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May is not just another month on the calendar. For farmers across Nigeria, the rains are already knocking, and in many places, they have already arrived. If you plant the right crops now, while your neighbours are still planning, you will watch your farm grow.

Don’t let May pass without planting these five crops.

1. Rice
Rice is a staple food in Nigeria. Nearly every home eats rice. That demand means there is always a market for it. May to June is the best time to plant rice, especially in lowland areas where there is good water. Farmers in states like Kebbi, Niger, Anambra, and Cross River do very well with rice during this period.
One acre of rice farm, managed well, can produce over 100 bags. Within 3 to 4 months, your investment starts coming back.

Quick tips for rice:
* Land: Prepare your land well before planting. Clear all weeds and grasses and level the ground.
* Water: Rice needs water — plant it where water stays or flows slowly.
* Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer about two weeks after planting to boost growth.
* Pests: Watch for birds and insects. Check your farm regularly.
A farmer who knows his crop is a farmer who gets paid.

2. Cowpea (Beans)
Beans are serious business in Nigeria. It is cheap to plant, it grows fast, and people buy it all year long. For Northern farmers especially, cowpea is one of the most trusted crops of the season. Cowpea grows very well in the savanna regions of the northern states like Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Borno. But it also does well in drier parts of the South.

The good news? Cowpea can be harvested in as little as 60 to 90 days. That means if you plant in May, you could have beans ready by late June to July during a time when the market price is still high.

Quick tips for cowpea:
* Soil: Sandy-loam soil works best. Cowpea does not like too much water.
* Spacing: Plant 60cm by 20cm apart.
Pests: Cowpea attracts insects. Spray at the right time to protect your pods.
* Rotation: Do not plant cowpea in the same spot every year, change it with maize or sorghum.
The wise farmer plants beans in May and smiles in late June to July.

3. Cassava
Cassava is the backbone of many Nigerian homes. Whether it becomes garri, fufu, or eba, people eat it every day. Cassava can survive even when rain is not regular, but it does best when planted between April and June.

One good thing about cassava is that it is not too difficult to grow. Once it is in the ground and the rains are falling, it mostly takes care of itself. Harvest comes between 9 to 12 months.
Both Northern and Southern farmers can grow cassava. It works in many types of soil, as long as the ground drains well and does not stay waterlogged.

Quick tips for cassava:
• Stems: Use healthy, disease-free stems. Bad stems = bad harvest.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil gives the best result.
• Weeding: Weed in the first 3 months so the crop is not choked.
• Spacing: Plant 1 metre by 1 metre apart for good root development.

Cassava is patient. But only the farmer who plants in time gets to harvest.

4. Maize (Corn)
Maize is a crop that almost every Nigerian farmer knows, and for good reason. It grows well in both the North and the South. It is one of the first crops to plant once the rains begin.

In the South, you can start planting maize from April. But if you have not started yet, May is still a very good time. In the North, especially in areas like Kaduna, Kano, and Benue, May is actually the right time to begin, just as the rain is starting to come in.

Maize takes about 3 to 4 months to harvest. Plant it now, and you could be selling or feeding your family by August or September.

Quick tips for maize:
● Soil: Maize loves loose, deep soil. Avoid land that holds too much water.
● Spacing: Plant 75cm between rows and 50cm between stands.
● Weeding: Weed early at 2 weeks and again at 4–5 weeks after planting.
● Herbicide: Use a pre-emergence herbicide right after planting to stop weeds before they start.

5. Groundnut
Groundnut is one of the most valuable crops in Northern Nigeria. It is a cash crop, a food crop, and it even helps your soil by adding nutrients back into the ground after harvest. May is the right time to plant groundnut, especially in the North. States like Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Gombe have the right kind of sandy soil that groundnut loves.

Groundnut takes about 3 to 5 months to harvest. You can sell the raw nuts, the oil, or the cake, there is always a buyer. And because it improves the soil, whatever you plant there next season will do even better.

Quick tips for groundnut:
• Soil: Sandy, well-drained soil is best. Avoid heavy clay.
• Planting: Plant as soon as the first rains come and the soil is moist.
• Weeding: Weed at 3 and 6 weeks after planting.
• Harvest: When the leaves start turning yellow, it is almost time — dig carefully so you do not break the pods.

Groundnut feeds the family, pays the school fees, and improves the farm. That is three wins in one crop. Before You Plant, Get the Right Information. Every crop on this list can give you a good harvest this season. But the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest is information.

What fertilizer should you use? When should you spray? What seed variety works in your area? These are questions that can save you money and increase your yield.

Use the FarmPropa app to get planting guides, tips, and advice that match your location and your crop. FarmPropa is available on Android and iOS.

