6 SOYA BEANS – 6.127 – PLANT FACTS & VARIETIES

 
ORGANIC FARMING CURSE AGRO-ECONOMY
6 SOYA BEANS – 6.127 – PLANT FACTS & VARIETIES

 
Soybeans is a vegetable with very nutritious properties. They are rich in proteins, calcium, fibre, iron, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. Soybeans are versatile. You can cook, ferment, dry and transform them into products such as milk, flour, tofu and much more. Soy is cultivated by many farmers, but can also be planted in their own garden, provided you have warm weather for at least three months.
 
The right choice of the seeds. There are thousands of different soybeans. If you want to eat your soybeans, you should buy the green, edible variant. If you want to produce milk or flour, use the yellow variant. If you plan to dry the beans, then get the black variety.
 
MORE INFOS: Be more successful with AGRO-ECONOMY.
Click on LEVEL 4: Reach 4 times more yields with irrigation and little machines.
https://atlas-development.blogspot.com  consultant agro economy course
 
See the LEVEL 3:  FOOD FOREST COURSE, Agroforestry, Syntropic,
https://food-forest-course.blogspot.com 
 
See the LEVEL 2:  PERMACULTURE COURSE
140 Lessons THE STANDARD
https://permaculture-course.blogspot.com
 
Find the LEVEL 1: ORGANIC FARMING COURSE, in fb
750 lessons the BASICS easy start into Organic Farming.
https:// www.facebook.com/FAIREC-Atlas-Developement-SARL-654505228040366/
 
Now in progress all 750 lessons with crops, herbs, and fruit info in English and Swahili
https://organic-course-swali.blogspot.com   
 
See the LEVEL 0:  For successful SMART FARMING see 80 lessons about AGRIBUSINESS and 70 lessons about perfect irrigation SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION.
We supply this in Western Kenya. Please send us your request, when you will double your yield to 3, 4, 5 $ per m² per season, and we plan your farm activities. 
Save 50% water, energy and use MORGANICS SEAWEED FERTILIZER from us, see under ..
https://smart-farming-solutions.blogspot.com
#organicfarmer #organic #organicfarmingpractices #organicfarming #organicfarm #foodforest #syntropic #agroecology #syntropicfarming #agroeconomy #introductiontopermaculture #permacultureprinciples #creativethinking #permaculturehomesteading #regenerativefuture #Ubuntu #United4Land
 
Laana ya kilimo hai
Maharagwe 6 ya soya - 6.127 - Ukweli wa mimea na aina
 
Soybeans ni mboga na mali yenye lishe sana. Ni matajiri katika protini, kalsiamu, nyuzi, chuma, magnesiamu na vitamini na madini mengine. Soybeans ni anuwai. Unaweza kupika, Ferment, kavu na ubadilishe kuwa bidhaa za utaftaji kama maziwa, unga, tofu na mengi zaidi. Soy hupandwa na wakulima wengi, lakini inaweza kupandwa kwa walinzi wao wenyewe, mradi una hali ya hewa ya joto kwa angalau miezi mitatu.
 
Chaguo sahihi la mbegu. Kuna maelfu ya Sobeans tofauti. Ikiwa unataka kula soya yako, unapaswa kununua kijani kibichi, cha kawaida. Ikiwa unataka kutoa maziwa au unga, tumia lahaja ya manjano. Ikiwa unapanga kukausha maharagwe, basi pata aina nyeusi.
 

6 SOYA BEANS – 6.128 – GROWING AND SOIL

 
ORGANIC FARMING COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY
6 SOYA BEANS – 6.128 – GROWING AND SOIL

 
The right choice of earth. Using the right earth has many advantages. Some of them are less weeds and erosion as well as a balanced balance between nutrients and pH value. This is important so that the plants can grow healthy and provide good yield.
The best earth is clay with good drainage properties and low density.
If your earth has a high clay content, you can optimize it for planting soy by mixing peat, sand or mulch.
 
3. The right time for planting.
Soy plants are most profitable when planting them in May. However, what you should also pay attention to is the temperature of the earth.
The ideal time for planting soybeans is two to three weeks after the last frost when the earth has heated up to around 15.5 degrees and the air has a temperature of around 21 degrees. [2]
 
4. The preparation of the plant bed.
For healthy growth, the soybean plants need a balanced mixture of nutrients. It is therefore important that the soil is fertilized before planting, especially if this was not the case for a longer period of time.
Earth, which has not been fertilized over a longer period of time, should be enriched with a horse manner or compost. This ensures that there are sufficient nutrients in front of the plant.
 
