Homestretch Farming

  Written by Peter Otieno                 Amaranth,we call it mchicha or ododo, is an indigenous vegetable grown for its leaves and seeds. When cooked together with greens such as collards, African nightshade or spider plant, it adds a sweet tender taste. Amaranth exists in varieties including those eaten by goats and poultry but on this post we will consider the green variety which is great for family consumption and commercial use. It has a large oval shaped green leaf with a tall thick stem. During the first weeks of germination leaves appear reddish but later takes their normal green color. The leaves and stems can increase in size depending on ground fertility. This green variety produces white seeds that turn yellow after drying which are later grounded into flour. Seeding On a well tilled farm or garden, sow amaranth seeds in holes or furrows of 60cm apart. Add  well decomposed farmyard manure then cover with little soil. As you s...

          Written by Peter Otieno               Tree Collard is a vegetable from the Brussica family which includes other vegetables like broccoli, cabbage,cauliflower and lettuce. It a green vegetable grown for its edible, tasty, tender leaves. It rarely grows to seeds nor produce flowers  but if it does there are normally small in number.  In this blog we discuss how to grow perennial tree collards from cuttings and show you the health benefits of eating them. First, let's understand the term perennial crop. A perennial crop is one that is planted once till its maturity then you harvest and continue to do the same all year round (its shelf life is not limited to two years or three months). Perennial Tree Collards are not grown from seeds but rather from their cuttings. They do not need to be replanted every season or year and after harvest their leaves grow back automatically. In Kenya,we call it 'sukuma wiki' meani...

      Written by Peter Otieno           As a result of the increasing dry beans market in Kenya, many farmers are now growing different varieties, yellow beans farming being one of them, to meet consumer demand and boost their income. Yellow beans has a yellowish greenish appearance and thrives well in regions of warm climate with enough rainfall like in Eastern, Rift valley and Western parts of Kenya. It is mainly grown as a food crop. It takes 60 to 70 days to mature with prices going for Kenya Shillings 180 per Kg and this can change during planting and dry seasons. This guide gives you the steps you need to grow yellow beans from seed to harvest. 1. Preparation of Land and Buying Seeds First, plough your land a month earlier before planting season, either by using a tractor, oxen or farm workers. Second, get quality yellow bean seeds from a trusted grocery shop or a certified Agro vet outlet. Note:  a)   The method of ploughing will ...

Written by Peter Otieno                   Taking a look at the history of agriculture to what it is currently in the twenty first century, we find that many new farming practices have come up but there are still traditional farming methods in use today, which enhance food production. Agriculture is a major sector in many countries as it is a source of livelihood to millions of people and we human beings need food daily and for our general health. Over the years there has been increased growth in economies as well as use of modern agricultural methods although not many farmers fully implement these methods. Its a fifty fifty kind of a situation whereby a farmer uses both traditional and modern farming methods whether in large scale or small farming. Furthermore, with the current environmental problems such as climate change there is need for continuous application of some traditional farming methods.  In this post I share the methods that...

              Written By Peter Otieno Coriander is a green leafy herb popularly known as dhania in Kenya and is used as a spice in stews and kachumbari. Kachumbari is a salad made by mixing freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, chili pepper and coriander leaves. It has a pleasant aroma and adds flavor to foods which makes it a favorite spice. Coriander has a short period of maturity that is from six to eight weeks and can easily be grown in pots and buckets apart from the farm. It grows in well drained soil and requires enough sunlight and water for germination. Dhania's flexibility allows it to be grown in different ways which include: 1. In pots and buckets - this is suitable for persons who live in urban centers and have a small space. 2. In green houses - for farmers who are into large scale and commercial farming. 3. In seedbeds - for small scale farmers and individuals that grow for home consumption. In this article, we will focus on growing coriande...

By Peter Otieno. It is popularly known as "Kitunguu" in Kenya. Scallions, Green or Bunching onion is a type of onion which does not form a bulb. It has a tube-like structure with a white reddish color from its root towards middle part of the stem and a green color from middle of stem to its tip. Scallions grow well in drained fertile soils and full sunlight. They are great in food recipe and salads. Scallions contain vitamin C for healthy strong bones. They help in preventing flu or cold due to their antibacterial properties. Green onions have vitamin A and C that help strengthen body immunity. In addition, green onions contain fiber which enhances food digestion, furthermore improve blood circulation and help regulate blood sugar levels. As I delve into the steps, keep in mind we are not using seeds. Sourcing Direct From The Market: After you have prepared your garden or land, visit a market near you and buy fresh bunches of scallions from vendors and ensure they haven't...