Hortifresh Nov__December 2012.indd - Hortfresh Journal

upgraded to electricity pump.His farm is networked withdrip systems and overheadsprinklers. He is alsoconnected to a second sourceof water that is from Kiriitaforest which he collects into atank and is channeled to drips.Mr. Njoroge’s MahunguFarm is divided into variousblocks which have snowpeas in different stages.This has made it possiblefor him to supply all yearround. A kilo of snow peasis going for kshs.120 andin a year he sells severaltonnes. This has enabled himto expand and has boughtand leased several shambasin the neighborhood whichhe has planted snow peas.The process of growingsnow peas starts with firstpreparation of the groundby digging and applying ofcompost mature. Holes aredug on the ground at leastone inch, single seeds aredropped into each hole andcovered with top soil. Snowpeas require a large amountof water during growththus watering after everypicking is recommendedto improve quality.They are supported usingbamboo and strings. Stringshould be tied to the baseof the plants and then tothe wire above it. As theplants grow another stringis tied 10 cm above theprevious one to ensure theplant grows through loops.Snow peas major diseasesduriringgrorowth includepowdery mildews manifestingas white powder, leaf spots,downy mildews and rust. Tocontrol John uses certifiedseeds from syngenta, AmiranKenya and sprays withrecommended fungicideswhich he says syngentais the main supplier.He practices crop rotationand use of resistant ortolerant varieties. Majorpests to snow peas includethrips, aphids, bollworms,red spider mites’ bean flyand nematodes. Controlis by using recommendedinsecticides. Heavy rains arealso a challenge especiallyto germinating snow peas.Harvesting of snow peasstarts after 8 weeks aftersowing and continues for1-2 months. Young tendereponds are harvested befoforethey become fibrous.Ponds are twisteted fromtheplants leaving a short stalk.Snow peas are ordinarilypicked thrice a week andfive times a week duringwarm and hot weather tokeep the vines bearing.Post harvest handling ofsnow peas includes placingthe produce in plasticcontainers and covering withmoist clean cloths preferablywhite in colour to maintainlow temperatures. Sortingis done to remove diseased,damaged ponds and overgrown one before packing.Dirty ponds should be washedin clean water to remove soiland dried with a soft cloth.High standards of hygieneshould be maintained duringgrowth and handling.Apart from Snow peas Johnhas planted cabbages, beans,baby corns, potatoes buthe uses this to crop rotateand as wind breakers.15