kenthefarmer
Lister
Today ,let’s talk courgette(also known as zucchini). If you’re looking for a quick, rewarding farming venture, courgettes should be at the top of your list. Here’s how to get started from land prep to harvesting without turning your farm into a comedy show.
Land Preparation: make way for the courgette.
Before you even think about planting, it’s time to prep the land. Courgette plants love well-prepared, loose soil. Am using farrow irrigation . For farrow irrigation, you’ll want to space your furrows properly to ensure even water distribution.
Good soil, good planning ,you're halfway there!
Seed selection: picking the right courgette superstar.
Not all courgettes are created equal. Some take their sweet time, while others are in a hurry to get to market. If you’re like me, you don’t want to wait forever. That’s why I’m all about the starke Ayres Star 8023 variety ,this fast-grower can reach maturity in just 30 days. That means you’re not waiting months to see a return on your investment. So, pick wisely, and keep your eye on those speedy varieties that will get you the best bang .
Direct Seeding.
Forget about transplanting ,direct seeding is the way to go with courgettes. Space your seeds about 60 cm by 60 cm from plant to plant. This gives them room to grow and makes sure they’re not stepping on each other's toes, literally. Courgette plants love moist soil, and if you’ve got irrigation, you’re set. Within 21 days, you’ll see those flowers popping up like you just added water to a magic bean. And by day 30, you're picking the first fruits!
The fertilizer story: Boost those plants without killing them
Fertilizing is crucial, but here’s a pro tip: Don’t overdo it. I add manure during land prep, and then, around day 10, I sneak in some phosphorus fertilizer to boost root growth. After 21 days, it’s time to get the nitrogen and potassium in there to push flowers and fruit. The "kudungia" method (side dressing) is your best bet for applying these fertilizers. If you’re using a jembe or a small panda to do your weeding, be careful! Digging too deep can harm the roots and ruin your entire plant. And nobody wants that drama.
Pests & diseases: Keep your courgettes healthy and sexy.
No crop is safe from pests, and courgettes are no exception. The most notorious pests in the courgette world is the fruit fly. This little pest pierces the fruit, lays eggs, and turns your beautiful courgettes into rotting messes. But don't panic ,I've got a secret weapon: Felomon Bactrocela traps.
These traps attract the males, take them out, and leave the females harmless. If you’re dealing with thrips, they can cause flower abortion, but with proper control, they won’t stand a chance. As for powdery mildew, a good fungicide will keep it in check.
Market .
Here's the deal: When it comes to courgettes, timing is everything. If you don’t have a market lined up, you might end up with a garden full of courgettes that’s grown so big it could be mistaken for a football. Trust me, you don’t want that. You’ll end up having to toss it to the compost pile because once courgettes are ready, they grow fast. My strategy? I go around the local market, chat with the mama mbogas, take their orders, and deliver the next day. Sometimes, I go a bit further and target other markets ,always keeping my courgettes in demand.
Planting in a staggered manner: not as crazy as it sounds.
If you think planting staggered crops means getting drunk and planting at random, think again! Planting in a staggered manner means you space out your planting every 10 to 15 days, depending on your market needs. This way, you’re always in the market, and you don’t have to worry about a courgette shortage (or overabundance). It’s a smart move to ensure cash flow all year round.
Here’s the truth: Farming is not for the lazy. If you’re too worried about your friends seeing you carrying sacks of produce to the market, then farming might not be for you. Retire your ego, pick up that sack, and make that money.
Courgettes are not just a cash crop; they’re a versatile crop that will keep money flowing on your farm. If you’re diversifying, this crop is your secret weapon. It adds steady income to your farming mix, and let’s be honest ,being able to say you can afford to pay off the local chief when they joke with you.
If this helpful ,kindly leave a like or a comment. Thank you !
~village investor.
Land Preparation: make way for the courgette.
Before you even think about planting, it’s time to prep the land. Courgette plants love well-prepared, loose soil. Am using farrow irrigation . For farrow irrigation, you’ll want to space your furrows properly to ensure even water distribution.
Good soil, good planning ,you're halfway there!
Seed selection: picking the right courgette superstar.
Not all courgettes are created equal. Some take their sweet time, while others are in a hurry to get to market. If you’re like me, you don’t want to wait forever. That’s why I’m all about the starke Ayres Star 8023 variety ,this fast-grower can reach maturity in just 30 days. That means you’re not waiting months to see a return on your investment. So, pick wisely, and keep your eye on those speedy varieties that will get you the best bang .
Direct Seeding.
Forget about transplanting ,direct seeding is the way to go with courgettes. Space your seeds about 60 cm by 60 cm from plant to plant. This gives them room to grow and makes sure they’re not stepping on each other's toes, literally. Courgette plants love moist soil, and if you’ve got irrigation, you’re set. Within 21 days, you’ll see those flowers popping up like you just added water to a magic bean. And by day 30, you're picking the first fruits!
The fertilizer story: Boost those plants without killing them
Fertilizing is crucial, but here’s a pro tip: Don’t overdo it. I add manure during land prep, and then, around day 10, I sneak in some phosphorus fertilizer to boost root growth. After 21 days, it’s time to get the nitrogen and potassium in there to push flowers and fruit. The "kudungia" method (side dressing) is your best bet for applying these fertilizers. If you’re using a jembe or a small panda to do your weeding, be careful! Digging too deep can harm the roots and ruin your entire plant. And nobody wants that drama.
Pests & diseases: Keep your courgettes healthy and sexy.
No crop is safe from pests, and courgettes are no exception. The most notorious pests in the courgette world is the fruit fly. This little pest pierces the fruit, lays eggs, and turns your beautiful courgettes into rotting messes. But don't panic ,I've got a secret weapon: Felomon Bactrocela traps.
Market .
Here's the deal: When it comes to courgettes, timing is everything. If you don’t have a market lined up, you might end up with a garden full of courgettes that’s grown so big it could be mistaken for a football. Trust me, you don’t want that. You’ll end up having to toss it to the compost pile because once courgettes are ready, they grow fast. My strategy? I go around the local market, chat with the mama mbogas, take their orders, and deliver the next day. Sometimes, I go a bit further and target other markets ,always keeping my courgettes in demand.
Planting in a staggered manner: not as crazy as it sounds.
If you think planting staggered crops means getting drunk and planting at random, think again! Planting in a staggered manner means you space out your planting every 10 to 15 days, depending on your market needs. This way, you’re always in the market, and you don’t have to worry about a courgette shortage (or overabundance). It’s a smart move to ensure cash flow all year round.
Here’s the truth: Farming is not for the lazy. If you’re too worried about your friends seeing you carrying sacks of produce to the market, then farming might not be for you. Retire your ego, pick up that sack, and make that money.
Courgettes are not just a cash crop; they’re a versatile crop that will keep money flowing on your farm. If you’re diversifying, this crop is your secret weapon. It adds steady income to your farming mix, and let’s be honest ,being able to say you can afford to pay off the local chief when they joke with you.
If this helpful ,kindly leave a like or a comment. Thank you !
~village investor.