Innovative Communicator- I.C. Ush

15/07/2024

Here are some facts about planting cabbage:

1. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a cool-season vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is closely related to other leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

2. Cabbage can be grown in both spring and fall seasons, but it prefers cooler temperatures. It thrives in regions with temperatures between 7°C to 24°C.

3. Cabbage requires full sun for optimal growth. It should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

4. Before planting cabbage, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. Cabbage prefers a fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

5. Cabbage can be grown from seeds or transplants. If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplants can be planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

6. When planting cabbage, space the plants 30 to 60 cm apart, depending on the variety. Rows should be spaced about 60 to 90 cm apart.

7. Cabbage plants require consistent moisture. Water them regularly, providing about 2.5 to 3.8 cm of water per week. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

8. Mulching around cabbage plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to maintain soil moisture.

9. Cabbage is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer before planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer when the plants are about halfway to maturity.

10. Pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles can damage cabbage plants. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or introducing beneficial insects, to control pest infestations.

11. Harvesting time varies depending on the cabbage variety and your growing conditions.

14/07/2024

14/07/2024

SPINACH FARMING

1. Ecological Requirements

🔷Being a cool-weather vegetable, spinach can withstand the first frost of temperate climates.

🔷Temperatures ranging from 4 to 16°C are ideal for germination and growth. It can, however, withstand temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celsius.

🔷A well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.4 to 7.0 is ideal for spinach growth. It is vulnerable to excessively high pH levels and acidic soil.

🔷Even though spinach prefers full sun, it can still yield a substantial amount in partial shade.

🔷In hot weather, seeds germinate slowly or may not germinate at all. Additionally, heat causes plants to bolt (go to seed) which ruins the crop's flavor.

2. Planting & Cultural Practices

🔷Spinach is propagated solely by seed.

🔷Spinach is first grown in a nursery before being transplanted into the main field.

3. Nursery Establishment

Procedure

🔷The nursery bed should be set up with one meter of width and the necessary length.

🔷Plant seeds in the bed at a depth of approximately one inch.

🔷Cover the seeds lightly with soil.

🔷Add a thin layer of dry grass (mulch) to the nursery bed.

🔷Water the nursery bed.

🔷Seeds germinate in approximately 5-7 days.

🔷Water seedlings regularly.

4. Transplanting

🔷After 4-5 weeks, when they have 3–4 leaves, seedlings are prepared for transplanting. However, this relies on the local ecological elements, such as temperature.

🔷It is best to transplant on a cloudy day or in the late evening when the sun low.

Note:

🔷Wet the seedlings an hour before removing them from the nursery. This prevents root damage.
Procedure

🔷Choose a location with full sun or light shade and well-drained soil.

🔷Two to three weeks in advance, plow the ground to a minimum depth of eight inches and harrow the area.

🔷Prepare the raised beds. It is advised to use these for appropriate root establishment and drainage. Measurements for the beds should be 15 cm high, 1 meter wide, and roughly 100 meters long.

14/07/2024

HERBS TO USE AS ORGANIC PESTICIDES ON YOUR CROPS!

Home-made organic pesticides should always be sprayed on crops during the cool part of the day (mornings or late afternoons) to avoid burning of your crops.

1. Garlic - Crush and mix with hot water- cool for 2hrs, then spray to control aphids.

2. Tithonia (Mexican sunflower) - Crush 2kg of leaves, soak in 4 litres of warm water for 2-3hours or in cold water for 2 days. Spray to control caterpillars.

3. Thorn apple (Datura stramonium) - Take 1kg of leaves, fruits and branch stems, - Crush and boil in 4 litres of water for 20 minutes and let it cool. Spray to control scale insects, aphids and leaf miner (Tuta absoluta).

4. Pawpaw leaves - Take 1 kg of green and fresh leaves, - crush and boil in 4litres of water for 20 minutes. Spray to control scale insects, aphids.

5. Wood ash - Get maize combs, burn them and dry the ash. This should be applied around the plants especially the transplanted vegetable seedlings, to control cut worms in fields where cut worms are a problem.

6. Hot pepper - Crush 500 grams of riped hot pepper fruits, mix with 5 litres of water, boil for 20 minutes. Sieve and add another 5 litres of water mixed with 50ml of any mild dish wash (non-detergent) soap - Spray to control ants (termites), aphids, flies, caterpillars.

7. Lantana camara - Get branches and leaves, burn to get the ash- broadcast in the field or affected area to control ants and worms.