5. Inoculate the seeds.
A nutrient that the soy plant definitely needs in sufficient quantities is nitrogen. To ensure that the plant gets what it needs, you should inoculate it with Bradyrhizobium Japonicum, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium. [4]
Fill a bucket with the soybeans and distribute the bacterium over it. Mix the mixture with a spade or a shovel until all the beans are covered.
The seeds should not be exposed to direct sunlight and placed in the earth within 24 hours of inoculation.
Bradyrhizobium Japonicum can be bought by catalog, on the Internet as well as in some garden centers and shops for agricultural accessories.
 
Plant the seeds. Set the soybeans about four cm deep and at a distance of eight centimeters. If you plant the soybeans in rows, then they should be around 80 cm from each other. [5]
After planting the seeds, the beans have to be poured, but only until the earth is damp. Do not overlook the soybeans, otherwise they could burst.
Thin out the offspring. After the offspring have grown a few centimeters, you should remove the weaker plants to optimize the growth potential for the stronger plants. Cut off the weaker seedlings at ground height; However, leave the roots in the ground. The remaining seedlings should then be planted again at a distance of ten to 15 cm.

 
MORE INFOS: Be more successful with AGRO-ECONOMY.
Click on LEVEL 4: Reach 4 times more yields with irrigation and little machines.
https://atlas-development.blogspot.com  consultant agro economy course
 
See the LEVEL 3:  FOOD FOREST COURSE, Agroforestry, Syntropic,
https://food-forest-course.blogspot.com 
 
See the LEVEL 2:  PERMACULTURE COURSE
140 Lessons THE STANDARD
https://permaculture-course.blogspot.com
 
Find the LEVEL 1: ORGANIC FARMING COURSE, in fb
750 lessons the BASICS easy start into Organic Farming.
https:// www.facebook.com/FAIREC-Atlas-Developement-SARL-654505228040366/
 
Now in progress all 750 lessons with crops, herbs, and fruit info in English and Swahili
https://organic-course-swali.blogspot.com   
 
See the LEVEL 0:  For successful SMART FARMING see 80 lessons about AGRIBUSINESS and 70 lessons about perfect irrigation SUBSURFACE DRIP IRRIGATION.
We supply this in Western Kenya. Please send us your request, when you will double your yield to 3, 4, 5 $ per m² per season, and we plan your farm activities. 
Save 50% water, energy and use MORGANICS SEAWEED FERTILIZER from us, see under ..
https://smart-farming-solutions.blogspot.com
#organicfarmer #organic #organicfarmingpractices #organicfarming #organicfarm #foodforest #syntropic #agroecology #syntropicfarming #agroeconomy #introductiontopermaculture #permacultureprinciples #creativethinking #permaculturehomesteading #regenerativefuture #Ubuntu #United4Land
 
Uchumi wa Kikaboni wa Kikaboni
Maharagwe 6 ya soya - 6.128 - Kukua na mchanga
 
Chaguo sahihi la Dunia. Kutumia Dunia ya kulia ina faida nyingi. Baadhi yao ni magugu kidogo na mmomomyoko na usawa wa usawa kati ya virutubishi na thamani ya pH. Hii ni muhimu ili mimea iweze kuwa na afya na hutoa mavuno mazuri.
Dunia bora ni udongo na mali nzuri ya mifereji ya maji na wiani wa chini.
Ikiwa Dunia yako ina maudhui ya juu ya mchanga, unaweza kuiboresha kwa kupanda soya kwa kuchanganya peat, mchanga au mulch.
 
