This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
With the growing interest in farming, many individuals are seeking advice on various crops, including cucumbers and dates. In this article, we will address some of the common queries and provide expert guidance on how to grow these crops successfully.
One reader from Uganda inquired about pollinating their flowering date palms. According to Carol Mutua, a department expert at Egerton University, date palms produce male and female parts, and pollination must be done by hand. The male flowers are cut, and the pollen is dusted onto plastic containers, which is then sprinkled on the female palms.
Another reader asked about growing more cassava, having already planted 4,500 cuttings from Kalro on a two-acre farm in Lower Subukia. The cassava has blossomed and is expected to be ready for harvesting later this year, with an expected yield of 10 tonnes. Carol Mutua advises that the reader can sell fresh cassava in Nakuru or get in touch with companies that mill cassava. The price of fresh cassava varies in different towns, with a 90kg bag going for Sh3,000 in Nakuru, Sh3,200 in Eldoret, Sh3,300 in Nairobi, and Sh3,500 in Isiolo.
Extending acreage under cassava is a good idea, as cassava farming is a good source of income, and the market is full of untapped opportunities. The reader can also consider visiting successful farmers or attending forums to learn more about farming.
Another reader asked for guidance on growing cabbage, carrots, and other crops. Carol Mutua provided detailed advice on how to plant and care for these crops, including the use of fertilizers, irrigation, and pest control. The expert also mentioned that cabbage is a heavy feeder of N and K, and excess nitrogen application alone results in loose puffy heads.
For kale, the expert advised applying fertilizers as in cabbage but noted that kale stays in the field for a longer period, hence needs more fertilizer, especially nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen application may result in flushy growth. Harvesting begins from 4—–60 days after transplanting and is continuous for up to two years.
Carrots are sown from seeds directly in beds, with seeds sown in drills 30-40cm apart, then thinned when 5-8cm high. Seedlings may be earthed up when roots begin to enlarge. A good supply of NPK is necessary, and potassium is required when plants are well established. Application of fresh manure to carrots leads to branching (forking) which lowers quality.
Radish is propagated from seeds, with the land prepared thoroughly to break soil clods. Application of farmyard manure is recommended before planting. Spacing is 25-30cm between rows and 10cm between plants. Avoid overwatering, and keep the field weed-free throughout the growing period.
Radish is ready for harvesting 20-30 days after planting for the early maturing cultivars and 50-60 days for late-maturing ones. Harvest as soon as the roots are ready, which is usually 70-85 days from sowing.
