By Jovita Mirembe
Sowing seeds on a ground nursery is a quick and easy way to start producing vegetables, says Anthony Tumwine, an Agronomist (expert in the study of soil management and crop development).
He adds that a ground nursery is less controlled than a container nursery.
Tumwine says a nursery should be free from touching trees to avoid shade.
‘’The nursery should have good light exposure which helps the seed bed to be free from weeds which are a source of insect pests/diseases,” he explains.
A good seedbed should have loose, fertile, and smooth soil and not near mature crops to avoid transmission of diseases or pests to the seedlings and also not to compete for water, he says.
Preparing a nursery bed
Tumwine says that If the soil is well prepared, a farmer is granted better seedlings.
Here is how to prepare a nursery;
– Weeds the area and also remove plant debris
-Cultivate the soil with a hoe and pulverize it well
-Raise the bed at a height of 20cm during the dry season and 30cm during the rainy season. The raised beds will prevent seeds or seedlings from being washed away during heavy rain.
-Sterilize the soil by exposing it to sunlight for a few days before sowing.
– Burning dried grass on top of the bed is also an option, but not ideal due to environmental concerns.
Before sowing, he says you can also water the bed daily for a week to germinate the weed seeds, then remove the sprouted weeds. This will reduce weed growth.
Why you should prepare the land
-It ensures optimal soil conditions, including proper drainage and nutrient levels essential for seed germination and plant growth.
-It promotes good soil structure, allowing roots to penetrate easily and access water and nutrients efficiently.
-Raised beds reduce weed competition, providing crops with more space, sunlight, and resources to thrive.
-It also helps to prevent erosion hence preserving soil fertility and protecting the environment
Tumwine adds that proper land preparation sets the foundation for successful crop establishment, healthy growth, and higher yields.
