GARDENING

  How to Manage Pests on Your Avocado Tree: A Practical Guide Introduction Avocado trees (such as avocado) are a valuable fruit crop and a fantastic addition to any garden. But like many fruit trees, they can be vulnerable to a variety of pests that can damage leaves, fruits and reduce yield. In this guide, we will discuss how to identify the most common pests on avocado trees, and share safe and effective strategies to control them. 1. Common Pests on Avocado Trees Here are some of the pests you should watch out for: Lace bugs : These small sucking insects feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellow spots, leaf drop and stress for the tree. Mites (e.g., brown mite, persea mite): Mites cause bronzed foliage, webbing under leaves, and general decline of leaf health.  Borers and caterpillars : Some pests bore into branches or feed on leaves and fruit directly. Mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies : Soft-bodied pests that suck sap, weaken the tree and may make it more su...

  How to Grow Cocoa: A Complete Guide for Beginners By Thengrow Agriculture Team Updated October 2025 Introduction: The Chocolate Tree That Feeds the World Cocoa, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao , is the magical plant behind one of the world’s favorite treats—chocolate. Cultivating cocoa not only brings financial benefits but also supports sustainable farming and biodiversity. In this article, we’ll explore how to grow cocoa properly , from seed to harvest, so that both small farmers and hobby growers can enjoy healthy, high-yield plants. 1. Understanding the Cocoa Plant Cocoa trees thrive in tropical climates with consistent warmth and humidity. The ideal conditions include: Temperature: 21–32°C (70–90°F) Rainfall: 1,500–2,000 mm per year Shade: Young trees need partial shade Soil: Rich, well-drained loamy soil with pH 6–7 Cocoa trees start producing pods after 3–5 years and can yield for over 25 years with proper care. 2. Selecting and Preparing Seeds H...

CULTIVATE RUBBER TREES Introduction Rubber cultivation remains an important agricultural activity in tropical and subtropical regions. The commercially cultivated species Hevea brasiliensis provides natural latex which is processed into many everyday products. With rising global demand and suitable climates in many parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia, rubber farming can be a viable venture when managed properly. 1. Climate & Soil Requirements To succeed with rubber tree farming, the following environmental conditions are recommended: Rubber trees like a warm, humid climate: ideal temperature range is around 25 °C to 34 °C , with high relative humidity (around 80%).  Annual rainfall should be fairly high—ideally around 2,000 mm or more .  Soil must be deep, well‑drained, and acidic to slightly acidic (pH ~4.5 to 6). Lateritic, loam or clay loam soils are suitable.  Areas exposed to strong wind should be avoided, or wind‑breaks provided, as wind can damage ...

  🥑 Avocado Farming: A Profitable and Sustainable Business for the Future What Is Avocado Farming? Avocado farming refers to the process of planting, growing, and harvesting avocado trees for their nutritious fruits. Known scientifically as Persea americana , avocados are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them one of the most valuable fruit crops in the world today. In recent years, the global demand for avocados has skyrocketed due to their popularity in healthy diets and culinary trends. From smoothies and salads to guacamole, avocados have become a staple in modern kitchens — creating exciting opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. 🌱 Why Avocado Farming Is So Popular High Market Demand The avocado market continues to grow globally. With increasing health awareness, consumers are turning to avocados for their heart-friendly fats and high nutritional value. Good Profit Margins Avocado farming can be a profitable business, especially when managed ...

  How to Grow Grapes at Home: A Complete Beginner’s Guide Growing grapes is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences you can have. Whether you dream of making your own wine, fresh grape juice, or simply enjoying the sweet taste of homegrown fruit, grape cultivation can be both fun and profitable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow grapes successfully—from choosing the right variety to harvesting ripe, juicy fruit. 1. Choose the Right Grape Variety Before planting, decide which type of grape suits your climate and purpose. Generally, grapes are categorized into three types: Table grapes – best for fresh eating (e.g., Crimson Seedless , Thompson Seedless ). Wine grapes – ideal for winemaking (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot ). Raisin grapes – perfect for drying (e.g., Sultana ). If you live in a tropical or subtropical region, varieties like Isabella or Black Opal tend to adapt well to warmer climates. 2. Prepare the...