3. Wakati sahihi wa kupanga.
Mimea ya soya ni faida zaidi wakati wa kupanda Mei.
Wakati mzuri wa kupanda soya ni wiki mbili hadi tatu baada ya baridi ya mwisho wakati dunia imewaka hadi digrii 15.5 na hewa ina joto la karibu digrii 21. [2]
 
4. Maandalizi ya kitanda cha mmea.
Kwa ukuaji wa afya, mimea ya soya inahitaji mchanganyiko wa virutubishi. Ni uingizaji wa joto kwamba udongo umepandwa kabla ya kupanda, especialy ikiwa hii haikuwa hivyo kwa muda mrefu zaidi.
Dunia, ambayo haijapandwa kwa muda mrefu zaidi, inapaswa kutajirika na njia ya farasi au mbolea. Hii inahakikisha kuwa kuna virutubishi vya kutosha mbele ya mmea.
 
5. INOCALE mbegu.
Virutubishi ambavyo mipango ya soya dhahiri katika idadi ya kutosha ni nitrojeni. Ili kuhakikisha kuwa mmea unapata kile kinachohitaji, unapaswa kuiboresha na Bradyrhizobium japonicum, bakteria ya kurekebisha nitrojeni. [4]
Jaza ndoo na soya na usambaze bakteria juu yake. Changanya mchanganyiko na spade au koleo hadi maharagwe yote yamefunikwa.
Mbegu hazipaswi kufunuliwa na jua moja kwa moja na kuwekwa katika ardhi ndani ya masaa 24 ya inoculation.
Bradyrhizobium japonicum inaweza kuwa kraschlandning na orodha, kwenye mtandao na katika vituo kadhaa vya bustani na maduka ya vifaa vya kilimo.
 
Panda mbegu. Weka soya karibu cm nne na kwa umbali wa sentimita nane. Ikiwa unapanga soya kwenye safu, basi inapaswa kuwa karibu 80 cm kutoka kwa kila mmoja. [5]
Baada ya kupanda mbegu, maharagwe yanapaswa kumwaga, lakini sio tu mpaka dunia iwe unyevu. Usipuuze soya, vinginevyo wangeweza kupasuka.
Nyembamba watoto. Baada ya uzao umekua sentimita chache, unapaswa kuondoa mimea dhaifu ili kuongeza uwezo wa ukuaji wa mimea yenye nguvu. Kata miche dhaifu kwa urefu wa ardhi; Walakini, acha mizizi ardhini. Miche iliyobaki inapaswa kupandwa tena kwa umbali wa cm kumi hadi 15.

 

6 SOYA BEANS – 6.129 – HARVEST and KITCHEN

 

ORGANIC FARMING CURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

6 SOYA BEANS – 6.129 – HARVEST and KITCHEN  

6 SOYA BEANS – 6.130 – TROUBLES

 

ORGANIC FARMING COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY

6 SOYA BEANS – 6.130 – TROUBLES

6 SPINACH – 6.105 - PLANT FACTS and VARIETIES

 
ORGANIC FARMING COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY   
6 SPINACH – 6.105 - PLANT FACTS and VARIETIES  

 
Spinach seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature.
Continue to water regularly to ensure the soil stays moist during germination.
 
Thinning
Once the spinach seedlings have grown to about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, thin them out to provide adequate space for each plant to grow.
Space the seedlings 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to allow them enough room to reach their full size.
 
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the seedlings to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Be careful not to let the mulch touch the young plants directly, as it may cause them to rot.
 
Fertilization
Spinach is a leafy green, so it benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions after thinning the seedlings.
 
Care and Maintenance
Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
Regularly remove any weeds that compete with the spinach for nutrients and water.
If temperatures rise, consider providing some shade to prevent the plants from bolting (producing flowers and seeds prematurely).
Pests such as aphids and slugs may be attracted to spinach. Monitor your plants regularly and address any pest problems promptly.
If the weather becomes too warm, spinach may start to bolt and become bitter. Harvest the leaves promptly in such conditions.
How Profitable is Spinach Farming in Kenya?
 
Spinach farming in Kenya allows farmers to make a lot of money in a short period of time. When the spinach has matured, it can be sold to the ready market for a profit.
 
Spinach farming is one of the vegetables that Kenyans grow for consumption as well as to sell at the market. Spinach is a delicious vegetable with health benefits for human bodies, so it is in high demand. Is it, however, profitable for the farmers?
 
Varieties of spinach grown in Kenya
Fordhook Giant Spinach:
Fordhook Giant is a classic and well-known spinach variety, favoured for its large, smooth, and dark green leaves.
It is a heat-resistant variety, making it suitable for growing in various climates, including warmer regions.
The leaves have a mild and slightly sweet flavour, making them versatile for different culinary uses.
 
