Sweet Melon Farming in Kenya

Sweet melons, also known as muskmelons or cantaloupes, are a popular fruit crop that are prized for their sweet and refreshing flavour. Successfully growing sweet melons requires understanding their specific needs and implementing best practice to ensure a bountiful harvest. In this article, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the requirements, processes, and tips for successful sweet melon farming in Kenya.

Sweet melons

Best Climate and Soil Requirements for Sweet Melon Cultivation in Kenya.

Sweet melons thrive in warm, dry climates with temperatures ranging between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. They require a long growing season with plenty of sunshine. Sweet melons do best in well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to be able to support the plant’s nutritional needs.

Step by Step process for planting sweet melons

Sweet melons do well in areas with a good sunlight exposure, so it is advisable to select an open field to plant your sweet melons. Conduct the soil tests in that area to determine the nutrient levels and amend the soil as necessary to achieve the optimal requirements. Once sure the site is ideal for sweet melon farming, plough the land to a depth of about 30cm to break up compacted soil and remove the weeds as well. You can harrow the soil to create a fine tilth and incorporate well-decomposed compost or manure into the soil to improve on its fertility and structure. For sweet melons, you can start seeds in a nursery or directly sow them in the field, but it is advisable to start the seeds in a nursery and then later on transplant the seedlings. In this case of transplanting the seedlings from the nursery, the seedlings should have 2-3 true leaves. Space your sweet melons 60-90cm apart in rows of about 1.5 to metre apart to allow adequate air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Sweet melons require consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use and to minimize leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal disease. If you haven’t installed a drip irrigation yet, avoid overhead irrigation, particularly late in the day when the sun is gone to prevent fungal infections.

Common Pests and Diseases that attack sweet melons

Sweet melons, like many crops, are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can significantly impact yield and quality. Common pests that attack sweet melons include.

Aphids: They feed on the plant sap causing yellowing and curling of leaves. The cause stunted growth in the plant and can transmit viral diseases.

Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that thrive in hot, dry conditions. They cause stippling and bronzing of leaves, leading to leaf drop and reduced plant vigor.

Melon fly: A type of a fruit fly whose larvae feed on melon fruits causing it rot.

White flies: These are small, white insects that feed on the underside of leaves. They cause yellowing of leaves and can transmit viral diseases.

Powdery mildew: A fungal infection that causes white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems leading to yellowing and premature leaf drop.

Downy mildew: Major symptoms are yellow spots on the upper leaf surface and greyish-purple growth on the underside, causing leaf blight.

Fusarium Wilt: It causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant, starting from the base and moving upward.

Anthracnose: A fungal infection that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit, leading to rot and decay.

Maturity Period/Harvesting

Sweet melons are typically ready for harvest 70-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. 3 common indicators that can help you know your sweet melons are mature and ready for harvest are;

A ripe sweet melon

Colour change:The skin colour changes from green to yellowish.

Slippage: The fruit easily detaches from the vine when lifted

Aroma: A strong smell can sometimes be felt when the fruit is ripe.

Where to sell your sweet melons

The demand for sweet melons in Kenya is high in urban areas and among health-conscious consumers. You can sell your produce through local markets you engage with local vendors and consumers; you can supply to large retail chains like supermarkets and also export opportunities to neighbouring countries and beyond.

For farmers investing and willing to invest in proper agronomic practices, sweet melon farming is a highly profitable venture.

Nectarine Farming in Kenya: Tips To Grow, Harvest and Sell

Nectarine is a type of stone fruit that is closely related to peaches. It is known for its smooth skin, sweet and tangy flavour. While peaches have been cultivated in Kenya for decades, nectarines are a relatively new addition to the fruit farming sector. Nectarine farming is not as widespread as other fruit crops like mangoes or bananas, but it is gradually gaining popularity among farmers seeking to capitalize on emerging market trends.

Nectarine Plant

Best climate and soil requirements for nectarine farming in Kenya

Nectarines thrive in temperate climates, making the Kenyan highland areas such as Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nakuru and Kericho ideal areas for their cultivation. Nectarines prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with the ideal soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. When planting nectarines avoid waterlogged areas as nectarines are sensitive to root rot. Regular soil testing is essential to ensure optimal nutrient levels and pH balance.

Propagation, planting and spacing of nectarines

Nectarines can be propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is the preferred method because they are grafted on to peach root stocks which provides more consistent results and early fruiting. Nectarine plants require a spacing of 5metres by 4 metres. This spacing allows adequate sunlight penetration and air circulation. The best time to plant nectarines is usually during the dormant season, typically between June and August.

