By Umar Nsubuga
Yekosefati Sekabembe, a successful commercial coffee farmer from Mubende district, has become a renowned figure in the Mubende farming community due to his expertise in growing coffee.
With over two decades of experience, Sekabembe runs one of the largest coffee nursery beds in the region.
He shares insights on how to handle coffee seedlings in nursery beds and how commercial farmers can benefit from it.
Preparing the nursery bed
According to Sekabembe, the foundation of a productive coffee nursery bed lies in proper preparation.
“You must select a well-drained, shaded area with adequate protection from direct sunlight,” he advises, adding that the soil should be rich in organic matter and properly tilled to ensure good aeration and water retention.
Sekabembe emphasises the importance of using sterilized soil to prevent diseases and pests from attacking the seedlings.
“If the soil is infected, the entire crop may fail, so starting with clean, healthy soil is critical,” he says.
Sowing and spacing
Sekabembe explains that sowing coffee seeds requires careful attention to detail.
“After preparing the bed, sow the seeds in shallow rows, making sure to leave enough space between them,” he says.
Proper spacing is vital to allow the seedlings to grow without competition for nutrients and sunlight. Overcrowding in the nursery can weaken the seedlings, leading to poor growth later on, he explains.
He recommends covering the seeds with a light layer of soil and watering them regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Regular watering and care
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of nurturing coffee seedlings.
Sekabembe stresses the need for consistent, moderate watering to keep the soil moist.
“You should never let the seedlings dry out, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot,” he warns.
In addition to watering, regular weeding and pest control are essential for maintaining a healthy nursery.
“The seedlings are vulnerable at this stage, so it’s important to check the nursery daily for any signs of pests or diseases.”
Pruning and shading
As the seedlings grow, Sekabembe advises farmers to gradually expose them to sunlight by adjusting the shade cover.
“Young coffee seedlings need protection from harsh sunlight, but as they mature, you should reduce the shade to harden them for planting in the field.”
Pruning the weaker seedlings and thinning them out ensures that the strongest plants thrive.
“Quality over quantity is key here. It’s better to have fewer, healthier seedlings than many weak ones.”
Selling and transplanting
For commercial farmers, nursery beds can be a profitable venture if handled well. Sekabembe sells his coffee seedlings to other farmers across the country.
“Timing is critical when it comes to selling or transplanting,” he explains.
The seedlings should be about six to nine months old, at which point they are strong enough to be moved to the field.
“If you’re transplanting, make sure the rainy season is approaching, as this will give the seedlings the best chance of survival.”
Financial benefits for commercial farmers
Sekabembe highlights that commercial farmers can make significant profits from selling coffee seedlings, especially given the growing demand for quality coffee plants.
“A well-maintained nursery can yield thousands of seedlings, which can be sold at competitive prices,” he says.
Farmers can charge between sh1500 to sh2000 per seedling, depending on the quality.
“By selling seedlings and later harvesting coffee, you are creating two streams of income this is the real benefit of managing a nursery bed efficiently.”
