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Growing vegetables for the market can be a lucrative
farming venture for anyone with the drive. Still many people fail at it. So how
do you guarantee yourself success in vegetable farming? Start by being informed
about and remember commercial vegetable production might not be for you.
Below
are essential first steps for anyone who wishes to do market gardening of grow
vegetables commercially.
Nothing gets done without a good homework – In your
homework/research the risks and opportunities involved in growing vegetables
for your market or area. Know your strengths and how to overcome your
weaknesses.
Avoid short cuts – It’s advisable
that from the start of your vegetable project that you practise correct
cultivation - from the seedling stage, as well as sound management, in order to
produce healthy plants that can withstand adverse field conditions.
In business, we are all about profit – If your vegetable
production venture is not going to generate profit, find something else to do.
If you cannot make a profit how are you going to keep the venture going? So see
if you are going to be able to make a good profit from the venture first before
committing.
Choose what to plant – Do not go into your vegetable
venture blind. Make sure you know all about growing that vegetable - especially
in terms of climate and soil type.
Watch your soil - Sandy loam and clay
loam soils are best for growing vegetables. If you only have sandy soil, trying
animal production as sandy soils easily drain water and nutrients - which can
lead to plant stress and low yields.
Watch your soil nutrient status - As a farmer, regularly
analyse the nutrient status of your soil and the quality of water so that you
get the best results every time.
Fertilisers – A soil analysis will
enable you to apply the correct fertiliser in accurate quantities. Avoid over-fertilising
– which is a waste of money and avoid under-fertilising, which leads to low
yields.
Water quality - Water quality will
affect the quality of the soil and the crop. Quantity is also important – so,
ensure that your water source can supply enough water your to grow vegetables. You
probably need 15mm to 20mm of irrigation water once a week.
Infrastructure – Have ready access to
transport; a tractor (if cultivating a big piece of land); an irrigation system
and you will also need a packing shed or store if you are growing a
high-quality crop.
Capital – Depending on crop, vegetable production can be expensive, with high
inputs and labour costs. In order to make a profit, ensure you have high yields
and quality. If you have no money or the inputs above, better look for
something else
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