Author: Brian

Hydroponic Asparagus: Best System for Growth
Interested in hydroponic asparagus? If yes, we will enlighten you about it in this article. The tasty asparagus vegetables can be grown hydroponically with the right knowledge and you will enjoy amazing benefits from it.
Asparagus is a temperate zone plant, and thus requires warmth for optimal development. You can grow asparagus successfully with hydroponics if you supply them with their required growing needs. We will enlighten you on all the requirements and more so, read on to discover how to go about it.
A Little About Asparagus
Known to be warmth-loving plants. In fact, during the cold period, it goes into dormancy to stay alive. This shows it will be great for warm indoor hydroponic farming where you can comfortably adjust the environment to suit its growing needs.
You can even grow them all year round in your indoor hydroponics without worrying about them going into dormancy. All you need do is to supply it with good warmth in your indoor hydroponics garden to serve you all year round.
Guidelines on Growing Asparagus Hydroponically
To get started with asparagus hydroponically, you will need to propagate asparagus plants.
Propagating asparagus
Asparagus plants can be propagated in two ways, either from seed germination or from crowns.
1. Propagation by crowns
Asparagus propagation by the crown will give you a quick result compared to seed germination. The crowns of asparagus are simply one-year-old roots of asparagus which has been grown from seeds. Therefore, they are simply roots ready to be planted. You can purchase asparagus crowns from a garden center or nursery store near you.
Usually, they should be sold to you as planting stock that comprises a root system and central fleshy crown. However, you should be aware that these plant stocks (crown and root system) are grown in the soil or field. Thus, they will most likely convey soil-borne diseases into your hydroponic farm.
This is why you need to be very careful when it comes to growing the asparagus crowns gotten from the field into your hydroponics system. Ensure you also make a sterile environment for the transition into hydroponics and take other precautions.
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1. Propagation from seeds
Asparagus propagation from seeds is also possible. However, it is time-consuming and requires lots of patience as it can take up to a year of growth until harvest time. The good news is that once it gets to the crown stage, asparagus can be grown continually for more than a decade. Properly take care of them and you continually enjoy spears of asparagus for a long time!
Germination of asparagus seeds can take up to 10 to 15 days. Simply maintain a temperature of around 71 degrees to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid lower temperatures as this can make their growth process slow.
Once you start to notice germination of about 3 to 5 inches and they have some root growth: you can transplant them into your hydroponics system.
As they continue to develop in the hydroponic system, you can supply them with warm temperatures of around 75 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This will enhance the developmental rate of the young growing crown and foliage. You can as well introduce light with gradual intensity as the plant matures.
Hydroponic system to use
There are various hydroponic systems to make use of. However, we recommend a Dutch bucket system, deep water culture, or Kratky system to raise your asparagus plants.
The ideal nutrient solution for growing asparagus hydroponically
A well-balanced nutrient solution suited for the vegetative stage is ideal for it. Use this for the entire active growing stage of hydroponic asparagus.
Harvesting
Now to the harvesting period which is our most anticipated period: you can begin harvesting the first year after planting. Just make sure you harvest a few spears from each plant. Don’t do this all in one go, do it for about 2 weeks and stop till the next harvest.
This way, you can give them a chance for the fronds to unfold and continue to develop a strong root system. It will also encourage them to conserve the energy required to generate plentiful spears the next season. In the next harvesting period, you can increase the harvesting time to 3 weeks and stop till the next season.
Harvest spears when they are 5 to 7 inches long. Harvest spears by using sharp tools to cut or simply snap them off.
How to Grow Asparagus From Cuttings
Growing asparagus from cuttings couldn’t be easier. You can do it either one of two ways: using the soil method or the water method. Let’s take a closer look at both options.
Soil method
If you’re a beginner, this is probably the best method to use, as it is the easiest. All you need to do is:
- Prepare your cuttings. Cut from a fresh plant, and do not use old asparagus cuttings, for best results.
- Clean your cuttings. Run under cool water and remove any dirt or insects that may be on your cuttings.
- Cut. Remove any roots on your cuttings. However, you need to leave at least 6 inches, for best results.
- Prepare your soil. Prepare the soil by making it moist with water.
- Plant. Place your cuttings into your soil; around 2-3 inches below surface level.
- Mist. Mist your cuttings now, rather than pouring water o them, for best results.
- Check regularly. After a week or two, you should see your asparagus beginning to grow.
Water method
This method is a little tricky, but better if you want to watch your asparagus as they grow.
- Prepare your cuttings. Much like above, cut from a fresh plant and wash them under cool water to ensure they’re clean.
- Place in water. Fill a clear container with water.
- Add cuttings. Place around 75% of the cutting into water, so the top is sticking out. Over time, you’ll notice your water may change color or become slimy. If this happens, be sure to change the water.
- Check regularly. After a week or two, you should see your asparagus beginning to grow. Hand-Picked Nursery Asparagus Planting Instructions
The asparagus from Hand Picked Nursery is infamous in the gardening world and you may be wondering how to plant them. Let’s take a closer look.
Buy your asparagus and then remove it from the bag once ready to plant. You may want to rinse them before use and then leave them to air dry. For the soil, you’ll need well-draining. You should ensure there’s ample space and depth for your asparagus. For example, each row should be at least a few feet apart.
pH For Asparagus – What Should it Be?
As mentioned above, asparagus must be grown in well a drained soil. As for the type of soil, sandy or medium is best. The pH should be anywhere between 6.5-7, which is only just slightly acidic. Any more acidic and your asparagus will not thrive. You can test your soil if you’d prefer,r and add fertilizer according. However, be sure not to use a herbicide fertilizer, as this can cause more harm than good.
Asparagus Water Needs: How Much Do They Need?
You may be wondering how often you need to water your asparagus. Typically, they are around an inch or two per week, up until they’re around two years old. At this point, they have reached full maturity and will only need around an inch of water per week. These are the best rules to follow when deciding how often to water your asparagus.
Conclusion on Hydroponic Asparagus
Now, we have seen that hydroponic asparagus is possible with the right comprehension. Make sure to follow our guidelines and we wish you successful asparagus growing. Do you have any tips when it comes to hydroponic asparagus? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Can asparagus be grown hydroponically?
Yes, it can. You will need to fertilize it with a fertilizer that is specifically designed for hydroponic growing. Hydroponic growing is much easier than potting up seedlings, and there are several advantages to using hydroponics instead of soil.
There are many different ways to grow asparagus in a hydroponic system. The simplest way is to use a plastic tub and place the asparagus spears in it. The water will be pulled up through the bottom of the tub. If you have a shallow tub, then the spears may be planted close together. Otherwise, you can plant them several inches apart. Asparagus is a heavy feeder.
It loves nitrogen. So, if your growing space is limited, consider using some fish emulsion or blood meal (available at most nurseries) as a fertilizer. The second method is to place asparagus in a floating container. This allows the roots to grow directly down into the water. Floating containers are available from many online retailers, but be careful to avoid the ones that are too large or too small. There are also a variety of hydroponic systems on the market. Many are designed for the home gardener. They come in all shapes and sizes. One of the more popular hydroponic systems on the market today is the NutriWave. These systems allow you to grow your own vegetables with very little effort. It has a vertical growing chamber that holds the nutrients and water. The plant roots go directly into the nutrient solution. This is a great way to start if you are new to growing.
The best time to harvest asparagus is when it is just beginning to flower. When the stalks are about six inches tall, pick them and enjoy.
What’s the best nutrient solution to grow asparagus hydroponically?
There is no best nutrient solution for growing asparagus. The answer depends on what you mean by “best”. What will work best in your particular situation will depend on a lot of factors.
Asparagus is one of those crops that you can grow very well in a hydroponic system. However, it takes some trial and error to find the right combination of nutrients for your plants. In this case, I’ve had good luck using the following nutrient solution: 2-1-1 Solution (Soltan) Soltan is an all-purpose fertilizer.
The only thing that I have changed from the package directions is that I add 0.2 grams of Sequestrene per gallon of water. This is because I use more than 1 gallon of water per gallon of soil and Sequestrene is a slow release fertilizer. Soltan’s website says that it is safe for use in a hydroponic system, but I prefer to be extra careful when dealing with fertilizer. If you’re concerned about using a fertilizer that is not specifically designed for use in a hydroponic system, then you could also try mixing Soltan with your regular garden fertilizer. The amount of nutrients that you need depends on what type of asparagus you are growing.
What type of irrigation system can I use?
You can use a drip irrigation system with a 4-inch tube running from the water tank to my pots. I have found that it is best to set the timer on the drip system to run for about 15 minutes before setting it to turn off. I do this because I don’t want to waste water by having the drip system run all day. I have also found that the drip tubing needs to be replaced every six months or so. I use PVC tubing that comes in 2-, 3-, and 4-inch sections. I use a hose bib to connect the tubing to my water tank and then to my drip irrigation system. I have attached my drip system to a PVC tee and then connected the other end of the tee to the bottom of my pots. I have also attached an extension piece to the top of the pot. The extension piece allows me to easily remove the pots and move them around. This way, if I want to rotate the plants, I can move them without having to take them out of the water.
Is it a hardy plant?
Asparagus is a hardy plant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, so you should be able to grow it indoors year-round without a problem.
March 5, 2023
Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural?
Tomatos or tomatoes? What should more than one tomato be called? You may sometimes find it not so easy to remember how to spell some words because pluralization in English can at times be complicated. But you can still find an easy way to remember how to spell most of these words.
Tomatoes are one delicious fruit that contains a good amount of essential nutrients for human development. It is often believed that tomato is a type of vegetable. But technically speaking, it is a fruit that is derived from the tomato plant.
Most people often get the spelling of the delicious red food that goes by the name tomato wrong, especially when it comes to the plural spellings. When it comes to the spelling of some words in English, there are different rules to be followed, especially when it has to do with the construction of plural words.
In this post, we will compare tomatos and tomatoes and find out which is the correct spelling. So, let’s delve into this.
Some Info About Tomato – Tomatos or Tomatoes
The big, round, pulpy, tomato berry is from the genus Solanum of the nightshade family. There are more than ten thousand tomato varieties you can find.
The tomato is mostly red. However, some varieties can be yellow, orange, pink, black, green, or purple. But what we mostly see is usually red tomatoes.
If you wish to see or find a multiple-color variety of tomato, you can just head to your local farm shop or greengrocer.
As we mentioned earlier, tomato is a type of fruit but sometimes it can be regarded as a type of vegetable. So, it is an edible fruit that can be eaten raw and integrated into foods like salads, or you can cook them in different meals.
This tomato fruit is loaded with many great nutritional benefits. This includes being a great source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants that can help get rid of toxins.
This great-tasting fruit is also rich in lycopene which is available to us naturally. This lycopene is a very strong antioxidant that is crucial for the health of the prostate gland that is found in men. Also, some reports have claimed that lycopene can minimize and protect against certain types of cancer.
Tomatos or Tomatoes: Which is the Correct Plural Form?
It’s general knowledge to always add –s to noun words when you’re referring to the word in the plural. However, this may not be the case for some words.
Generally, when it comes to spelling nouns in English words that end with –o, the plural form of the word often ends with –s added to the words. For example, we have words like -zoos, patios, radios, studios, embryos, avocados, tacos, videos, and so on that end with –s. However, this is not the case for words like a tomato that ends with –s.
Some people usually make the mistake of adding –s to tomato when it comes to using tomato in the plural. But this is wrong. This is mostly because the singular word for ‘tomato’ doesn’t contain –e at the end of the word. So, it can be understandable when some people get the plural spelling wrong by just adding –s to the end of the word.
However, the ideal or correct way of spelling tomato in the plural form is to add –es. Hence, the correct spelling for the plural of tomato is tomatoes.
Other words ending with –o, just like a tomato, also fall into this same category of adding –es to form plural words. Below is a list of other words apart from tomato that also ends with –o that needs –us to be added to the end of their words to form the plural word:
- Potatoes
- Heroes
- Torpedoes
- Mosquitoes
- Echoes
- Vetoes
- Buffaloes
Tomato or Tomatoe: Which is the Correct Singular Form?
It’s understandable if some people get the spelling of tomato confused. This is why we need to know what the right spelling is.
The correct singular spelling is “tomato.” The singular form or spelling of tomato doesn’t require the addition of ‘e’ to it.
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Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Tomatos or Tomatoes
Tomatoes are wonderful food that can offer us great nutritional benefits that can aid in proper body functioning. Some of these benefits include:
- Tomatoes are a wonderful source of vitamin C and vitamin K. It is also rich in potassium and folate (or vitamin B9).
- Tomato can be beneficial to your blood pressure control and it can serve as a protection against heart disease. So, regular consumption of tomatoes can help reduce or protect against heart disease; which includes heart attacks and strokes.
- They are a great source of fiber that can provide around 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.
- These fruits are great antioxidants that can help flush out toxic radicals from your system.
- The lycopene found in tomatoes can help reduce the risk of cancer as well as give some protection against cancer.
- Your skin can also benefit from tomato use. For instance, food that is based on tomatoes is rich in lycopene as well as other plant compounds that may protect against sunburn. Some studies have even shown that individuals that consume 1.3 ounces (i.e. 40 grams) of tomato paste get about 16 grams of lycopene. Now, when this is combined with olive oil every day for 10 weeks, it can cause 40% fewer sunburns.
Nutritional Value of Tomatoes
You may be wondering what the nutritional value is when it comes to tomatoes. Let’s take a closer look. Every 100g of tomatoes contains the following:
- calories: 18
- fat: less than 1g
- cholesterol: 0mg
- sodium: 5mg
- carbohydrates: 3.9g
- fiber: 1.2g
- protein: less than 1g
Popular Varieties of Tomatoes
There are hundreds of varieties of tomatoes; big and small, ranging in color and flavor. But some varieties are more popular than others. Let’s take a closer look.
- Roma Tomatoes. You may know Roma tomatoes better than plum tomatoes. These types of tomatoes are usually somewhere between small and medium in size. They’re usually sweet, plump, and flavorful. Perfect for soups and salads.
- Cherry Tomatoes. They’re small tomatoes that tend to explode with flavor as you eat them. I find that these tomatoes work well as a snack, or in sauces.
- Beefsteak Tomatoes. These are large and plump in size. These work great for when you’re looking for tomato slices to add to your burgers. They’re often mild in flavor, but very juicy.
- Heirloom Tomatoes. These tomatoes aren’t typically uniform, coming in a selection of sizes and colors. These tomatoes are usually sweet and rich in flavor. These tomatoes work well in any dish and are known as the “purest” tomatoes.
- Vine Tomatoes. As the name suggests, they grow on the vine and are then sold that way. This means that they’ll be as fresh as possible when you pick them off the vine. They’re versatile and can be used in many dishes.
- Green Tomatoes. Green tomatoes can either be ripened or unripened; depending on the variety. Green tomatoes are surprisingly common in the US. They have a different taste from usual tomatoes and they can even be quite sour. They’re typically firm, but not as juicy as other varieties.
- Grape Tomatoes. These are the smallest cherries. They aren’t particularly juicy, but because of their size, you may not want to use them in cooking and they may be best suited as a snack.
Tomatoes Tomatos Saying
You may have weird the expression, “tomato, tomahto”, or, “potayto, potahto”; both of which are used interchangeably. It simply means that you have differences, but you’ll have to agree to disagree.
As well as this, it was also made famous in a popular song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, called Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. The lyrics are, “you like potayto, I like potahto, you like tomayto, and I like tomahto, potayto, potahto, tomayto, tomahto, let’s call the whole thing off”. This is essentially saying that we have our differences, but let’s settle this now and stop.
It is also a cultural difference. British people tend to see “tomahto”, whereas Americans tend to say “tomayto”. Either way is correct!
Do You Say: Some Tomato or Some Tomatoes?
If you have more than one tomato, you should say some tomatoes, rather than some tomato. Some tomato does not make grammatical sense and should not be used when you have more than one tomato.
Tomato Plural Dictionary – What Does the Dictionary Say?
If you take a look at dictionary.com, tomato is described as a noun, and the plural for a tomato is to·ma·toes.
Final Say – Tomatos or Tomatoes
Even though there may be different ways of tomato pronunciations, the right spelling must be followed. So, when it comes to spelling tomato, there is only one way to spell this word. The word tomato is often misspelled and this is common when it comes to their plural spellings. But ‘tomato’ is the correct singular spelling, while ‘tomatoes’ is the correct plural spelling.
Do you know of any other words that end in -o, that are then added with an -es plural? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Which is correct tomatos or tomatoes?
People often misuse or misspell the word ‘tomato particularly when it has to do with the plural spelling. Even though most words that ends with -o usually have s added to their back when it comes to their plural spelling, this isn’t the case for tomato. So,’Tomatoes is the correct spelling for the plural of the word tomato.
How to spell tomatoes or tomatos?
The singular spelling for tomato is ‘tomato’ then the plural is spelled ‘tomatoes.’ So, take note not to get these confused.
Do you say tomatoes or tomatos?
Often times words that ends with -o have -s added to them when we want to spell them in their plural form. For example, videos, radios, tacos, and so on. But for the case of tomato that also ends with -o, the plural form is totally different. The correct plural word is tomatoes.
Why is tomatoes spelled with an E?
Tomatoes is spelled with E because this is the way the plural of tomato is spelled. Instead of adding -s to the back of the ‘tomato’ word, -es is added to form the plural word for tomato.
March 5, 2023
Polka Dot Plant Leggy: Best Ways to Troubleshoot
Polka dot plant leggy is one common issue faced when growing this lovely plant. So, if you’re experiencing this issue and you’re wondering how to fix it then you’ve come to the right place because we will explore everything about polka dot plant turning leggy.
The Polka dot plant is one charming plant that is loved because of its radiant colors. The foliage of this lovely plant is characterized by this specked polka-dotted look. The variegated color can come in pink, red, or white marked with splashes of dark green.
However, when this cheerful plant starts to turn leggy, it tends to spoil its beauty so this causes some concern. Polka dot plant leggy troubleshooting will be explored in this post so let’s delve in.
Polka Dot Plant Leggy – What Does This Situation Mean?
Polka dot plant leggy is caused by the stem of your plant growing longer than it should be. Therefore, the plant becomes outstretched and this kind of situation can cause the plant to fall over and grow fewer leaves. This creates an untidy and unappealing look for a polka-dot plant.
Plants such as polka dot tend to become leggier as they grow old. But take note that this isn’t because the plant is unhappy, but the aesthetic beauty is reduced.
Let’s dive in further and see the reason why the polka dot plant turns leggy.
Reasons: Polka Dot Plant Turning Leggy and Possible Solutions
The cheerful polka dot plant can grow leggy due to a few different reasons:
1. Poor lighting
One major reason for polka dot plant turning leggy is poor lighting or lack of light. Once the lighting system is poor, the stem will begin to stretch trying to reach out to any light. Polka dot plant leggy results in a weak and thin stem and it usually contains lesser leaves.
