When it comes to beet farming in Mzansi, it’s all about the soil and the climate. During a recent episode of Food For Mzansi’s Gather To Grow Twitter sessions, experienced farmers unpacked the growing and processing of these popular vegetables.
In the session, Devrol Legodi gives an overview of several boot varieties and why she prefers Detroit Dark Red Beet and Star 1105. She also explains why time and sunlight are key to growing this crop successfully.
When it comes to harvesting, Kgotlello Roda explains that beets can be challenging to harvest when the soil is hard and dry. In addition, climate change and pests, she says, are significant obstacles to beet cultivation.
“I’m planting under shade nets. The most insects I have experienced [were] locusts and my yard is full of moles. I had to take measures to keep the moles out of my garden, because they would eat my beets from the bottom.”
Have you ever thought about processing beets into by-products? The session also features agro-processor Edward Kgarose, who encourages farmers to be innovative and consider options in agro-processing.
“Try to find out what products you can make from your beets. I know you are not an agro-processor, but just try to have a product that you can produce from your beet.
“You can do a lot of things when we talk about innovation. Beetroot is a skin care product, so this is a possibility.”
Kgarose also stresses the importance of farmers having a backup strategy in case of underperforming markets. He encourages farmers to branch out and look at other products they can produce.
In this edition, industry experts also discuss:
- Operating tools;
- The different soil types and pH levels in which beetroot thrives; AND
- Navigating climate change as a beet farmer.
ALSO READ: Don’t ignore the potential of snail farming, Mzansi
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