Effective Tips On How To Plant Ewedu ( Corchorus Olitoris)

ewedu farm

Ewedu, botanically called Corchorus olitoris, is also called jute in the English language. It is a major delicacy in Nigeria, usually served with an indigenous dish like yam flour and melon soup. This vegetable is very palatable and simple to cultivate. One can make it big from the cultivation of this vegetable.

Apart from being eaten as a vegetable, it is also a source of fiber for the textile industry; when fully matured with high lignin content. It is a very useful crop with high medicinal value and health benefits as it cures typhoid and supplies the body with necessary minerals and nutrient elements required to keep the body system fit always.

Planting Ewedu, as said, earlier is very easy but needs some technical approaches to increase yield and profit in the long run. Ewedu cultivation is a very lucrative business. With the below tips, you can plant Ewedu successful.

 

Environmental requirements for planting Ewedu

Ewedu needs a well-drained loamy soil that is rich in organic nutrients. It needs a moderate rainfall level when planting is solely based on rainwater. However, with irrigation facilities, Ewedu can be planted at any time of the season. Nutrients can be supplemented in form of organic manure like poultry droppings or inorganic fertilizer like NPK and Urea as the soil is worked on.

 

Land preparation and pre-planting activities of planting Ewedu

A conventional tillage practice is best for planting Ewedu successfully. A soil that is well-pulverized aids root development and good growth. Also, poultry manure should be added fresh to the soil at about two weeks before planting. Before planting, it is imperative the seeds are treated with boiled water to aid fast germination and uniform growth.

To do this, boil about 2 liters of water, suspend the seeds in the boiled with the aid of a cloth. Allow the seeds to stay in the boiled water for about one hour; you would notice the seeds become bigger. Dry the seeds and plant.

 

Planting method of Ewedu seeds

Ewedu is best planted on beds, like 1m by 5m. Organic fertilizers are incorporated in the beds at about two weeks before planting. There are various systems of planting seeds; we have broadcasting, dibbling, drilling etc.; for vegetable seeds, broadcasting and drilling are the best. In broadcasting, the seeds are evenly dispersed on the bed. In a drilling system, tiny channels are made across the bed with the finger; the seeds are poured on these channels and covered with soil slightly.

For commercial purpose, the broadcasting method is the best. Since the vegetables are to be sold per bed; more plants are gotten from a single bed, thus, making it more profitable. To do this, mix the seeds with dry sand before broadcasting on the beds. This will facilitate even distribution and the seeds are utilized evenly too.

 

Post-planting activities of Ewedu cultivation

After about four days of planting, Ewedu seedlings emerge; they are very tender and fragile. An adequate supply of water has to be ensured to hasten germination and increase yield. Apply water daily till after 3 weeks when the vegetables are fully grown. Then, you can alternate your supply of water to about 3 times a week.

Fertilization is also crucial to increase yield; this greatly depends on your system of cultivation. If you plan to plant organically; that is, total avoidance of chemical or synthetic materials, you just add manure at about two weeks after planting.

But if you decide to plant inorganically; that is, using chemicals on your crops, you can apply urea at about two weeks after planting. However, the use of chemicals on vegetable crops or any crops is very harmful to humans’ health. There is a strong campaign against its use. Organic farming is the best form of planting.

Pest control is essential to enhance the quality and quantity of the crop produced. To control pests, use organic pesticides only.

 

Harvesting of Ewedu plants

Ewedu has a short gestation period; it is ready to harvest at about 4-5 weeks after planting. Harvesting can be done by cutting the plant’s stem with a knife or uprooting the plants completely from the bed. Uprooting the plants completely from the beds is the best because it helps to conserve soil nutrient and rejuvenate the soil.

This is the basic guide of Ewedu cultivation. This vegetable is one of the cash-flow vegetables that can make a farmer earn huge within a short period. With this guide, you can plant Ewedu successfully. Feel free to ask questions and also remember to SHARE for others to benefit.

Read also:

 

Stay updated with our posts by subscribing to our posts via email and get instant notifications on new posts. You can as well join our Facebook groupWhatsApp group, and Telegram group, for an instant update from us.

 

23 thoughts on “Effective Tips On How To Plant Ewedu ( Corchorus Olitoris)”

  1. Hi I started growing ewedu seeds here in the US in small containers. The seeds started to grow but now I do not know if I am supposed to separate them and replant them into a garden bed. They are small and tender plants so I dont know if I should let them grow to be stronger and taller or am I suppose to move them now as baby plants. Please let me know.

    Reply
    • Hello.

      Transplant them to the garden during the cooler parts of the day, preferably during the evening, and apply a lot of water to assist them to adapt well to the new environment.

      I hope you find this helpful

      Reply
  2. A very useful guide. After harvesting the ewedu, how long should one leave the soil before planting again

    Reply
    • The cost of a bed of ewedu varies with the season and the size of the bed. Usually, during the offseason, it is very expensive and can go as high as N1500. Concerning the size, if you are using a bed of 1 by 5 meters, you should have up to 120 beds in a plot

      Reply
  3. Beautiful piece here. Thak you. But can you please explain a little how to go about the organic way of controlling pest in the Ewedu plantation.

    Reply
  4. Maybe I missed it. Please, where on earth (in the USA) can one get hold of the seed or stem necessary to plant Ewedu?
    Thanks!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.