The session featured Njabulo Maseko, a mixed farmer in Mpumalanga, Lufano Netshikhudini from Anointed Farming Trade and Projects, Leshalagae Mojapelo from BK Agric Traders in Polokwane, and poultry and crop farmer, Taetso Tsebogo.
Kicking off the session, Maseko points out that before new farmers start their cabbage journey, they need to take into consideration the climatic conditions.
“Cabbage can grow in any climate condition, depending on the variety you choose as a farmer. We choose varieties that can withstand the coldness,” she says.
As a crop that is adaptable to a broad range of environmental conditions, cabbages may be cultivated year-round in a majority of places.
Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables in South Africa. It is grown country-wide, but production is more concentrated in Mpumalanga and the Camperdown and Greytown districts of KwaZulu-Natal.
There’s always a market
According to Netshikhudini, one of the greatest benefits of producing these leafy greens is that it is market-friendly.
In Mzansi, he says, cabbages are a staple food that enjoys high demand. Netshikhudini explains that it takes around three months before the crop is ready for harvest.
It’s also quite labour-intensive, as no machinery is used in the cultivation or harvesting of cabbages, he adds.
Netshikhudini shares a number of handy techniques to preventing pests from consuming the seeds and plants.
Meanwhile, Maseko explains that for farmers who struggle with mole infestation, there are several ways in which they can curb this.
Participants in the podcast further discuss:
- The tools required to cultivate and harvest cabbages;
- Soil types to consider when planting cabbages;
- Cabbage varieties for various markets; and much more.
ALSO READ: Crop farming: This is what to plant where
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