How To Grow Collards in Uganda, Sukumawiki

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO COLLARD GROWING IN UGANDA

Growing collard greens in Uganda—locally known as Sukumawiki—is not only a rewarding endeavor, but also an opportunity to nourish your family and community with fresh, nutritious vegetables. Whether you have a small backyard in Kampala or a larger farm in the rural areas, cultivating collards is a practical and economically viable farming choice. Collard greens thrive in Uganda’s tropical climate and are resistant to many pests, making them a reliable crop for beginner and experienced farmers alike. From soil preparation to harvesting, this guide will walk you through each step of the process, helping you grow lush collards that will enhance your meals and your income.

Why Collards? Uganda’s Green Gold

Collard greens, a staple in many Ugandan households, are more than just a nutritious food source—they are a sustainable agricultural crop that offers multiple benefits. For starters, they are packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These greens help fight anemia, improve bone health, and boost the immune system, making them an indispensable part of the Ugandan diet, especially for young children and the elderly.

From an economic perspective, collards have the potential to deliver impressive yields in a short period of time. Unlike staple crops such as maize or beans, collards don’t require extensive resources to grow, making them an ideal crop for smallholder farmers. In Uganda, a single planting can provide continuous harvests for up to six months, with the first leaves ready for picking just 6 to 8 weeks after sowing. This fast turnover allows farmers to sell produce in local markets, offering a quick return on investment.

Moreover, collard greens are incredibly adaptable and grow well in Uganda’s tropical climate, which includes regions with both wet and dry seasons. The crop’s resilience to weather extremes, including erratic rainfall patterns, makes it a fantastic choice for sustainable farming in an era of climate change. Growing collards not only benefits the household but also contributes to food security and local economies.

Step 1: Picking the Perfect Variety

Choosing the right variety of collards is key to a successful harvest. Uganda’s diverse climatic conditions demand that farmers carefully select the hybrid or local variety suited to their specific region. Below are the most popular varieties of collard greens grown in Uganda, each with its own set of strengths:

The Gloria F1 hybrid is particularly suited for farmers in dry regions, such as parts of Eastern and Northern Uganda, where rainfall can be unpredictable. Its ability to tolerate heat and grow rapidly makes it an ideal choice for areas experiencing water scarcity or erratic rainfall. Serena F1 is a top choice for larger-scale commercial farming due to its high yield and resilience to pests like aphids, which are common in collard farming. For those with limited resources or smaller gardens, Local Kales provide a low-cost, easy-to-grow option that performs well in Uganda’s diverse soil types.

If you’re a beginner gardener, starting with the more forgiving Local Kales can save you time and money. Many farmers in Uganda prefer purchasing seeds from well-known institutions like the Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute, which supplies high-quality seeds that guarantee optimal growth.

Step 2: Soil Prep—The Foundation of Success

The foundation of a successful collard harvest starts with soil preparation. Collards thrive in fertile, well-drained soils, typically with a loamy texture. The quality of the soil directly influences the growth and health of your collard plants. Follow these steps to ensure your soil is ready for planting:

1. Test Soil pH: Collards prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 6.5. In many parts of Uganda, the soil tends to be more acidic. You can increase the pH by adding lime or wood ash, which helps balance acidity and creates the perfect environment for root growth.
2. Improve Soil Fertility: To enhance soil fertility, incorporate organic matter such as compost, animal manure, or well-decomposed plant material. Adding about one wheelbarrow of organic material per 10 square meters will provide essential nutrients to the soil and encourage strong plant development. Collards require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so don’t neglect this crucial step.
3. Ensure Proper Drainage: Collards are susceptible to root rot if water stagnates around the roots. In areas with heavy rainfall, such as the western regions of Uganda (e.g., Fort Portal), raised beds or mounds are an excellent solution to prevent waterlogging. These beds help water drain away, preventing plant roots from drowning.

One unique method for enhancing soil health is the use of banana peel compost, which has been particularly effective in regions such as Fort Portal, where farmers swear by its ability to improve leaf size and overall plant health. Banana peels are rich in potassium, an essential nutrient that collards need for vigorous growth.

Step 3: Planting—Timing is Everything

Timing your planting is crucial for ensuring a bountiful harvest. Collards are quite adaptable, but their growth is still influenced by seasonal patterns, especially in Uganda’s varied climate. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to plant your collard seeds:

When to Plant:

• Rainy Season: The best time to plant collards is during the rainy season, which typically runs from March to May or September to November, depending on your region. The consistent moisture ensures strong seedling growth and reduces the need for irrigation.
• Dry Season: If you plan to grow collards during the dry season, it’s important to use irrigation. Drip irrigation systems work best for collard greens as they deliver water directly to the roots without wasting water or encouraging the growth of weeds.