  How to Grow Eggplants: A Complete Guide for Beginners Eggplants, also known as aubergines , are one of the most versatile and rewarding vegetables to grow in your garden. With their glossy purple skins and rich, slightly bitter flavor, they’re perfect for dishes like ratatouille, curry, or grilled vegetables. If you’ve ever wanted to grow eggplants yourself, this guide will walk you through every step — from planting to harvesting. 1. Understanding Eggplants Eggplants ( Solanum melongena ) are warm-season vegetables belonging to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and peppers. They thrive in hot climates and require plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil to produce high-quality fruits. 2. Choosing the Right Variety There are many types of eggplants you can grow, depending on your climate and taste preferences. Some popular varieties include: Black Beauty – Classic large purple eggplant, ideal for grilling. Ichiban – Long, slender Japanese variety that matu...

  How to Control Pests on Papaya Plants: A Complete Guide Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit crop known for its delicious taste and numerous health benefits. However, like many fruit-bearing plants, papaya is vulnerable to a variety of pests that can significantly affect its growth, yield, and fruit quality. In this article, we’ll explore common papaya pests and effective ways to control them, both organically and chemically. Common Pests on Papaya Plants 1. Papaya Fruit Fly ( Toxotrypana curvicauda ) Damage : Lays eggs in the fruit; larvae feed inside, causing the fruit to rot. Signs : Small puncture holes on the surface and premature fruit drop. 2. Aphids ( Aphis gossypii ) Damage : Suck sap from leaves and stems, causing curling and yellowing. Risk : Can transmit viral diseases like papaya ringspot virus. 3. Red Spider Mites ( Tetranychus urticae ) Damage : Cause stippling and bronzing of leaves, leading to defoliation. Conditions : Thrive in dry, dusty environments. 4....

  How to Deal with Pests on Chili Plants: A Gardener’s Guide Introduction Chili plants are a favorite among gardeners for their vibrant fruits and spicy kick. However, they are also a magnet for various pests that can harm their growth and reduce yields. Whether you're growing chili in your backyard or on a larger farm, knowing how to handle common pests is essential. In this article, we’ll explore effective and sustainable ways to manage pests on chili plants. 1. Identify Common Pests on Chili Plants Before you can tackle the problem, you need to know what you're dealing with. Here are some common pests that attack chili plants: Aphids : Tiny green, black, or white insects that suck the sap from leaves. Whiteflies : Small white flies found under the leaves; they also feed on plant sap. Thrips : Tiny insects that cause silvery streaks and distortions on leaves and fruits. Spider mites : Microscopic pests that create webs and cause yellow speckling on leaves. Frui...

  Best Practices in Oil Palm Seedling Techniques for Optimal Plantation Success Introduction Oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) is a highly valuable crop known for its high oil yield and economic importance, especially in tropical countries. Successful oil palm cultivation begins with quality seedlings. Proper nursery management and seedling techniques are essential to ensure healthy plants that can thrive in the field and produce high yields. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step techniques for oil palm seedling production, from seed selection to field planting. 1. Seed Selection and Treatment The first step in oil palm propagation is choosing high-quality seeds from reputable sources. It's essential to use certified seeds to ensure genetic purity and high productivity. These seeds should be: Viable and disease-free From high-yielding parent trees Properly labeled and stored Before sowing, seeds need pre-germination treatment to break dormancy and encourage uni...

  How to Graft a Durian Tree: A Step-by-Step Guide to Air Layering (Marcotting) Durian, often called the “King of Fruits,” is a tropical delicacy loved for its unique flavor and aroma. If you're looking to grow your own durian tree, one effective method of propagation is air layering , also known as marcotting . This technique allows you to clone a mature tree to produce fruit faster and maintain the same quality as the parent tree. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of air layering a durian tree step by step. 🌱 What is Air Layering? Air layering is a vegetative propagation method where a branch is induced to grow roots while still attached to the parent plant. Once roots have developed, the branch is cut and planted as a new tree. This method is ideal for fruit trees like durian that don’t grow true from seeds and take many years to mature. 🛠️ Tools and Materials You’ll Need A healthy, mature durian tree Sharp knife or pruning blade Rooting hormone (op...