Lack of light reduces the ability of the plant to photosynthesize. This causes the plant to save some energy and reach the closest source of light by quickly producing emergency growth.
Solution: Provide bright indirect light to all parts of polka dot plants that are indoors. We recommend you position your plant near a window that will provide morning sun to the plant. However, if there isn’t a bright spot to put your polka dot plant, an artificial grow light can do the job fine.
2. Over-fertilization
Excess fertilization of the polka dot plant can result in the production of fast growth but limp and weak growth. This also results in a yellowy-green color. Then it may be accompanied by the leaves on the base of the plant becoming yellow, turning brown, and then dying off.
Even though the polka plant really needs feeding just to maintain its outstanding and luscious foliage; excess feeding can cause different growth issues. This can be more serious if the nitrogen content is on the high side. It can cause different growth issues such as weak stem and leggy growth.
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Nitrogen does indeed help polka dot plants produce new cell growth, especially leaf and stem so it is crucial for the survival of the plant. However, when it gets too much, it can cause your plant to grow rapidly causing a leggy appearance.
Solution: Make sure you provide the right amount of fertilization to your polka dot plant. Ideally, we recommend you fertilize your polka dot plant once a month during its growing season (usually summer or spring). Then fertilization should be ceased during winter. These plants are fast growers so you can do diluted houseplant fertilization. A little compost addition can be added just to boost its nutrient.
3. Unsuitable pot size
Not using the right size of pot can cause the polka dot plant to turn leggy. If the pot size is too big, you may end up having a leggy plant. The plant will grow rapidly just to fill up the available space in the container. So, the bigger the space, the leggier your polka-dot plant gets.
Solution: If you have an oversized issue, it’s best to repot the plant into a smaller pot. Then after you must have repotted into the appropriate pot size, you will further need to prune your plant as it grows.
4. Watering
The watering requirement of polka dots needs to be met. If you over-water or under-water the polka dot plant, it can result in the leggy plant. The soil of the polka dot needs to be a bit damp but not soggy.
Solution: Water the polka dot plant only when the top soil (about half or one inch) feels dry. When watering, make sure you water well.
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5. Age
Polka dot plants are inclined to grow taller and leggier as they grow old or mature. If you leave the plant to grow naturally, it will eventually produce flower spikes. Although flowering may seem interesting, we recommend you don’t allow the plant to flower because it can die off once it has finished flowering. The blooms of polka dots aren’t as charming as the foliage.
Solution: Cultivate the act of pruning your polka dot regularly to prevent or hold them off from flowering.
6. Temperature – Polka dot plant leggy
Because the polka dot originates from warm environments such as tropical areas, it likes a warm environment. Again, polka dots are fast growers; especially if you provide them with the right growing conditions. We don’t want fast growth because this can cause leggy growth.
Solution: Adjusting the temperature by reducing it to slow down the growth helps prevent leggy growth. This won’t affect the growing plant. So, keep the plant at room temperature between 65 to 70 degrees.
Polka Dot Plant Leaves Falling Off
If you notice that the leaves are falling off of your polka dot plant, then we’re here to help you identify the reasons and what to do to potentially save your polka dot plant. Let’s take a closer look.
- Overwatering. If you overwater your plants, this is the most common reason for leaves falling off of any plant. Overwatering can lead to your plants becoming weak and soft, therefore depriving them of the nutrients it needs to thrive. If this happens, try pruning your plant and removing any unwanted roots.
- Underwatering. If you don’t water your plants enough, the leaves will become parched, and eventually, the leaves will become crispy and begin to fall off.
- Dry Soil. Watering your soil is also important to your plant’s health. If you don’t, the soil will become dry and the leaves will start to shed.
- Natural Shedding. Sometimes, plants do just shed their leaves. This is a natural process of your polka dot plant maturing and aging naturally. The leaves lowest on your plants will start to shed first. It should be around 1-2 leaves every few months or so. If they’re falling more often than this, it’s not natural and is a problem that you’ll need to tackle, by finding the source of the issue.
Polka Dot Plant Indoor Care
When looking after your polka dot plant indoors, there are a few ways you can ensure that your plant thrives. Here are a few of our top tops.
- Light. Ensure your polka dot plant isn’t in direct light and this will cause your plant to fade. It should be bright, but not in direct sunlight.
- Location. A windowsill is a great spot for your polka-dot plant. Not only is it warm, but it doesn’t receive too much sunlight, typically; which is ideal.
- Keep Away From Pets. The polka dot plant is toxic to pets, so it’s important to keep it out of reach to keep them safe.
- Season. Polka dot plants are great as they can be grown throughout any season, at any time of the year. This is why it’s the ideal houseplant.
- Water. Only water when the top layer of soil is dry. Keep an eye on the plant for any signs that it needs watering.
Polka Dot Plant Problems
There can be many problems that will arise if you don’t look after your polka dot plant correctly. Let’s take a closer look.
- Loss of Pattern. This will happen if your polka dot plant is not receiving enough light. Your plant may turn completely uniform in color.
- Weak Stem. Your polka-dot plant stem should be firm, but if overwatered, it will become limp and weak.
- Shedding Leaves. Unless it’s only a few leaves over a few months, this is usually a sign that your polka-dot plant is dying.
- Shriveling. This means that your plant is thirsty and will fast become dehydrated if not regularly watered when needed.
- Brown Spots. Whether these spots appear at the tips of the leaves, or leaves turn entirely brown. This is a sure sign your polka-dot plant needs extra care and attention.
Conclusion – Polka Dot Plant Leggy
Polka dot plant leggy troubleshooting has been discussed here so if you find your polka dot growing leggy, we hope our guide can help you resolve the situation. Do you have any tips or tricks to do when your polka dot plant grows leggy? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How do you prune leggy plants?
You can prune a leggy plant by shortening the stems and branches by cutting back to just the leaf node. In the process of totally removing large stems, ensure you cut close to the main stem as possible or all the way to the bottom of the plant.
Can you prune a polka dot plant?
You can certainly prune your polka dot plant and this can help maintain a clean and healthy-looking plant. Pruning can be done at any time of the year but it’s best to avoid pruning during winter because this can affect the growth.
How do I make my polka dot plant Fuller?
If you want to encourage fuller growth for your polka dot plant, try to pinch back the tip of the stem from time to time all through its growing season.
What does it mean when a plant is leggy?
A leggy plant means the plant has grown a very long stem with just a few leaves on its top. Usually, it is a plant that needs to reach for light that grows leggy.
March 5, 2023
How to Cool Grow Tent: 6 Best Tips
One common issue indoor growers wrestle with heat. Ensuring your grow tents remain cool is of great importance so your plants can successfully make it to harvest time. So, we will be giving you the best tips on how to cool grow tents.
Fortunately, there are various things you can do to manage heat and ensure your grow tent is kept cool. So, by the end of this article, you should be able to know how to maintain a cool grow tent for the optimal growth of your plant.
Tips on How to Cool Grow Tent
You must keep your grow tent cool and prevent building up excess heat. Too much heat can cause your plant to burn or even damage some of your growing equipment.
Depending on the extent of heat you’re managing or the size of grow tent you have, you may require one or several methods to keep your grow tent cool. Therefore, ensure you take into account the extent of heat you’re handling to know the approach to take in solving the situation.
However, even if the heat issue you have is not so big, we recommend you integrate more than one method for effective results.
So, below are some of the best tips on how to cool grow tent:
1. Use an air conditioner
One easy and fast way to cool your grow tent is to use an air conditioner. If you’re using a small tent, you can use one small air conditioner. It can be placed outside, close to your small grow tent in the same room you placed your tent. However, if you’re using a bigger tent, you will require a bigger air conditioner.
The only downside to this is that an air conditioner may cost you more electricity usage especially if your growing on a large scale. But all in all, using an air conditioner to cool your grow tent is one of the best and most effective methods you can go for.
2. Inline and exhaust fans
Another great method of cooling grow room tent is by making use of a combination of inline and exhaust fans. This will cycle in and out of the air in your tent. These fans work by bringing in fresh air into the grow tent and this is done by an inline fan. While the exhaust fan moves the inside air, which is usually hot, outside the grow tent.
3. Change your grow light to LED
If you continue to have heat problems in your grow tent, you may want to check the type of grow light you’re using. Some grow lights such as household CFL, HID, HPS, etc, produce more heat. Switching to grow light that will produce heat lesser heat (such as LED, fluorescent grow light, etc) may be required.
These grow lights will even save you energy as they consume less power and are more effective for growing plants.
However, if you plan to stick with other types of grow light that emits more heat, you will have to put in extra work to manage the excess heat.
4. Use oscillating fans
Ensure you set up fans inside your grow tent. If you’re using a small tent, one or two portable oscillating fans are enough. If you however have a bigger tent, you will require several oscillating fans to cool down your grow tents.
As you’re planning to purchase your grow light, always add fans to these plans. The wattage of your grow light will determine how many fans to use. Higher grow light wattage will require more fans and vice versa.
5. Proper ventilation of tents
Generally, your grow tent should have proper ventilation such as inlet and outlet vents. Not just that, your grow tent should also have regular vents which may have layers of mesh covering that allow airflow. The combination of inlet and exhaust fans with these vents makes it more effective.
6. Proper ventilation for grow lights
Grow light with proper vent allows cool air to be passed across the grow light during operation. We recommend you always go for grow light that has vents on all sides. Set up the necessary fans towards your grow light vent to allow the passage of cool air across the grow light.
How to Heat Up Grow Tent
As well as cooling down your grow tent, you may also want to know how to heat your grow tent. Here are some easy ways to ensure your grow tent remains warm enough during the colder seasons.
- Location. Try moving your grow tent inside to another room, or changing the ventilation. Doing one of these options will instantly provide warmth for your grow tent.
- Use More Light. An easy way to get warmth is to add more light. As long as the light is evenly spread throughout your grow tent, this is a sensible option.
- Heater. Heaters are only effective in smaller rooms as they don’t release too much heat. But if you have a small grow tent, this would be ideal.
- Lower Your Fans. If you use your fans less often than usual, it’ll be warmer than usual. You could also install a thermostat in your grow tent, but this isn’t often recommended.
- Air Diffuser. Create your own air diffuser by using ducting and running it around your grow tent.
How to Add AC to Grow Tent
The easiest way to add AC to your grow tent is to use a portable or small air conditioning unit. If you use one of these, you can simply wheel it into your grow tent. This is ideal if you don’t want to spend time installing AC units.
Best Small AC for Grow Tent
There’s a huge selection of portable AC units to use for your grow tent. However, I’ve found that some work far better than others in grow tents. Here are two of my favorites.
The first is the Serene Life SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner. It can be used as an AC unit, fan, or dehumidifier. It can cover around 500 feet and has a voltage capacity of 120V. It works best in a 5×9 grow tent. It is known for being quite a noisy AC unit, so if you’re sleeping or working near your grow tent, this unit may not be ideal. However, it’s great at reducing humidity and controlling the temperature in the tent.
The second is the Black & Decker BPACT12WT Portable Air Conditioner. It can be used as an AC unit, fan, or dehumidifier. It can cover around 500 feet and has a voltage capacity of 110V. It works best in an 8×8 grow tent. Much like the first, it is known for being noisy; but unfortunately, I’ve found this the case with most AC units. However, it’s easy to use and maintain; as well as great at controlling humidity.
DIY AC for Grow Tent
You can even make your own AC for your grow tent. To do this, you’ll need to put in time and effort and have varying equipment. For this, you’ll need the following equipment:
- ducting
- drill
- hose
- fan
- bucket
- cooling pads
- water pump
Now all you need to do is:
1. Drilling. Grab your 5-gallon bucket and fill it with 2 gallons of water. Make a mark where the water reaches and drill holes just above the line you’ve marked. Only make as many holes as you can without damaging the bucket.
2. Cooling Pads. Cut your cooling pads to size. Around 33″x13″ is ideal. Glue together.
3. Hose. Connect your house by using tubing to fit the size of your pump. Make holes every 1-2 inches.
4. Water Pump. Use a 12V water pump and connect the hose to check it works adequately. Cover your 5-gallon bucket with a lid.
5. Fan. Use a 12V fan; the lower the better, as this continually be running. You can place the fan beneath the lid.
6. Add Ducting. Place your DIY AC unit outside the tent and add ducting to insert into the entrance of your tent.
Final Thoughts: How to Cool Grow Tent
With that said, we do hope you have learned some tips on how to keep your grow tent cool. Remember, for an effective result; ensure you go for more than one option or technique we listed above. Do you have any tips or tricks for cooling down a grow tent? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How hot is too hot in grow tent?
The question of whether or not there’s a limit to how hot a grow tent should be has been discussed on this site many times. The problem is that the answer is different for everyone, depending on their tolerance level and what kind of grow they’re doing. I’ve seen some grow tents that are so hot that you can barely walk into them.
I’ve read that the heat should be between 55-65 degrees, but there are other sources that say that the heat should be around 50-55 degrees.
How do I keep my grow tent cool?
If you were growing outside you wouldn’t have to worry about keeping your plants cool. If your plants were outside they would naturally cool the air down in their leaves.
However, in a growe tent you do need to take precautions. There are a couple of ways you can keep your grow tent cool. You can use an AC unit to cool the room, or you can use fans to circulate the air in the room. The best way to keep your grow tent cool is to use an AC unit. A properly sized AC unit will keep your grow room cool enough for you to be comfortable in the room and keep it cool enough for your plants to thrive.
It is not always easy to find the right grow tent that will suit your needs, and this affects the way that heat is dispersed throughout the inside. Many growers end up with a grow tent that does not fit their needs or they end up having to spend money on something that is not a good investment. When selecting a grow tent you should consider the following: Size You want to make sure that you purchase a grow tent that is the correct size for your needs. It is a good idea to get a grow tent that is the same size as your current grow tent.
How do I know if my plants are too cold?
Cold temperatures can cause damage to some plants. Plants that are too cold are less likely to bloom, grow and develop healthy buds and leaves. You can tell if your plant is too cold by the way it looks, whether or not its leaves are wilting and the color of the soil.
March 5, 2023
Best Fertilizer for Green Beans: Updated for 2023
Using the best fertilizer for green beans when growing the plant will no doubt greatly improve the yield.
The importance of fertilizers in the place of plant growth cannot be emphasized enough. These supplemental nutrients help plant yield. This is why we would be looking into some fertilizers needed by your green bean to thrive.
Green beans are one loved vegetable amongst other plants. They are very nutritious and easy to grow if you gain the right knowledge about them.
In this post, we will be looking at some of the best fertilizers for green beans. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge about this.
Brief About Green Beans Vegetable
Before we delve into fertilizers for green beans, let’s discuss some things that you should know about green beans and the nutrient requirement of green beans.
Green beans which are also known as string beans or snap beans are green vegetables with huge nutritional benefits. There are over 130 varieties of green beans in the world presently.
Green beans are of two varieties namely bush bean and pole bean. This variety majorly distinguishes them based on their growing styles.
Bush beans are inclined to grow compactly and usually don’t require support. They are therefore perfect to be grown in raised beds as well as in a garden with little space. Their growth height is usually around 12 to 24 inches tall.
Pole beans on the other hand are inclined to grow in a vining manner and will usually require support such as a trellis or cage. The growing height of pole beans can be as tall as 6 feet or more.
Green beans are also loaded with great nutrients. It has a high amount of Chlorophyll, which can greatly help reduce the chances of having cancer. For women of childbearing age, green beans are a great method of improving fertility.
Apart from the above, green beans have some other wonderful health benefits such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mortality generally. Green beans contain calories, fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein, calcium, iron, etc.
Fertilizer for Beans
Generally, bean plants are not so demanding when it comes to fertilization requirements. This is because they are legumes and they basically fix nutrients such as nitrogen. Therefore, they are capable of supplying some of their nitrogen usually. So, all you need may just be a 3 to 4 inches layer of work in compost.
However, if you have less fertile soil or they lack just one crucial nutrient, your green bean plant may not flourish well.
Do a soil test to determine the status so you can know if there are any deficiencies in essential nutrients.
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Homemade fertilizer for green beans
Homemade fertilization of green beans can be derived using organic materials such as fish emulsion, compost tea, as well as other organic fertilizers.
Bean Fertilizer
Here are some major fertilizers that tend to increase the growth rate of beans:
Phosphorous – Best fertilizer for green beans
Phosphorus is one essential nutrient bean plants need to majorly develop a good root system. But as we have mentioned earlier, beans are not heavily nutrient-requiring. Therefore, you can simply use a 3 inches layer of compost to enhance the growth of your green bean plant.
But in the case where your garden soil test result shows that phosphorous is insufficient or lacking, you can use a 5-10-10 fertilizer. You can optionally make use of 1 pound of bone meal per 100 square feet to achieve moderate nutrient feeding.
Potassium
Potassium is another nutrient that can help green beans to grow efficiently. It is like a supporting nutrient in the growth of beans.
Although potassium doesn’t really offer a major effect on the stem or growth like nitrogen and phosphorus would, potassium will still help in keeping beans healthy. This will therefore encourage or support the growth of the green beans.
A moderate supply or feeding of compost is fine to supply the needed potassium for green beans.
However, if the soil tests in your garden show very low or infertile potassium, you should make use of 5-10-10 fertilizers. Alternatively, you can make use of 10 pounds of ground granite or 10 pounds of greensand per square foot.
Is nitrogen needed in beans?
The very first fertilizers any gardener would think of when it comes to the growth of the plant is nitrogen fertilizers. However, when it comes to legumes such as beans, these plants are nitrogen fixers.
Hence, they are capable of fixing nitrogen into the soil and this nitrogen is gotten from the air.
Therefore, avoid supplying your green beans with fertilizer rich in nitrogen because this can hurt your plant. Excess nitrogen can result in excess stem and leaf growth and offer you little or small beans.
Growing Green Beans
Green beans are very easy to grow. They are warm-loving crops that should be planted when the danger of frost has elapsed in your zone.
The ideal growing temperatures for green beans range from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For that successful seed germination, the temperature of your soil should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, once you’ve planted your green beans, monitor your beans to notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies.
One sign of low nitrogen level is expressed by slow growth and pale green or yellow leaves. You can help the plant by spraying a balanced liquid spray on the green bean plant. This will supply direct nutrients to the plants rather than the soil first.
Best Branded Fertilizers for Green Beans
There are many branded fertilizers you can use for your green beans, but I’ve found that some are far better than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of our personal favorites.
- Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is usually the most popular fertilizer to use on your green beans. It’s an all-around favorite and Miracle-Gro is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to gardening. You can use this fertilizer every few weeks on your green beans and you’ll quickly see the effect. This fertilizer is 24-8-16.
- Old Farmer’s Almanac Fertilizer. This fertilizer is completely organic and made just for veggies, such as green beans. It helps both growth and root structure. This fertilizer is 8-4-8.
- Osmocote Vegetable Plant Food. Easy to use and can be used for both perennials and veggies, such as green beans. It helps both root structure and plant growth. This fertilizer is 15-9-12.
- Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n’ Feed. As mentioned, you can’t go wrong with Miracle-Gro, as it’s such a well-trusted and loved brand. It contains a range of micronutrients, as well as calcium. This fertilizer is 8-2-12.
- Jobe’s Organic Vegetable Fertilizer. This product is absolutely ideal for green beans. It has a range of benefits besides producing tasty green beans, such as helping the soil and warding away any unwanted pests and diseases. As well as this, it’s also organic. This fertilizer is 2-7-4.
- Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer. Another great choice for any green bean enthusiast. It’s non-GMO, bursting with goodness and microbes, and even pro-biotics. This fertilizer is 4-6-3.
Best Fertilizer Without Nitrogen
Low nitrogen or nitrogen-free options are important when working with green beans. Some of the best options to use are:
- bone meal
- wood chips
- potash
- wood ash
- cow manure
- kelp meal
- seaweed fertilizer
Best Liquid Fertilizer for Beans
The best liquid fertilizer for green beans is without a doubt Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. It’s a 24-8-16 fertilizer and is a multi-use fertilizer that can be used for any of your gardening needs. Just simply use your liquid fertilizer every few weeks to start seeing top results.
pH for Green Beans
The soil pH when growing green beans is very important. It should be kept anywhere from 6-6.5. This means that the soil should just be a little acidic. If this need isn’t met, it’s unlikely that your green beans will thrive and will likely have stunted growth.
If you test your soil and notice your soil is too acidic, you’ll need to add something alkaline, such as powdered lime to neutralize the soil. The more acidic your soil is, the more powdered lime you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.
If you test your soil and notice your soil is too alkaline, you’ll need to add something acidic, such as sulfur. The more alkaline your soil is, the more sulfur you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.
Conclusion on Best Fertilizer for Green Beans
The basis of what you need to know about the best fertilizer for growing green beans has been covered in this guide. To attain the best possible result, ensure you first test your soil to determine any nutrient deficiency. Then supply your green beans plant with the appropriate fertilizer.
So, anytime you need to grow green beans, consider any of the above fertilizers mentioned to help boost your plant yield. Be careful when applying to make sure you are applying the proper way.
Do you have any tips or tricks for choosing the best fertilizer for green beans? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
Read more about Discover Types Of String Beans You Can Grow
FAQs
What is a good fertilizer for green beans?
I’ve grown green beans successfully in the past using the following mix: 20-30% Nitrogen (N) 40-50% Phosphorus (P) 10-15% Potassium (K) The only thing I can think of that would help is to add some sulfur. If you have any, use it, as sulfur is an essential nutrient for plants. The best time to plant green beans is from mid-May to early June. You can start seeds indoors or buy plants ready to be transplanted.
How often do you fertilize green beans?
You should fertilize your green beans when they are 4 to 6 inches tall, because that’s when they start to produce seeds. Use a fertilizer that has a low phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio. This will allow your plants to focus on making seeds instead of growing roots. You should also try to keep the phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio around 1:3 or 1:5. If you live in an area where your soil is acidic, then you should fertilize your green beans with a compound called lime. Lime is a form of limestone that has been treated with sulfur.
In general, fertilize our beans once a week.
What nutrients do green beans need to grow?
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three main nutrients for growth of plants.
Green beans are easy to grow, and they grow well even in average soil. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
They can be grown year-round in most climates, but if you live in a cold climate, it is best to start them indoors in late winter or early spring.
How do I grow green beans?
Seeding green beans is easy. They like to be planted about one inch deep and three inches apart. They also like to be fertilized at planting time with compost, manure or a general purpose fertilizer. As soon as they have sprouted, thin the plants to two inches apart. Water them frequently, especially during the first few weeks. If you are growing green beans in containers, keep them watered until they are tall enough to handle their own weight. In the fall, you can harvest your beans and store them for winter eating.
How can I increase the yield of my green beans?
The yield of your green bean crop is directly related to the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant during its growth period. During the early stages of growth, the plant needs to grow quickly, and therefore must be able to capture as much light as possible. The more light it can capture, the bigger it will get. As a result, your plants will be larger and the yields will be greater.
Also, the quality of your green bean crop is directly related to the soil conditions in which the plants are growing. The more nutrients that are available to the plant, the better the quality will be.
March 5, 2023
Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?
Ever wondered: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? Let’s look into this. The bulky meaty beefsteak tomato fruit is one loved tomato variety that can be a great addition to your home garden.
One common classification you may come across on the label of a tomato plant or a tomato seed packet is indeterminate or determinate. What these two terms are majorly talking about is the growing style of the tomato plant.
So, regarding the beefsteak tomato, most people would like to know if this tomato variety is determinate or indeterminate so they can select the appropriate tomato for their garden. Not to worry because we will be enlightening you by looking more into this.
About Beefsteak Tomato Plant
Beefsteak tomatoes are huge, bulky, meaty, and juicy tomato variety and it is botanically named Solanum Lycopersicum.
They are one of the largest types of tomato in terms of weight. They can weigh up to a pound or even more. Their color ranges from vibrant red to pink, and then orange. The majority of beefsteak tomatoes have a smooth shape but we can also have ribbed varieties such as Coustralee and Red Ponderosa.
Beefsteak has this classic tomato flavor and with their different varieties, they can offer a different sweet taste.
This tomato plant tends to grow up to 6 feet tall and their late-maturing plant will yield an abundant harvest around 85 days after planting. The size of the beefsteak tomato variety makes it a perfect choice for summer sandwiches or sliced snacks with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?
So the question we would like to know is: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? The answer is beefsteak tomato variety is primarily indeterminate.
But let’s further look into what determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are to understand their characteristics.
Determinate tomato
Determinate tomato growth is mostly fixed. They will grow and mature to a fixed size and their growth will cease once and they will produce their fruits all at once. But they are still highly productive.
Therefore, they have a limited growth pattern. This makes them perfect for container gardening or for planting in areas with limited growing space.
The majority of determinate tomato varieties tend to grow about 4 to 5 feet long. They are also regarded as a bush-type variety because of their small and compact size. Hence, they usually do not require support or staking, or a cage.
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Indeterminate tomato: Is beefsteak tomato determinate or indeterminate?
Beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate. Indeterminate tomatoes on the other hand tend to grow in a vining manner. They will continue to grow and yield fruits throughout their growing season. So their growth won’t cease until frost kills them.
This tomato plant variety can also grow in a bulky shrub manner. Therefore, indeterminate tomatoes usually need staking or caging.
They really don’t have a particular growing length. But we can roughly say they can grow up to 3 feet long in a place that has a short growing season. They can also grow more than 6 feet long in an area with a long growing season.
You can grow indeterminate comfortably in places where this tomato variety can have the chance to grow upwards and as long as a trellis. Indeterminate tomato variety is also ideal for farmers who wish to have smaller batches of tomatoes spread across their growing season.
Growing Beefsteak Tomato
The majority of beefsteak tomato variety often takes up to 85 days to attain maturity and harvest. This is usually unachievable in most parts of the United States. Therefore, we recommend you begin your seedlings indoors.
Seedlings should be commenced indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your region’s first frost of spring. They should be ready for transplanting by this time. Around March is usually the best time to plant beefsteak tomatoes indoors.
Seeds should be sown in flats and you should continue to care for them until they attain a height of at least 8 inches. Make sure you harden off the seedlings before you transplant them.
Once it’s time to transplant, select a sunny spot and a properly draining garden bed. Supply beefsteak tomato plants with direct sunlight of at least 8 hours or even more daily. Also, ensure no shadows are cast from any nearby trees or buildings.
Remember before planting, you should work in compost or other organic amendments into the soil. You should also integrate a starter fertilizer just to get your little plants off to a good start.
There should be adequate spacing to encourage good air circulation. Spacing should be around 19 to 36 inches apart. Beefsteak tomato usually requires lots of spacing as well as training and support.
Caring For Beefsteak Tomato
- - One major part of caring for beefsteak tomatoes as they grow is staking. Staking is important to train your plant the right way or else they will begin to bend towards the ground.
  - Ensure you minimize weed growth by removing unwanted weeds and mulch between the rows. You will also be conserving moisture by doing this.
  - Apply fertilizer every 3 weeks.
  - Water is about 1 to 2 inches deep per week.
  - You should know that all beefsteak tomato varieties are susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, we encourage you to always monitor your plant so you can identify and solve the problems as soon as you notice them.
  - Prune your plants appropriately once they begin to grow. Ensure you trim off any sucker, leaves, as well as stems just below the first branch that has fruits or clusters. This will keep leaves off the ground and doing this can reduce the chances of disease and pests. This should be done weekly all through their growing season and make sure the plant doesn’t grow more than one or two main stems. Doing this will make the plant grow easier with a trellis and will encourage better branching.
Why Are My Beefsteak Tomatoes Small?
Unfortunately, beefsteak tomatoes growing on the small side is one of the most common problems that occur when growing them. This can happen for a range of reasons, including lack of water, pests, disease – and so much more! These reasons can then cause stunted growth. Let’s take a closer look.
- Wrong variety. It may be that you’ve done nothing wrong at all and that you have simply purchased the wrong seeds. If this is the case, they’ll definitely be on the smaller side if they’re not beefsteak tomatoes!
- Lack of water. Tomatoes are very thirsty plants and they need plenty of water to keep them moist and juicy. So much so, that the top 4-6 inches of water need to be kept moist at all times. It’s also best to water in the morning.
- Root problems. When transplanting your tomatoes to a garden, root problems can occur if you do not do this gently enough. The roots of beefsteak tomatoes are very prone to breaking, so as long as you’re careful, this shouldn’t happen.
- Not enough sunlight. Tomatoes need lots of direct sunlight, to thrive. If you plant them in shade, or somewhere that doesn’t receive much light, this is sure to stunt the growth and end with smaller tomatoes.
- Too much fertilizer. While small amounts of fertilizer will help your tomatoes to thrive, too much can have the complete opposite effect. Not only can it stunt growth, but it can also change the flavor too! Using a low-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal.
- Suckers. Too many suckers can cause the growth of your tomatoes to slow down rapidly. This is why it’s best to remove as many as you can from your tomato plant to encourage plump tomatoes.
- Heat. The temperature of your environment is very important when it comes to beefsteak tomatoes. The hotter it is, the less likely they are to survive. If it is particularly hot, just ensure your tomatoes are kept watered and offer them adequate shade.
Beefsteak Tomato Sprouts – How Long Does It Take?
You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to sprout from a seedling. If cared for correctly, you’ll notice signs of sprouting from around 5-10 days after planting.
Beefsteak Tomato Plant Flowering – How Long Does It Take?
You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to flower. The truth is, it all comes down to the variety that you’re growing. However, it can be anywhere from 20-60 days. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the variety, the longer they’ll take to flower.
Beefsteak Tomato Varieties
There are over 50 different varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. Ranging from orange in color, to pink, to deep red. However, some are tastier than others. Let’s take a look at my top 6.
- Orange Wellington Hybrid. This type of beefsteak tomato is medium in size and doesn’t have many seeds at all. They’re bright in color but have a sweet flavor profile. What I love about this type is that they can last all season, in all types of weather; when cared for correctly.
- Delicious. Bursting with flavor, but it has quite a traditional taste. It’s not too sweet and it’s not too acidic. Perfect for slicing and it should go without saying – absolutely delicious!
- Cherokee Purple. The perfect combination of sweet, yet smoky. As the name suggests, this tomato is extremely dark in color. They are large and extremely tasty.
- Big Pink Hybrid. This type of tomato is medium in size and as the name suggests, is a blush pink color. It’s slightly sweet in flavor.
- Darkstar Hybrid. These can come in a range of colors but are on the smaller side of beefsteak tomatoes. It’s a rich tomato flavor but doesn’t have much acidity.
- Brandywine Pink. If you’re a fan of sweet tomatoes, this is the variety for you. This is known as one of the sweetest, if not the sweetest, beefsteak tomatoes.
Conclusion: Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?
So, we have concluded that the beefsteak tomato is an indeterminate plant variety and not a determinate variety. Indeterminate tomato variety tends to grow in a vining manner and they will keep growing and yielding fruits all through their growing season.
Do you have any other useful facts about beefsteak tomatoes? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How do I know if I have determinate or indeterminate tomatoes?
Tomatoes are an easy-to-grow plant that can be grown indoors or out. Some varieties are determinate, which means they grow to a certain size, while others are indeterminate, which means they continue growing until the plants are harvested.
A determinate tomato is a small, round tomato. Indeterminate tomatoes are larger, and they keep growing for many years. Indeterminate tomatoes tend to be more popular in warm climates. They are also more prone to fungal diseases than determinate tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes need to be transplanted at least twice a year. Determinate tomatoes are generally considered to have fewer diseases than indeterminate tomatoes.
Determinate tomatoes are usually less expensive than indeterminate tomatoes.
Can you tell which kind a tomato is by looking at it?
You can’t tell by looking at a tomato plant if it is determinate or indeterminate. It is determined by the number of nodes on the stem. Indeterminate means that the plant will keep growing, producing more leaves, until it reaches a certain size. Determinate means that the plant will stop growing once it reaches a certain size. The main difference between the two types of tomatoes is the time to maturity. Indeterminate tomatoes will take longer to mature than determinate ones, so they are more productive over the long run. Beefsteaks are determinate, so they don’t keep growing. Indeterminate tomatoes will produce for several weeks and then stop producing. Determinate tomatoes will only produce for a few days.
Are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?
The answer is that they are indeterminate, and there are many reasons for this. First of all, the tomato plant does not have a single determinate fruit in the usual sense of the word. Instead, it produces a variable number of fruit, which can be anywhere from 1 to about 20 or 30 depending on the variety.
Are beefsteak tomatoes easy to grow?
Beefsteak tomatoes are easy to grow and can be harvested at the end of summer. They are a good choice for beginners because they are hardy, long-lasting and have a compact growing season. In addition, they are easy to grow and maintain, and they are available at most grocery stores.
Beefsteak tomatoes are the largest tomato that can be grown in the home garden, and they have a compact growing season. Their fruits are usually harvested when they are ripe and red, and they do not require much care to produce large amounts of fruit. They are a good choice for beginning gardeners because they are relatively easy to grow, and they are available at most grocery stores.
In general, you can plant beefsteak tomatoes in late spring or early fall. You can also plant them in the fall if your soil is still cool enough. If your soil is too warm, you may get more heat stress.
March 5, 2023
How to Tell if Cilantro is Bad? 3 Key Signs
Cilantro is a popular ingredient in many savory dishes. In addition, it is also great to grow if you have your own garden, as it is best picked fresh. However, if you cook with it you will want to know how to tell if cilantro is bad.
Whether in tacos, salsa, or salad, cilantro brings a wonderful flavor addition. It is a versatile herb that pairs nicely in many different dishes. However, it is perishable, so it is important that you properly store your cilantro to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
What is Cilantro?
Cilantro, also known as coriander, Chinese parsley, or dhania, is an annual herb that is part of the family Apiaceae. Though all parts of the plant are edible, the leaves and seeds, which are dried up to make spice, are the most commonly used parts.
To many, cilantro has a tart, lemon/lime type of taste. However, for about 25% of people, it will taste like dish soap. This is because some people have a variation in a group of olfactory-receptor genes, which leads them to experience the soapy-flavored aldehydes in cilantro leaves.
Cilantro is commonly used for chutneys, salads, salsa, and guacamole. In addition, it is a popular garnish for soup, fish, and meat.
The seeds are also used as both whole dried and ground. By heating the seeds, the aroma, and flavor heighten. As a spice, it is used in garam masala and Indian curries, German sausages, beer, and pickling as well.
Cilantro also has many health benefits as well. It can help with your digestive health and is even beneficial for your skin. This unique herb can also help with pain, inflammation, and anti-fungal properties.
How Long Does Cilantro Last?
Fresh, raw cilantro will last for about seven to 10 days in the fridge. Since it is highly perishable, it will only last for a few hours at room temperature after you pick it up. You will want to know how to tell if cilantro is bad to know how long it lasts.
If it is too warm for too long, it will begin to wilt and dry up, making it undesirable to eat.
How to Properly Store it
Since cilantro is sensitive, you want to properly store it to ensure that it will stay fresh for as long as possible. Once you bring your cilantro home from the store, remove the rubber band that holds them together.
The best way to store your cilantro is to fill a glass with an inch of water. Then, place your cilantro in the glass of water and lightly cover it with a plastic bag to maintain freshness.
The best place to store it is in the crisper drawer or on the middle shelf of your fridge. You want to keep it in one of the coolest areas of your fridge to maintain freshness. You can also store it in a produce bag as well in your fridge.
Though washing your cilantro before using it is important, you want to wait to wash it until you are ready to use it. Excess moisture can cause it to go bad quickly and will lead it to become inedible.
How to Tell if the Cilantro in Your Fridge Has Gone Bad
If you cook regularly, it is important to know how to tell if cilantro is bad. If your cilantro is soft and becomes discolored, it is no longer good.
In addition, if you notice an off-smell or taste, it is best to just disregard it. If you notice any mold or it feels slimy, throw it out right away, bad cilantro is not safe to eat.
Can you freeze it?
You can freeze cilantro, which is a great way to prevent throwing out any extra before it goes bad. To freeze, start by washing it, then trim and chop it. After that, make sure to thoroughly dry it to remove any moisture.
Once dry, you can place the leaves in a Ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible. Then, place the bag in your freezer and use it as needed. Your cilantro will last for around three to four months in the fridge.
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In addition, you can also freeze your cilantro in cubes as well. To do this, add the cilantro to your blender with water and olive oil to create a thick paste. Then, place the paste in ice cube trays and freeze them.

