Peppers are a tricky vegetable to produce. Ask any expert and they’ll tell you that while it’s not an easy process, it is achievable, provided the proper methods are followed.
In this session of Gather To Grow, founder of Blooming Fresh Produce, Thandeka Masego; founder of Farmers Hope, Tebogo Nyathela; and owner of Oneo Farms, Eric Mauwane guide us through the ins and outs of growing peppers in Mzansi.
According to Masego, beginners might stand a chance in growing the tricky vegetable by buying compost soil and trays and watering them regularly. Netting, she says, is essential when beginning your own seedlings since it helps protect the seedlings from sunlight and winds.
For those interested in growing peppers, it is important that they know how to protect this commodity, especially from sunburn.
“I mulch my peppers,” she says. “It’s the best way because it reduces the wilt for hand weeding. It also makes it less likely that diseases like bacteria and fusarium wilt will spread.”
Mulch is an organic material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil. This practice helps contain the moisture in the soil.
Protection and irrigation
Experts warn that powdery mildew can be quite a problem on pepper plants. The disease commonly occurs on older leaves just before or at fruit set, but it can also develop at any stage of crop development.
According to Mauwane, it is essential that farmers work on a preventive strategy of treating powdery mildew.
“There are very specific fertilisers that you need to apply every week… But it’s a must [that you have] a proper fertiliser programme.”
Meanwhile Nyathela recommends the practice of irrigation since it allows farmers to monitor the amount of water they are pouring on their crops.
“I experienced lots of rain last year in November, December and January. This was not good at all for the peppers, but at least with the drip irrigation, it helps to measure the water.”
In the conversation, experts unpack:
- markets for green peppers;
- the expenses of entering the pepper producing industry;
- preventive methods against pests and crop diseases; and much more.
ALSO READ: Mahlatse’s story of peppers, people and perseverance
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