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09/10/2026

Ensure your livestock thrive this winter with effective livestock nutrition tailored for optimal growth and market value.

09/10/2026

Nitrogen can build a powerful cabbage crop, but if you keep pushing it too late, it can work against you.

During early growth, cabbage needs enough nitrogen to develop strong leaves and build the plant. That is why I focus my top dressing around Week 2, Week 4 and Week 6 after transplanting, using inputs such as LAN or Ammonium Nitrate.

But as the crop approaches head finishing, the strategy must change. Around Week 8, I stop heavy nitrogen feeding.

Too much nitrogen late in the season can push the inner leaves to grow aggressively, increasing pressure inside the head and increasing the risk of splitting.

A split cabbage is not just a field problem. It can mean lower quality and lower market value.

The goal is not to feed cabbage as much as possible. The goal is to feed it at the right time.

09/10/2026

Green potato skin is a sign the tuber has been exposed to light. Greening can also signal increased glycoalkaloids, so keep developing potatoes properly covered with soil. 🌱

09/10/2026

WATERMELON PRODUCTION

Why grow watermelon?

1. High market demand. More people now know the health benefits, and awareness driven by Dr. Mujajati Aaron has increased consumption.
2. Fast maturity. Suitable for both small-scale and commercial farmers.
3. Crimson Sweet is the main variety in Zambia and is widely sold in markets and along roadsides.

Best growing conditions.

Watermelon thrives in hot, dry weather. Day temperatures of 29°C to 35°C and night temperatures of 16°C to 21°C are ideal. This makes August to December the best planting window.
Cold and wet conditions cause poor germination, slow growth, poor fruit set, and leaf blight which reduces photosynthesis.
Hot areas such as Chirundu, Siavonga, Sinazongwe, Livingstone and similar regions produce sweeter fruit, especially when potassium is well managed.

Soil and land requirements.

- Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
- Soil type: Sandy to sandy loam with high organic matter. Watermelon is a heavy feeder.
- Land: Well-drained, full sun for at least 8 hours daily. Avoid waterlogging and low-lying areas.
- Crop rotation: Avoid fields that had cucumber, squash or pumpkin in the last 2 to 3 years.
- Choose land near roads and markets to reduce transport costs and damage.

Planting guide.

- Spacing: 1m between plants, 2m between rows. In one lima 50m x 50m you can have about 1,250 plants.
- Planting: 1 to 2 seeds per station at 2 to 3cm deep, or transplant seedlings. Dig planting holes 10 to 15cm deep on the drip line.
- Maturity: 85 to 125 days depending on variety.
- Yield: Expect at least 3 fruits per plant with good management.
- Mulch young plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging.

Pruning

- Maintain 2 to 3 vines per plant and remove excess vines.
- Remove dead, diseased, or infested leaves and shoots.
- Remove deformed and rotten fruits.
- For larger fruit, keep 3 to 4 well-shaped melons per plant.
- Do not prune when vines are wet.

Fertilizer program

- At planting: Apply Compound D in the hole and about 2kg of manure. Cover lightly.
- After establishment: Start foliar feeds such as Easygro Starter and Finisher, and top dress with CAN or Veg Mix Top 24 and 32.
- Follow a 14-day feeding schedule for best results.
- With good feeding, expect fruit weights of 10 to 15kg.

Pest and disease management

- Rotate fungicides and insecticides to prevent resistance.
- Avoid spraying during flowering when bees are active to protect pollination. Watermelon depends on insects for fruit set.

How to tell when a watermelon is ripe

- Tendril nearest the fruit turns brown and dry
- Ground spot changes from white to creamy yellow
- Rind becomes dull instead of shiny
- Thump test gives a deep hollow sound
- Rind resists light pressure from a fingernail
- General maturity is 75 to 95 days after planting depending on variety

- If you found this helpful, please support us by sharing with your loved ones and friends on your Facebook.

Blessings ..

09/10/2026

YESTERDAY’S HAILSTORM IN MASVINGO 🌧️💔

My heart goes out to the farmers who lost their crops and hard work to yesterday’s devastating hailstorm in Masvingo.

Looking at this field, you can see the amount of effort, investment, time and dedication that goes into producing food. To see a promising crop damaged in such a short time is truly heartbreaking.

Farming comes with many RISKS that are beyond the farmer’s control. Weather-related disasters like hail can wipe out months of hard work in minutes.

To every farmer affected, we are truly sorry for your loss. May you find the strength to rise again and rebuild.

Let this also remind us of the importance of CROP INSURANCE, risk management and climate-smart farming practices wherever possible.

Stay strong, farmers. 🌱🙏

09/10/2026

Yellow leaves do not always mean your cabbage needs more fertilizer.

Sometimes the problem is already happening underground.

Before you reach for LAN, urea, or another fertilizer, pull out one affected plant and inspect the roots.

• Clubroot → swollen and deformed roots
• Root rot → brown, soft, and sometimes smelly roots
• Nematodes → small knots or galls on the roots
• Wirestem → weak roots with a pinched stem base
• Black rot → dark veins moving toward the stem and root area

Healthy cabbage roots should be white, firm, and well spread.

The leaves show you that something is wrong. The roots can tell you why.

09/10/2026

What would you like to learn from this garden? Am here to answer your questions.

07/12/2025

Joburg Market has achieved the rare feat of three consecutive clean audits, setting a benchmark for public sector governance.

Address

Shop No 201-203, Hall 2, JHB Fresh Produce Market, Heidelberg Road, City Deep
Johannesburg
2001

Opening Hours

Monday 05:00 - 12:30
Tuesday 05:00 - 12:30
Wednesday 05:00 - 12:30
Thursday 05:00 - 12:30
Friday 05:00 - 12:30
Saturday 05:00 - 12:30

Telephone

0116231262

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