Once they are frozen, add your cubes to a plastic bag and return them to the freezer for up to six months. Then, you can use them for curries, soups, and other dishes as well.
How to Grow Cilantro
The best time to plant cilantro is in cool weather, such as early spring. It does best in loose soil, with good drainage where it has full sun. You can grow it in your garden or a planter, just be sure not to plant it too close to taller plants that will take away its sunlight.
Plant the seeds one to two inches apart and about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch deep for best results. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy; about one inch of water a week. Cilantro will do best in temperatures between 60-70 degrees.
Knowing How Long is Cilantro Good For
Once you pick it, cilantro will not last long at room temperature. Fresh, raw cilantro will only last for a few hours at room temperature. In the fridge, you can keep it for up to seven to 10 days, or in the freezer for up to four to six months.
The best way to keep your cilantro is in a jar with about an inch of water. Then cover the top loosely with a plastic bag to help keep them crisp and excess moisture out. You can also keep it in a produce bag in the crisper drawer of your fridge.
To freeze it, keep it in a Ziploc bag or blend it with olive oil or water to make a paste. Both of these options will keep well in the freezer and are easy to use.
Signs to Look Out for When Cilantro Has Gone Bad
You may be wondering what the key signs to look out for are when you’re trying to see if your fresh cilantro is still safe to eat. There are a few ways you can test this. Let’s take a closer look.
- Appearance. One of the easiest ways is to look at your cilantro simply. Your cilantro should be green in color when it’s at its freshest. However, if you notice that your cilantro has a yellow tinge or even a slightly brown tinge, it means it’s on its way to going bad or is already bad. As well as this, if you notice any black spots, or spots of mold, they should be discarded immediately. Your cilantro may also become floppy, and limp when it’s starting to go bad.
- Smell. Another good way of checking is to simply smell your cilantro. It should smell leafy and earthy; but mild. However, if it has a sour smell, it’s likely it’s already gone bad and you should discard it.
- Taste. If it’s passed the first two tests and you’re still unsure, try a small amount of cilantro. If it doesn’t have much flavor, then discard it, just to be safe. Cilantro loses flavor over time, so the more flavorful it is, the fresher it is.
What Do Black Spots on Cilantro Mean?
If you notice black spots on your cilantro, then you should discard it right away. This usually means that your cilantro has a bacterial leaf infection. You could become quite ill if you decide to eat cilantro with black or brown spots.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Cilantro?
If you eat bad cilantro, you’ll likely be ill; depending on how much you eat. You may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as sickness and abdominal pain. The following bacteria can be found on herbs like cilantro: E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. All of these can be very dangerous, so it’s best to avoid bad cilantro, when possible.
What to Do With Cilantro Before It Goes Bad?
If you notice that your cilantro has past its peak freshness, you may be wondering what to do with it. With any leftover cilantro, why not try using it in one of the following:
- as seasoning or flavoring
- in breakfasts, such as eggs
- salsa topping
- taco topping
- salad dressing
- in smoothies
- on top of rice
Does Dried Cilantro Go Bad?
Dried cilantro lasts significantly longer than fresh cilantro. However, it does still deteriorate. Depending on your storage method, it can last anywhere from 1-3 years.
How to Dry Cilantro
You may be wondering how to dry your cilantro. I’ve found that the easiest way to do this is in the oven. To do this at home, all you’ll need to do is:
1. Preheat oven to 300F and wash and completely dry your cilantro, in preparation.
2. Grab a baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Add the leaves to your prepared baking sheet, and spread them apart.
3. Place in the center of your preheated oven and dehydrate for around 20-30 minutes. The leaves should be completely crisp and dry.
4. Leave to cool and then crush your leaves and add them to an airtight jar. Keep in a cool, dry place and use within a year.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: of how to tell if cilantro has gone bad, and given you the warning signs to look out for. Do you have any tips or tricks for knowing if cilantro is bad? If so, let us know. And remember, sharing is caring!
Do you have any questions regarding how to tell if cilantro is bad? If so, please ask any questions about how to store this herb in the comment section below.
FAQs
How can you tell if cilantro has gone bad?
The best way to figure it out is by taste.
If it tastes good, then it’s good. If it tastes bad, then it’s bad. A few weeks ago, I got a call from a friend who wanted some good quality cilantro for her salad. She wanted to make sure she had some good cilantro, because she knew that some of the cilantro she was getting was a little on the stale side. So she called me and asked me what she should do. I told her that the best thing to do is to eat it. So she did. And her salad was delicious. So in this case, she found out that it wasn’t the cilantro that was bad, it was the salad. And that’s the way you find out if your herbs are bad or not.
What do I do if my cilantro tuns black when I chop it?
I’ve seen this before. It’s usually caused by too much heat or a too long drying time.
In either case, it’s better to just throw out the bunch and buy a new one.
It’s called oxidation, and can happen when you cut the cilantro in the sun or on a hot surface. You can minimize the amount of this happening if you put the bunch in the fridge for a few hours after you’ve cut it.
Should I buy organic cilantro?
Yes, cilantro is an herb that you want to buy organically. It is known to have antibiotic resistance so it is best to buy organic.
How does bad cilantro smell?
When it’s not a pleasant one. The smell is so strong and pungent, that you can almost imagine it being used as an insect repellent. And it’s not just the smell that makes bad cilantro bad; it’s also the taste.
Can I eat cilantro with brown spots?
The answer to your question is: it depends.
The brown spots are actually dead leaves that have fallen onto the cilantro plant.
Can I eat limp cilantro?
Yes, but it’s not the same as fresh. Use fresh, and it’ll taste better.
It’s considered “very low risk” for food poisoning because it has a high water content.
How long does cilantro last in the fridge?
The general rule is that it will keep for a week or two if you remove the stems and leave the leaves. You can freeze it and it should be ok for about 6 months. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will go bad faster than if you store it in the freezer.
March 5, 2023
Green Spaghetti Squash: What This Means
Why do I have green spaghetti squash inside, is it supposed to be this color when ripe, and is it safe to eat?
Spaghetti squash is one of the most popularly grown vegetables that most people love to eat. It’s like pasta but it’s not pasta.
Sometimes people notice that the spaghetti squash is green inside instead of its usual yellow or golden color. “Why do I have green spaghetti squash”, this question is typed all over the internet meaning so many people want to find out the answer.
To demystify this question, let us look at all the information about spaghetti squash.
Why Do I Have Green Spaghetti Squash Inside?
When you are at the store buying a spaghetti squash, look for those that have a nice lemon yellow color. If you notice a squash is green inside, it means it isn’t ripe and will have to stay longer before you can use it.
If a spaghetti squash is green and soft, it is more likely to rot than ripen when off the vine. If it has hints of yellow and the squash appears to be full-sized and sounds solid when tapped, it could be mature and ready for eating.
If you are growing spaghetti squash in your garden, look for those that have smooth skin and feel heavier than others. Those are signs of a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash ready to be harvested off the vine.
However, if the fruit is too mature it may already be rotting inside, so it’s hard to tell what stage it is at by just looking at it. Go ahead and try to cut into the fruit by gently prying open the rind just enough to see inside then softly pressing back together. If you notice any green spots or dark discoloration on the seeds, that is an indication that it has begun to rot.
How Do You Know if Spaghetti Squash is Bad Inside?
There are several signs to tell if your spaghetti squash is bad inside. They include:
- Check to See if it is Green Inside. The first rule of thumb is to not eat or cook spaghetti squash if it is green or almost completely green. The easiest way to know if it’s ready for eating is by looking at its color. A fully ripe one should have a bright yellowish-orange tone.
- Check the Rind for Any Discoloration. Any discoloration on the rind means the spaghetti could be rotten on the inside. If the rind appears to be saggy or has a dark spot, do not cook it.
- Check for Any Soft Spots on the Exterior of the Fruit. Any small soft spot can turn into a large dark patch very quickly so if you notice anything with discoloration toss them immediately.
- Are the Seeds Brown? When you are cooking spaghetti squash at home, do not eat those that have already begun to turn brown on the seeds as this may indicate the presence of harmful molds that can cause foodborne illnesses.
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How to Ripen Spaghetti Squash
If you happen to harvest or buy your spaghetti squash when it is not fully ripe, you can ripen it indoors. Here are several ways you can ripen your spaghetti squash
- Store it in a cool dry place, away from any direct sunlight for about ten to twelve weeks. Simply put, store spaghetti squash as if you store bananas because they both ripen faster when kept at room temperature instead of cold storage area.
- Keep it on top of your counter. Ripen spaghetti squash at home by keeping it on top of your counter or kitchen table to allow the fruit to breathe well and avoid overly moist conditions.
- You can also ripen this winter gourd off the vine but make sure to leave 1/2 inch space between each other so there is enough air circulation around them.
- To know if your spaghetti squash is ripe, check the bottom for any indentations. Mature spaghetti squash will have roots on the bottom while immature ones do not.
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Spaghetti Squash’s Shelf Life
How long does spaghetti squash stay outside after picking? Spaghetti squash has a short storage life and should be kept indoors at room temperature for no longer than ten days, so it’s best to use them as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing from the grocery store!
Leaving winter squashes out can cause faster deterioration due to moisture loss and rotting because of a quicker oxidation process happening inside the fruit.
What Color Spaghetti Squash Should I Pick?
The skin of your spaghetti squash should be a yellowish-golden hue. It will start as creamy and then transition to bright. If the squash has an even yellow color, it’s ready for harvest. If you notice green-yellow spots, leave it to grow a little more. But be careful. Once your spaghetti squash reaches an orange hue, you will only be able to preserve it for a short time.
You can use other methods besides color to determine if your spaghetti squash is ready for harvesting. Just relying on the color can leave you unsure. Here are two other ways to determine ripeness:
Check the Skin: Ripe spaghetti squash will have almost flawless skin. There won’t be any bruising or indentations. If these are present, your squash is damaged or overripe.
The Fingernail Method: You can try pushing your fingernail into the squash skin. Mature fruit will be tough and challenging to penetrate. If you can puncture the squash skin, it needs more time to grow.
Spaghetti squash starts as a small fruit with white or green skin. It takes up to 110 days for it to mature. You can use this timeline as another indicator for ripeness if you’re unsure about the color of your squash.
Can You Plant Spaghetti Squash in August?
Spaghetti squash can be grown for a summer or fall harvest. If you’d like a fall harvest, you can plant your spaghetti squash in August.
You should choose a spot that gets full sun for at least 8 hours daily. Starting your seedlings indoors can help you yield healthier plants. They’ll be ready to transplant outdoors in August if you start them in June or July. Dig a hole that’s a little bit larger than the plant root. Carefully place the plant inside and fill it with organic soil.
If you want to sow your seeds directly outside, ensure they’re 1 inch deep. You should leave approximately 12 inches between each seed, so your plants have enough space to grow. Spaghetti squash needs watering directly after you’ve planted them.
You’ll start seeing fruit form about 8 weeks after you’ve sowed your seeds. The squash will be ready to harvest in another 7 or 8 weeks, ensuring that you have fall squash.
When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash?
The best time is just before the first winter frost has made its way. This is usually around early fall time. One of the easiest ways to tell when your spaghetti squash is ready to harvest is to make a note of when your spaghetti squash has bloomed. Then anywhere from 40-50 days after that, your spaghetti squash is likely to be ripe and ready to harvest.
When is Spaghetti Squash Ripe?
As soon as the spaghetti squash turns yellow, either golden or dark yellow; this usually means it’s ripe and ready to pick! This can happen anytime from around 40-50 days after your spaghetti squash has bloomed. Your ripe spaghetti squash should be firm, not soft, or brown.
How to Tell if Spaghetti Squash is Ripe
If you’re wondering what the best way is to tell whether your spaghetti squash is ripe, there are actually a few easy methods to ensure you pick your spaghetti squash at just the right time. Let’s take a closer look.
- Color. If you have green spaghetti squash, it is simply not ready to be picked and it should be left longer. And if you have light orange spaghetti squash, you’ve likely waited too long and it’s now over-ripe. The ideal color for ripened spaghetti squash is golden yellow.
- Clear Skin. If your spaghetti squash shows any markings, bruising, or indentations, it’s likely too late to save your spaghetti squash. It should have clear skin.
- Use Your Finger. Gently press your finger onto the spaghetti squash skin. When you press down, it should be firm and not go straight through. However, if it does, then you should discard the spaghetti squash, as it’s now too ripe.
- Use Your Fingernail. You can also try this with your fingernail. Gently press your fingernail into the spaghetti squash skin. If your fingernail doesn’t go through, it’s a sure sign your spaghetti squash is firm enough to harvest, and enjoy.
Spaghetti Squash When to Pick: The Ideal Time
You may wonder when the ideal harvesting time is for your spaghetti squash. The best time to harvest is either in late summer or early fall, before the first winter frost hits. You’ll know when they’re ready because the squash will have turned a golden yellow or a dark yellowish color.
Nutrition of Spaghetti Squash
Many people choose spaghetti squash over carbohydrates such as pasta. So, you may be curious as to what the nutrition is when it comes to spaghetti squash. Each cup of spaghetti squash contains the following:
- calories: 31
- fat: 0.6g
- saturated fat: 0.1g
- carbohydrates: 7g
- dietary fiber: 1.5g
- sugar: 2.8g
- protein: 0.6g
- cholesterol: 0g
- sodium: 17.2mg
- potassium: 109mg
As you can probably tell from the nutrition, spaghetti squash is much healthier than traditional pasta, so it’s a great substitute if you’re on a low-carb diet, or simply trying to be healthier.
Conclusion: Green Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash, also known as vegetable noodles, has a delicious taste and texture. The flesh of the spaghetti squash has a very mild flavor which makes it a good choice for pairing with almost any sauce or side dish.
Slice your spaghetti squash thin and use it in place of regular pasta; just be sure to cook it first before you serve. If you’re not planning on using your spaghetti squash right away after cooking you can freeze the remaining half and then thaw it out for later use.
To freeze cooked spaghetti squash, just cool the leftovers of your spaghetti squash to room temperature then transfer them to an airtight container and place the container in the freezer.
Why do I have green spaghetti squash? Hopefully, after reading this post you are wiser and can enjoy your spaghetti squash before it goes bad. How about you try new recipes as accompaniments for your spaghetti squash to consume it more often without getting bored?
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to green spaghetti squash? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Is it safe to eat green spaghetti squash?
Yes, but do not eat them if they are too mature. Spaghetti squash turns green on the inside when it becomes overripe.
Why is spaghetti squash turning yellow before its time to be harvested?
Spaghetti squash starts turning yellowish orange or dark greenish color once reaching optimal maturation stage of harvest.
How do you know if spaghetti squash is bad inside?
There are several signs to tell if your spaghetti squash is bad inside, they include rind discoloration, green flesh, or soft spots on the exterior of the fruit.
March 4, 2023
Carrots pH Level: The Ideal Soil pH For Carrots
It is critical to offer the ideal carrots pH level to help build a good carrot soil profile that will necessitate an excellent harvest.
Carrots are among the most universally grown vegetables loved by many gardeners. Because of their radiant colors, diverse shapes, and sizes, the nutritional value demand for carrots is always high.
Mastering the right carrot culture is well worth the effort as a grower. You will grow more carrots for your consumption and the market at large.
Best Soil pH For Carrots
Among other root crops, carrots are best planted directly into the garden in a prepared seedbed. To prepare the seedbed, ensure that your soil is soft enough to work by tilling and adding organic compost amendments.
They thrive in soil that is moderate, neither too acidic, nor too alkaline, with a pH level of between 5.8 and 6.5. This atmosphere provides the best soil for growing carrots.
Carrots require adequately moist soil that eliminates the growth of tiny hairy roots that destroy the texture of the overall carrot.
The best soil for carrots should have temperatures ranging between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be loose, free of debris, and either sandy or loamy.
How to Fix Your Soil pH: Carrots pH Level
To build a good profile for your soil, it is essential to carry out a soil test to test the carrot’s pH level. Carrots do not do well when the soil is acidic; if you need to amend your soil in any way do so the year before growing carrots.
Use garden lime to change the carrot pH level to a more alkaline level. Use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Remove any rock debris and break up any large pieces of the soil, ensuring it is soft and uniform.
While working your soil, add at least 2 to 4 inches of compost manure to help loosen the soil and add the proper nutrients. Add 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer per 100 feet and work all that down into the bottom of the bed. Rake out the bed smoothly after removing all the large chunks of soil.
Why is Carrots’ pH Level Important?
The pH level affects how carrot plants receive nutrients from the soil. The pH level also impacts how much nutrients are made available in the soil by the bacteria that break down organic matter.
The ideal pH level suitable for carrots is between 6 to 6.8. However, carrots can do well in pH levels ranging between 5.5 to 7.0 allowing faster nutrient uptake and healthy growth.
A pH level below 5.5 is too acidic, and anything over 7.0 is too alkaline for carrots to grow. We encourage you to test the pH of your soil with a pH meter before adjusting or sowing your carrot seeds.
If your soil is too acidic below 5.5, you can add wood ashes or dolomitic lime. If your soil is too alkaline above 7.0, organic matter such as compost peat moss or elemental sulfur can be added.
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Growing Healthy Carrots
After adjusting your soil‘s pH level, it’s time to plant your carrot seeds.
Space your seeds at least 2 to 4 inches apart, planting them under a quarter to half an inch deep. Carrot seeds are very tiny, and this kind of spacing can be achieved by using a seed injector or thinning them after germinating.
Keep the soil surface moist after sowing your seeds so that it does not dry and crack. Carrot seeds have difficulty germinating if the soil is dry and crusty.
Side dress the rows using ammonium nitrate fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per 100 ft of row once your plants are 4 inches tall. Your soft, loose soil for carrots is also favorable to weeds so that they will grow as fast as your carrot seedlings. Pull out as many weeds as you can but avoid deep cultivation near your carrot plants as you can easily damage the roots.
Harvest your carrots for at least 65 to 75 days from the day of planting or when they reach your desired size.
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Soil Management Tasks to Ensure You Get the Best Carrots
Preparing the seedbed
Depending on the variety of carrots you’re growing, dig down at least 7 to 8 inches deep into the soil. For straight uniform roots, a deeper seedbed is required. Carrots thrive in loose soil and tilt to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches. Remember to remove any rocks or debris from the soil.
Fertilizer soil with phosphorus
Like most root crops, carrots require a good amount of phosphorus to perform their best. Because they have a single thick taproot rather than many fibrous roots, the area they absorb phosphorus is relatively small. Unlike other nutrients, phosphorus is not absorbed by a plant through water absorption.
Instead, it is fascinated by a process called diffusion, naturally moving from a high concentration area in the soil to a lower concentration inside the root. The soil area from which phosphorus is absorbed is a very small area around the root itself. If your soil test indicates a need for adding more phosphorus, you can go ahead and add organic phosphorus fertilizer, like rock phosphate or bone meal to the planting area a few weeks before sowing the seeds.
Balance the soil pH
Use a soil tester to determine the pH of your garden soil before sowing your seeds. Just like many other vegetables, the carrot soil pH should be between 6 and 6.8. Keep in mind that a pH test should be performed every 2 to 3 years. The effects of sulfur or lime eventually dwindle and the soil returns to its native range.
Water your carrots properly
Keep your soil well-watered throughout the growing season but don’t overdo it. Once your carrots are up and going, they will require an ample amount of water to reach their full potential. Carrots are not drought-tolerant plants, and if not provided with enough water, they will gnarl, fork, or turn pithy.
However, if the soil gets too wet in the later stages of carrot development, it will split open and show signs of rot. Irrigate at ground level to avoid causing fungal diseases like crown rot, powdery mildew, and leaf blight when watering.
Keep the carrots covered with soil
As the carrots grow, the top part next to the leaves may get exposed. If this happens, mound the soil or mulch the exposed places. Exposure to sunlight can cause the exposed parts to turn green and bitter.
What is the Ideal pH of Carrots?
You may be wondering what the ideal pH of carrots should be. For the best results when it comes to growing carrots, the soil pH should be around 6-7. This means that the soil should only be slightly acidic, or almost neutral. You should also ensure the soil is well drained; loamy soil is best for growing carrots. You may notice your carrot plants sprouting weeds, but it’s important to not use a weed killer. This is because it may cause damage to the carrot plants themselves.
Are Carrots Acidic or Alkaline?
So we know the soil needs to be slightly acidic, but what does this mean for the carrots themselves? Are they acidic or alkaline? The truth is carrot pH levels usually sit between 5.9-6.5. This means that they’re typically slightly acidic. However, it’s very close to being neutral! Anything under 7.0 on the pH scale is considered acidic, so it only just cuts!
However, carrot pH levels can differ depending on the type of carrots you’re eating. For example, chopped carrots range from 5.3-5.5 on the pH scale, whereas cooked carrots range from 5.6-6 on the pH scale. And canned carrots can range from 5.18-5.22 on the pH scale, whereas pureed carrots range from 4.5-5.2 on the pH scale. One thing is for sure, whichever form they come in, carrots are acidic.
Best Potting Soil For Carrots
You may be curious as to what the best potting soil is when it comes to carrots. The main factors are that it should be well-drained and loose. As well as this, it should be packed full of micronutrients. A loamy soil often works best. And the pH level should be between 6-6.5.
Best Compost For Carrots
You also may be curious as to what the best compost is when it comes to carrots. As we know, carrots like an environment of 6-6.5 on the pH scale. Using compost that’s full of organic matter and is rich in micronutrients is ideal for your carrots to thrive.
How to Make a pH Indicator With Carrot
There are two ways to make a pH indicator with carrots, and this will also work with other fruits and vegetables too, such as eggplant, blueberry, cherry, oranges, etc. To see the color change, your carrots simply need to be made more alkaline or more acidic.
For the first method, just place your carrot into a blender, then push through a strainer until you have liquid remaining. Pour the liquid into a container and add a small amount of water, if desired (this shouldn’t change the color). Now simply add your acid or alkaline! If you want your carrot neutralized in color, just add a sprinkle of baking soda.
Another method is simply boiling some water and then pouring it into a bowl. Add grated pieces of carrot to your bowl and leave for around five minutes, stirring often throughout. Leave to cool and your pH indicator from a carrot is ready!
Conclusion: Carrots’ pH Level
Knowing the right carrots’ pH level is the first step in growing a healthy crop. Gardening is a beautiful experience; especially the joy of putting one seed in the ground and harvesting a large crop of healthy vegetables. Enjoy your gardening journey!
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to growing and harvesting carrots? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Do carrots like acidic or alkaline?
I have read that carrots prefer an acidic soil, and that this is why they are so good at removing iron from your body. I have a carrot patch in my garden, and I don’t fertilize it with anything. The soil is clayey, but also has a lot of sand mixed in.
The pH of the soil has some effect on how many carrots a plant will produce. Carrots prefer a pH that’s somewhere between 6 and 7.
However, it is also true that carrots are very sensitive to changes in soil pH.
What is the best soil mix for carrots?
Perhaps the best is organic compost. This is a mixture of organic material (composted manure, grass clippings, etc.) mixed with an equal amount of peat moss. This is usually mixed into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil, and it should be added at least once every three years. Potting soil — This is usually a mix of sand and peat moss. It is used for growing vegetables in small containers, such as pots or trays.
I have read that the soil mix should be well-drained and loose.
This is what I use:
1/2 to 1 cup of composted manure 1 cup of vermiculite 1 cup of peat moss 4 cups of sand This is a pretty good mix, but if you don’t have access to these materials, try making your own. I start my seeds indoors in a seed starting mix (usually a peat moss potting mix). I start them in a dark place and make sure they get at least 12 hours of light a day. After 3 weeks, I transplant them to my garden and let them grow for about 2 months before harvesting.
How do you determine your soil’s pH?
You can easily test your carrot’s soil with a simple pH test kit. These kits are inexpensive and easy to use. You should test at least three different spots in your carrot bed and average them out. If you do not have the proper pH test kit, you can purchase one online or at your local garden store. Using the pH test kit, you will take a small amount of soil and water it into a cup. Using the provided water, mix the soil thoroughly until it forms a paste.