Early Hybrid No.7 Spinach:
Early Hybrid No.7 is a variety known for its early maturity, meaning it reaches harvestable size faster than some other varieties.
It produces tender, glossy, and dark green leaves with a mild taste.
This variety is ideal for gardeners who want to enjoy spinach as quickly as possible after planting.
 
Giant Noble Spinach:
Giant Noble lives up to its name, as it produces large, broad, and robust leaves.
The leaves are dark green and have a savoyed or crinkled texture.
This variety is a favourite for its substantial leaf size, making it a great choice for harvesting large quantities.
 
King of Denmark Spinach:
King of Denmark spinach is an heirloom variety with a long history of cultivation.
It features dark green leaves with a savoyed appearance. The leaves have a tender texture and a traditional spinach flavour.
 
Viroflay Spinach:
Viroflay spinach is widely grown in Kenya due to its high yield potential and disease resistance. It produces large, thick, and smooth leaves with a bright green color.
The leaves are tender and have a mild, slightly sweet taste.
Viroflay spinach is a favourite among farmers because of its ease of cultivation and reliable performance.
 
Bloomsdale Spinach:
Bloomsdale spinach is known for its distinctive crinkled or savoyed leaves, which give it an attractive appearance.
The leaves are dark green and tender, offering a delicious, slightly nutty flavour.
This variety is a favourite among home gardeners and chefs alike due to its unique appearance and taste.
Bloomsdale spinach is a bit slower to bolt compared to some other varieties, making it a good choice for extended harvesting periods.
 
New Zealand Spinach:
While not a true spinach (it belongs to a different plant family), New Zealand spinach is grown as an alternative in Kenya due to its heat and drought tolerance.
It has thick, succulent leaves that can be used similarly to true spinach in cooking.
New Zealand spinach is well-suited for hot and dry climates where traditional spinach varieties may struggle.
It is a low-maintenance option for areas with limited water availability.
When selecting spinach varieties for your farm, consider factors such as their growth characteristics, disease resistance, flavour, and suitability for your area.
Text from farmers Trend.
 

 
KOZI YA KILIMO HAI KILIMO-UCHUMI
6 MCHICHA – 6.105 - UKWELI WA MIMEA na AINA MBALIMBALI
 
Mbegu za mchicha kawaida huota ndani ya siku 7 hadi 14, kulingana na hali ya joto.
Endelea kumwagilia mara kwa mara ili kuhakikisha udongo unabaki unyevu wakati wa kuota.
 
Kukonda
Mara tu miche ya mchicha inapokua na kufikia urefu wa sentimita 5, punguza ili kutoa nafasi ya kutosha kwa kila mmea kukua.
Weka miche kwa umbali wa inchi 4 hadi 6 (sentimita 10 hadi 15) ili iwe na nafasi ya kutosha kufikia ukubwa wake kamili.
 
Kutandaza
Weka safu ya matandazo ya kikaboni kuzunguka miche ili kusaidia kuhifadhi unyevu na kuzuia ukuaji wa magugu.
Kuwa mwangalifu usiruhusu matandazo kugusa mimea michanga moja kwa moja, kwani inaweza kusababisha kuoza.
 
Kurutubisha
Mchicha ni kijani kibichi, kwa hivyo hufaidika na mbolea iliyo na nitrojeni. Weka mbolea iliyosawazishwa kulingana na maagizo ya kifurushi baada ya kupunguza miche.
 
Utunzaji na Utunzaji
Weka udongo unyevu mara kwa mara wakati wote wa msimu wa ukuaji. Maji mimea mara kwa mara, hasa wakati wa kavu.
Ondoa mara kwa mara magugu yoyote ambayo yanashindana na mchicha kwa virutubisho na maji.
Ikiwa halijoto itaongezeka, zingatia kutoa kivuli ili kuzuia mimea isimike (kutoa maua na mbegu kabla ya wakati wake).
Wadudu kama vile aphids na slugs wanaweza kuvutiwa na mchicha. Fuatilia mimea yako mara kwa mara na ushughulikie matatizo yoyote ya wadudu mara moja.
Ikiwa hali ya hewa inakuwa ya joto sana, mchicha unaweza kuanza kuganda na kuwa chungu. Vuna majani mara moja katika hali kama hizo.
Je, Kilimo cha Mchicha kina faida Gani nchini Kenya?
 