Every planting season, something interesting happens across farmlands.

Two farmers. Same seed variety. Same rain. Same resources. But by harvest time, one farmer is counting gains while the other is counting losses.

It happens more often than people talk about. And the reason is almost never the seed.

The Seed Is Not the Problem

Many farmers blame poor harvests on bad seeds. Sometimes that is true; other times, the seed did its job. What failed was everything that happened before and after the seed.

The soil. The spacing. The timing. The preparation. The protection.

These are the things that separate a good harvest from a disappointing one, and they are all within a farmer’s control.

What the Farmer With Better Results Did Differently

1. He Tested and Prepared His Soil First

Good soil is not just about being “fertile.” It is about being ready.

Before planting, the better farmer checked:

• Soil moisture: Is the ground moist enough to support germination? Not waterlogged. Not bone dry.
• Drainage: Does water sit on the surface after rain, or does it drain well? Waterlogged soil rots seeds and roots.
• Soil texture: Loamy soil works best for maize and rice. It holds moisture without becoming too heavy.

He also avoided compacted soil. Compacted ground makes it hard for roots to push down, which stunts the plant early.

2. He Did Not Rush After the First Rain

This is one of the most common mistakes Nigerian farmers make, especially in southern states where early showers can arrive in March or April and then stop.

The better farmer waited. He watched the rain come consistently for several days before he planted. He knew that planting after one rain and then having the soil dry out means the seed either fails to germinate or the young plant dies before it establishes.

The rule is simple: wait for the rain to settle, not just arrive.

3. He Got His Spacing Right

Spacing is not just about how many plants fit in your farm. It is about how well each plant can grow.

When plants are too close together, they compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. The result is weak, thin plants that produce less.

For maize:

Plant in rows 75cm apart, with 25–30cm between each seed in the row. One seed per hole, 3–5cm deep.

For rice (upland):

Row spacing of 20–25cm, with 15–20cm between plants. Do not overcrowd; rice needs air circulation to stay healthy.

Proper spacing gives each plant room to develop strong roots and a full canopy. That is where yield comes from.

4. He Planted at the Right Depth

Too shallow birds eat the seed, or it dries out before germinating.

Too deep, the seedling struggles to push through to the surface.

For maize, 3–5cm is the right depth. For rice seeds being transplanted, keep roots well-covered but seedlings upright.

Depth matters more than most farmers realise.

5. He Protected the Soil After Planting

After putting the seed in the ground, the better farmer did not just walk away and wait.

He applied a pre-emergence herbicide immediately after planting, before weeds had any chance to establish. He knew that weeds emerging at the same time as his crop would compete with it at its most vulnerable stage.

He also avoided disturbing the soil after herbicide application, because breaking the surface breaks the protective barrier the herbicide creates.

Conclusion

The farmer with the better harvest did not have better luck. He made better decisions. Be the Farmer With More Bags. The seeds will do their part. Make sure you do yours. Quality seeds & pre-emergence herbicides from Saro Agrosciences are available at the agro dealer near you, or download FarmPropa (Android & iOS) to request them.

The moment your seed enters the soil, your responsibility doesn’t end, it actually begins. Many farmers make the mistake of waiting until weeds are visible before they act. But in farming, waiting often means losing.

Young maize is fragile in its early stages. It may look fine on the surface, but beneath that soil, it is in a constant struggle. Weeds are silent competitors, fighting for the same water, sunlight, and nutrients your crop needs to survive and grow. And because they emerge early and aggressively, they often gain the upper hand before the farmer even notices.

Studies have shown that uncontrolled weed growth in the early weeks can reduce maize yield by up to 50%. That loss doesn’t announce itself loudly, it happens quietly, day by day, when your crop is still too weak to defend itself. Even if weeds are cleared later, the damage from those early weeks cannot be fully recovered.

That is why timing is everything.

Act Before the Weeds Appear

The most effective farmers don’t wait for weeds to show. They prevent them from ever taking control. This is done by applying a pre-emergence herbicide immediately after planting, before weeds have a chance to break through the soil.

This creates a protective barrier in the soil. As weed seeds begin to germinate, they are stopped at the earliest stage. Your maize, on the other hand, is left to grow in peace—no competition, no struggle, no early stress.

The first 3 to 6 weeks matter the most. With a clean field, your crop establishes stronger roots, develops healthier stems, and builds the foundation it needs for a high and reliable yield.

This is not reactive farming. This is protective farming. You are not chasing problems—you are preventing them.

Conclusion

Weeds do not wait for the right time. Neither should you.