Now add an equal amount of water to the cup. This will let you know.
Where is the best place to plant carrots?
The best place to plant carrots is in a spot with a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil. This includes areas that have a lot of compost, manure, or mulch. If you do not have these materials, it is better to add them to the soil before planting. For example, if you have a lot of manure, mix it in with your soil. This will help the soil to retain moisture and nutrients. You can also mix in some compost, which will also improve the soil. Carrots also like to be planted in a spot with a lot of sun. Sunlight will help the roots to grow long and strong. Carrots also prefer a location with plenty of water, but they can also survive without water for a while.
March 4, 2023
Plants That Look Like Aloe Vera: Comprehensive List
The plant aloe vera is one type of houseplant commonly found in most homes. Aloe vera is characterized by its fleshy leave that looks triangular and the color can range from light to dark green. But are you aware that some plants have a good resemblance to aloe vera? Plants that look like aloe vera will be highlighted here in case you’re looking for a substitute for aloe vera.
Other types of plants share some good resemblance with aloe and this characteristic similar appearance includes the leaves and the flowers.
So, there are succulents that look like aloe vera that can be substituted for the plant. Plants that look like aloe vera will be listed here so let’s begin.
7 Plants That Look Like Aloe Vera
1. Agave plant
The plant agave is one common example of a plant that looks like aloe vera. It is a stemless plant that is perennial. The leaves of the agave plant look big and fleshy just like aloe plants. Agave plant leaves can be broadened or narrowed to form a dense root rosette. Then the end of the leaves forms a sharp point and most species of agave have bent or straight spines on their edges just like aloe vera. The plant agave usually comes in various colors such as green, gray, or blue-green.
Additionally, agave plant has fibrous roots and this allows them to attach themselves to rocks or trees. So, this allows them to create their support system for growing vertically high above the ground level.
Caring for agave plants is almost the same as caring for aloe plants. So, just like aloe vera, the plant is hardy and can be grown indoors easily.
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2. Maguey plant
The maguey plant is another succulent that looks like a cactus plant due to the thorny edges on the foliage. So, most people may think this is a cactus that looks like an aloe vera plant.
This plant is related to agave plants. Maguey plants can grow and attain a height of up to 20 feet depending on their variety. Therefore, this plant may look like a different species altogether. Maguey plant leaves look broad and long just like aloe plants.
Maguey is a good choice for houseplants and a west-facing window suits them because they are a low-light-tolerating plant. This plant also doesn’t need to be watered too much because over-watering can lead to root rot.
3. Haworthia
Another great substitute for the aloe plant is the haworthia plant. The plant is also pretty easy to grow indoors due to their light and water requirements that are easy to meet.
Haworthia shares the same family classification as the aloe vera plant. Similar to aloe plants, the foliage of haworthia grows in a rosette pattern and emerges from the stem axis of the plant. Haworthia plant has foliage with white bands that looks raided on the surface and this is why the haworthia is regarded as a zebra plant.
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4. Gasteria succulent
Gasteria is a type of succulent with fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette form. The foliage of gasteria is long and they have this rough texture. They may also possess some colors and markings depending on the species.
The succulent of gasteria grows up to twelve inches or more and it has green-gray leaves with a tiny bit of orange hue. The flowers of gasteria can range from pink to yellow and they usually bloom during the fall months. The blooms gasteria produces are almost the same as that of aloe vera and haworthia. So, these are similar-looking plants suitable to be grown indoors.
Also, gasteria succulents are less sensitive to climate conditions. Hence, the plant can’t tolerate extreme temperatures and they don’t demand too much water like aloe would.
5. Yucca
Another plant that looks like aloe vera is yucca and they are related to agaves. But there is a bit of a difference in the leaves and shapes. The plant yucca also has this rosette foliage form that is sword-shaped and known to be tough. Yucca has this whitish bloom that grows at the upper part of its stem in big terminal panicles.
6. Snake plant
Snake plant is one popular houseplant that looks a bit like aloe vera. The plant is characterized by dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a dense rosette pattern when grown in a pot or container.
Snake plants can attain a height of about 4 feet and this depends on how the plant is bred. Also, the darker stripes and borders on the leaves can differ greatly.
7. Young pineapple plant
Before the plant pineapple bears fruit, the young plant pineapple can easily be confused with the aloe vera plant. The foliage of young pineapple resembles the ones seen on aloe vera leaves, and also just like in gasteria plant leaves or yucca leaves.
Similar to other plants listed above, their leaves are in a rosette pattern with sharp spines along the edges to protect the plant as well as the fruit.
Unlike the lengthy oval-shaped leaves of most succulent plants, the young pineapple leaves tend to be more rounded. They also have these pointed tips rather than straight ends as you would find on most other plants you will find in this family classification.
Aloe Type Succulents
When it comes to types of aloe plants, there are actually over 500 species! But I thought I’d share some facts about some of my top 10 choices when it comes to aloe succulents. Let’s take a closer look.
- Aloe Broomii. You’ll see this type of plant often as it’s a very common ornamental plant. They work best outdoors in a gravel or rock-type environment. They have light green leaves and wildlife such as birds will enjoy this plant.
- Aloe Crosby’s Prolific. This is essentially a mini aloe. It usually has orange or red flowers and is ideal for a flower bed.
- Aloe Ferox. You may know this succulent better than cape aloe. This plant contains the gel you’ll so often see in products such as after-sun and skincare. It’ll be brown and have orange flowers.
- Aloe Cameronii. In fall, it turns a deep red color, which is why it’s so well-loved. You may know it better than red aloe.
- Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Another common type is the Barbadensis Miller. It has yellow flowers and contains the gel that soothes products such as after-sun. This is known to help wounds such as burns heal more quickly.
- Aloe Petricola. You may know this type of aloe better than stone aloe. It’s grown from the winter but usually peaks in the summer months. It requires little attention and can grow in many environments. It’s bright in color, which is the main attraction of this plant.
- Aloe marlothii. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall. The leaves are usually a dark red color, whereas the flowers are much lighter, such as red or orange.
- Aloe Hereroensis. You may know this plant better than sand aloe. This plant is ideal to use in flower beds. It has red flowers, but dark red spines.
- Aloe Rubroviolacea. This plant is known better as Arabian aloe. It gets its name because it’s such a hardy plant and can do well in dry conditions. You can use this plant in many places, such as flower beds and gardens. This type of aloe can last throughout the year and will change color depending on the season.
- Aloe ciliaris. An ideal houseplant, but can also be kept outside too. One of the main perks of this plant is that it can grow quickly. It blooms during cooler months and has orange flowers.
Aloe Vera Plant vs Agave
While the aloe vera plant and the agave plant look very similar, there are actually a few differences between the two; and they are definitely not the same. One of the main differences is size. Aloe is usually much smaller than agave. As well as this, aloe leaves contain the beneficial gel we use for skincare products, whereas the agave plant doesn’t.
Conclusion: Plants That Look Like Aloe Vera
Plants that look like aloe vera are nice for substitution. However, you may not get the medicinal or beneficial use aloe vera plant provides. But you can still get some similar growing conditions as aloe plants.
Do you know of any other plants that look like aloe vera? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Is my plant Agave or aloe?
Even though agave and aloe look similar, you can still determine if your plant is agave or aloe by looking at the differences. Agave is characterized to have bigger and spinier leaves compared to aloe. Agave plants have their spines to be very sharp whereas aloe plant spines are often soft to feel.
Is Agave the same as aloe?
Agave and aloe plants may look quite similar, but there are some differences between them. For instance, agave is usually bigger and possesses sharp spines on their leaves. Then aloe vera leaves on the other hand are serrated but not so sharp.
What plant looks like aloe vera but isn’t?
There are several plants that look like aloe vera but they are actually not aloe. Some of these plants include maguey, agave, yucca, haworthia, gasteria succulent, and young pineapple plant.
Is Yucca an aloe plant?
Yucca is often mistaken to be an aloe plant but it isn’t an aloe plant. Yucca plants have this leaf texture with some smooth edge on each side so this gives yucca plants a similar look to those found on the base of the leaves of aloe plants.
March 4, 2023
Simple Super Soil Recipe: Updated for 2023
Learn what a simple super soil recipe is and grow your plants like a pro with super soil. A simple super soil recipe is the combination of soil in addition to some amendments used to supply optimal nutrients throughout the entire life cycle of a plant.
There are great benefits of using simple super soil such as long-lasting, nutrient availability, it can be recycled, and so on. We will teach you how to make this amazing simple super soil recipe.
Know What a Super Soil Recipe Is
A super soil recipe is a mixture of various soil and amendments that contains adequate nutrients for all the life cycles of a plant. The mixture of super soil requires composting or a cooking process that can last around 1 to 3 months.
The cooking process breaks down minerals and amends the soil from the beneficial bacteria this process produces. These beneficial bacteria create an ecosystem that will coexist with the root of your plant root system.
How to Make Simple Super Soil Recipe
Making simple super soil recipes is pretty easy. Just follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil.
Ingredients
Below are the recipes required for making a simple super soil recipe for a 90-gallon soil:
- 6 by 8 tarp to hold soil
- 5-gallon bucket
- Shovel
- Grow green filter water
- 2 bags of base soil, root organic which contains lots of beneficial ingredients
- Half a cup of dolomite
- A quarter cup of azomite for trace elements
- Half a cup of Epsom salt
- 1 bag of coco coir
- 5lbs bone meal or fish meal for phosphorous
- 3 cups of kelp meal for feeding the microbes
- 15 to 20lbs of organic earthworm castings
- 2 bags of regular potting soil
- 1 bag of perlite to help with soil aeration
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Steps to making a simple super soil recipe
Go ahead and set up all your ingredients and let’s begin.
Step 1
Get your 5-gallon bucket and pour in the bone or fish meal, azomite, Epsom salt, dolomite, and kelp meal and mix them all up. Set the mixture aside. Now, get your tarp and spread it on the floor and pour out your organic base soil and add the earthworm casting. Add some perlite to help with soil aeration and mix them nicely and evenly.
Step 2
Get the mixed ingredients in the 5-gallon bucket and spread them on top of the mixture of earthworm casting and root organic. Add the regular potting soil and coco coir. Next, go ahead and mix with a shovel.
Step 3
Grab your hose and sprinkle about 2 gallons of water. Make sure not to saturate the mixture, just wet it. Grab your shovel and mix.
Cooking process
Once you’re done mixing, you can transfer the mixture into 3 different 30 gallons buckets and allow it to cook. In this cooking process, the bacteria and fungi start breaking down amendments of the super soil. This process allows the nutrients in the soil to mix readily available for your plants.
Depending on how long you wish to grow your super soil, the cooking process can take around 1 to 3 months.
If you’re looking at growing just flowers, you can simply cook your soil for about a month. However, if you want to grow an entire seasonal crop, we recommend composting or cooking your super soil recipe for the full 3 months.
When the process is completed, the final product is available to be used for outdoor or indoor cultivation.
Benefits of Using Super Soil
The benefits of using super soil include:
1. No extra maintenance, all you need do is water your plant weekly.
2. No stress of continually adding nutrients because super soil already contains all growing nutrients required throughout the life cycle of your plant.
3. Super soil is great for both indoor and outdoor growing use.
4. Super soil can be reused and reconditioned every season. Thus it saves you the cost of buying or building new soil from the scratch.
5. You will enjoy a long-lasting garden effect.
Organic Super Soil Recipe
If you’re looking to make your own organic super soil, then look no further. It doesn’t require too many ingredients and it’s super easy to make. For this organic super soil, you’ll need the following products:
- 8 bags of organic potting soil
- 3lbs rock phosphate
- 3/4 cup of Epsom salts
- 25-50lbs of organic worm castings
- 5lbs of bone meal
- 5lbs of bat guano
- 5 lbs blood meal
- 1/2 cup azomite
- 1/2 cup dolomite
- 2 tablespoons of humic acid
Then all you need to do is add all the ingredients together and leave it for at least a month, for the best results. Once you’re ready to use, be sure to use this soil at the bottom. And watch the magic happen to your plants.
How to Make Your Own Living Soil
Making your own living soil doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re unsure what living soil is, it’s simply soil that’s full of life. For example, you’ll usually find earthworms, fungi, arthropods, and many more within the soil and they make the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive. So how do you go about making it? Let’s take a closer look.
The first thing you need to do is have a solid starting base. The best way to do this is with 1/3 aeration, 1/3 peat, and 1/3 compost. Once you have your base mix, you can begin adding the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive, these are very important.
You should use around 1/2 per cubic foot of soil of whatever nutrients you’d like to add. I find that either a fish meal or crustacean meal works best, or you can use a mixture of both. As well as this, you may want to add micronutrients too; such as worm castings and kelp meal.
Taking a look deeper into your living soil, you’ll also need to provide a calcium-rich environment. While it’ll already contain some calcium, I’ve found that it simply isn’t enough. Adding ingredients such as lime and rock phosphate can be really beneficial to your soil.
For your living soil, that’s all you really need. However, for the most important part, you’ll need to leave your soil to sit for at least a month. It should be kept moist during this time. This gives the soil time to optimize and will allow for best results.
The best thing about this soil is that you can use it again and again. However, every time you harvest, be sure to add extra compost of worm castings. This is so the soil can be renourished and will be just as effective as it once was.
It’s also worth mentioning that minerals are important to add to your soil, I typically use equal parts rock dust, basalt, and gypsum for best results.
There are many recipes you can follow, but this is one of my personal favorites:
- 1/3 peat
- 1/3 aeration
- 1/3 compost
And then for every cubic feet of your soil, you’ll need the following:
- 1/2 cup of kelp meal
- 1/2 cup of crustacean meal
- 1/2 cup of neem meal
- 4 cups of minerals, using the guide above
Bottom Line: Simple Super Soil Recipe
The bottom line is making a simple super soil recipe is a great thing if you want long-lasting nutrient availability for your plants. Your plants will enjoy a lifetime nutrient supply and you won’t have to worry about adding extra nutrients.
Follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil recipe. We hope you found our post on the simple super soil recipe helpful. Happy growing! Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to making your own simple super soil? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
March 4, 2023
Can You Compost Shrimp Shells: Best Wastage Uses
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: can you compost shrimp shells? There is a standard procedure for composting shrimp shells. Shrimp shells are fully compostable. This means that shrimp shells can be turned to compost whether they are raw or cooked.
The shells will ordinarily decompose when they are allowed to be broken down by microorganisms into organic compost.
Composting shrimp shells is important as the compounds got from this process are highly beneficial to the soil. This article gives you an idea of what to do when composting shrimp shells.
How to go about the composting process and the best temperature for this are also discussed herein. Before we go into the composting process for shrimp shells, let’s understand what composting means.
Thereafter, this question will be answered: can you compost shrimp shells?
Meaning of Composting
Composting is the process of collecting and storing plant material so it can decay. This decayed substance is known as compost. When added to the soil, it helps to greatly improve soil quality.
Composting is therefore a process of utilizing plant material that ordinarily would have been considered waste.
Items Required to Compost Shrimp Shells
For the composting process to be successfully carried out, the following items are required: shrimp shells, compost piles, compost bucket, shovel, green yard waste, brown yard waste, and kitchen scraps. All of these items can be turned into compost and added to the soil to improve the quality.
Shrimp shells are useful when making compost because they contain relevant compounds to the composting process. These compounds feed bacteria and fungi in the soil, which in turn, helps break down the soil.
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Steps on Composting Shrimp Shells
If you are interested in making compost from shrimp shells, you must endeavor to follow the following steps:
Step 1. Collect shrimp shells
If you are interested in making compost from shrimp shells, then do the following. Shrimp shells can be collected from peeled shrimp in a compost bucket or bowl. You can include the tails and heads of the shells collected. This bucket should have an air-tight lid. Shrimp shells should be simmered in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes and oven-dried to remove fat from the shells. Too much fat will result in a serious smell of the compost.
Step 2. Digging
The second step in the process involves digging a 12-inch hole in your existing compost pile. A shovel should be used when doing this to ensure that the hole is deep as possible to contain the shells.
Step 3. Put the shrimp shells in a hole
After digging the required hole, you should place the collected shrimp shells in the hole. After doing this, the hole should be covered with some of the compost you removed while making the hole.
Step 4. Continuous addition of green and brown waste
You should continue to add both green and brown waste alongside kitchen waste to the pile.
Step 5. Turning of compost
For the best possible result to be achieved, the shrimp compost should be turned every month with a shovel. This should be done to allow for sufficient oxygen to the microbes.
The decomposition usually produces heat and turning will help reduce this. You can use a compost thermometer to measure the internal temperature and regulate the same. It should be from 140 to 160 degrees.
Step 6. Add water to compost
Microbes usually need water to survive. Failure to add sufficient water to the pile may lead to the death of microbes. This will ultimately result in the compost pile heating up. Be careful however not to add too much water. This will likely turn your compost into a slimy mess and decomposition will halt. It shouldn’t thus be too wet or too dry.
Step 7. Allow the compost to season
You should allow the shrimp compost to remain in the hole for at least a year. After a year has elapsed, you may then use the compost in your garden or farm.
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Reasons for Composting Shrimp Shells
You already understand that composting is the method of adding organic material to a compost pile. Composting, therefore, is one way of saving organic waste from reaching landfills.
Asides from this, composting is a method of creating rich organic materials which are useful to your farm or garden.
One advantage of using shrimp shells for composting is that they break down fast. This is so because they are very thin, unlike other shell animals.
Material to Exclude From Your Compost
There are a few materials that should not be added to your compost pile. These items should be excluded as they can easily attract unwanted pests and animals to the pile. These items may also be very toxic. Some toxic materials that should not be included include wood chips coated with paint, ink, chemicals, and fecal matter.
Also, you should not include plants that were likely infected with pests or diseases in the pile. Furthermore, weeds pulled out from the ground should not be included in the compost pile. These infected plants and weeds may be very toxic to the composting process. It is, therefore, best for you to avoid including them.
Using Shrimp Shells Compost as Fertilizers
Because shrimp shells are good for preparing compost, you may wonder if they can be used as fertilizers. The answer is in the affirmative.
Shrimp shells can be used as fertilizers because they contain chitin compounds. This compound slowly adds nitrogen to your soil in a very non-toxic method.
So if you are interested in growing a plant that has a huge nitrogen requirement, shrimp shells may be used as fertilizers.
In addition, shrimp shells usually contain a sufficient amount of calcium carbonate. They can therefore be a good source of calcium for the soil. This means that plants like pear, citrus, lettuce, apple, etc. will benefit from this.
When shrimp shells are used as fertilizers, they get grounded or crushed before being applied to the soil. By doing so, the nutrients contained in the shell are easily absorbed by the soil.
How to Stop Your Shrimp Shells From Smelling?
One thing’s for sure – shrimp shells can smell. And it’s not the kind of smell that you want lingering in your garden, so it’s understanding why you’re worrying about the smell of decomposing shrimp in your garden! This is why you must manage the smell before you even start to compost it. Let’s take a closer look at some tips to stop that awful odor.
While it’s tempting to just add the shrimp shells as they are, we would highly recommend not doing this. When you’re ready to compost your shells, simply place them in boiling water. Boil for around 20 minutes. Then remove them from the water, strain them, and leave them to dry until ready to use.
Another method you can use is to bake your shrimp shells in the oven. After time in the oven, it’ll be easy to grind down your shrimp shells in a blender or food processor (or simply in a bag with a rolling pin!). Once your ground shrimp shells are ready, you can add them to your compost and they’ll definitely be no lingering odor from this method!
Shrimp Shell Nutrition
Shrimp shells are often overlooked and underrated. While they may not seem appealing, they can be full of protein and minerals. You may be wondering what the nutrition is of a shell on shrimp. One serving of shell-on shrimp contains the following:
- calories: 80
- protein: 16g
- fat: 1.5g
- cholesterol: 165mg
- iron: 0.4mg
- calcium: 100mg
- sodium: 840mg
Shrimp Shell Waste Uses
There are many uses for your shrimp shell waste. In fact, in recent years, shrimp waste has been used for several reasons. This is because shrimp shell waste contains many compounds which are useful to many aspects of our lives. The compounds include chitin and pigments. Such compounds are used in a range of areas, such as medical, cosmetics, biotech, and even textiles!
While you’ll be unable to do any of those things from the comfort of your home, you can obviously also use your shrimp shell waste for compost, or one of my other favorite uses is making shrimp stock. They’re typically full of flavor and whatever seafood course you’re making, the shrimp shell waste will complement.
To make a shrimp shell stock, all you need to do is add the shells to a pan of cold water and add some seasoning of your choice, if preferred; such as herbs or peppercorns. Heat over medium heat and leave to boil uncovered for around 15 minutes. At this point, the stock should have changed color and you can simply strain the shells away and add the stock, as needed, to your seafood dishes.
There are many uses of shrimp shell waste in everyday life; even in your kitchen and garden!
Final Note: Can You Compost Shrimp Shells?
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: can you compost shrimp shells? Shrimp shells as we have seen above are great for preparing compost. The right procedure must however be followed by you in composting shrimp shells. Following the above will definitely help you attain your desired goal of preparing shrimp compost.
Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to composting shrimp shells? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
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FAQs
Can I put shrimp shells in my compost pile?
Shrimp shells are a valuable resource. They’re an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which are both needed for plant growth. You can use them to fertilize your garden or plant them in a flower bed. But if you’re adding them to your compost bin, you’ll need to do a little pre-composting first. The first step is to remove the hard outer shell. You can do this with a hammer and chisel, but a more convenient method is to use an electric grinder. This method will make sure you get every last bit of the shell out of the shrimp. Next, shred the soft parts of the shrimp by hand. You don’t have to be too careful here, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t forget to save the shells for the next step! You can now put the shrimp shells into a compost bin or pile, where they will decompose over time. Make sure to check on the progress regularly, as the process can take up to 6 months to complete. 1. Mix the Shrimp Shells with the Other Ingredients You’ll want to add the shrimp shells to your soil at a rate of about 25% of the total amount of other ingredients. If you don’t have any extra, you can also buy a bag of pre-mixed organic compost. 2. Add the Compost to Your Garden Once you have the shrimp shells mixed in with the other ingredients, you’ll want to start adding them to your garden. You can start by spreading them out on a flat surface, then adding more to the center of your garden. This is because the bacteria in the compost will quickly work to break down the shell particles, which will help it be easier for you to add it to your garden. 3. Monitor Your Garden When it comes to composting, it’s important to keep an eye on it to make sure the process continues to run smoothly. The best way to do this is to check on it regularly, as you’ll want to see if there’s any noticeable change in color or smell. If there is, you may want to take a closer look at the reason why. For example, if the compost has become very dark or wet, this could mean that the worms have died or that the process has stopped altogether. Either way, you’ll want to take steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
How long does shrimp shell take to decompose?
The answer depends on the amount of calcium carbonate present in the shell, as well as the temperature. If there is little calcium carbonate in the shell, then it can be broken down within a few weeks. However, if there is more calcium carbonate in the shell, then it takes much longer.
Is it OK to put prawn shells in compost?
Yes, this is fine.
You can use them in your compost bin. They will not harm your plants, but will break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. It will take longer than other materials such as straw or wood chips.
March 4, 2023

