Did you know that from an eighth acre piece of property, you could reap up to Ksh 100000 per month doing berry Farming?
Strawberries that is planted by the majority of farmers in Kenya’s category is your Chandler type as it’s fast growing, produces big fruits which are tastier and more juicy and the plant is simple to manage. The seedlings may be expensive but there is a way round this since you can simply propagate a few seedlings to get seedlings.
The seedlings come in the form of splits that could cost at least Ksh 15/= per split which you can acquire from Kalro Njoro/Thika, Rodent Removal, Horticulture directorate or Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils (Egerton University). These institutions create quality planting materials.
Soil Preparation
To start with, this wide range of strawberry is not too choosy with soils, it may do well both in clay soils and red volcanic soils provided you treat the soil well before planting and add enough organic manure(Chicken refuse, rabbit urine and/or plant manure. Inorganic manure which is good for dressing can be used in later stages of the plant development.
The seedlings should be planted at the Rainy season’s end and incorporation of a good drip irrigation system on your piece of land is vital for better results. The plant has shallow roots and water is survival element that is critical.
Raise the soil in your piece of land into beds which run parallel to each other 60 centimeters. Make sure that there is a 30 cm distance from 1 while planting.
Areas that get sunlight as the plants are very reactive with frost.
During the first season of flower production, pinch to ensure berry production that is better the next season.
As the plant grows 2 cm above the floor to help control weeds introduce mulch.
Appropriate acaracides, Kelthane and diaznon and pesticides can help control pests and diseases.
Harvesting
Once the top of the berries are completely red, harvest. Once picked out, it will not last ripening as other fruits. Note that you shouldn’t wash or allow contact with water to the berries unless you are ready to eat. Picking the fruit during morning hours also increases shelf life.
Make certain you have a ready market before the period reaches, Since the fruit is perishable.
The community would be a good place to get started marketing your strawberries. Restaurants, local fruit stores and other users such as cake makers are also buyers of strawberries in Kenya. Industries which produce food tastes, natural yogurt purchase strawberries.
For more of a practical approach to this type of farming, please fee free to check out the Mkulima ni Ujuzi YouTube Channel’s 4th Episode where their experience is explained by a few in Ruai with straw berries. Success!
You should definitely try out this.