14/07/2024

Poultry business demands consistency ❤️

Poultry business also demands cleanliness ❤️

Poultry business demands strict management ❤️

Poultry business demands high quality products ❤️

14/07/2024

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED FISH FARMING

1. Secure a Land: Any location is good since fish don’t cause any environmental disturbance. Look for land where you can get it cheaply and buy it. Depending on the capacity you want to operate on, half a plot of land is just good enough for an average fish farm. However, you may go for something bigger, like a full plot or two, if you can afford it, probably for convenience sake. If you already have a compound with leftover space that can accommodate two or three ponds, you may use it.

2. Construct Ponds: You need to engage the services of an expert pond construction engineer or go to another fish farm to get the specifications and construction requirements. The plumbing work must be properly done to ensure proper drainage.

3. Dig a borehole. Adequate water supply is the lifeblood of a fish farm, and a lack of it may result in disaster because water needs to be changed at regular intervals. Naturally available sources of water, such as boreholes and river water, are the most suitable. Rainwater and tap water from chemically treated sources are not recommended for fish.cultivation.

4. Overhead Tank: This is the water reservoir from which water is supplied to your ponds. This tank has to be connected to your ponds through a plumbing system to make it convenient for water to flow into your ponds when needed.

5. Juvenile Fish: Get your juvenile from another farm that specialises in supplying it. You need to go for the high-yield species of catfish or tilapia and make sure you are getting it from a healthy farm.

6. Get Training: Not the kind of training you get from one-day seminars; you need to get attached to a fish farm for proper apprenticeship. For you to properly learn this trade, you need at least two months of training.

Remember that your investment is at stake; trial and error is not good in business unless you have unlimited funds to experiment with. Feasibility Study for Standard Fish.

✅️🌱💯🧑‍🌾

13/07/2024

DIY Cucumber Trellis Ideas To Maximize Your Garden's Potential

13/07/2024

Maize Planting Steps

Step by step on planting maize on a large scale

Planting maize on a large scale involves several steps, which are summarized below:

1. Site selection: Choose a site that receives adequate sunlight and has well-drained soil. The soil should also have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

2. Land preparation: Clear the land of all vegetation, including weeds and grass. Till the soil using a tractor or a plow to create a fine seedbed.

3. Seed selection: Choose high-quality seed from a reputable source. Maize seed should be tested for germination and purity before planting.

4. Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine the soil nutrient content. Apply fertilizer to the soil to correct any nutrient deficiencies. Maize requires a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

5. Planting: Maize should be planted when the soil temperature is at least 60°F (15.5°C). Plant the seeds at a depth of 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in rows that are spaced 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) apart. The seeds should be planted about 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart within the row.

6. Irrigation: Maize requires adequate water to grow, so it is important to provide irrigation during periods of drought or low rainfall. Irrigation should be provided at regular intervals to keep the soil moist.

7. W**d control: W**ds compete with maize for water and nutrients, so it is important to control them. Use a pre-emergent herbicide to control weeds before they emerge. Hand weeding can also be done when necessary.

8. Pest control: Maize is susceptible to pests such as corn borers, cutworms, and armyworms. Use insecticides and other pest control measures to protect the crop from damage.

9. Harvesting: Maize is ready for harvest when the kernels are fully developed and have a moisture content of around 25%. Harvesting can be done by hand or with a combine harvester. The maize should be dried and stored in a cool, dry place.

13/07/2024

Millet and Sorghum. That's the nutritionally superior food domesticated by our people long before christ. Lack of mechanisation is what made many farmers to stop farming them in favor of nutritionally inferior maize.

13/07/2024

Avocados 🥑 in Kenya

▪️Kenya 🇰🇪 is Africa’s largest producer of Avocados 🥑

▪️In 2022, Kenya became the 5th largest producer of Avocados globally

▪️It's annual production in 2022 was estimated as 458,439 MTs

▪️Avocados production in the country nearly doubled in just 5 years (2017 to 2022)

▪️Kenya’s production accounts for nearly 40% of Africa's Production

▪️That is, of every 10 KGs of Avocados produced in Africa, 4 KGs are from Kenya

▪️In the Country, Murang’a County leads un annual production

▪️Murang’a accounts for nearly for 30% of the National Production

▪️Kenya is also Africa's largest exporter of Avocados, and in 2022, it ranked 5th globally

▪️It's annual exports hit 100,000 MTs in 2022, the highest by then

12/07/2024

Investing isn't risky, not investing is risky ✅️💯🧑‍🌾

11/07/2024

Another farmer encountered a big loss from fire which claimed his entire flock of sheep 💔💔

11/07/2024

I usually say farmers are innovators!! Check this pump which uses gas in instead of petrol or diesel.

According to my gatherings it is said to be cheaper, more efficient and better. Also the science there is just changing the carburetor and install one which uses gas.

Farming is becoming more easier everyday

Keep following

10/07/2024

Sharing more tips for successful capsicum farming!