Also Read:Peaches Farming in Kenya: Farming For Wealth and Health

Management of nectarine plants

Young nectarines require regular watering to establish strong roots. Drip irrigation is recommended to maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. The mature nectarines also need deep watering, especially during dry periods to support fruit development. Another management practice is pruning. Pruning nectarines is essential for maintaining tree shape, removing dead or diseased wood, and encouraging new growth. Pruning enhances sunlight penetration and air circulation.

Common Pests and diseases affecting nectarines

Peach leaf curl- This is a fungus causing leaf distortion and colour changes. It can be controlled with copper-based fungicides.

Aphids-These are sap sucking insects that cause leaf curling and stunted growth. Organically they can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.

Brown rot- These are fungus affecting fruits and blossoms. It can best be controlled through fungicide applications and also pruning to improve on air circulation.

Maturity period of nectarines/harvesting

Freshly harvested nectarines

Nectarines take about 3 years from planting to begin flowering. Nectarine fruits are harvested when they develop their characteristic colour, flavour, and firmness. Harvesting is done manually to ensure safe handling of the fruits.

Marketing of nectarines

Kenya’s local market for nectarines is growing, especially in urban areas where there is demand for fresh high-quality fruits. You can supply your fruits to consumers directly in the farmers market, you can supply to supermarkets and retail chains that prioritize fresh produce. We also have the export market in countries like middle east and Europe where there is a high demand for off-season fruit.

Also Read:Peaches Farming in Kenya: Farming For Wealth and Health

Lychee Farming in Kenya: Earn Big with Lychee Farming. Essential Tips and Market Insights on Lychee Farming

"The next time you see lychee on our Kenyan stores, it probably will be a homegrown gem". This statement caught my attention for sure.

Lychee Fruits

Lychee is an exotic fruit that originated from China before spreading to other parts of the world . Kenya has imported lychee for years but thanks to our Kenyan climate, we can now grow our own lychee in Coast, Central and some parts of Rift valley region. The fruit is prized for its sweet and slightly tart flavor, as well as its nutritional benefits, which include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Lychee in Kenya

Lychees thrive best in warm, humid climates with well-distributed rainfall and temperatures ranging between 20-30 degrees Celsius. Kenya’s coastal regions and some highland areas provide these ideal conditions.

Lychee trees prefer well-drained and deep loamy soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Areas prone to waterlogging or with heavy clay soils are unsuitable for lychee cultivation as these conditions can lead to root rot and poor tree health.

Step by Step process for planting Lychee

The very first step as always is usually identifying a site where you will do your lychee farming. When selecting the site, consider the sunlight exposure of the area since lychees thrive best under full sunlight. Secondly, choose a site that does not experience a lot of wind since lychees are susceptible to wind damage. You can plant windbreaks or select sheltered sites. Once you have a good site to do your lychee farming, the next step is to prepare the land for planting. Clear the site by removing all the weeds and debris. Plough the land to enhance soil aeration and incorporate well decomposed organic manure to enrich the soil. Dig planting holes of 60 by 60 cm with a depth of 60 cm as well. The recommended spacing is about 8 by 8 to 10 by 10m to allow sufficient sunlight penetration and airflow, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Next, purchase high quality, disease-free seedlings from reputable nurseries like Richfarm Kenya and plant. Once you have planted ensure deep and frequent watering. You can also mulch to ensure soil moisture and temperature conservation.

Common pests and diseases that affect lychee

While lychee farming is profitable, it also faces challenges from various pests and diseases. Some of the common pests that affect lychee plants include the lychee mite, fruit borer, fruit bats and birds, lychee stink bug, anthracnose, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildew. Managing these pests and diseases requires a combination of cultural, biological and chemical control methods. These pests can cause significant damage if not managed properly.

Maturity Period, harvesting and post-harvest handling of lychee

Lychee tree typically starts bearing fruit in the 3^rd year after planting. The fruit is ready for harvest when it turns bright red or pink, depending on the variety. Harvesting is done manually to avoid damaging the delicate skin. It is important to handle the fruit gently and cool it quickly after harvest to preserve its quality and extend shelf life.

Market Potential of lychee fruits

Lychee, with its unique taste and nutritional benefits, is gaining popularity both locally and globally. Lychees fetch high prices in both local and international markets due to their exotic nature and limited supply. In the Kenyan supermarkets chains in Nairobi and Mombasa, lychees are going for about ksh200-ksh329 per kilogram

Lucrative markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia have high demand for exotic fruits like lychees, dragons etc and this will put our Kenyan lychees at a better market position.

