By: Jhanae Winter

Farming enthusiasts share their knowledge on how Bahamians should start and sustain their own personal vegetable gardens.

The first thing needed to begin the farm is seeds. Luckily for beginners, seed packages brought from a store usually have germinating, yielding and harvesting information on the back of it, said Angelo Hamilton, President of Hortscience Enterprise.

Once you have determined which produce you want to grow, if you are able to, the next step is to secure a space outdoors that is small and manageable. For apartment owners, growing plants in a container and placing them on a window sill or patio is  ideal. 

Phil Davis, founder of Eden Farming Club, said: “You would have to watch how the sun shines in your yard throughout the day to determine the best location for your desired plants.”

Some of the items needed to begin are string and wooden stakes, spade, herbicide (optional), plant pots (option al), hoe or mattock, steel garden rake, soil amendments and garden fork or rototiller, Angelo said.

To prepare the soil for growth one would need to decide whether they will use ground or raised bed, but raised beds or pots are easier to maintain for first timers, Phil said.

Beginners choosing the right soil can determine the growth of their plants.

“The optimum pH range is from 5.5 to 7.0., most plants strive well in sandy loam soil with ample organic matter and pore space. So, for beginners without being able to determine pH or soil type, purchasing garden soil and adding compost, manure or other organic matter is ideal for almost any crop,” Angelo said.

Both Angelo and Phil said each crop requires different spacing but suggest a vertical layout for more space and to plant each crop according to the sunlight needed to grow.

The key to watering plants is to find a perfect balance between saturated and dehydrated, wherein the roots can absorb nutrients when the plants are wet and more oxygen when dry, said Phil.

“If you properly soak the soil you shouldn’t have to water again for at least 2 days. Watering should be done in the morning before 10am making sure the leaves don’t get wet. If you water in the evening it doesn’t matter if you wet the leaves but it may attract the pests”, he said.

For beginners it is vital to inspect their plants for at least an hour on a daily basis, this aids in the detection of bugs, fungi and bacteria, soil deficiency, watering issues and pests. It increases the ability to spot such issues quickly.

Because the world of pesticides is so vast, before using a pesticide, beginners should consult with professionals, farmers, garden centers or clubs or research the internet, to make the right choice, said Angelo.

However as more people are straying away from such chemical use, organic farming is the best route to take.

Phil warns against using pesticides and encourages Bahamians to stick to natural remedies to deal best with pests and weeds.

“Always keep in mind that whatever goes into the plant that you eat goes into you. My personal preference is to stay away from chemicals that can’t be used on or in the human body safely for anything”, he said.

Some organic options include: mineral oils, plant based and fish oils as sprays, along with neem, hydrogen peroxide, water and combinations of garlic, pepper and dish detergent.

Angelo advises Bahamians to remain steadfast when growing their crops.

“It is very rewarding doing it for yourself. You know exactly what you are putting into your body. An additional benefit is the exercise from the work, which gives you a fit body and peace of mind”, he said.

Angelo said it is best to plant crops in different months as they grow differently according to each season.

Below is a monthly guide provided by Angelo for various crops.

Planting guide relative to the Bahamas

● January - Beets Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Collards Kale Mustard turnips Tomatoes

● February - Beets Carrots Cauliflower Collards Cucumbers Eggplant Endive Kale Leeks Onions Parsley Peas Radishes Turnips

● March - Beans Beets Cantaloupe Carrots Celery Collards Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Endive Kohlrabi Leeks Lettuce Okra Onions Parsley Peas Peppers Potatoes (white and sweet) Pumpkins Radishes Summer squash Tomatoes Turnips Watermelon

● April - Beans Cantaloupe Celery Collards Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Okra Sweet potatoes Pumpkins Summer squash Turnips Watermelon

● May - Beans Eggplant Okra Peas Sweet potatoes

● June - Beans Eggplant Okra Peas Sweet potatoes

● July - Beans Eggplant Okra Peas Watermelon

● August - Beans Broccoli Cauliflower Collards Corn Cucumbers Onions Peas Peppers Pumpkin Summer squash Winter squash Tomatoes Turnips Watermelon

● September - Beans Beets Broccoli Brussels sprouts Carrots Cucumbers Endive Kale Kohlrabi Leeks Lettuce Onions Parsley Radishes Squash Tomatoes Turnips

● October - Beans Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Collards Kale Kohlrabi Leeks Onions Parsley Radishes Spinach

● November - Beets Broccoli Brussels sprouts Cabbage Carrots Collards Kale Kohlrabi Leeks Onions Parsley Radishes Spinach

● December - Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Collards Kohlrabi Onions Parsley Radishes