How to Plant:

• Direct Sowing: For larger plots, you can directly sow collard seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them about 12 inches apart. This method works best when you have a large area and are not concerned with individual seedling care.
• Transplanting: For better survival rates, it’s recommended to start collard seeds in small trays or seedbeds. Once the seedlings are strong enough (about 3–4 weeks old), they can be transplanted into the main garden. This method provides a higher rate of survival and allows you to space plants more effectively.

One common challenge many farmers face is bird predation. Crows and other birds are fond of collard seeds, so it’s advisable to cover your seedbeds with protective netting or create barriers using dried thorn branches to deter them.

Step 4: Pest Control—Without the Chemicals

While collard greens are relatively pest-resistant, they are still susceptible to a few common pests, including aphids, slugs, and diamondback moths. Here are some natural methods to control pests without relying on harmful chemicals:

1. Neem Oil Spray: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that’s safe for both the environment and humans. To make your own neem oil spray, mix 10ml of neem oil with 1 liter of water and spray it on your plants once a week. This helps deter aphids and other pests.
2. Companion Planting: Certain plants can be used to repel pests naturally. Marigolds, garlic, and onions are known to keep insects like aphids away from collard plants. By planting these around your collards, you can naturally reduce the need for pesticides.
3. Handpicking: While time-consuming, handpicking caterpillars and other pests off your plants is an effective way to keep your crops safe. This method is particularly useful during the evening when pests are more active.

Recent studies, such as the one conducted by Makerere University, have also shown that intercropping collards with nitrogen-fixing crops like beans can reduce pest infestations by as much as 40%. By growing crops that naturally repel pests, you not only protect your collards but also improve the overall health of your soil.

Step 5: Harvesting for Maximum Yield

Harvesting collard greens at the right time ensures maximum yield and flavor. Here’s what you need to know:

• First Harvest: Typically, you can begin harvesting at 6 to 8 weeks, when the leaves have reached a reasonable size. Start by plucking the older, outer leaves first. This encourages new growth from the center.
• Continuous Harvest: One of the most exciting features of collards is their ability to produce leaves continuously. After the initial harvest, new leaves will grow back within two weeks. This process continues for up to 6 months, providing a steady supply of greens for your family or customers.
• Market-Ready: If you plan to sell your collards, you should bundle the leaves in 1kg packs, which is the standard size for market sales. In markets like Nakasero in Kampala, collards typically sell for UGX 2,000–3,000 per bundle. By selling your collards in well-presented packs, you can appeal to buyers and increase your sales.

**Uganda’s Collard

Challenges—And How to Beat Them**

Despite their many advantages, growing collards in Uganda does come with some challenges. Common issues include erratic rainfall, poor soil quality, and limited access to markets. Here’s how you can overcome these hurdles:

1. Erratic Rainfall: Uganda’s climate can be unpredictable, especially in the face of climate change. To combat irregular rainfall, it’s advisable to choose drought-resistant varieties like the Gloria F1. Additionally, applying a thick layer of mulch around your plants helps retain moisture in the soil.
2. Soil Exhaustion: Over time, soil can become depleted of the nutrients necessary for healthy collard growth. Rotate your collard crops with nitrogen-fixing plants like peas or beans. This will help restore nutrients to the soil and prevent depletion.
3. Limited Market Access: For smallholder farmers, accessing local markets can be difficult. Joining farmer cooperatives, like the Jinja Farmers’ Union, allows you to pool resources and negotiate better prices. By working together, farmers can also share tips and strategies for improving crop yields.

Collards & Climate Change: A Surprising Hero

Collards are not only good for human health—they also have a role to play in combating climate change. Their deep roots help prevent soil erosion, while their ability to absorb CO2 makes them an eco-friendly crop. Researchers at organizations like Climate Action Network Africa have advocated for collards as a “triple-win” crop that benefits the environment, supports local economies, and improves nutrition.

As climate change continues to affect agricultural patterns, crops like collards offer a sustainable and resilient option for farmers looking to adapt to changing conditions.

Final Thoughts: Grow Your Green Legacy

Growing collards in Uganda is more than just an agricultural practice—it’s a way to enhance your family’s health, contribute to the local economy, and build resilience in the face of climate change. With the right knowledge and resources, you can create a thriving collard garden that produces bountiful yields for years to come.

As you embark on your journey to grow Sukumawiki, remember that every harvest is a step towards a greener, healthier future. Share your experiences and learn from others by connecting with local farming communities. Together, we can grow a sustainable and nutritious future for Uganda.

Need More Tips?

• Check out this step-by-step collard-growing tutorial from a seasoned Namulonge farmer.
• Download free agricultural guides from Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) Uganda.