Act immediately after planting. Reach out to your SARO Agrosciences dealer to access trusted pre-emergence herbicides, or request via the FarmPropa app (available on Android and iOS) for product guidance and practical farming support.

Give your maize what it needs most in the beginning – clean soil, full sunlight, and uninterrupted access to nutrients. That early protection is what sets the stage for a successful harvest.

The rains have started in some areas, and many farmers are already preparing to plant.

But here’s the truth: starting early is good; starting right is better.

Before you rush into planting, take a moment to set your farm up for success.

These four steps will make all the difference this season.

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 1. Prepare Your Land Properly

The first rain is not your signal to plant immediately. It’s your signal to get your land ready

Clear existing weeds, debris, and unwanted growth. Poor land preparation leads to:

•  Weak crop establishment
•  Higher weed competition
•  Lower yields

Start clean. It sets the tone for everything else.

2. Control Weeds Before They Start

Weeds don’t wait, and if you delay, they take over quickly.

This is the best time to plan your weed control:

Use land-clearing solutions before planting

Apply pre-emergence herbicides after planting to stop weeds before they grow

Early control is always easier and more effective than trying to fix a weed problem later. Reach out to your closest Saro dealer for herbicides; send us a message on WhatsApp or request via the FarmPropa app

3. Watch Out for Early Pest Activity

Rain brings life, but it also brings pests.

Even before your crops fully establish, pests can begin to cause damage.

Don’t wait until you see visible destruction. Early detection helps you avoid bigger losses.

4. Don’t Rush – Time Your Planting Right

One rainfall doesn’t guarantee stable moisture.

Planting too early can lead to:

• Poor germination
• Seed loss
• Uneven crop growth

Observe the rainfall pattern and ensure the soil has consistent moisture before planting.

Conclusion

A successful season doesn’t start with rain. It starts with good decisions

Take the time to prepare, plan, and protect your farm properly. Because in farming, what you do at the beginning determines everything that follows.

A successful farming season isn’t just about how much you grow; it’s about how much of your harvest you can preserve, sell, and put to use.

In 2022 alone, nearly 1 billion tonnes of food were wasted worldwide, almost one-fifth of all food available to consumers. For farmers, this translates to lost income, wasted effort, and reduced returns.
Beyond the farm, food loss and waste also take a heavy toll on the environment. They contribute up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly five times that of the aviation sector, and up to 14% of global methane emissions. By reducing waste, farmers cannot only increase their profit but also contribute to a more sustainable planet.

The good news? Reducing food waste starts right on the farm. With the right planning, handling, and timing, you can protect your harvest, maximize your returns, and farm smarter.

1. Plan Your Production Properly
   Overproduction is one of the biggest causes of waste. Before planting, take a moment to assess:

• Market demand for your crops.

• Storage capacity.

• Available labor.

Plant only what you can sell, consume, or store properly. Smart planning today means less waste and more profit tomorrow.

2. Timing Is Everything
   Applying inputs, like herbicides or fertilizers at the wrong time can reduce yield and quality.

• Use the right product at the right stage.

• Follow recommended schedules for crop protection.

• Better timing leads to healthier crops, higher-quality produce, and less waste after harvest.

3. Harvest at the Right Stage
   Harvesting too early or too late can reduce the value and shelf life of your produce.

• Harvest at the stage when crops are fully mature but not overripe.

• Maintain quality to protect market value and minimize losses.

4. Handle and Store Produce Properly
   A significant portion of post-harvest waste comes from poor handling and storage.

• Avoid rough handling during harvest and transport.

• Use proper storage facilities to extend shelf life.

• Keep produce protected from pests, moisture, and spoilage.

• Proper care ensures more of your harvest reaches the market.

5. Plan to Avoid Waste
   Waste often comes down to lack of planning.

• Avoid buying excess inputs that might go unused.

• Schedule your harvests and sales carefully.

• Be intentional at every stage, from planting to selling.

When you plan better, manage your harvest, and handle crops correctly, you reduce waste and boost profits. Waste less. Earn more. Farm smarter.

Need the right products and guidance this season? Reach out to us via our social media channels or request directly on FarmPropa, available on Play Store and App Store.

Let’s make this season more productive, profitable, and sustainable.

For many farmers, the excitement of the planting season is often met with a frustrating reality. Not all seeds survive until it’s time to sow. Moisture, pests, heat, and poor storage practices can reduce germination, damage seeds, and ultimately lower yields. Wasting seeds isn’t just costly, it can set back an entire planting season and threaten the success of your farm.

The good news is that with a few simple, practical steps, you can protect your seeds, preserve their viability, and give your crops the strong start they need.

Here are five practical ways to store your seeds safely.

