It’s official, we are in the rainy season. Last week was wonderful to see a downpour with a touch of magic that is already making changes to plants. I was amazed to see life in my covo garden as I was cutting it up for dinner on Wednesday. The leaves have softened. I had given up picking up the covo, although I was watering regularly.
gardening with Doreen Badze
Farmers and gardeners’ mood has changed and there is a hive of activity at shops that sell farm inputs and equipment, especially along Fourth Street in Harare — it is brisk business for them. Some farmers looked anxious and the few I spoke to expressed concern over the high prices of inputs, saying they could not afford everything that they needed. However, farmers are the most resilient people I know and somehow, they will figure out how to place that seed in the ground. On the other hand, there is excitement with the few farmers that were chosen for the government-driven command agriculture programme. Most of them have received the inputs and we pray that favourable conditions will prevail throughout the season for them to deliver.
Evidently, water is the life giver of all growing things. However, no amount of tap water can be compared with the gentle soaking of the rains for successful results in all plants, especially in the field of crop production. Livestock in most parts of the country were on the verge of perishing. I just spoke to a relative who is in the rural area. While we were both excited and chatting about the rains, he said unfortunately he could not use his cattle to plough for they were too weak to do the task. Rains came right on time for the survival of livestock, considering the prolonged drought conditions that had prevailed. However, green grass will return and the pastures will soon be magnificent.
General planting
This is the season where with proper planning, you can garden in a more relaxed way. Take a good look at your garden and figure out what additions of trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables you need. Taking advantage of the rain, this is the perfect time for execution. Those who need additional fruit trees in your orchards can start now. Citrus trees will especially do if well planted this season. It is better to plant something wherever you are than to watch rains come and go without participating in replenishing the natural habitat of some creature, be it a bee or a bird.
Pest control measures
The rain and humid conditions will unfortunately create an environment that is favourable for pests. This is the time they will rapidly multiply and even find ways to enter your homes. The following are the most common pests in the rainy season.
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Ants: While they do not carry any known diseases, they can be bothersome in your home. They get flushed by the rain and take shelter in your home. They also attract roaches that are their natural predators.
Mosquitoes: The rainy season will no doubt accelerate breeding of mosquitoes. These can carry malaria in some areas, leaving itchy bumps all over your body in the process.
Scorpions: These can cause dangerous stings while taking shelter in your home. They have their natural homes destroyed by rain.
Just to mention the few above but with many more pests you can either use the services of pest control companies in your area or you can do it yourself with the advice of the chemical store experts. You can also keep your surroundings clean, well-weeded with no stagnant waters to reduce pest reproduction. Above all, let us enjoy and make use of the rainy season.
Tuta Absoluta update
Infested tomato plants, plant parts or fruits should be removed from the fields and be destroyed to interrupt the life cycle of this pest. Practising good sanitisation in and around our fields is beneficial in an effort to curb accelerated breeding of Tuta Absoluta.
This week in our nursery, we have the following seedlings; cabbage star 3316, eggplant, green pepper and gooseberry. Flower seedling is available as well.
Happy gardening week!
Doreen Mutobaya Badze is a retired nurse and passion-driven gardener. She can be reached on Cell: 0779 730 880 or 0717 257 160 or on 16 Metcalf Road, Greendale, Harare. Email: [email protected] Facebook Page: Badze Garden Nursery.
