Arturo Braga, Author at Agriculture & Farming in the Philippines

Mullet Fish: Description, Benefits, and Side Effects of Banak

Arturo Braga0 CommentsAquaculture

Mullet fish offers remarkable health and nutrition while adding a delicious option to your seafood menu. This versatile fish has gained popularity worldwide for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Many people don't know that banak provide essential nutrients that support everything from heart health to brain function. The mullet fish, known as banak in Filipino culture, or Gisaw, swims in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The aquaculture industry has embraced mullet farming due to its adaptability and high protein content. You'll find mullet thriving in coastal regions across tropical and temperate zones, making it accessible in many markets…

How to Grow Bottle Gourd: Planting and Growing Upo

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Bottle gourd farming has gained popularity among home gardeners and small-scale farmers in tropical and subtropical regions. Learning how to grow bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) provides an opportunity to cultivate a versatile vegetable that offers numerous culinary and nutritional benefits. This climbing vine produces elongated fruits that have been part of traditional diets for centuries. Known locally as upo in the Philippines, calabash in many English-speaking countries, and lauki in India, this versatile gourd adapts well to various growing conditions. The plant develops extensive vines that can reach impressive lengths when properly supported. Its large white flowers bloom at night,…

Butter Beans Farming: How to Grow Lima Beans

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Lima bean farming offers rewarding opportunities for home gardeners and small-scale growers. These nutritious legumes, also called butter beans or patani, provide excellent nutrition and adapt well to various growing conditions. With proper techniques, anyone can enjoy a bountiful harvest from even a small garden space. Known scientifically as Phaseolus lunatus, lima beans belong to the legume family, Fabaceae. They come in two main types: bush varieties that grow compactly and pole varieties that climb. Both types produce the familiar flat, kidney-shaped beans that have nourished people for centuries. These beans stand out for their exceptional nutritional profile. They provide…

Sayote Planting: How to Grow Chayote

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Chayote farming has gained popularity among home gardeners and small-scale farmers seeking nutritious crops. This pear-shaped vegetable offers remarkable versatility in the kitchen and adapts well to various growing conditions. Many Filipino gardeners find success with this productive vine. Learning how to grow chayote can be rewarding as it provides abundant harvests with relatively minimal care compared to many other garden vegetables. Known scientifically as Sechium edule, chayote belongs to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It grows as a vigorous climbing vine that can reach impressive lengths when properly supported. The plant produces pale green, pear-shaped fruits with distinctive wrinkles or…

A Complete Guide on How to Grow Mustard Greens

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Learning how to grow mustard greens can add a nutritious and flavorful crop to your garden. These leafy vegetables mature quickly and offer impressive health benefits. Most Filipino gardeners find them easy to cultivate with minimal effort. Mustard greens (Brassica juncea) belong to the cruciferous family alongside cabbage and kale. They contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and iron. Regular consumption supports immune function and bone health. Before starting, choose a variety that suits your taste preferences. Some popular options include Green Wave, Southern Giant Curled, and Red Giant. Each offers slightly different flavors, ranging…

Malunggay Farming: How to Grow Moringa

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Malunggay farming offers Filipino growers a remarkable opportunity for sustainable agriculture. This miracle tree thrives in our tropical climate with minimal care. Many farmers now recognize its potential beyond backyard growing. Known internationally as moringa, this plant has gained worldwide recognition for its nutrition. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, malunggay leaves pack impressive health benefits. These qualities create strong market demand both locally and abroad. The tree grows quickly, often reaching several meters within a year. You can harvest leaves as early as 3-4 months after planting. This fast growth cycle allows for regular income throughout the year. Unlike…

Lettuce Farming: How to Grow Lettuce or Litsugas

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Lettuce farming offers Filipino growers a rewarding crop with quick returns. This leafy vegetable thrives in cooler conditions but adapts well to our tropical climate. Many local farmers now grow lettuce successfully across the country. The growing demand for fresh salad greens makes lettuce production profitable. Hotels, restaurants, and health-conscious consumers seek quality local produce. This creates good market opportunities for small and large-scale farmers. Lettuce grows relatively fast, with most varieties ready in 30-45 days. This quick turnaround allows multiple harvests per year. The crop also needs minimal space compared to many other vegetables. Growing lettuce in the Philippines…

Nourishing Your Talong: A Complete Guide to Eggplant Fertilizer Application

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Eggplant fertilizer application plays a crucial role in growing healthy, productive plants. Filipino farmers have grown this versatile crop for generations. Proper feeding makes all the difference in harvest quality and quantity. Eggplants need specific nutrients at different growth stages. Young plants need nitrogen for leaf growth. Flowering plants need phosphorus for blooms. Fruiting plants need potassium for tasty, firm fruits. The soil in many Philippine farms may lack certain nutrients. Local soils often need amendments for best eggplant production. Testing your soil helps determine what nutrients to add. Regular fertilizing schedules keep plants producing longer. This extends your harvest…

Kapeng Barako: Growing the Bold Brew of Batangas

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Kapeng Barako stands as one of the Philippines' most treasured coffee varieties. This bold brew has deep roots in Filipino culture and farming traditions. Many coffee lovers seek its distinct flavor and aroma. Farmers across Batangas have grown this coffee for generations. The name "Barako" comes from the Tagalog word for "strong man." This reflects the coffee's bold and robust character. Kapeng Barako in English translates to "Barako Coffee" or "Stud Coffee." It belongs to the Liberica species, which differs from common commercial varieties. This coffee has become a symbol of Filipino identity and pride. Growing Kapeng Barako offers farmers…

Calamansi Farming: A Complete Guide for Filipino Growers

Arturo Braga0 CommentsFarming

Calamansi farming offers great chances for Filipino farmers. This small citrus fruit holds a special place in our culture and kitchens. Farmers who grow calamansi can earn good money while keeping our food traditions alive. Many folks know calamansi as Philippine lime. Its bright taste makes it perfect for dishes, drinks, and even cleaning. Growing these trees needs proper know-how, but it isn't too hard. The fruit sells well in local markets and abroad too. Calamansi trees grow well in our warm climate. They need sunlight and good soil to thrive. With the right care, they'll bear fruit for many…