1. Keep the seeds dry

Moisture is the biggest enemy of seeds. Even a little water can cause mold or rot. Make sure your seeds are completely dry before storing. You can air-dry them in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can damage them.

2. Store using airtight containers

Store your seeds in airtight containers such as glass jars, plastic containers with tight lids, or sealed envelopes. This prevents moisture, insects, and pests from getting in. Label each container with the seed type and date of storage for easy tracking.

3. Store in cool, dark places

Heat and sunlight reduce seed viability. Choose a storage spot that is cool, dry, and dark, like a cupboard, storage box, or even a small underground pit if temperatures are high. Avoid storing near stoves, heaters, or direct sunlight.

4. Store separately by seed varieties

Different seeds have different storage needs and lifespans. Keep each variety in its own container to avoid mixing and confusion. This also prevents faster-aging seeds from affecting others.

5. Periodically check on the seeds

Stored seeds need occasional checks. Look for signs of mold, pests, or damaged seeds. If you find affected seeds, remove them immediately to prevent contamination of the rest.

Pro tip: Some farmers add small packets of dry rice or charcoal inside containers to absorb moisture. It’s a simple, cheap way to keep seeds dry longer.

In conclusion,

Proper seed storage isn’t just about keeping seeds safe; it’s about ensuring a healthier, more productive harvest when the rains finally arrive. Taking the time now to dry, organize, and protect your seeds can make a big difference when planting season arrives. Equally important is choosing seeds suited to your region—varieties that can withstand low rainfall, resist Striga, or thrive through longer seasons give your crops a stronger start and a better chance of reaching their full potential.

SeedCo’s research-driven varieties offer the resilience, adaptability, and productivity you need for all seasons. If you’re unsure about how to store your seeds or which varieties will work best for your farm, don’t hesitate to reach out. Share your questions with us on any of our social media pages, we’ll be happy to guide you. Wishing you a prosperous farming season ahead.

Clearing your land is a big first step. The bushes are gone, the field is clean, and planting season feels close. But before the seeds go into the ground, one important stage remains: preparing the soil.

Soil preparation determines how well your crops will grow, how efficiently they absorb nutrients, and ultimately, how successful your harvest will be. A well-prepared field gives your crops the best possible start.

Here are five essential steps to prepare your soil for planting.

1. Remove Remaining Debris

Even after clearing, pieces of roots, stumps, stones, and plant residue may still remain in the soil. These can interfere with planting, damage tools, or compete with crops for nutrients.

Walk through the field and remove any remaining debris. If there is organic plant residue that can decompose safely, it can be incorporated into the soil to improve fertility.

Clean land makes planting easier and helps crops establish properly.

2. Loosen and Till the Soil

Compacted soil makes it difficult for roots to grow and for water to penetrate the ground. Tilling or loosening the soil helps break up hard layers and improves aeration.

You can use a hoe, plough, or tractor depending on the size of the farm. The goal is to create a loose, workable soil structure that allows roots to spread easily.

Well-tilled soil also improves drainage and helps nutrients move freely through the ground.

3. Test Your Soil

Not all soil is the same. Some fields may lack important nutrients, while others may have imbalances that affect crop performance.

A simple soil test helps you understand the nutrient levels and pH of your soil. With this information, you can determine the right fertilizers or soil amendments needed before planting.

This step prevents guesswork and ensures your crops receive the nutrients they need to grow.

4. Apply Organic Matter or Fertilizer

Healthy soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Depending on your soil test results, you may need to add manure, compost, or the appropriate fertilizers.

Organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. Fertilizers help replenish nutrients that crops depend on for growth.

Applying the right inputs at this stage gives your crops a strong foundation before planting begins.

5. Level and Create Planting Beds

The final step is preparing the field for actual planting. Level the soil and create ridges, beds, or rows depending on the crop you plan to grow.

Proper bed formation improves water management, prevents erosion, and ensures seeds are planted at the correct depth and spacing.

A well-structured field makes planting easier and promotes uniform crop growth.

A Good Harvest Starts With Well-Cleared Land and Quality Protection

A newly cleared field is like an open invitation for weeds and pests. That is why control measures must start early and be taken seriously from the very beginning.

Managing weeds and pests from day one helps you save money, protect your crops, boost yields, and reduce the need for costly emergency treatments later.

If you’re part of the Saro community, then you already know the Farmpropa app is a powerful tool. From herbicide calculations to GAPs guidance and helpful blog resources, it supports you at every stage of your farming journey.

But here’s what many farmers still don’t realise: you can also request your herbicides and other Saro products directly from the app.

Let’s break it down into four simple steps.

