Capsicum
Capsicum (sweet pepper) is grown much like chilli but is often more sensitive to weather and disease, and is commonly grown in greenhouses for better quality fruit.
Climate and soil
Needs warmth, sunshine and well-drained, fertile soil. Do not plant after tomatoes, chillies or potatoes.
Planting
Raise seedlings in a nursery, harden off and transplant carefully. Support heavy plants with stakes or strings. Follow the variety's recommended spacing.
Water and feeding
Even watering matters (drip works best). Base fertilizer on soil tests and extension advice.
Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids, thrips, mites and whiteflies, and for wilt, blight and virus diseases. Rotate and keep the crop clean.
Harvest and post-harvest
Cut firm, well-sized fruit with scissors, green or coloured depending on your market. Keep cool and handle gently.
Verify locally: figures, varieties and product choices differ by altitude, season and variety. Confirm with your county agricultural extension officer or KALRO before acting.
Kales (sukuma wiki)
Kale, or sukuma wiki, is one of Kenya's most-eaten vegetables and is relatively easy to grow. Leaves are picked repeatedly over many weeks.
Climate and soil
Grows well in cool to moderate conditions on fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Planting
Usually raised in a nursery and transplanted. Follow the recommended spacing for your variety.
Water and feeding
Regular water and nitrogen-rich nutrition (manure, and top dressing guided by your extension officer) keep leaves growing.
Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids, diamondback moth caterpillars and cutworms. Rotate with non-brassica crops.
Harvest and post-harvest
Pick mature lower leaves once plants are established, leaving the growing top. Pick regularly, bundle neatly and keep cool and shaded.
Verify locally: figures, varieties and product choices differ by altitude, season and variety. Confirm with your county agricultural extension officer or KALRO before acting.
Onions
Onions are grown for bulbs (dry onions) or for leaves (spring onions). They have shallow roots and compete poorly with weeds.
Climate and soil
Need well-drained, fertile, weed-free soil. Variety response to day length matters, so choose varieties recommended for your area.
Planting
Usually raised from seed in a nursery and transplanted, or grown from sets, depending on the variety. Follow recommended spacing.
Water and feeding
Regular light watering, with drier conditions as bulbs mature. Fertilize according to soil tests.
Pests and diseases
Watch for thrips, purple blotch, downy mildew and basal rot. Rotate crops and keep drainage good.
Harvest and post-harvest
Harvest when tops fall and dry. Cure in a shaded, airy place before storing or selling, and handle gently to avoid bruises.
Verify locally: figures, varieties and product choices differ by altitude, season and variety. Confirm with your county agricultural extension officer or KALRO before acting.
To add another crop (for example spinach, carrots or beans), copy one of the blocks in other-crops.html and change the text.
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