Why Tissue Culture Bananas Produce More Than Those Planted From Suckers?

Tissue culture banana farming in Kenya could easily be the greatest gift that the Gods of Agricultural advancements gave our blessed country in the recent past. However, the burning question that you will oftenly hear from those considering adopting this modern approach of banana cultivation is, "Do tissue culture bananas produce more than those planted from ordinary suckers?" Many are not so familiar with the benefits of tissue cultured banana propagation including its yields, resistance to diseases and overall productivity compared to traditional methods of banana propagation.

Tissue culture banana seedlings for sale in Kenya

What is Tissue Culture Banana?

Someone is probably wondering, "what are tissue culture bananas or how does the process of tissue culturing go about?" Tissue culturing is a prosses of raising high quality seedlings with specific desired characteristics.

Tissue culture bananas are propagated through a process known as micro propagation, a technique that involves growing plant cells or tissues in a controlled environment, usually in a nutrient-rich-agar medium. Disease-free tissues from the parent plant are carefully selected and a large number of genetically identical banana plantlets are produced. They are gradually exposed to external conditions to ensure survival and vigor of the plants upon transplantation.

Did I lose you somewhere? Let me make it simple: Tissue culturing is taking a small part of a banana plant that has specific high value characteristics and using that part to raise many more seedlings of bananas that are identical to the mother plant.

Tissue culture banana propagation in Kenya

While individual experiences from farmers may vary, studies suggest that tissue cultured bananas often surpass the productivity of sucker-planted bananas. This is made possible by a number of factors that include:

1. Tissue culture banana seedling are disease-free

Tissue culture involves using disease-free plant material, which minimizes the risk of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. This leads to healthier plants and higher productivity. In other words, as a farmer, you are getting a kickstart by using seedlings that you are absolutely sure that they are disease-free.

2. Enhanced Vigour

Tissue culture plants often exhibit enhanced vigor, that is, they grow much faster and stronger than the ones planted from ordinary suckers. This is due to the optimized growing conditions in the production room. They are typically more robust and resilient when transplanted into the field.

3. Improved stress tolerance

Tissue culture bananas are selected and propagated to bring forth specific traits, including stress tolerance. This improves the plants’ ability to thrive in less-than ideal growing conditions, thus maintaining high productivity.

Tissue Culture bananas Vs Sucker propagated bananas

Bunch Size

Tissue culture banana bunch

Tissue culture bananas typically produce larger and more uniform bunches due to their consistent genetic makeup and optimal growing conditions while sucker propagated bananas can have more variability in bunch size due to genetic differences and potential disease presence.

Weight per bunch

Bunches from tissue culture bananas can weigh between 20 to 50kg, depending on the variety and growing conditions while sucker propagated bananas may have their bunches weighing between 15 to 40kgs though this likely to vary.

Number of hands per bunch

On average, a bunch may have 8 to 12 hands, with each hand containing 10 to 20 bananas. Sucker propagated bananas often have their bunches have 6 to 10 hands, with variability in the number of bananas per hand.

Another concern on tissue culture bananas is their thin stems. Tissue culture bananas are renowned for their delicate and thin stems as compared to the sucker-grown bananas. However, this characteristic is not indicative of weakness. The thin stems of tissue culture bananas are a result of their rapid growth in controlled environments. Once transplanted into the field, these bananas adapt to natural conditions and develop robust stems capable of supporting fruit clusters.

How to Increase Your Passion Fruit Production Through Proper Trellising

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) is a popular tropical fruit that is a natural climber. It is equipped with tendrils that help it latch on to the support. The tendrils are specialized structures that grow from the vine. They are thiny, wiry and coil around anything that they come in to contact with, allowing the vine to climb and spread. As a climbing plant, passion fruit needs vertical space to grow efficiently and that means it should be supported to avoid it sprawling along the ground. That process of supporting vines as they grow is what we call trellising.

Properly Trellising Passion Fruit For Maximum Production

Proper trellising can significantly increase the productivity of passion fruit vines by providing optimal growing conditions and supporting the plant’s natural growth patterns.

How proper trellising increases productivity.

Trellises enable the passion vines to have maximum sunlight exposure

Passion fruit vines require abundant sunlight for optimal photosynthesis, which is crucial for energy production and growth. A well-designed trellis system allows the vines to spread out and access more sunlight. This uniform exposure ensures that all parts of the plant can perform photosynthesis efficiently, leading to vigorous growth and higher fruit production.

Trellising lifts the vines off the ground improving air circulation

Good air circulation is vital for preventing fungal diseases, which are common in humid environments. Trellising lifts the vines off the ground, reducing humidity around the plant and allowing air to circulate freely. This helps to prevent diseases like anthracnose and fusarium wilt, which can severely impact fruit yield and quality. Healthier plants mean more productive vines.