Kelp vs Seaweed: Best Uses and Differences

What is the difference between kelp vs seaweed? And why are they used as fertilizer? Isn’t kelp seaweed? What form should I pick (seaweed powder or liquid extract)? I ask myself all those questions when I look at the different organic and/or natural fertilizers available in the gardening market.

I’ll try to answer all those questions in the next lines in the hopes you may choose better about kelp and seaweed with information on your side.

Kelp vs Seaweed – Is There Any Difference?

Seaweed is a word used to name many species of aquatic plants, specifically oceanic ones (hence the sea- prefix). Seaweeds can grow like underwater forests, kelp beds (a type of brown seaweed) cover up to 25% of the world’s coastlines. Seaweeds create ecosystems that can host thousands of other sea creatures such as plankton, seals, fish, jellyfish, and more. Phytoplankton is also considered seaweed because of its immense growth potential.

Seaweed is a term that includes many types of algae, including kelp. Seaweeds grow in many marine environments (oceans, rivers, or lakes), but especially kelp, grows in shallow and cool saltwater along rocky coastlines.

Some of these seaweeds are even called sea vegetables because they’re edible to humans. For example, nori algae (used by the Japanese in sushi and other traditional dishes), dulse, kombu, and wakame. Some seaweeds are medicinal and used mostly to treat skin problems. For more info on seaweeds and kelp, click here to open the National Ocean Service.

Seaweed	Kelp
Include many types of algae red, brown, and green.	Brown type of seaweed
Grown in many marine environments	Only grows in saltwater, along rocky coastlines in depts of 6 to 90 ft. deep
Many different sizes, some of which are microscopic	Large size
Used as a liquid fertilizer from natural seaweed sources	Used as a natural fertilizer and source of trace minerals and usually mixed with fish meal
	Can be found in powder or liquid kelp

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Kelp as a Garden Fertilizer

But how does kelp or seaweed help my garden soil and veggies? On the beaches, these plants prevent sand erosion and maintain the ecosystem healthy by feeding animals, as well as providing shelter.

In the garden, kelp and seaweed turned out to be great fertilizers for any kind of plant/soil nutrition deficiencies. Seaweed is not particularly high in nitrogen or phosphorous, but they contain up to 60 different minerals which are micronutrients (trace elements) for plant health promotion. It also has pest-deterring properties. Pets don’t like the smell of it, which results in keeping them away from the garden.

Seaweeds, including kelp, certainly amend nutrient-depleted soils and improves structure, and water retention rates ultimately end up decomposing, and in the process, they add organic matter to your garden beds, pots, composts, or other fermented fertilizers.

Learn more about How To Use Kelp Meal Fertilizer

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Foraging Seaweed for Fertilizer

If you forage kelp or other seaweeds for fertilizers, follow these tips for better results.

Collect only from the coastlines below the high tide mark, in small quantities, and only what you need.
Know that there’s no need to wash the salt away, it contains minerals and nutrients.
Cut the plants by hand or with grass scissors. Sometimes they hide small stones, sand, or even shells.
Use fresh or dry, both ways are equally nutritious to the soil.
Apply over your garden beds, under the mulch, and in your compost.
If you buy it, it comes available in powder and liquid extracts, and different concentrations. Choose the best suitable for your project. Liquid extract for hydroponic systems seems like a great idea. Seaweed powder is more suitable for growing beds, and pots, and as a compost improver.

For more useful tips and info regarding seaweeds as fertilizers, I recommend the article Seaweed Fertilizer — Using and Composting Seaweed for Your Garden.

Kelp Nutrition Data

When it comes to kelp, you may be wondering what the nutrition data is like. In every two tablespoons of kelp, it contains the following:

calories: 43
fat: 1g
sodium: 233mg
carbohydrate: 10g
dietary fiber: 1g
sugar: 1g
protein: 2g

The following percentages are how much it’ll be as part of your daily recommended intake:

vitamin C: 3%
iron: 17%
calcium: 13%
vitamin A: 2%

The following are all 0%: magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and cobalamin

Nutrition Value of Seaweed

You may also be curious about the nutritional value of seaweed. Every cup of seaweed (which is around 15g), contains the following:

calories: 45
fat: 1g
carbohydrate: 8g
dietary fiber: 1g
protein: 5g

The following percentages are how much it’ll be as part of your daily recommended intake:

folate: 13%
copper: 56%
iron: 21%
riboflavin: 22%
thiamin: 15%
magnesium: 17%

All You Need to Know: Kelp

You may be wondering everything you need to know about kelp when it comes to gardening. Let’s take a closer look.

Kelp isn’t usually used on its own as a fertilizer, it’s most often mixed with other ingredients, such as fish, to promote plant growth. Kelp is used because it’s packed full of micronutrients, which make for a great environment for plants to thrive. Kelp fertilizer can usually be found as a liquid or as a powder.

