How to Start Butternut Squash Farming in Kenya
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Are you looking to become a successful butternut squash farmer in Kenya? Then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we'll discuss the basics of butternut squash farming in Kenya, from soil preparation and planting to harvesting and marketing. We'll cover everything you need to know to start a successful butternut squash farming business in Kenya. So, if you're ready to learn the ABCs of butternut squash cultivation in Kenya, then let's get started!
Starting Butternut Squash Farming business in Kenya
Acquire the right land
The first step to successful Butternut Squash growing in Kenya is to acquire the right land. There are certain factors you need to consider when selecting a plot of land for your farm.
It is preferable to look for a piece of land that has ample of sun exposure and well-drained soil.
Additionally, the area should have access to effective irrigation systems because Butternut Squash plants need a steady supply of water. Additionally, make sure the soil is rich in minerals and has an appropriate pH for butternut squash plants.
Best Varieties for Butternut Squash Growing in Kenya
When it comes to planting butternut squash in Kenya, there are many varieties to choose from. Some of the best and most popular varieties for this area include the Early butternut F1, Agronaut hybrid, Autumn glow and the Waltham , Atlas F1
There are various varieties of butternut that can be grown. This includes;
• Early butternut F1 - The Early Butternut is the earliest butternut available, just as its name suggests! The medium-sized, blocky-shaped, tan-colored fruits of this award-winning variety offer good yields and have a pleasant, dark orange flesh. The Early Butternut is quite consistent and works well for both home and fresh market gardening.
• Agronaut hybrid - Produces gigantic fruits that are similar to butternuts and range in size from 15 to 27 inches, with a flavor that is far superior to older varieties of butternut, such Waltham. In dishes like pies and soups, fine-textured fruits can replace pumpkin. Sun-loving Argonaut has a small seed cavity and succulent, medium-orange flesh. Fruits can weigh over 30 lbs. per individual and keep well for up to 8 months in storage. The robust vines are easy to grow, have a strong canopy, and are resistant to squash vine borer. Strong yields are assured! 140 DAYS.
• Waltham Butternut - A superior option for small to medium-sized butternuts of the Cucurbita moschata variety is Waltham Imported. For an open pollinated cultivar, the fruit is remarkably uniform and of good fruit quality. Plants are robust and remarkably adaptable. Average but excellent for an open pollinated variety, yield potential is average.
• Atlas F1 Butternut - Butternut of the Cucurbita moschata type, the Atlas F1 hybrid produces huge fruits with superior fruit characteristics. Atlas is well suited for planting in all growing areas, and because to its general vigor, it is less likely to contract diseases. Potential for yield is excellent. Excellent fruit set occurs during a lengthy bearing season. Fruit have a Waltham-like form and weigh between 2000 and 3000 g.
The most grown varieties in Kenya are Waltham and Atlas F1.
Plant the butternut squash seeds
Planting butternut squash in Kenya is a straightforward process that begins with obtaining the right seeds. Choose seeds from a reliable source, as the quality of the seeds will directly affect the outcome of the harvest.
After purchasing the seeds, they should be planted at the right time of year based on the local climate. In Kenya, the rainy season is the best time to plant butternut squash since it offers the best soil moisture and temperature. To ensure that the plants have adequate area to grow, put the seeds several feet away from one another.
Before you plant butternut squash the seeds, you need prepare the soil. To provide the ideal environment for the seeds to germinate and grow, the soil needs to be tilled and nourished. The greatest alternative is organic fertilizer because it delivers the required nutrients without adding any hazardous chemicals.
After the soil has been prepared, plant the seeds of butternut squash into tiny holes that have been made in the ground. The seeds should be lightly covered with dirt, and they should be periodically watered to keep them moist until they sprout. To increase yields, thin out weaker seedlings after germination to make sure that only the healthiest plants persist.
Crop Care and Management
Watering
For a butternut squash farming business in Kenya to be successful, the plants must be watered and fertilized. Consistency in watering the plants is the most crucial element. The soil should always be evenly moist, however excessive watering should be avoided as it might cause fungus problems. To reduce moisture evaporation, it is recommended to water early in the morning, especially before the sun rises.
Best Fertilizers for Butternut Squash
Fertilizers are also important when growing butternut squash. Before planting, use a balanced fertilizer, such as N.P.K 10-10-10 or N.P.K 15-15-15, to provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need. Once the plants are established, feed them with a high-nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks. A liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can be used to ensure your butternut squash gets the nutrients it needs.
Harvest the Butternut Squash
The final and possibly most significant phase in cultivation is harvesting butternut squash. Squash can be picked when the rind has become hard and the fruit's neck has begun to dry up. 95 days after planting is the typical time for harvest, though this may change depending on the type of squash you planted.
To prevent squash damage during harvesting, it's crucial to put on gloves and use a sharp knife. When the squash is picked, keep it in a cold, dry area until you're ready to use it.
It is important to regularly inspect your squash plants for signs of pests or disease. If you find any, take steps to remedy the situation as soon as possible so that your crop is not compromised. With proper care, your butternut squash should be ready to harvest in no time!
Butternut Squash Yield Per Acre
1000 seeds of butternut grown on a 0.25-acre land can yield 2500 fruits of butternut. With a minimum input of Ksh30, 000 (seeds, labor, and inputs), a farmer can reap an income of Ksh70, 000 in under 4 months. Butternut farming is a venture that requires minimum input with greater returns within a short period.
Butternut squash is an incredibly productive crop, and it’s possible to get a large harvest from even a small plot of land. Generally, farmers in Kenya can expect to get anywhere from 35 to 65 bushels per acre. This will depend on the soil type and fertility, as well as the variety of squash that is grown. For instance, some varieties produce larger squash than others.
To maximize yield, farmers should ensure that their soil is well-fertilized and well-drained. Fertilizers such as compost or manure are beneficial for this purpose. It’s also important to keep weeds in check and practice good crop rotation. Rotating your crops will help prevent disease and pest build-up.
Finally, harvesting butternut squash is easy and straightforward. Harvest when the squash is mature and the skin is hard. Depending on the variety, you can harvest anytime between two and four months after planting. The butternut squash should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and pests. With these tips, you should be able to maximize your butternut squash yield per acre!
Related; 30 Profitable Vegetable to Grow in Kenya
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Planting Spacing for Butternut Squash?
45*90cm, Plant the seeds 45 cm apart in rows 90 cm apart. Cover the seeds with at least 2 cm of soil.
How many butternut plants per acre in Kenya?
For butternuts, a plant density of between 6,000 and 9,000 plants per acre is optimum. With a standard seed count of 10 seeds per gram (10 000 seeds per kg), 1 acre with a plant population of 5 000 plants per ha requires about 0.5 kg of seeds.
How Profitable is Butternut Squash Farming in Kenya?
Yes, One acre of butternuts costs Sh87,900 to cultivate in a single season. There are 6,000 butternuts per acre. Every fruit costs Sh30. These earnings total Sh180,000. As a result, with a projected income of Sh180,000, farmers will get Sh92,100 per acre.
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