Step 1: Open the App and Tap “Browse Products”

Open your Farmpropa app and tap on “Browse Products.” This is where all available products are displayed. Think of it as your Saro Agroscience DP, right inside your phone.

Step 2: Find and Select the Product You Want

Scroll through the list and tap on the product you need. Whether it’s an herbicide or any other farm input, simply select it to continue.

Step 3: Choose the Quantity You Want

When the product’s micro section pops up, you’ll see its details. Select how many units you want to buy. Just choose the quantity that suits your farm’s needs.

Step 4: Tap “Add to Cart”

After selecting the quantity, tap “Add to Cart. That’s it. Your product request has been made, and a member of our Sales team will contact you. If you need more items, repeat the same steps.

Alternatively, You Can Also Order Through Our Sales Team

If you prefer speaking directly with someone, we’ve made that easy too.

Send a WhatsApp message to our number – 09169971208. Please remember to include:

* Your location

* The product name

* The quantity you would like to purchase

This helps our team process your order quickly and accurately.

The Farmpropa app was built to make things easier for you. Now, beyond calculations and information, you can also request the trusted Saro products you rely on, all in one place. FarmPropa is now available on the App Store and Google Play Store. Download the app today to get your farming season fully started.

Land clearing is never just another task on the farm; it’s the start of a season, the first step toward a good harvest. But anyone who has tried knows it’s hard work: weeds fight back, roots cling stubbornly to the soil, and timing is everything. That’s why land-clearing herbicides are so valuable. They can save hours of backbreaking labour and make sure the soil is ready for planting.

Yet, over time, myths have grown around them. Stories pass from farmer to farmer, from one season to the next, shaping expectations, and are not always true. Some of these misconceptions lead to wasted chemicals, poor land clearing, or even crops struggling later on.

In this week’s blog, we will be spotlighting those myths, clarifying why they aren’t entirely true, and giving you practical insight so your next land preparation is smooth, efficient, and predictable.

Myth 1: One herbicide works for every plant

Many farmers think that once you spray any herbicide, it will kill everything in sight. But plants and chemicals don’t all respond the same way. Some herbicides travel through the whole plant, attacking roots and shoots, while others only work where they touch.

The reality: Choosing the right type matters. Some herbicides like Glyphosates (Gobara, Gobara SG, Uproot, and Sarosate) go deep, giving thorough control over tough weeds. Others (Glufosinates like Slasher, Slasher Super, and SlashaGold) act better upon touch but may need careful coverage.

Myth 2: Good herbicides produce immediate results

It’s easy to get impatient. Spray today, see a bare field tomorrow, that’s what many expect. But herbicides take time to do their work. Some show effect in just a few days, while others need almost a week to fully act.

The reality: Knowing how fast your herbicide works helps you plan the next steps – whether it’s tilling, planting, or retreating problem spots. Rushing to reapply can waste chemicals, stress plants, and harm the environment. How quickly you see results depends on the herbicide. Glufosinate herbicides (like Slasher, Slasher Super, and SlashaGold) act faster, with visible effects in 3–5 days, while Glyphosate (Gobara, Gobara SG, Uproot, and Sarosate) takes a bit longer, typically 4–7 days to show full results. All in all, no herbicide produces an immediately observable result.

Myth 3: Rain ruins everything

Farmers also worry that a little rain will wash away their herbicide. The truth isn’t so simple. Some herbicides become “rainproof” in a few hours, while others take longer. To avoid wash-off, spray on dry days and make sure no rain is expected for the next few hours.

The reality: Paying attention to weather and how your herbicide behaves can make the difference between a clean field and wasted effort. For instance, Glufosinate herbicides (like Slasher, Slasher Super, and SlashaGold) become rainfast after about 4-6 hours, while Glyphosate (Gobara, Gobara SG, Uproot, and Sarosate) takes roughly about 1-4 hours. In both cases, you have nothing to worry about as long as the specified period is kept.

In conclusion,

Herbicides can make land clearing easier, but only when used with knowledge. Understand how they work, give them time to act, respect the rain, and think about the weeds you’re facing. When you do, land clearing stops being a gamble and becomes a smart, predictable step toward a productive farm.

If you’re looking for trusted solutions, Saro Agrosciences offers a range of herbicides for every need, whether you want something fast-acting or something that goes deep to tackle stubborn weeds. From Slasher and SlashaGold to Gobara and Uproot, there’s a product for every type of land and season. Learning how to choose and use them wisely can save time, reduce effort, and help your farm thrive. That’s why we have the product recommender on the FarmPropa app for you to use.

Land clearing is just the start, make it count with the right herbicide in hand.