The Himalayan mulberry trees have outperformed other varieties, thriving in harsh conditions with sweeter fruits. Their fast growth, long, straight branches, and large leaves make them ideal for live fences, providing shade and support for crops. They are a valuable addition to gardens with a prolonged harvest period and drought tolerance.
Whiteflies are known for sucking sap from plants, laying eggs on the underside of leaves, and frequently infesting crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, and other plants, which can lead to decreased yields and the development of viral diseases. Various control measures are available, including spraying the plants with Neem oil, watering the underside of the leaves, and utilising sticky traps. In severe infestations, organic pesticide sprays and parasitic fungi can be deployed. Moreover, during the rainy season, spraying can be particularly effective in preventing outbreaks.
Granadilla is a purple passion fruit with a yellow version called Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa that is more tart and juicy. They can be grown in small garden spaces as they require little maintenance but need strong support. They provide shade and protection to other trees, and their flowers attract pollinators. Although usually pest-free, mealybugs, scale insects, and fungal infections may thrive. Granadilla fruit is versatile and can be used for juices, jams, desserts, or eaten fresh, and the leaves can be eaten or used as livestock feed.
An update on grape farming experience in 2023: Atypical weather resulted in difficulties in pruning, hidden grape bunches, and varied fruiting among grape varieties. Suggestions include harvesting grapes optimally, controlling fungal infections and using alternating prevention methods, avoiding tight clusters during the rainy season, adding compost to fruit-bearing varieties, and reducing nitrogen-containing soil supplements for vine varieties.
Chicory is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that grows in various soil types. It can be eaten in salads and cooked dishes, and the roots can be brewed into caffeine-free coffee or used for livestock feed and herbal remedies. Chicory plants protect soil and microbes, and the roots can be used to grow more chicory plants.
Egyptian spinach, also known as Molokhia, is a nutritious annual vegetable that is easy to grow and can survive with minimal water. It provides a continuous supply of leaves and seeds throughout the year, making it a great addition to any vegetable garden. The leaves can be used to thicken soups, stews, and salads while also containing high levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, K, C, and E. We recommend storing the seeds in airtight plastic bags for up to three years. We highly recommend growing Egyptian spinach for a versatile and nutritious crop.
In 2024, we faced climate challenges affecting product availability and prices. Despite this, we learned cost-effective propagation methods and pest traps, improving biodiversity. Our investments in resilient plant varieties let us produce enough food. We aim to propagate these species for customer availability. Welcome to 2024! #LoveHomeGrown.
Bird’s eye chilli is easy to grow, produces abundant peppers, and can add a spicy kick to many dishes. It can also be used as a natural pest control. Caution should be exercised when handling it. Store it in oil, dry it, or turn it into powder to preserve it.
Avocado trees are popular for urban gardens, but traditional seed-grown varieties don’t work well for small spaces. The Hass avocado is an excellent option for growing in small backyards. It’s self-fertile, produces a lot of fruit, and stays small. The ripe fruits have a long half-life, are easy to pick, and have a smooth, rich flavour. Despite challenging weather in 2023, our mature Hass tree produced an excellent crop.
Despite challenging weather and pest pressures, growing edible and ornamental plants is still rewarding, especially with perennial plants. We have good harvests with pomegranates, mangoes, lychees, grapes, figs, bananas, apples, citrus fruits, assorted vegetables, and spices. We hope to inspire others to thrive regardless of the conditions. Check out a few of our harvests in this gallery. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you have a joyful, loving, and peaceful holiday season.
Beans are low-maintenance, nutrient-rich crops, ideal for urban farming due to their rapid growth and soil-enriching properties. Their protein-rich beans and versatile leaves can be continuously harvested, providing a steady vegetable source. Growing them in pots can help conserve water and avoid root competition. Regular harvesting helps manage size and prevent disease while saving some beans for replanting, ensuring a year-round supply.
Lusaka’s maturing mangoes attract a surge of fruit flies, particularly the invasive oriental fly, risking potential infection. Late-season exotic mangoes are especially vulnerable due to prior infestation in other early-ripening fruits. Measures to control this infestation include trap replacement and doubling, burying fallen fruits, pesticide use, and fruit bagging or netting.
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