Kilimo cha mchicha nchini Kenya kinaruhusu wakulima kupata pesa nyingi kwa muda mfupi. Wakati mchicha umekomaa, unaweza kuuzwa kwa soko tayari kwa faida.
 
Kilimo cha mchicha ni mojawapo ya mboga ambazo Wakenya hukuza kwa matumizi na vilevile kuuza sokoni. Mchicha ni mboga yenye ladha nzuri yenye faida za kiafya kwa miili ya binadamu, hivyo inahitajika sana. Je, hata hivyo, ina faida kwa wakulima?
 
Aina mbalimbali za mchicha zinazokuzwa nchini Kenya
Mchicha Mkubwa wa Fordhook:
Fordhook Giant ni mchicha wa asili na unaojulikana sana, unaopendelewa kwa majani yake makubwa, laini na ya kijani kibichi.
Ni aina inayostahimili joto, na kuifanya inafaa kwa kukua katika hali ya hewa mbalimbali, ikiwa ni pamoja na mikoa ya joto.
Majani yana ladha ya upole na tamu kidogo, na kuyafanya kuwa anuwai kwa matumizi tofauti ya upishi.
 
Mchicha wa Mseto wa Mapema No.7:
Early Hybrid No.7 ni aina inayojulikana kwa ukomavu wake wa mapema, kumaanisha kuwa inafikia ukubwa unaoweza kuvunwa haraka zaidi kuliko aina zingine.
Inatoa majani laini, ya kung'aa na ya kijani kibichi yenye ladha ya wastani.
Aina hii ni bora kwa wakulima ambao wanataka kufurahia mchicha haraka iwezekanavyo baada ya kupanda.
 
Mchicha Mkubwa Mzuri:
Giant Noble huishi kulingana na jina lake, kwa vile hutoa majani makubwa, mapana, na imara.
Majani ni ya kijani kibichi na yana umbo la savoyed au crinkled.
Aina hii inapendwa sana na saizi yake kubwa ya majani, na kuifanya kuwa chaguo bora kwa kuvuna kwa idadi kubwa.
 
Mfalme wa Mchicha wa Denmark:
Mchicha wa Mfalme wa Denmark ni aina ya urithi na historia ndefu ya kilimo.
Inayo majani ya kijani kibichi na mwonekano wa savoyed. Majani yana umbo laini na ladha ya asili ya mchicha.
 
Mchicha wa Viroflay:
Viroflay spinachi hulimwa kwa wingi nchini Kenya kutokana na uwezo wake wa kutoa mavuno mengi na ukinzani wa magonjwa. Hutoa majani makubwa, mazito na laini yenye rangi ya kijani kibichi.
Majani ni laini na yana ladha kali, tamu kidogo.
Mchicha wa Viroflay hupendwa sana na wakulima kwa sababu ya urahisi wa ukulima na utendaji wake wa kutegemewa.
 
Mchicha wa Bloomsdale:
Mchicha wa Bloomsdale unajulikana kwa majani yake ya kipekee yaliyokunjamana au yaliyopinda, ambayo huipa mwonekano wa kuvutia.
Majani ni ya kijani kibichi na laini, yakitoa ladha ya kupendeza, yenye lishe kidogo.
Aina hii inapendwa sana na watunza bustani na wapishi kwa sababu ya muonekano wake wa kipekee na ladha.
Mchicha wa Bloomsdale ni mwepesi wa kuchubuka ikilinganishwa na aina nyinginezo, na kuifanya kuwa chaguo zuri kwa muda mrefu wa uvunaji.
 
Mchicha wa New Zealand:
Ingawa si mchicha wa kweli (ni wa familia tofauti ya mimea), mchicha wa New Zealand hupandwa kama mbadala nchini Kenya kutokana na kustahimili joto na ukame.
Ina majani mazito, yenye maji mengi ambayo yanaweza kutumika sawa na mchicha wa kweli katika kupikia.
Mchicha wa New Zealand unafaa kwa hali ya hewa ya joto na kavu ambapo aina za jadi za mchicha zinaweza kutatizika.
Ni chaguo la matengenezo ya chini kwa maeneo yenye upatikanaji mdogo wa maji.
Unapochagua aina za mchicha kwa ajili ya shamba lako, zingatia vipengele kama vile sifa za ukuaji, upinzani wa magonjwa, ladha na ufaafu kwa eneo lako.
Maandishi kutoka kwa wakulima Mwenendo.
 

