In a small army field-hut Dr Arjen de Vos shows off his irrigation machine with pride. Pipes lead out to several acres of muddy field, where only a few stragglers from the autumn harvest of potatoes, salads, carrots and onions are left. The tubes are lined with copper to stop corrosion because – in a move that defies everything we think we know about farming – de Vos is … [Read more...]
Protecting potatoes against common scab naturally
Incorporating cabbage and mustard residue are effective and natural ways to reduce potato common scab. Of these three Brassica crops incorporating mustard residue is definitely the best biofumigation method. This is the advice of Dr Reinette Gouws, who in March 2013 received her doctoral degree in plant pathology in the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University. She … [Read more...]
Stoep Harvest part 6: Harvesting weeds
So far in the Stoep Harvest series we have covered how to plan your organic vegetable garden, increase your soil health, plant your crops and make compost. Last month we looked at the benefits of mulching. Today I am writing about weeding and pruning in the organic garden. Your garden should now be in full swing, with food growing all over the place. In our (large) vegetable … [Read more...]
