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Short season by definition in farming means less than 120 days,
this amounts to three months. For any short season crop its very possible to produce
three times a year with consistency when there is ready market for the decided
project. Some of the reasons that may make a farmer choose short seasoned crops
include:
·
Need for quick harvest -Some times you may need
quick returns for your investment for various reasons.
·
High demand and low supply of the produce in the
market
·
The need to utilize the farm in between seasons
of a main crop.
·
Personal preference
1.
Spider plant.| (Cleome gynandra L)|Saga
Common names –African spider plant, Spider wisp, Cat’s whiskers, African spider flower, African cabbage.
This is ranked among the topmost commonly consumed indigenous
vegetables in Africa.
Benefits of African spider plant
They are known for their mildly bitter taste but are packed
with 5% protein, 6% carbohydrates and are high in vitamins A and C, calcium,
phosphorus and iron and are known to have medicinal properties such as chest
pain relieving speeding up the process of childbirth and ease labor pains. In
some communities After giving birth, the women eat the vegetables to regain
strength and improve lactation. It also helps to replenish lost blood after
childbirth because of the iron it contains.
It has also been known that the Water obtained after boiling
spider plant leaves is used to treat diarrhea (Luo) (P Maundu et al., 1999).
Maturity time
From planting to harvest Saga will take 3 to 4 weeks .
2.
Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata)| Kunde
This is a very important legume that does well in arid and semi-arid
areas. Its leaves can also be consumed as vegetables. They contain high amounts
of protein, carbohydrates Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium,
Sodium, Zinc .
Maturity time for cow peas
From seed to harvest as vegetable this crop will take you only 4 weeks. This means you can literally plant every month if your soil is fertile enough.
3.
Corriander ||Dhania (Coriandrum
sativum)
This plants seeds are called coriander, while its leaves are
called cilantro.The leaves can be recognized from their good aroma.This is also
why the herb is popularly used for flavouring dishes in numerous cultures and
locations allover the world.
Containing good amounts of Dietary fiber, Vitamin, Vitamin K,
Manganese, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Phosphorus, Selenium, Potassium, Zinc
Its benefits include:
·
Skin protection
·
Fighting infections
·
Promoting gut health and digestion
·
Brain activity and health promotion
·
Boosting immune system
·
Heart health promotion
·
Management and lowering of blood sugar
Maturity Time for cilantro
For use of leaves as vegetables, the plants will be ready to
harvest by uprooting by the fourth week
It is important to note that these plants need sufficient
watering and good supply of nitrogen therefore fertilization is an important
consideration. The best to use is organic foliar fertilizers but you can opt for
well decomposed manure if you have access.
Its known to have ready market as its locally sold alongside regular vegetables in the open market .
4.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
This is a leafy vegetable always consumed alongside many
local dishes in Africa. It is considered very nutritive with many benefits such
as maintaining eye health, reducing oxidative stress, helping in prevention of cancer, and reduce blood pressure levels.
Maturity time for spinach
In 6 weeks your spinach will be ready for harvest with good maintenance.The
Leaves fetch good prices in the market and their demand is fairly consistent .
They have also been proven to have excellent response to organic foliar fertilizer.
5.
Kales (Brassica oleracea)
This also a leafy green and common vegetable that has a
capability of growing well in avery tropical season with good maintenance .
Its benefits include Possible benefits include blood pressure
management, boosting guthealth, and protecting against diabetes and cancer .
Harvest time
In about 8 weeks after transplanting well fertilized and watered kales will be ready for harvesting buy leaf plucking .With a good market connection this crop will sure fatten your bank account because of its potential for multiple harvests when good care is taken.
6. Red Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
This is cabbage with purple leaves and tastes with
attributed similarity with regular cabbage but said to have more nutritional benefits.
It has a reputation for low in calories, good dietary ,fiber
and vitamins A, C, K, and B6.
It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
Harvesting Time
Takes 70 days from planting to harvesting
7.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
This is another bright green leafy vegetable that is often
eaten fresh and raw and serves as a base for green salads all over the world.
It is also known as a favorite for Hydroponic and Aquaponic
practitioners.
With good amounts of fiber, iron, potassium and antioxidants
they command a high demand in Food markets .
Maturity time
Most lettuce varieties will mature in an average of 50 days.
8.
Beans
These are one of the most eaten foods across Africa. The are
commonly known for their high protein, fiber and antioxidant properties. Their major benefits include diabetes management,
weight management and body cell building.
Harvesting time
Most bean variety will be mature by the 50th day
after planting .Its season however depends on the form you intend to harvest it
whether it is young pods, leaves, green beans or dry ones.
They are also good with maintaining a high shelf life when stored well in grain silos or airtight bags
.9.
Scallions| green onions
These are also common onions used in flavouring of food .
They are easy to grow and also very good for inter cropping as they exhibit
insect reppeling properties.Including them in your garden will discourage Insect
pests from attacking them. Planted in bulk, the can prove to be profitable as
well under good maintenance – watering ,
weeding and fertilization
Harvesting time
By the 60th
day after sowing they will be ready for harvest although depending on climatic
conditions some varieties will stretch to 80 days but still under our 120 day
mark for short seasoned crops.
10.
Carrots
Whenever you think about carrots it is possible that you always relate them to improvement of eyesight
and you will be right because they are
rich in beta-carotene, a compound that your body changes into vitamin A which is a requirement
for healthy eyes. Its also known to boost
immune system, help with stronger bones and heart health. This makes it an
attraction in the market.
Harvest time
In an average of 55 days your carrots if grown under good management will be ready for the market .
Image credits
Red Cabbage.
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