6 SPINACH – 6.106 - GROWING and SOIL

 
ORGANIC FARMING COURSE AGRO-ECONOMY   
6 SPINACH – 6.106 - GROWING and SOIL

 
Spinach Planting
In most cases, spinach is sown directly into the field. Farmers can sow spinach seeds (mostly hybrids) directly to the ground in rows or by broadcasting them. Planting spinach from seeds is a straightforward process that can yield delicious and nutritious greens. Follow this step-by-step guide to successfully grow spinach in your farm.
 
Choose the Right Time to Plant
Spinach prefers cooler temperatures, so the best time to plant seeds is in early spring or late summer to early fall, depending on your climate zone. If you live in a region with mild winters, you can also plant spinach in the fall for a winter harvest.
Select a Suitable Location
Choose a location that receives partial shade to full sun. Spinach can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Add compost to improve soil fertility if necessary.
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches using a shovel or garden fork.
Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris that may hinder seedling growth.
Sow the Seeds
Create furrows in the soil about ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep and spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
Place the spinach seeds in the furrows, keeping them approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart from each other.
Gently cover the seeds with soil and pat it down lightly.
Watering
Water the seeded area thoroughly immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination process.
Be cautious not to wash away the seeds with a strong stream of water.
Germination
Spinach seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature.
Continue to water regularly to ensure the soil stays moist during germination.
Thinning
Once the spinach seedlings have grown to about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, thin them out to provide adequate space for each plant to grow. Space the seedlings 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to allow them enough room to reach their full size.
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the seedlings to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Be careful not to let the mulch touch the young plants directly, as it may cause them to rot.
Fertilization
Spinach is a leafy green, so it benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions after thinning the seedlings.
Care and Maintenance
Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
Regularly remove any weeds that compete with the spinach for nutrients and water.
If temperatures rise, consider providing some shade to prevent the plants from bolting (producing flowers and seeds prematurely).
Pests such as aphids and slugs may be attracted to spinach. Monitor your plants regularly and address any pest problems promptly. If the weather becomes too warm, spinach may start to bolt and become bitter. Harvest the leaves promptly in such conditions.
 
Crop Nutrition
As earlier outlined, spinach performs best in well-tilled and watered soils that are rich in nitrogen, phosphates and potassium nutrients. Use the soil test results to order the right fertilizer brands and amounts.
To boost crop nutrition for your spinach, apply manure and planting fertilizer like mavuno planting fertilizer and a top-dresser after a few days.
Best recommendations are using seven tons of well-decomposed manure. The cost is around KES 2,000 per ton.
Apply foliar feed fertilizers and bio stimulants. Its best to do it after three harvests to promote vegetative bloom.
Text from farmers Trend .
 

 
KOZI YA KILIMO HAI KILIMO-UCHUMI
6 MCHICHA - 6.107 - KUKUA na UDONGO
 
Kupanda Mchicha
Katika hali nyingi, mchicha hupandwa moja kwa moja kwenye shamba. Wakulima wanaweza kupanda mbegu za mchicha (hasa mahuluti) moja kwa moja chini kwa safu au kwa kuzitangaza. Kupanda mchicha kutoka kwa mbegu ni mchakato wa moja kwa moja ambao unaweza kutoa mboga za kupendeza na zenye lishe. Fuata mwongozo huu wa hatua kwa hatua ili kufanikiwa kukuza mchicha katika shamba lako.
 
