wetness and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
Next, we selected seeds that were well-suited to our environment. We chose Rambo F1, a popular variety in Kenya, and ensured that the container had the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) logo. We also verified the seed's certification by scratching the pack and sending the code to 1393.
Our target was a quarter-acre plot with a spacing of 40cm by 60cm, resulting in four plants per meter square. We bought a 10g pack of seeds and prepared a raised nursery bed inside the propagation unit. Since the soil was black cotton, we raised the bed to ensure proper drainage and applied well-rotten manure as per the soil analysis recommendations.
We leveled the nursery, made small drills or furrows, and sowed the seeds singly to prevent overcrowding. After sowing, we covered the seeds lightly with soil and mulched using dry seedless grass to prevent soil erosion.
Watering was crucial, and we advised Moses to water the bed twice a day, depending on the weather conditions, using a watering can or a hose pipe with a flower head to prevent splash erosion.
Stay tuned for the next article, where I'll focus on nursery management practices and share more tips on growing quality tomatoes.