Trellising makes the flowers more accessible therefore enhancing pollination

Passion fruit flowers need effective pollination to set fruits. Trellises make flowers more accessible to pollinators like bees. By elevating the flowers and spreading them out, pollinators can easily move from flower to flower, resulting in better pollination. Better pollination leads to more fruit set and increased yields.

Easier maintenance

Managing passion fruit vines on a trellis system simplifies several farming tasks. With vines organized on a trellis, it becomes easier to prune, inspect for pests and diseases, and harvest the fruit. This ensures vines are in optimal condition for fruit production.

Trellising raises the vines off the ground contact

Keeping the vines and fruit off the ground reduces the risk of rot and pest infestations, which can damage or destroy the crop.

Supports healthy growth

Trellises provide the necessary support for heavy fruit-laden branches, preventing breakage and ensuring the plant can carry a larger yield without damage. The support allows the plant to allocate more energy towards fruit development.

Steps for implementing a proper trellising system for your passion

1.Select a strong structure(s) to build a trellis
A Passion Fruit Trellis System

Use durable materials like treated wooden posts, metal stakes, and strong wires to build the trellis. The structure needs to withstand the weight of mature vines and heavy fruit loads. The poles should be at least 2.5m tall, with 1.5m above the ground.

2.Position your trellis in a location that has a full sunlight exposure.

Install the trellis in a location with full sun exposure and good air circulation. The rows should be oriented to maximize on the sunlight.

3.Training the vines

Start training the vines when they are young. Tie the main stem to the trellis with soft ties, guiding it to grow upwards. Once the vine reaches the top wire, encourage lateral growth by training side shoots along the wires.

4.Maintenance of the trellis system

Regularly inspect the trellis for any signs of wear and tear. Tighten wires and replace damaged posts as needed to ensure the structure remains firm. Continuous maintenance is crucial to support the heavy loads of mature vines and fruits.

5.Pruning and Thinning

Pruning is essential to manage the growth of passion fruit vines. Remove dead or diseased branches, and thin out dense vines to improve air circulation and light penetration. This practice helps in maintaining plant health and increasing fruit size quality.

Implementing a proper trellis system is a key strategy for enhancing passion fruit productivity. A well-designed trellis not only supports the plant structurally but also boost overall yield and fruit quality.

In need of certified ready to plant passion fruit seedlings (Purple and Yellow), Call or Whatsapp Richfarm Kenya nurseries on 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 or visit any of their branches in Embu and Naivasha to pick your desired seedlings.

Also Read:Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya : Expected Costs and Returns

Is Dragon Fruit Worth The Price? Unwrapping the Health/ Nutritional Benefits of The Most Expensive Fruit

Why is Dragon Fruit So Expensive?

Humans are of a curious nature and that’s acceptable. Several people I interact with concerning dragon fruits, tend to want to know more about the health benefits of this fruit, especially when they hear of the price it commands in the market.

In case you didn’t know, dragon fruit also known as Pitahaya or Pitaya is a tropical fruit that traces its origin from Central America. It is one of the newest fruits in the Kenyan market, giving most of the other high-nutrition fruits we initially knew a run for their money.

Dragon fruits have been cultivated in Kenya for just about 5 years now but its awareness has spread to all the corners of our country. A kilogram of the fruit sells for between ksh1,000 and ksh1,500 in the Kenyan supermarket chains. They come in a variety of Red/Pink, White and Yellow, all these with a vibrant appearance that makes it a feast for the eyes.

Red dragon fruits for sale in Kenya

Beyond its prices, its appealing look and taste, dragon fruits pack a nutritional punch that offers an array of health benefits, making it a worthy addition to any diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Dragon Fruits

Eating dragon fruits reduces the risk of catching chronic diseases: One of the most notable benefits of dragon fruit is its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Well, that's not so special because Blueberries also have these attributes: but remember they are equally expensive.
Improves your digestion and prevents constipation: Dragon fruit has a lot of fiber, which helps keep your digestion running smoothly. It makes it easier to have regular bowel movements and helps in preventing constipation or stopping it altogether. The fiber also supports the growth of good bacteria in your stomach, which is important for healthy digestion and can help your body absorb nutrients better.
Heart health benefits: Consuming dragon fruit may help lower the risk of heart disease due to its fiber and antioxidant content. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and removing it from the body. Additionally, antioxidants in dragon fruit may help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, further supporting heart health.
Potential Anti-Cancer effects: Studies suggests that dragon fruit may have anti-cancer properties, attributed to its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can contribute to the development of cancer.
Promotes skin health: The vitamin C and antioxidant content of dragon fruit contribute to its skin-protective properties. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging and skin damage.

