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Grains/Starch
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11 guidesGrowing potatoes in Namibia: from seed to storage
Grow a manageable potato crop by matching healthy seed, planting season and water supply to your site. This guide brings planning, planting, crop care and harvest together so you can follow the whole growing cycle in one place. Start small enough to water and inspect the crop reliably.
Mielies/Maize
Adapted from www.planetnatural.com Native to North and South America, corn — or maize — was first cultivated some 4,000 years before Columbus set foot in the New World. Corn is a warm-season vegetable that requires full sun, ample water and deep, rich garden soil to perform well. Warmer temperatures at night also accelerate growth. Prepare […]
Mahangu
How to Grow Mahangu (Pearl Millet) in a Small Homestead Introduction: Hey there! Mahangu, also known as pearl millet, is a fantastic crop to grow on a small homestead. It’s like a drought-tolerant champion that brings a wealth of benefits to your garden and your table. Let’s explore how to grow Mahangu step-by-step and why […]
Sugar Cane
Let’s dive into how to grow sugar cane in an arid desert and explore its benefits for a small farm, focusing on water-saving techniques: How to Grow Sugar Cane in an Arid Desert: Step 1: Find the Right Spot: Look for a sunny area in your farm that gets plenty of sunlight. Sugar cane loves […]
Fonio
Let me tell you all about fonio – a fascinating grain that’s super cool! 😊 What is Fonio? Fonio is an ancient grain that grows in parts of Africa, including the desert regions. It’s been around for thousands of years and is known for its rich nutritional value. Uses and Benefits: Growing Fonio in the […]
Sorghum
Let me tell you about sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in a way that’s easy to understand. What is Sorghum? Sorghum is a type of grain that’s super cool because it can grow really well in hot and dry places like parts of southern Africa. It’s like a superhero crop that can survive in tough conditions and […]
Sweet Sorghum
Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a special type of sorghum grown for its juicy stalks as well as its grains. It is called God Jawari in parts of India. Unlike normal grain sorghum, sweet sorghum contains high amounts of sugar in its stems, which can be used for food, fuel, and livestock feed. Because of […]
Chickpeas: choose a season through a small growing trial
Chickpeas, Cicer arietinum, offer a different pulse to try alongside locally familiar beans. The first question is whether a suitable variety can flower and fill pods within your site’s temperature and water limits. A packet of food chickpeas is not a planting calendar.
Protect mahangu and other grain without clearing useful trees
Bird damage near harvest can threaten household food. The useful response starts with knowing which birds are feeding, when they arrive and where losses occur. Removing every nearby tree can sacrifice shade and habitat without solving the grain problem.
Gaps in maize cobs: check pollination and crop stress
Missing kernels can result from poor pollination or failure of developing kernels after pollination. Understanding tassels and silks helps a grower distinguish a planting-layout problem from heat, water stress or damage.
Growing potatoes in Namibia: from seed to storage
Grow a manageable potato crop by matching healthy seed, planting season and water supply to your site. This guide brings planning, planting, crop care and harvest together so you can follow the whole growing cycle in one place. Start small enough to water and inspect the crop reliably.