What many gardens love about kelp is that it’s an organic product, that’s packed full of goodness. As well as helping your plants to thrive, it’s also good for the environment.

To use kelp fertilizer, all you need to do is spray it onto the leaves of your plants. Results can be seen fairly quickly; in around a day or two.

All You Need to Know: Seaweed

Now we know all there is to know about kelp, you may be wondering the same for seaweed in gardening. Let’s take a closer look.

To make seaweed fertilizer, the sea water is usually rinsed and then left to ferment with regular water. Over time, the seaweed will decompose and you’ll be left with a fertilizer to use. Seaweed fertilizer most often comes in liquid form.

The benefits of seaweed are much the same as the benefits of kelp. However, as well as this, they can last in extreme environments and are a hardy fertilizer.

To use seaweed fertilizer, simply spread it around your plants – it is that easy!

Health Benefits of Kelp

When it comes to kelp, as well as being good for your plants, it’s also extremely good for your body too! Let’s see some of the health benefits of kelp.

Sea Kelp is Full of Vitamins. Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin A – sea kelp is bursting with goodness. This goodness can help to keep your eyes, bones, and even your immune system at its best!
Helps with Hair Loss. Kelp is known for containing iodine. And iodine is known for aiding with things like hair loss.
Lower Cholesterol. A study found that kelp can even help your cholesterol levels.

Health Benefits of Seaweed

As well as kelp being good for your body, so is seaweed. Let’s see some of the health benefits seaweed has to offer.

Contains Iodine. Without iodine, thyroid problems may occur – and seaweed is full of iodine!
Good for Gut Health. Seaweed can help replenish the good bacteria your gut needs. And a healthy gut is a happy gut.
Weight Loss Aid. Seaweed can help you feel fuller for longer and doesn’t contain many calories at all.

Conclusion: Kelp vs Seaweed

If you use kelp or any seaweed as fertilizer, there are a few things to consider:

You may forage it in small quantities, always trimming the submerged parts of the seaweed, and avoid collecting it from the beach.
Notice that seaweed foraging may be an illegal practice in your region.

If you liked this post about kelp vs seaweed, and find it useful, please share it with your friends and leave your comments below. We love to read your feedback. And remember, sharing is caring!

FAQs

Is kelp the same as seaweed fertilizer?

No, kelp is not seaweed fertilizer. Kelp is a type of alga (one of the plant kingdom) that can be found in salt water.

It is used for various purposes including fertilizer and food. In fact, it’s one of the most popular seafood supplements out there. Kelp is also commonly known as seaweed because of its similarity to the plant life that grows on land. However, kelp has more in common with plants than seaweed.

It is often referred to as “kelp” or “rockweed” since it is so similar to the plant life on land. There are different types of kelp. One of the most common varieties is Alaria esculenta (macroalgae) which is a type of red algae. This variety is the main source of nutrition for people who consume kelp supplements. Another variety of kelp is Laminaria digitata, which is a type of brown algae. These two types of kelp are found in coastal areas. One of the reasons that people use kelp is because it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great source of iron and iodine. Kelp contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Is kelp a good fertilizer?

Yes it is a good fertilizer. It is a very good source of nitrogen (N) which is needed by plants. The nitrogen is released as ammonia.

This is then used by the plant for photosynthesis. It is also a good source of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorous (P). There are a few problems with kelp though. The biggest problem is that kelp takes a long time to decompose. It can take anywhere from 2 to 10 years. This is because it contains cellulose, which is a natural organic compound.

The cellulose breaks down in soil over time, releasing nutrients. Another problem with kelp is that it tends to build up in rivers and streams.

If you want to use kelp as a fertilizer for your lawn, then it may work well. Kelp contains a lot of nitrogen. However, this nitrogen is locked away inside the plant. You would have to apply the kelp to the soil at least 3 times before the nitrogen gets released into the soil. The other problem is that the kelp is not easy to spread out on the lawn. It needs to be shredded first before it can be applied to the lawn. DKelp is just one more ingredient to add to your fertilizer bag. You should look at what else you can add to your fertilizer to get the most nutrients into your lawn.

Is seaweed the best fertilizer?

Seaweed is the most widely used organic fertilizer. It is used to fertilize the soil, but not the plants. It is used as a source of nitrogen and potassium in the soil. The application rate of seaweed is 1-3% in the soil depending on the type of seaweed. It is very effective for the growth of vegetables because it is rich in potassium and nitrogen, which are very important for plant growth. It is also very effective in controlling the weeds.

