Loosen the top 6-8 inches of soil
Grow Your Own
Planting Guide For Afro-Heritage Crops In Ontario
Hands-on planting + care notes for the crops Aramide grows. Use these to start your own garden, no matter the season.
Start Here
Know Your Zone
Most of Waterloo Region is hardiness zone 6a-6b. Last frost date is typically mid-May, first frost mid-October.
That means: most heat-loving Afro-heritage crops (peppers, eggplant, ugu, ewedu, tete) want to be transplanted out after May 20 and can produce through to early October.
Practical
Soil Prep
Good soil beats good seeds. Before planting:
Mix in 2-3 inches of compost
Water well, let settle for 24 hours
Skip synthetic fertilizers. Compost + cover crops do the work better and longer
By Crop
Quick Notes On Common Crops
Quick start notes on the heritage crops we grow most often:
Ugu (fluted pumpkin) - Vining. Needs trellis or fence. Plant after frost. Harvest leaves once vines reach 3-4 feet.
Ewedu (jute leaves) - Bushy. Plant in full sun after May 20. Pinch tops weekly to encourage bushing.
Tete (amaranth) - Direct sow late May. Cut-and-come-again for greens. Lets seed will reseed itself next year.
Cameroon Pepper - Heat lover. Start seedlings indoors in March, transplant late May. Pick when red.
Garden Eggs (African eggplant) - Long season. Transplant late May. Harvest small to medium fruits.
Want One-on-One Help?
Aramide does garden consults: 15min ($25), 30min ($50), or 1hr ($98).