Why should I mulch my vegetable garden?
We need to know that weeds compete with vegetables for water, nutrients and light. They also often harbour insects and diseases. Mulching is an important way to keep always the weeds in and around your garden. Small weeds are easier to control than large ones. When weeds thrive they retard plant growth.
Besides controlling weeds, the mulch will conserve moisture, regulate the soil temperature and keep the vegetables cleaner.
With mulch, little cultivation is needed. Mulch materials include leaves, straw, sawdust, wood chips, cardboard, newspaper, shredded paper, old carpet, and paper and plastic sheeting.
On established plantings, materials are spread around the plants. With paper or plastic sheeting, the material is rolled out on the prepared seedbed and anchored on the edges with soil.
Seeds and transplants are planted through holes at the desired spacing. Water can be applied from the side through furrow irrigation or by a trickle or drip tube or soaker hose under the mulch.
Answered by Joseph Male, an agronomist working at Holland GreenTech Uganda
Using natural pesticides to fight pests
Natural pesticides are good, very cheap and a safer alternative as compared to other chemicals.
You should know that it is not old-fashioned, rather it is a smart way of using the natural resources that are readily available. Leaves, seeds and wood can have toxic effects on different plant pests. Natural pesticides usually take longer to work than synthetic pesticides.
Thus, it is important to apply them as soon as the plants show evidence of pests. When preparing a pesticide from plants, always let them dry under the shade, because direct sunlight could break down the active ingredients.
Strain or filter any liquid with a cloth to remove any loose material. Adding a little soap will help the liquid adhere to the plants. When applying, wet both sides of the leaves. Some substances can burn young plant tissue unless they are diluted. Try it first on a small patch before applying on the entire garden.
Answered by Joseph Male, an agronomist working at Holland GreenTech Uganda
