Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is not related to the Cruciferae such as cabbage.
It is a good source of dietary fibre, calcium, ironand vitamins A, B, C and E.
Just a few seedlings planted weekly, will keep the home continuously supplied with this leafy vegetable.
Pak-choi; (Brassica rapa subsp chinensis) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other members of this family include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and others.
Pak-choi is eaten either cooked or raw. It contains carbohydrate, protein, fat, dietary fibre, vitamin C and sodium.
Just a few plants planted weekly will provide a constant supply of this vegetable for the household.
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Other member of this family include cauliflower, broccoli and pak-choi. Cabbage can be cooked or eaten raw as in salads and coleslaw.
It is important for its food value since it is a good source of Vitamins B and C, dietary fibre and minerals. Cabbage can be grown all year round but does better when the nights are very cool (October to March). Just a few plants planted fortnightly will keep the home continuously supplied with this vegetable.
Ochro is easily grown throughout the year. Two of these plants will supply enough fruits ( pods) for the home. Ochro contains Vitamins A and C, calcium, carbohydrates, protein, fibre and iron.
Ochro grows best in fertile, well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Melongene (also known as “Eggplant” and Baigan”) can be grown throughout the year. When planting melongene consider the following:
- Melongene is a deep-rooting crop. Roots reach a depth of 35-50 cm. So plough deep!
- The plant bears fruits for a long time (6-9 months). Sometimes even cutting back can result in a new flush of growth and prolong the life of the crop. A fertile soil, rich in organic matter is necessary.
- Melongene needs a lot of water, but it is very sensitive to water logging. Provide adequate drainage. The plant also responds favourably to irrigation under drought conditions.
- This plant must be grown in full sunlight. It does not do well in shaded areas.
Corn or maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to the family Gramineae. Corn is an important crop which supplies food for human and animal consumption. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins (B1, B5, C, and E), phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc. It also contains fiber which helps the digestive system to function properly.
Successful cassava production depends on an understanding and application of good crop production practices. The tuber are highly susceptible to spoilage as early as 12 hours after harvesting.
Good post harvest handling is crucial to maximize your profits.
Bodi is easily grown throughout the year. Three to four plants will supply enough fruit (pods) for the average home. Bodi contains protein, fibre, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, vitamins A and B.
Bodi is a legume and it replenishes soil nitrogen used up by other crops. It is therefore an excellent choice for crop rotation. It can also be grown in containers
If you plan to produce your own SEEDLINGS, you will need SEEDS. You can either purchase seeds from a reputable garden shop, that is well frequented, well-kept and well stocked or produce your own.
Plants are living things and must be provided with the basic requirements and conditions to achieve maximum growth and yield.
The following are essential for proper growth of plants:
- Air
- Balanced nutrition
- Sunlight
- Suitable growing medium
- Water
- Weed Control
- Drainage
- Pest and disease control
- Good management
Producing seedlings for the Home Garden begins with selection of good seedlings for planting.
Ensure that seeds selection are:
- Wholesome – not damaged in any way.
- Viable – well developed and mature with enough stored food to support the growing seedling.
- Clean – free from pests, diseases and weed seeds.
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) can be grown throughout the year. You can start harvesting tomato fruits 8 – 9 weeks after transplanting. One tomato plant can yield 4 – 6 kg (10 – 15 lbs.) of fruits.
Tomato belongs to the Solanaceae family. Other crops belonging to this family include pepper and melongene.
Tomatoes are high in vitamins A and C and lycopene.