Raising Seedlings:
- Capsicum can be directly sown or raised in a nursery and then transplanted.
- Seed rate: 100g per acre.
- Nursery site selection: Choose a well-drained plot that hasn't had any Solanaceae family plants in the last 3 years.
- Nursery establishment: Prepare a 1m wide bed, make drills 10-20cm apart, sow seeds thinly, cover lightly with soil, and provide regular watering and shade.

Transplanting:
- Transplant seedlings at the 4-6 true leaf stage, usually 6-8 weeks after sowing.
- Harden the seedlings by reducing watering and gradually exposing them to sunlight before transplanting.
- Recommended spacing: 60cm x 45cm or 70cm x 30cm, depending on the variety.

Fertilizer Application:
- Apply 100kg per acre of DSP/TSP during transplanting.
- Top-dress with organic and inorganic fertilizers.
- 1st top-dressing: 40kg per acre of CAN 2-3 weeks after transplanting.
- 2nd top-dressing: 80kg per acre of CAN 4-6 weeks after transplanting.
- Avoid high amounts of nitrogenous fertilizer during flowering.

Crop Management:
- Staking: Use wood stakes, bamboo, or sturdy materials to keep plants upright and support the fruit.
- Pruning: Facilitate the development of two main shoots or more, depending on the desired plant structure.
- Control flower load: Remove the first flower and allow sufficient leaf area before allowing the fruit to set.
- Equal vigor of side shoots is important for a balanced fruit load.

10/07/2024

Zaï is a traditional agricultural technique used mainly in the Sahel, a semi-arid region of West Africa. This method is used to improve soil fertility and increase agricultural yields, especially in areas prone to drought.
Principle of the Zaï Technique:

1. Holes 20 to 30 cm in diameter and depth are dug in the ground during the dry season, often in a line or checkerboard pattern.

2. The holes are filled with organic matter, such as compost or manure, which improves soil fertility.

3. The holes help capture and retain rainwater, increasing soil moisture during the rainy season.

4. Seeds are then sown in these holes, benefiting from the retained nutrients and moisture.

10/07/2024

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Onugwu Ebube Gift, Wan Natu, Trusted Trustful, Kumaden Jacob Terna, Ahhki Taylor

03/07/2024

HASS AVOCADO FARMING

🥑 ploughing

1)Soil should be ploughed sufficient to eliminate deberis

2)Plough to a fine tilth

3) Avoid field operations when it's wet to avoid soil composition and hard pans which affect proper Roots development.

4) it's recommended to have the land ploughed at least 2-3 month before transplanting

5) spacing - the spacing is 6-9m ×7-10 m depending on the growth characteristics of the individual variety and type of soil, Fertility status,agro - ecological conditions And agronomic practices

6)Hole size -60cm x 60xmx50 cm

7) plant population 44- 92 trees per acre.

8)Basal applications
During the preparation of planting Holes Mature/composite and basal Fertilizers are applied to allow the soil to settle and established

8) Top soil is Mixed one debe (20 kgs per hole= 4 tones per acre or well Decomposed Mature 250g of either triple super phosphate or Rock phosphate in the planting hole before refiling

02/07/2024

Planting Peanuts at Home: A Guide to Cultivating Store-Bought Nuts in Your Garden

Growing peanuts from store-bought nuts can be a fun and rewarding gardening project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cultivate peanuts right in your own backyard:

1. Selecting the Right Peanuts
Type of Peanuts: Opt for raw, unroasted, and unsalted peanuts. These are more likely to germinate than the roasted or salted varieties.
Purchase Organic: If possible, purchase organic peanuts as they are less likely to have been treated with growth inhibitors.

2. Preparing the Soil
Soil Requirements: Peanuts require well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 5.9 and 7.0. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it accordingly.
Tilling: Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in some compost or aged manure to improve fertility.
3. Planting the Peanuts
When to Plant: The best time to plant peanuts is in late spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 65°F.

Planting Depth: Plant the peanuts 1 to 2 inches deep and about 6 to 8 inches apart. Make sure the peanuts are covered lightly with soil.
4. Caring for Peanuts
Watering: Peanuts need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, especially during flowering and pe***ng (when the plant starts producing the peanuts).
W**ding: Keep the area around the peanuts weed-free. W**ds can compete for nutrients and water.

5. Harvesting
Harvest Time: Peanuts are ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and the veins of the shells become prominent, typically about 4 to 5 months after planting.
Digging Up Peanuts: Use a fork to gently lift the plant from the soil, being careful not to damage the peanuts.
6. Drying and Curing
Drying: After harvesting, shake off any excess soil and hang the plants in a warm, dry place. Allow the peanuts to dry for a few weeks until the shells are completely dry.

Curing: Curing peanuts further improves their flavor and storage life. Keep them in a well-ventilated area for about two weeks.