Ugwu, botanically known as Telfaria occidentalis is an African plant. It is one of the common vegetables in Nigeria and contains many nutrients which are beneficial to human health. Cultivation of this crop is quite easy as it requires little human effort.

Ugwu thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter with a neutral pH. Waterlogged soil should be avoided. Prior to sowing, the land has to be prepared, cleared and stumps removed to ensure land is free from weeds. After this, the land is marked-out to designate seed planting areas. There are generally two approaches to planting;

i. Dibbling method: soil is just scooped and the seeds are inserted. The soil is not pulverized or tilled.
ii. Planting on beds: nursery beds are constructed, land is tilled and pulverized . Raised beds of about 4m by 4m are created across the slope of land to reduce the risk of erosion.

Manure, specifically poultry waste should be incorporated into the soil before planting. Before planting, the pod is procured( usually contains many seeds) Mature seeds are extracted and air dried for about 24 hours before planting. Immature seeds which appear flat and without cotyledon are discarded. Planting ugwu seeds is a technical operation as one must be careful to ensure the right side is inserted into the soil; When the seeds are dry, a pointed edge is noticed at the top. This pointed edge is the portion that must be inserted into the soil at a depth of 3-5cm with a spacing of 1m by 1m. Any mistake in the mode of planting could adversely affect the seedlings. Well treated seeds would germinate about 10 to 12 days after planting.

After the planting and emergence of the seedlings comes daily watering and weeding to prevent competition for water, nutrients etc. Weeding should be done every two weeks.

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