Monday, November 7, 2011

Growing Carrots.

Carrots have the reputation of being among the easiest vegetables to grow. Growing carrots in Johannesburg is pretty much as simple as sowing them although it is wise to remember a few handy pointers.

  • Loose sandy soil is preferable.
  • Very rich soil will make your carrots hairy.
  • The looser the soil the easier it is for your carrots to grow.
  • If you think the carrots are ready to harvest brush away some of the sand from the carrot top and push a finger down the side of the carrot. If the vegetables extend beyond the tip of your finger then the carrot is likely ready after its twelve week growing cycle.
Carrots are an excellent source of dietary fiber and, you guessed it, carotene.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Growing chilli peppers.

Not everyone is a born farmer, but one way of encouraging people to grow vegetables is to get them started with a chilli plant.
Chillis like sheltered but brightly lit spots with high humidity and temperature. Growing chili peppers in a green house is pretty much ideal and that is how this bumper crop of chilis pictured left came about. Obviously, there is more to a successful chilli harvest than only light, humidity and temperature. Starting out with an ideal soil mixture is very important too.
You can use the chilli peppers when they are still green, or let them ripen to full colour for a fiery feast.
https://sites.google.com/site/growyofood/