There are several crops that can be planted and harvested within 6 months in Nigeria. Most of these crops are vegetable crops like cucumbers, tomato, pepper, strawberry and watermelon etc.
Broad acre crops like maize, soybeans and groundnuts can also be planted and harvested within 6 months in Nigeria.
Some 6 Months Crops in Nigeria
The following are some crops that can be planted and harvested within 6 months in Nigeria:
1. Pepper
Pepper is a vegetable crop that can be planted and harvested within 6 months. To grow pepper, you need to do a nursery where the seedlings would be raised. The use of seedlings trays and suitable planting media like the coco peat is advised.
Transplanting of the pepper seedlings to the field is usually done after 4 – 6 weeks. Pepper harvest starts 65 – 90 days after transplanting. Some varieties of peppers can be harvested for over 12 months.
2. Cucumber
Cucumber is also a vegetable crop. It is one of the 6 months crops in Nigeria. It is called a 6 months; crop because it can be planted and harvested within a period of 6 months. To grow cucumbers, you need to plant the seed. Cucumber also fits into the specification of a 3 month crop.
Staking is required when it starts crawling. Staking can significantly improve the yield of cucumbers and reduce the incidences of pests and diseases.
3. Strawberry
Strawberry is a temperate vegetable crop grown in Plateau State, Nigeria. It can also be grown and harvested within 6 months. Strawberry is mainly grown in Vom, Plateau State because of the temperate climate of Vom.
Strawberry is grown through the seedlings. It is a very lucrative crop to grow. Planting starts in June every year and harvests commences towards the last months of the year.
4. Yam
Yam is a tuber crop that can be harvested within 6 months. Yam is planted through the use of yam setts. The yam setts are usually buried.
Yam plants need staking so that they can grow vertically. After 5 – 7 months, the matured yam tuber can be harvested from the soil. Drip irrigation can shorten the time to maturity of yam.
5. Soybeans
Soybeans also called soyabeans in Nigeria is a leguminous broad acre crop. It is usually planted in the rainy season by farmers in Nigeria. It also be planted and harvested within 6 months.
Harvested soybeans grains are used for making of food for human and animal.
6. Beans
Beans crop is also called cowpea in Nigeria. It is widely consumed by Nigerians. Cowpea can be planted and harvested within a period of 40 – 60 days. It is one of the few crops that can be planted and harvested within 6 months.
7. Maize
Maize is a staple food in Nigeria. Maize crop is planted by seed. It is a fertilizer hungry crop. To get a good yield from your maize farm, a lot of urea and NPK fertilizers have to be used.
Hybrid maize seeds generally have significantly higher yields than open pollinated maize seeds.
Do you grow any crop that can be planted and harvested within 6 months in Nigeria? If yes, why not share your experiences with us in the comments’ section.