Are you thinking of starting your own garden? Try growing green mealies. They are easy to cultivate in a home garden setup and incredibly delicious. Plus, they’re perfect for both beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
A recent article published on Health For Mzansi discusses the cultivation and benefits of growing green mealies (sweet corn) in South Africa. The article features insights from farmers and agricultural experts on the ease of growing green mealies, their nutritional value, and the business potential they offer.
According to Thanda Mbeje, a farmer from KwaZulu-Natal, green mealies are easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and can be propagated using seeds from previous crops.
“I have been growing mealies for five years. Green mealies can be planted in any season, and the best part is that there is no need to buy seeds because you can take seeds from your mealies to produce more,” she shares.
Selecting drought-tolerant maize varieties
Selecting drought-tolerant varieties suited to local conditions is quite important, advises Thandeka Mnyeni of Umlingo Agri Projects. She adds that new growers who intend to sell mealies should secure a market before planting.
“As Umlingo Agri Projects, we were inspired to start growing green mealies by local street vendors who travelled long distances to stock the produce. The lesson we have learned is that not all maize varieties can tolerate drought. As a result, you need to choose seeds that match your area or capabilities,” Mnyeni says.
In the article, agronomist Dikgang Molebatsi discusses the nutritional value of green mealies compared to processed corn, as they retain more nutrients. He outlines the ideal growing conditions, such as well-drained soils with specific pH levels and ample water supply, and notes the crop’s adaptability to different seasons if temperature and moisture conditions are adequate.
The article also addresses challenges like the need for effective pest management and the benefits of using technology and precision agriculture to improve yields and reduce costs.
This article was first published on Health For Mzansi and written by Candice Khumalo.
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