Chagua Wakati Sahihi wa Kupanda
Mchicha hupendelea halijoto ya baridi, kwa hivyo wakati mzuri wa kupanda mbegu ni mwanzoni mwa chemchemi au mwishoni mwa msimu wa joto hadi vuli mapema, kulingana na eneo lako la hali ya hewa. Ikiwa unaishi katika kanda yenye baridi kali, unaweza pia kupanda mchicha katika kuanguka kwa mavuno ya majira ya baridi.
Chagua eneo linalofaa
Chagua eneo ambalo hupokea kivuli kidogo hadi jua kamili. Mchicha unaweza kustahimili kivuli kidogo, haswa katika hali ya hewa ya joto. Udongo unapaswa kuwa na maji mengi na matajiri katika vitu vya kikaboni. Ongeza mboji ili kuboresha rutuba ya udongo ikibidi.
Tayarisha udongo
Legeza udongo kwa kina cha inchi 6 hadi 8 kwa kutumia koleo au uma wa bustani.
Ondoa magugu, mawe, au uchafu wowote ambao unaweza kuzuia ukuaji wa miche.
Panda mbegu
Tengeneza mifereji kwenye udongo kwa kina cha inchi ½ (sentimita 1.3) na utenganishe kwa umbali wa inchi 12 hadi 18.
Weka mbegu za mchicha kwenye mifereji, ukiziweka takriban inchi 2 (sentimita 5) kutoka kwa nyingine.
Kwa upole funika mbegu na udongo na uiguse kidogo.
Kumwagilia
Mwagilia sehemu iliyopandwa vizuri mara baada ya kupanda. Weka udongo unyevu mara kwa mara lakini usiwe na maji wakati wote wa kuota.
Kuwa mwangalifu usioshe mbegu kwa mkondo mkali wa maji.
Kuota
Mbegu za mchicha kawaida huota ndani ya siku 7 hadi 14, kulingana na hali ya joto.
Endelea kumwagilia mara kwa mara ili kuhakikisha udongo unabaki unyevu wakati wa kuota.
Kukonda
Mara tu miche ya mchicha inapokuwa na urefu wa inchi 2 (sentimita 5), ​​punguza ili kutoa nafasi ya kutosha kwa kila mmea kukua. Weka miche kwa umbali wa inchi 4 hadi 6 (sentimita 10 hadi 15) ili iwe na nafasi ya kutosha kufikia ukubwa wake kamili.
Kutandaza
Weka safu ya matandazo ya kikaboni kuzunguka miche ili kusaidia kuhifadhi unyevu na kuzuia ukuaji wa magugu. Kuwa mwangalifu usiruhusu matandazo kugusa mimea michanga moja kwa moja, kwani inaweza kusababisha kuoza.
Kurutubisha
Mchicha ni kijani kibichi, kwa hivyo hufaidika na mbolea iliyo na nitrojeni. Weka mbolea iliyosawazishwa kulingana na maagizo ya kifurushi baada ya kupunguza miche.
Utunzaji na Utunzaji
Weka udongo unyevu mara kwa mara wakati wote wa msimu wa ukuaji. Maji mimea mara kwa mara, hasa wakati wa kavu.
Ondoa mara kwa mara magugu yoyote ambayo yanashindana na mchicha kwa virutubisho na maji.
Wakati halijoto inapopanda, zingatia kutoa kivuli ili kuzuia mimea kuganda (kutoa maua na mbegu kabla ya wakati wake).
Wadudu kama vile aphids na slugs wanaweza kuvutiwa na mchicha. Fuatilia mimea yako mara kwa mara na ushughulikie matatizo yoyote ya wadudu mara moja. Ikiwa hali ya hewa inakuwa ya joto sana, mchicha unaweza kuanza kuganda na kuwa chungu. Vuna majani mara moja katika hali kama hizo.
 
Lishe ya Mazao
Kama ilivyoelezwa hapo awali, mchicha hufanya vizuri zaidi katika udongo uliopandwa vizuri na kumwagilia maji ambayo ni matajiri katika nitrojeni, fosfeti na potasiamu. Tumia matokeo ya majaribio ya udongo kuagiza chapa na kiasi cha mbolea sahihi.
Ili kuimarisha lishe ya mazao kwa mchicha wako, weka mbolea ya samadi na ya kupandia kama vile mbolea ya kupandia mavuno na kiboreshaji nguo baada ya siku chache.
Mapendekezo bora ni kutumia tani saba za samadi iliyooza vizuri. Gharama ni karibu KES 2,000 kwa tani.
Weka mbolea za kulisha majani na vichocheo vya bio. Ni bora kufanya hivyo baada ya mavuno matatu ili kukuza maua ya mimea.
Maandishi kutoka kwa wakulima Mwenendo.