DWIGHT TAMAYO’S TIPS FOR VLOGGING SUCCESS
POULTRY FARMER Dwight Tamayo has found success and another source of income as a vlogger on YouTube. He says he would recommend vlogging to other farmers who can create good content on a regular basis. He offers some tips for farmers who want to start their own vlogs:
Find your own niche. You should be specific about your content so you can create a community that shares the same interest.
Be a good story teller. This will draw more interest to your audience since they will always crave for more knowledge and information.
Research well. This is a must since you are sharing detailed information and your viewers want to learn something from you.
Connect with your viewers. Have time to read their suggestions and comments and interact with them by simply answering their queries
Be consistent. This is really the key to have a successful YouTube channel. Always create, edit and produce good quality videos.
This piece of information, however, did not stop Jowett Rodriguez, an electrical engineer working in a construction company, from growing strawberries far from the aforementioned areas--in his house in Dasmariñas, Cavite.
“Strawberries are very challenging to grow since [people] claim that it only grows in cold areas. A lot of people discouraged me at first but with the information that I got online, I found out that it’s possible to grow them in warm areas as long as they are properly cared for,” Rodriguez said.
He added that in order to grow these plants, you have to be aware of the essentials that they need in order to not only survive, but to bear fruit.
Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are succulent and fragrant fruits that are bright red in color. They are usually obtained from the plant with the same name. It can be eaten raw or processed to create jams, candies, and other sweets.
GROWING STRAWBERRY BABIES
In growing strawberries, Rodriguez warns that you have to be patient because complex plants need a little more time to grow.
He started with runners rather than seedlings because he found it easier to grow strawberries using this method.
“Runners are straw-like stems that grow from a mother plant. Runners eventually sprout roots and this is where new plants are formed. It is easier to propagate strawberries with these instead of growing them from seeds,” he said.
The electrical engineer managed to grow strawberries in pots since he realized that potting strawberries causes them to fruit more while also keeping them safe from diseases that are found in the soil.
“Strawberries need full sunlight but not too much to avoid heat stress. I used Polyethylene plastic to cover my plants to keep them from getting too much sun,” Rodriguez said.
Another tip in growing strawberries according to Rodriguez is to avoid overwatering the plants because it could lead to root rot. The ground only needs to be moist and not wet.
At the same time, strawberry plants need to be properly watered to avoid dehydration.
“The pots should also have a good drainage to keep the water from filling your plants’ bases. Afterwards, use natural fertilizer like vermicast or chicken manure to help the strawberries grow,” Rodriguez said.
He added that you have to pay close attention to the plants to see if there are any signs of infestation or disease.
As with many plants, properly caring for your strawberries could lead to fruitful results.
“It’s fulfilling and stress-relieving when you see your strawberries in the flowering stage. This is where you realize that all your hard work is worth it,” Rodriguez said.
THE FARMING DREAM NEVER STOPS
Rodriguez first started gardening when he acquired his house in Cavite. He wanted to establish a garden to freshen up his surroundings.
“It’s relaxing when there are plants and trees in your environment. I grew up in Tondo, Manila which is mostly crowded so I didn’t have a chance to plant there,” he said.
He started landscaping in 2016 before he decided to convert it into a fruit and vegetable garden.
Presently, Rodriguez grows grapes, mulberry, and fruit trees like guyabano and atis. He also has vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, and pechay. Most of his crops are potted, with the exception of the trees.
Rodriguez is keen on sharing his bounty with others by offering runners and other planting materials that could help aspiring urban gardeners start their own home garden.
“I’m encouraging everyone to start your own garden so you could have an unlimited supply of vegetables and fruits because they grow right in your own home. There are many ways to do it especially if we’re really determined to,” he said.
Through proper research and asking for advice, the former Tondo boy who didn’t know a thing about gardening managed to grow different crops and even the complicated strawberries which now brings him much joy.
(Photo courtesy of Jowett Rodriguez)