Farm Life Realities: A Farmer’s Journey with Watermelon & Kale | Sukuma wiki

Welcome back to New FARMING Horizons. In today’s update, we dive deep into another eventful day on the farm. A huge watermelon, planted right next to a fruit tree along the dripline is growing rapidly despite the intense sun—sparking hope for a sweet harvest.

Alongside, witness the challenges of nature: an insect stealthily camouflaging among our lush kale and the sudden, overnight growth of a butternut squash, even as we face losses with other fruits. I also take you through our hands-on work with kale pruning—a key process that not only controls pests but also boosts growth and harvest.

Learn about our techniques: stripping smaller, ground-touching leaves, making strategic cuts above nodes, and transforming our kale into mini-trees to maximize production. Discover how our manual watering system, using a hose pipe, supports these plants in the absence of a drip system.

We’ll also explore pest issues in our fruit trees: from pawpaws showing rust and mite infestations, to oranges with yellowing lower leaves, and even beans and watermelons possibly affected by sun scorch or pests. Plus, see how our red pepper plants along the fence line fare under the shade versus those exposed to the heat.

I am inviting fellow farmers to share tips on managing the heat and choosing resilient crops. Despite the challenges, our customers continue to rely on our quality produce, and I’m proud to support our community with every harvest. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe—we’re in this journey together. Happy farming, and let’s keep growing!

‪@FARMINGHorizons‬