Dragon is a wonderful fruit that deserves its place on the menu whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into recipes. It can be enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, blended into smoothies, added to fruit salads, or used as topping for yoghurt or oatmeal.

You are ready to get into dragon fruit farming, either for home consumption or commercial purposes and are wondering where you can get ready to plant seedlings from? Worry not, Richfarm Kenya is just a call away. Call or whatsapp us on 0724698357/0723213602/0798919007 or visit any of our nurseries in Naivasha and Embu to pick your desired seedlings.

Also Read: Dragon Fruit Farming In Kenya: Step by Step Guide.

EggPlant Farming in Kenya: Step by Step Guide

Eggplant, known as biringani in Swahili is a member of the nightshade family. Eggplant is a glossy, purple skinned fruit though there are those that come in green, white or stripped colours depending on the variety. It is a warm season fruit that is suitable for cultivation in many regions of Kenya and the world in general.

Egg Plant Fruit.

Variety Selection

Choosing the right eggplant variety is crucial for successful farming. Varieties differ in fruit size, shape, colour, and maturity time, allowing farmers to select those best suited for their growing conditions and market preferences. Some of the popular eggplant varieties include;

Black beauty

This variety produces large, dark purple fruits with a smooth glossy skin. It has an excellent flavour and is also very productive. It takes 100 days from transplanting to harvesting. It has a longer shelf life.

Long Purple

As the name suggests, this variety produces elongated, slender fruits with a deep purple colour. It takes about 70-80 days from transplanting to harvesting. It is well suited for grilling and roasting.

White egg

This variety produces small to medium-sized eggplants with a creamy white colour. It has a mild flavour and tender texture.

Soil Preparation

Eggplants thrive in well-drained, fertile soils that have a pH level of between 6.0 and 6.8. Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged animal manure to improve soil structure and fertility. It is important to take a soil test before getting into the farming as it helps you determine nutrient and pH levels, allowing you to make any necessary amendments before planting.

Planting and Ideal Spacing for Eggplants

Eggplants can be propagated from seeds or transplants. When propagating from seeds, start the seeds for about 6-8 weeks before transplanting them. When planting the eggplants, space them about 18-24 inches apart in rows with 24-36 inches between rows to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Proper spacing helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to increased pest and disease pressure and reduced yields.

Watering and Fertilization

Eggplants require consistent moisture throughout the growing season to ensure healthy growth and fruit development. You can water deeply at least twice or thrice a week, depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels.

Fertilize eggplants regularly with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production. Side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support vigorous growth.

Common Pests and Disease in Egg plant farming and their management

Like many crops, eggplants are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can affect yield and quality if not properly managed. Some of the common eggplant pests include flea beetles, aphids, spider mites and tomato horn worms. Diseases such as bacterial wilt, Verticillium wilt, and powdery mildew can also pose challenges.

Regular scouting and early intervention are key to preventing pest and disease outbreaks and minimizing damage to the crop.

Harvesting and Post-harvest egg plant handling techniques

Eggplants are typically ready for harvest 60-80 days after transplanting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest the fruits when they are firm, glossy, and fully mature before the seeds become hard and bitter. Cut the fruit from the plant, leaving a short stem attached. Handle your harvested eggplants with care to avoid damage. Store them in a cool place to extend their shelf life.

Eggplants are best consumed fresh but can also be stored up in refrigerators for longer-term storage.

“Where do I sell my eggplants?”

The market for eggplants can vary depending on factors such as location, consumer preferences, and market demand. Here are some potential markets where you can sell your eggplants, however.

· Grocery stores and Supermarkets

Many grocery stores and supermarkets source their produce locally or regionally to meet consumer demand for fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. You can contact local grocery stores or supermarket chains to inquire about selling your eggplants through their produce department.

· Restaurants and Food service providers.

Restaurants, catering companies, and other food service providers often purchase large quantities of fresh produce to use in their dishes. Establish relationships with local chefs and food service businesses to supply them with fresh eggplants for their menus.

· Online Marketplaces

E- commerce platforms are a good market space to sell your produce directly to consumers. Make use of them accordingly.

· Food Processing companies

In addition to selling your fresh egg plants, you can also consider selling processed eggplants products such as pickled eggplant, eggplant spreads, or frozen eggplant slices. Establish connection with food processing companies to supply them with quantities of eggplants for processing into value-added products.

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