The word 'agriculture' is derived from the Latin agricultura, which means 'field cultivation'. Today the definition of agriculture goes far beyond this simple meaning. It includes the raising of food crops, livestock and poultry and the growing of non-food crops e.g. cotton and tobacco.

Modern agriculture includes all the businesses and industries that prepare, store, transport, distribute, sell products and also supply machinery, fertilizers, insecticides and other supplies.

The following are tips and information needed for the cultivation of a home garden.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GROWTH OF A PLANT

• Air contains carbon dioxide, which is used by the plant to produce food.

• Plants need sunlight for approximately six continuous hours per day.

• The plants use water in the manufacture of its food.

• Soil which has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5

• Balanced nutrition i.e. major, secondary and minor elements in correct proportions.

• Pest and disease control.

• Weed control.

• Drainage and irrigation.

• Management.

HINTS ON SEEDLING PRODUCTION

• Ensure the test date is valid when buying seeds.

• Always purchase sealed foil packs or hermetically sealed containers to ensure seed viability.

• Sow seeds in commercially prepared soil-less mix.

• Clean seedling trays/cups/bags etc. before use. Rinse with warm water and bleach.

• Sow 1-2 seeds per cell at a depth of .5cm

• Keep planting medium moist at all times but do not over water.

• Allow approximately one week for germination.

• Seedling trays should be stacked on top of each other until germination occurs, then placed in an area that is raised off the ground.

• Germination should take place in a covered, well ventilated area.

• Apply fertilizers within the first week of germination. It should be done at least twice per week.

• Water as necessary. Use low pressure to prevent damage to seedlings.

• At about 3-4 weeks old seedlings should be placed in an area with direct sunlight to allow for "hardening".

• Five days after "hardening" seedlings should be ready for transplanting.

• Before transplanting, water seedlings thoroughly.

TRANSPLANTING AND PLANTING

• Some plants are directly seeded while others are transplanted.

• Carrots, beet and corn are direct seeded crops.

• Treat seedlings preventatively with pesticides before panting.

• Ensure that transplanting plugs are removed cleanly with minimal damage to the roots.

• All starter fertilizer to the planting holes.

• Plant seeds at a depth of 2-4 times the average diameter of the seed.

• Plant seeds deep and make holes large so that the roots are not crowded.

• Be sure to firm, but not pack the soil around the roots.

• Remember twining crops e.g. tomato, squash, cucumber and beans require a great deal of space between plants.

• Adequately water seedlings after transplanting so that seedlings. Will overcome transplanting shock.

HINTS ON CROP MANAGEMENT

• Follow soil test recommendations.

• Plant resistant varieties that are healthy and free from pests and diseases.

• Ensure that there is adequate provision for drainage and irrigation.

• Provide plants with a healthy growing environment.

• Scout crops at least three tikes per week.

• Look for fertilizer deficiencies and signs of pests and diseases.

• Look for deficiency characterized by stunted growth, pale leaves and discolouration.

• Control weeds at an early stage.

• Encourage beneficial insects e.g. ladybird beetles, honeybees, earthworms and predatory wasps.

• Select appropriate pesticides.

• Apply fungicides preventatively and insecticides at first sign of attack.

• Never apply insecticides, fungicides and foliar nutrients in spraying equipment used for the application of weedicides.

• Feed and water plants constantly and correctly.

• Remove diseased plants from field.

FERTILIZERS

For best growth fertilizers are required. A combination of organic forms i.e. manures and composts and inorganic forms i.e. chemicals gives best results.

• Apply fertilizer several weeks or months before planting.

• Work it well into the soil.

• Apply 1/2 to 1 pd per 100 square feet.

IRRIGATION

• Vary the amount and frequency of irrigation according to the type of crop grown.

• Shallow rooted crops e.g. cabbage, lettuce, celery and radish require water to 1-2 feet of soil.

• Moderately deep-rooted e.g. peas, pepper, carrot and cucumber require water to 1-4 feet of soil.

• Deep rooted crops e.g. tomato, pumpkin and watermelon require water to 1-6 feet of soil.

• In the dry season crops require more water than in the wet season.

• Do not excessively water the plants.

WEEDING

Weeds are enemies of plants because they compete with them for nutrients, water and sunlight. The key to successful weed control is to prevent them from getting well established. Chief methods of weed control are:

• Proper cultivation-scraping the soil surface or shallow penetration of the soil to cut off and remove small weeds.

• Mulching - Organic mulches e.g. compost, lawn clippings, rotted manure and weathered sawdust should be applied 2-4 inches deep onto the soil. Black plastic film and newspaper can be placed on the soil and properly anchored against the wind.

• Hand weeding.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Integrated pest Management is the combined use of different pest control methods that complement each other. It minimizes harmful effects to the environment.

Cultural Control:

• Planting resistant varieties.

• Adjusting planting date.

• Utilizing appropriate planting density.

• General crop sanitation.

• Managing irrigation and fertilizer applications.

Chemical Control:

• Using selective pesticides.

• Paying attention to pest population, timing of application and dosage rate.

• Using anti-feedants, repellants or attractants.

Biological Control:

• Encouraging and preserving natural enemies.

• Introducing parasites or predators.

• Use of biological insecticides.

SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

• Read labels before use.

• Follow instructions using correct dosages.

• Purchase pesticides in original containers.

• Do not store near food, feedstuff and living areas.

• Use appropriate equipment for spraying. Do not use bare hands.

• Work in the morning or evening when it is cool. Do not apply in windy or rainy conditions.

• Clean equipment (triple rinse) after use and store securely.

• Wash off any skin contaminants immediately. Wash all exposed areas of skin after work. Wash all clothing after work.

• Never reuse pesticide containers.

BENEFICIAL INSECTS

Natural enemies or beneficial insects are used to keep the pest population at manageable levels. Some examples are:

• Jack Spaniard - contributes to the control of worm populations.

• Ladybird Beetle - consumes aphids and the Hibiscus Mealybug.

• Parasitic Wasps - helps to control the whitefly population.

• Australian Beetles, Indian Beetles and Asian Wasps are all used to eradicate the Hibiscus Mealybug.

HINTS ON HARVESTING

• Crops should be harvested at the correct stage of maturity.

• Harvesting should occur at a cool time of the day.

• All equipment used should be clean.

• Care must be taken to avoid injury/damage to the produce.

• Minimize delays in removing crop from field.

• If produce cannot be removed immediately keep it in a cool, dry place.

• Keep harvested produce free from contact with dirt.

HINTS ON POST HARVEST HANDLING

• Place produce in crates, baskets or trays that are clean and well ventilated.

• Stack crates in a manner as to prevent injury to produce.

• Store in a cool, dry place.

• Sorting should be done according to colour, size, shape, external markings and stage of maturity.

• Avoid excessive handling.

• Remove any damaged product to prevent spoilage and spread of post-harvest diseases.

CARE OF TOOLS

• Tools such as spades, forks, rakes, hoes and trowels are needed for a garden. The following guidelines will keep your tools in good condition:

• Clean tools after each use. If tools get rusty, soak them in kerosene for a few hours, then use a wire brush to scrub off the rust.

• Have a special place to store them to prevent damage to both you and the tools. Keep in a dry place.

TOP