March 2, 2023

Nitrogen Rich Foods: 4 Best Foods
One thing about nitrogen is that it plays a key role in biological development. Nitrogen-rich foods are what we will be looking into.
You should know that nitrogen can come in different forms and this can be confusing. Let’s take nitrates and nitrites as an example. They are used to preserve consumable foods, keeping them from getting spoilt by harmful bacteria.
Nitrates and nitrites are also added to processed meat, little wonder they say this type of meat is one of the causes of cancer. Another one is about nitrogen being an important building block for amino acids. Hence, it’s common to find nitrogen present in foods high in protein.
But all nitrates are not bad. There are good ones that provide some benefits with no negative side effects. So let’s find out more.
What Foods Are Rich in Nitrogen: Nitrogen-Rich Foods
Nitrogen is responsible for the production of antibodies in the body system of humans. The regular consumption of foods rich in nitrogen is very important. Furthermore, nitrogen-rich foods are a great recommendation for people that want to keep fit.
This is because when this food gets into the system, rather than for it to be transformed into fat, it is being transformed into carbs. But when we talk about the amount of protein in food, it is referring to the amount of nitrogen in total that is present in that particular food or food group.
If you’re thinking of reducing your appetite, consider having foods that contain protein in every one of your meals.
Also, have it in mind that if you’re trying to keep fit by staying on a protein foods diet and exercising, you will be enjoying benefits like the build-up of new and old muscle material in your body.
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Can Nitrogen Be Harmful?
The reason for the different ways the different types of nitrates and nitrites react, either in a beneficial or harmful way, is because of the compounds they produce.
Toxic compounds can be formed as a result of the acidity of the stomach and cooking with high heat. Processed meat is a very good example that poses a great threat to the body due to how the compounds in it react. It contains the type of compounds that are found in nitrogen-rich foods that turn out to be harmful.
But in this article, the focus will be on healthy nitrogen foods. Also bear in mind that the best healthy nitrogen sources are plant-based protein foods. This is because the protein in them is low. Hence, they won’t get to react much.
Animal-based protein foods are beneficial too. However, most nitrogen is received from plants.
Nitrogen-Rich Foods: Foods High in Nitrogen
1.    Soybeans as Well as Soy Products
Soybean is rich in protein and it is the reason why they are the best choice for a plant-based source of protein. Any product that is made with soybeans, as well as beans, will contain a high level of nitrogen. Soybeans have a high rate of nutrients in them.
This is why it is advisable to always have them incorporated into your diet. However, they pose to have a series of controversial theories about several types of food. These issues, amongst others, are that they contain antinutrient factors and compounds that act like estrogen.
It has also been said that soybeans are genetically modified. This is why a lot of people don’t take soy products.
However, you can’t be too sure about these theories being 100 percent true because there is yet to be any substantial scientific evidence backing them.
But if you’re worried that the number of nutrients you absorb will be reduced by antinutrients, the number of vitamins and minerals you will be getting from soybeans at the end will still be much. Hence, there’s no need to avoid soybeans totally.
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2.    Beans – Nitrogen Rich Foods
Beans are members of the legume family that are great sources of protein and nitrogen also. Well, beans are popularly known to be a high source of protein, affordable, and don’t usually rot quickly. Beans come in varieties, including different types of colors and sizes. Beans also come in varieties of flavors and textures that can determine your choice of a particular meal.
It is good to not only focus on the type of beans you like alone but other types too. This is because every type of bean has different nutrient composition. You can get the best of your beans by soaking them before using them. You get to extract the nutrients easily from the more beneficial beans.
3.    Poultry
Poultry is well known as one of the types of foods high in nitrogen with chicken as the commonly consumed choice. This is because chicken is a lean source of protein which is considered healthy and affordable. Another type of poultry that contains lots of protein and nitrogen is turkey.
4.    Meat – NNitrogen-RichFoods
It is no news that meat is a high source of protein and nitrogen food. Any type of meat can give you lots of protein as well as nitrogen. But bear in mind that all meats are not of the same type, especially when it comes to how healthy one type of meat is than the other.
It is ideal to focus more on consuming lean meat than red meat. It is important to avoid burning and cooking your meat on high heat as this may cause the formation of carcinogens. However, a lot of people still don’t feel part of the variety of meat can pose any threat to their health.
This is common amongst people on a low cab or keto diet. They feel red meat can be highly beneficial to their health as it is high in nutrients.
But as for processed meat, the fact that it poses a great threat to human health can’t be overemphasized. Processed meat, say bacon, increases the risk of cancer. The fact that they may have been preserved with nitrates and nitrites makes it best to avoid them.
How to Give Your Plants Nitrogen
Nitrogen is important for many plants to thrive, so you’ll need to know how to give nitrogen to your plants effectively. Let’s take a look at some of the methods you can use.
- Use Manure. Chicken and horse manure are bursting full of nitrogen. So much so, that you’ll need to compost it first. Simply add the manure to your garden waste and leave it for a few months. Other types of manure you can use include cow, rabbit, and even goat! While it can take a while for your manure to compost, it’s the most effective method of giving your plants the nitrogen they need.
- Use Nitrogen Rich Plants. Some plants will make their nitrogen and add it to the soil when they grow. The most common types of plants that do this are legumes.
- Add Ground Coffee. The best thing about this option is that it can be added directly to your soil. However, you can choose to add to your garden waste and make compost too. If you’re looking for a natural quick fix to ensure your plants have enough nitrogen, ground coffee is a great option.
- Fish Emulsion. As well as being high in nitrogen, it also is filled with many other micronutrients to help your plants too, such as calcium. You can usually buy this from a garden center, or you can even use your own fish tank water, if you have one!
- Use Plant Fertilizer. This is the most obvious way to add nitrogen to your plants. Whether you choose to use an organic fertilizer or a synthetic fertilizer, it’s easy to find fertilizers that contain nitrogen. The first number on the NPK ratio will usually be the nitrogen level, so the higher the number, the higher in nitrogen it will be.
Best Fertilizers With Nitrogen
If you’re wondering what fertilizers are the best that contain high levels of nitrogen, then look no further. Typically, you should look out for fertilizers that contain the following ingredients: urea and ammonium sulfate. Or simply choose one of the following:
Miracle-Gro AAll-PurposePlant Food
While this fertilizer is expensive, it’s worth the extra money, as it’s a well-trusted brand, easy to use, and gets fast results – which is probably everything you’re looking for in a fertilizer. It also comes with a no-scorch guarantee, which means your plants won’t be burned by this fertilizer.
Jobes Houseplant Fertilizer 13-4-5
If you’re looking for a high-nitrogen fertilizer to use inside, then the houseplant fertilizer from Jobes is ideal. It’s odorless, which is ideal for indoor use, easy and useful, and perfect for houseplant care.
Best Organic Nitrogen Sources
If you’re looking for the best organic nitrogen source, then we’re here to help. Here are some of my favorites and why.
- Chicken Manure – easy to obtain, inexpensive , and works well
- Horse Manure – much like chicken manure in that it’s easy to obtain, cheap, works well, and is one of the best
- Blood Meal – comes as a red powder and is very effective. However, it can attract unwanted wildlife because of the smell
- Compost Tea – all you need to do is water your plants with this. You can use manure or compost. Just add compost to the stocking (for example) and submerge it in water. Mix daily and leave for a week or so. Your compost tea is ready!
Why Don’t Legumes Need Nitrogen-Containing Fertilizers?
When it comes to legumes, it’s important not to use nitrogen-rich fertilizers. This is because they make their own nitrogen as they grow.
Conclusion: NNitrogen-RichFoods
Foods high in nitrogen can be pretty beneficial. We have listed some sources that are nitrogen-rich foods to enlighten you. Do you know of any other nitrogen rich foods? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQ’s
Which vegetables are high in nitrogen?
The vegetables that are high in nitrogen are cabbage, spinach, Swiss chard, beets, cauliflower, leek, potato, Asian greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Generally, most leafy greens are a rich source of nitrogen.
Which fruit contains nitrogen?
There are some good numbers of fruits rich in nitrogen. Some of these fruits include citrus fruit, pomegranate, apple, cherry, walnut, and grape.
What foods are high in nitrogen?
Some examples of foods that are high in nitrogen include meat, leafy greens, citrus fruits, garlic, beets, dark chocolate, nuts and seeds, and so on.
What natural foods are high in nitrogen?
Examples of natural foods that are high in nitrogen are beans, almonds, walnuts, lentils, soy-based proteins, seeds, coffee grounds, and so on.
March 2, 2023
Disadvantages Worm Castings: Uses, Benefits and Drawbacks
Worms, especially earthworms, have proven to be more useful to human lives when we started acknowledging their contributions through their environmental and commercial applications.
Through time and research, many technologies have been developed involving our humble ally – worms – like vermi meal production, vermiculture, vermicomposting, and more. But one of the most interesting discoveries about worms is worm casting.
To understand it better, we have put together below the definition, uses, and disadvantages of worm castings, along with other useful information related to this topic.
What is Worm Casting?
Worm casting is the organic waste that went out the rear end of an earthworm – yes, it’s basically worm poop. But if you want the official scientific jargon, you can refer to it as a “fecal nugget”. It is mostly used as fertilizer because of its rich nutritional content.
Some people call it the multivitamins for plants because worm castings are often described as the most potent manure there ever was. Here are some of the nutrients you can find in worm castings aside from the main nutrients your plants need: phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, iron, potassium, and concentrated nitrates.
Like in the human body, worm castings consist of good bacteria, and their microbial activity is 20 times greater than their digested soil which effectively supports plant growth.
With its remarkable versatility in vitamins and minerals, you can substitute any nutritional gap you would have in growing any kind of plant you want. The best part is, all the nutrients your plant needs will be consumed immediately as it is water-soluble.
If you have a business that would require a lot of worm castings, there is no need to fret as there are already worm castings out in the market because people actually thought they could grow a business using worms, and they’re absolutely right!
Read more about Worms in Compost: Are they a Friend or a Foe?
Worm Casting vs. Vermicomposting
Worm casting and vermicomposting are often confused as one thing, but technically speaking, they are two related, but different things.
Vermicomposting is how worms help in reducing waste along with other organic wastes (leftover food and composted bedding) and vermicompost is the product of this worm compost system. You know you’ve found high-quality vermicompost when it contains a high percentage of worm castings.
This particular way of composting is very trendy in urban areas these days as it can easily be done even in the comfort of your own home. You can even find a composting bin just big enough to fit under your kitchen sink.
To cut it short, worm castings are pure worm poop while vermicompost cannot exist without worm castings and contains other composted materials. They are both very rich in nutrients and are used to help your plants grow healthy.
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Uses of Worm Casting
We have listed below some of the most known common uses of worm casting:
- Seed germination
When you mix worm castings with your seed starter it provides the nutrients for new seedlings that boost growth. The new soil mix will hold moisture around the young seedlings providing added protection.
When it’s time to transplant your plants, you may add a cup of worm casting into the soil which would protect them from different diseases for a long time.
- Side dressing
You can choose to either dig deeper or sprinkle this natural fertilizer around your plant. You don’t have to worry about the exact amount because your plant won’t suffer even if you use too much.
If you’re planning on using it for outdoor plants, we suggest putting a handful on all sides of the base and then watering it. This would greatly prevent pests from bringing trouble to your plants. Now for indoor plants, you can use 2-3 tablespoons, depending on size.
- Lawn conditioning
When you use soil for so long, it tends to lose its potency and become barren and it’s your responsibility to rejuvenate it. Adding worm castings is the finest choice as it would greatly help bring back the previous health of your soil.
Worm castings prevent soil from drying out as it makes your soil more absorbent, consistently making moisture available to your plants.
- Liquid fertilizer
Commonly known as “worm-casting tea” but this is definitely not for human consumption. This tea can be diluted with water and you can use it as an alternative for watering your plants. Just steep some worm castings in water like you would when making your own tea to drink.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Worm Casting
As we all know, “there’s always two sides to a coin” so if there are advantages to using worm castings, there are also disadvantages and we have listed both below for you.
Advantages
- Plant superfood – the most obvious advantage of worm casting is its nutrient-packed quality.
- Neutral level of pH – this controls your soil’s acidic condition.
- Protection – worm castings extract harmful toxins, bad bacteria, and fungi; at the same time containing good bacteria and beneficial microbes which help prevent diseases for your plant.
- Natural pest repellent – some pests such as scale insects, aphids, spider mites, and the like do not like the fecal nugget of worms so they avoid it.
- Additional worms for your soil – some worm eggs may be left in your castings, so when those eggs hatch, they will be a great addition to your garden. Worms help break down even heavy metal deposits in your soil making it metal-free and healthy!
Read more about Organic Solution Premium Worm Castings: Natural Nutrient for Plants
Disadvantages
- You will need more fertilizers – worm casting is not enough fertilizer for other plants, especially for some that require macronutrients.
- Not suitable for acid-loving plants – acidic plants would not do well in a neutral pH range.
- It takes time – some casting may take months before it can be used because as we all know, worms are not that big so it takes them a while to produce enough casting.
How Long Does it Take For Worm Castings to Work?
Several factors influence how long it takes for worm castings to work. This includes the type of plants you grow, the soil condition, the application rate, and the method you follow. It can take a few weeks to months before worm castings begin to work.
How Often Should I Harvest Worm Castings?
If you have a worm bin or compost bin where you raise worms, you can harvest their castings on an ongoing basis as needed.
To harvest worm castings, remove the top layer of bedding and compost material from the bin and set it aside. The castings will be in the lower layers. You can then mix the castings into your soil or use them as a top dressing on top of the soil around your plants.
You should try to harvest worm castings every few weeks. As the worms consume the organic matter in the bin, they produce more castings. You’ll have castings available every month.
What is the Ph Level Of Worm Castings?
The pH. of worm castings varies. How acidic they depend on the type of organic materials the worms feed on and the conditions in the worm bin. Generally, worm castings have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, typically in the range of 6.5-7.5.
It is important to note that the pH of worm castings can be affected by the pH of the materials that the worms were fed, as well as the pH of the water used to moisten the bedding in the worm bin. The pH of worm castings can also be affected by the conditions in the worm bin, including the temperature, moisture level, and ventilation. If the conditions in the worm bin are not optimal, the pH of the castings may be lower or higher than the typical range.
Worm casting is a good source of nutrients for plants. They can also help improve the structure and fertility of the soil. However, if the pH of the worm castings is significantly different from the optimal pH of your plants, you might have to adjust the pH of your soil before using the castings. You can add sulfur or lime to lower or raise the Ph.
Are There Nematodes in Worm Castings?
Nematodes are tiny, thread-like worms found in soil and can be beneficial or harmful to plants, depending on the species. Some nematodes are predatory and can help control pest populations, while others are plant-parasitic and can cause damage to plants.
Worm castings may contain nematodes. These are common in soil and can be present in the organic materials fed to worms. If your worm castings include nematodes, it is unlikely that you have reason to worry.
What Vegetables Like Worm Castings?
Worm castings are a rich source of nutrients and beneficial microbes that can help improve soil health and plant growth. Many veggies will benefit if you add worm castings to their growing environment. These include:
- Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale
- Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprouts
- Root vegetables, like carrots, beets, and radishes
- Solanaceous vegetables, like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants
- Legumes, like beans and peas
You should use worm castings in moderation. They can be high in nutrients and may cause damage when applied in excess. I recommend not using more than 10-20% worm castings by volume in your soil mix.
Worm Casting Benefits
When it comes to worm castings, there are many benefits to using them at any point during the growing season. In simple terms, it can help your plants to grow better, improve the retention of water to keep your plants moist, and also protect your plants from any unwanted diseases. Let’s take a more in-depth look at just a few benefits of worm castings.
- Helps Water Retention. Think of worm castings like a sponge. If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your plants and soil moist, worm castings are the way.
- Helps to Reduce Erosion. As worm castings are so great at holding water, this also significantly lowers the chances of soil erosion.
- Improves the CEC. The higher this is, the higher the fertility of your soil.
- Easy Way to Give Nutrients. It can be tricky to ensure your plants receive the correct amount of nutrients, in an accessible way; but worm castings provide just that.
- Helps pH Levels. As their pH level is neutral, they can help to make your soil either more neutral or more acidic; depending on what you’re looking for.
- Aids Structure. Helps to strengthen soils that can be tricky to work with, such as clay or sand.
This is only a small selection of ways worm castings can help your plants and soil, but the list is endless!
Worm Casting Sifter – Which Size is Best?
One of the handiest tools when working with worm castings is a worm-casting sifter. As well as worm castings, it can work with other things in your garden, such as compost. Just like a sieve, it helps to separate products. The size of your sifter depends on what size worms you’re working with. For example, adult worms will need a sifter that’s at least 1/4 inch. However, if you’re using baby worms, you’ll only need around 1/8 inch sifter.
What Color Should Castings Be: Black Worm Castings
You may be wondering what the optimal color of your worm castings should be. The truth is, they should be small, and resemble small footballs. The color should be a deep black. The darker the castings are, the richer the nutrients will be for your plants and soil.
Can You Use Worm Castings and Fertilizer Together?
Of course! It’s suggested that you use them together. They are two different products, that provide different benefits to your plants and soil. Worm castings are mainly used to benefit your soil, while the fertilizer is mainly used on your plants themselves to ensure they have the nutrients they need.
Are Worm Castings Good For Succulents?
Worm castings are perfect for many plants; one of which being succulents. They are very versatile and can be used for many plants. They’re filled with goodness that will aid your succulent plants to grow.
Can I Use Worm Castings During Flowering?
As mentioned, worm castings are extremely versatile. For this reason, they can be used at any point of growth. Whether you want to use them before flowering, or during; you can do so with ease. Whatever the season, whatever the time of year, you can add worm castings to your plants and soil.
How Do You Start a Worm Casting Farm?
Starting a worm-casting farm can be a fun way to produce a valuable soil amendment and reduce waste simultaneously. Here are the basic steps for creating a worm-casting farm:
Materials you’ll need:
- Worms
- Worm or compost bins
- Bedding materials (shredded newspaper, straw, coconut coir)
- Worm food (kitchen scraps)
Follow these steps:
1. Set up your worm bin in a cool location that’s out of direct sunlight.
2. Place a layer of bedding material in the bottom container and add your worms.
3. Add a layer of food on top of the bedding and cover it with another layer of bedding. Keep the bedding moist.
4. Ensure the temperature in your worm bin is between 55-77°F (13-25°C). This will keep the worms healthy.
5. Add food to the bin as needed. You should also turn the bedding and food once or twice a week to provide oxygen to the materials.
6. In a few weeks, there will be worm castings to harvest. You can harvest the castings by scooping them out of the bin.
You can use the worm castings in your garden or sell them to others.
Conclusion: Advantages and Disadvantages Worm Castings
To wrap this up, worm casting truly is one of the most amazing products of nature. It has very easy procedures that produce excellent results. Though there are a few drawbacks when it comes to worm casting, there are more than enough benefits to balance it out.
With that, we hope you have a finer understanding regarding worm casting through this article, enough to help you start your next gardening project. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to working with worm castings? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How often should I use worm castings?
You can use worm casting on the top of your soil every month and all through the growing season. Reapplying worm casting monthly to your topsoil will keep your plants looking healthy and exceptional.
Use 0.6ml per 6 inches of worm casting of the container diameter and mix the casting inside your potted plants’ soil. Or you can simply sprinkle 1, 2, or 3 tablespoons of worm casting all over the stem of your potted plants. Water them well after doing this. If you unknowingly applied a bit of extra worm casting, do not worry. It won’t burn or distress your plant.
Is worm casting better than compost?
There is not much difference between worm casting and composting. However, worm casting has more nutrients than compost coupled with a refined and enhanced profile that aids aeration and soil moisture.
Therefore, they are a great option for small-scale vegetable gardens because of their high-level nutrient contents. Also, worm compost is pretty expensive to buy in comparison to compost and several soil additives. In addition, it is not so easy making worm casting by oneself, unlike compost.
On the other hand, compost as well contains organic matter that has decomposed into rich humus. But its nutrients are not as rich as worm casting. Compost is affordable and easy to make by yourself therefore you can get compost for free.
Can you use too many worm castings?
You should not use too much worm casting, always use the right amount. This way, the nutrient levels provided by worm casting will not be too much. However, using a little extra worm casting will not harm or burn your plants, unlike chemical fertilizers. This is because worm casting is mainly organic.
How long do worm castings last?
Although most potting soil nutrient life is about 2 to 5 days. Worm casting can last 6 times longer than most potting soil.
Also, worm casting can be stored for up to 6 months or even longer and it depends on how you store them. Storing worm casting away from ultraviolet light and a constant temperature will make them last longer.
What is the NPK of worm castings?
A survey done on worm casting shows that they are abundant in over 60 micronutrients including calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, potash, magnesium, sulfur, and iron. Also, the NPK ratio for worm casting is 5:5:3.
The worm-casting nutrient content is higher than compost. For this reason, the rate at which worm compost is applied is lower and a single application works wonders. The worm-casting nutrient contains microbes that aid in plant disease resistance and deter harmful insects.
Worm casting is water-soluble and makes vital nutrients and trace minerals readily accessible to plants. They are purely organic making them essentially safe than chemical fertilizers.
Another great thing apart from the rich nutrient they provide, worm casting also retains moisture which is vital for plants to successfully pass through drought periods. They will as well enhance your soil structure and aeration.
March 2, 2023
Scoria vs Pumice: Pros and Cons for Growing
Today we are going to discuss scoria vs pumice for soil amendment in succulents. They are both minerals that are widely used in gardening, but for different things. Some people argue if they are good for succulents and why. Let us discuss their pros and cons.
Growing succulents is very popular, and I have a soft spot in my heart for them. They are so easy to keep, as they usually prefer negligence rather than constant attention, and they look so nice when correctly displayed. This, though, can be intimidating for an avid gardener, as one may think that it is outrageous to leave the plants be and not care for them that much. But that is exactly what succulents need. The best way to make sure succulents can thrive in your garden is to choose the right soil for them.
What Type of Soil Do Succulents Need?
Growing succulents in areas where the soil is not their preferred type to grow in can be challenging if you do not know what they need to thrive. The main issue you may run into is overwatering.
What happens is that not any soil will work with these plants. They are a type of cactus, so they do not need much water at all to live. If you plant them in moist soil, they will die, although that may seem counterintuitive to some gardeners.
The first thing to know is that you need a well-draining potting mix. That means, it needs to be a porous type of soil and it needs to drain water really well. If it traps water, you will drown the plants.
You can buy a pre-packaged succulent soil mix or a porous soil mix, but it is cheaper to make your own. This way you can also control all the ingredients that go in it and assure yourself you will not overwater the plants.
What is Scoria?
Scoria is a small grain of red lava. It can be found coarsely or finely milled, like sand. It is formed in basaltic magma, which means that it comes from lava that is flowing. It is a type of rock that has many air bubbles trapped in it and that is why, when milled, it remains porous.
Its color makes it very beautiful and it is usually used in landscaping. Many people prefer the flashy red look of it to decorate their gardens.
Is scoria good for planting succulents?
As a soil alternative, 100% scoria is not the greatest idea for succulents. It has higher-than-expected water retention which is associated with the high surface area and little holes that the rocks have. This makes it heavy and can lead to succulents dying from overwatering.
If you are going to add scoria to your planting mix, we recommend using a larger ground and washing all the dust before mixing it into the soil. The dust can prevent airflow and trap too much-unwanted moisture next to the roots.
This could also be detrimental, though, because the larger it is, the more chance it has of damaging the roots of your succulents. It has sharp edges and a heavy root.
What is Pumice?
Pumice is the preferred type of lava rock that is used as a soil amendment for succulents. It is different from scoria in that this rock is formed from the actual eruption of a volcano. Its reaction to air and extreme heat then creates a froth that then becomes a felsic rock. That is pumice.
Felsic means that it is composed of light minerals, so it is lighter than scoria. It is white and that is why many landscapers prefer scoria to finish up their garden look. But this color difference means that it is composed of different minerals and has different, although similar, properties.
Is pumice good for succulents?
Pumice has 70 or more trace minerals that are readily accessible to plants because of its thin layers. It is volcanic glass and not rock. This is why it is lighter than scoria, which is a rock. Pumice will float when first dropped into water, for example.
After a while, it will sink, though. This is because all of its little nooks and crannies will hold water. This is also what happens when you water pumice-rich soil. Pumice will hold water and slowly release it as the plant needs it.
It will seem bone dry to the touch but it’s holding moisture, just not right next to the roots, which can lead to rotting.
What is Scoria and How Does it Differ From Pumice: Scoria vs Pumice
As mentioned, both scoria and pumice are types of volcanic rock. However, scoria is much darker in color and is usually red, black, or brown. The comparison between the two is that while pumice is light in color, scoria is dark in color. While pumice is low in density, scoria is high in density. While pumice has small vesicles, scoria has large vesicles. And while pumice has thin vesicle walls, scoria has thick vesicle walls. However, their similarities are that they’re both volcanic rocks and they both may contain crystals.
Scoria Texture – What is it Like?
You may be wondering what the texture of scoria is like. Both scoria and pumice rock have a vesicular texture. This simply means that it contains holes.
Pumice and Scoria Rock Type – Are Pumice & Scoria Igneous Rock?
There are many types of rock and you may be wondering what types of both pumice and scoria are. Both pumice and scoria are types of igneous rock; which simply means they’re made from molten lava. They’re both vesicular in texture and come from volcanoes. While scoria is usually red, pumice is most often white.
What Plants to Use Scoria For?
You can use scoria in your soil for many plants. However, I’ve found that it works best for garden beds and plants such as tomatoes, flowers, and herbs.
What Plants to Use Pumice For?
You can use pumice in your soil for plants such as succulents and cacti. If a plant needs good drainage, then pumice is sure to help. You can also use pumice for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and flower pots. However, for smaller plants, it’s best to use finely crushed pumice.
Benefits of Using Pumice
There are many benefits when it comes to using pumice in your gardening. Let’s take a closer look at why you should add this rock to your list of gardening essentials.
- Pumice is Heavy. While this may seem like a drawback, it’s absolutely not when you’re working with plants that are top-heavy and need that support and structure to thrive.
- Helps Waterlogging. As pumice is often recommended for plants that require good drainage, they’re great at ensuring your plants aren’t drowning and potentially rotting. Pumice’s main function is that it retains any water your plants do not need to thrive.
- Versatile. Pumice can be used in any type of soil, so is a staple for your gardening needs. As well as this can also be used as mulch, as it’s hardy and can last for long periods.
Benefits of Using Scoria
There are also many benefits of using scoria in your gardening. Let’s take a closer look.
- - Great Water Retention. Much like pumice, it can be helpful for plants that require good drainage. This is an ideal environment for many plants to thrive; particularly if you have a lot of rainfall or waterlogging issues.
  - Protection. As scoria is a hardy rock, it works great as mulch and provides a protective barrier to your plants, from issues such as erosion.
  - Less Care. To keep maintenance of some soil can be hard work, but this is not the case for scoria. It requires little effort at all as it’s so long-lasting.
Conclusion: Scoria vs Pumice
Both of these ingredients will lighten the soil, but pumice will hold more air and water than scoria does, while at the same time providing lightness to the soil and not damaging any roots or leaving the plants open to infections.
Another thing is that scoria is rich in fluoride. Succulents do not like this component in their soil, they are really sensitive to it. This is why it is not recommended to water succulents with tap water, especially if you live in a city.
Scoria is great to use as a topper. It looks amazing and prevents pests, insects, and rodents from coming near your plants -to an extent. Pumice is best to add to your soil because of its many benefits.
Scoria is still going to be a better option to add to your soil than aquarium gravel or pea gravel because it is going to be a lot more porous. These are more space fillers and do not provide aeration.
If scoria is more readily available to you, try it out! Bear in mind that, as it is heavier, if you use it in bigger pots they are going to be more difficult to move around. It should be fine to try in smaller pots. Do not try it with young plants, though, as they need to keep moistened for the first year.
What is your favorite type of additive to grow your succulents or other plants? Leave a comment below with your tips and tricks, we would love to know and share them with the community!
FAQs
Is Perlite or Pumice Better For Succulents?
Both perlite and pumice are great for succulents. However, pumice may a better option only if they are meant for taller plants. Pumice weight will provide an anchor that will prevent your pot or container from being overturned or capsized. Pumice is also durable and heavier material than perlite.
However, pumice may be difficult to purchase and they are higher in price than perlite.
Succulents require adequate drainage; this is where perlite and pumice come in. Both perlite and pumice are soil amendments for succulents mixed with potting soil to enhance soil aeration and excellent water drainage.
Where Can I Buy Pumice Plants?
Here are the following places you can buy pumice for your plants from:
-You can find a vast variety of pumice for your gardening needs from the Amazon online shopping store.
-You can also buy pumice from stores like Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.
-Hess pumice offers various grades of pumice products that you can also buy in various garden centers closer to you.
How Do You Apply Pumice to Plants?
You can notice enough soil improvements by combining as little as 10% pumice with your garden soil mix. To enhance the porosity of plants such as succulents, apply 25% pumice mixed with 25% soil. You should also mix 25% compost and 25% large-grain soil. To improve soil drainage for plants that are susceptible to root rot such as euphorbia, mix 50% pumice with potting soil. Ideally, the general rule is to combine an equal amount of pumice with potting soil for potted succulents. For cacti plants, you can mix 60% pumice with 40% potting soil. You can also use pumice as a top dresser to mop up stagnant rainwater around plants.
Is Lava Rock the Same as Pumice?
Lava and pumice are of both volcanic origins. They are however slightly different. They differ by color, density, element composition, vesicle size, and water retention capacity.
Pumice is lighter because of the air mixed in it, while lava rock is denser. Lava rock also has bigger vesicles and thicker vesicle walls than pumice.
Lava is a type of scoria rock and it is a molten rock released from a volcano during an eruption. The subsequent rock solidifies and cools to result in lava rock, while pumice is a mixture of volcanic ash and rock.
Lava rock, just like pumice, is great for enhancing drainage and they are great for succulents. However, pumice comes in a better size and structure for your plant use.
What Causes the Frothy Appearance of Pumice and Scoria?
The frothy appearance of pumice and scoria is caused by the aggressive eruption from volcanic which shoots the lava out filling it with gas.
Both pumice and scoria are extrusive rocks. They are usually molded outwards of the volcano, especially at the upper part of the lava flow. The upper part of the scoria turns extremely frothy and after they must have cooled down. The air in the lava then expands and breaks free creating an air hole in the rock.
March 2, 2023
How to Make Potash (Best Step-by-Step Guide)
Potash is derived from the word potassium and it is also referred to as fertilizer potassium. Potash is a natural element or a natural nutrient for both plants as well as human beings. How to make potash is what we would like to talk about.
This natural element is essential for plants as well as humans to get adequate nutrition to grow properly. Historically, potash has been used to make soap and glass. It has also been used as a drying agent in food and as an animal feed ingredient.
Even though potash is fairly easy to make, it can still require a little effort to know how to go about it. Now, in this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make potash, so keep on reading for some insight on this.
But before we look into how to make potash, let’s quickly look into some information on potash.
About Potash
Potash is also known as the potassium salt. It comes from an early production technique whereby potassium was leached from wood ashes. Then the resulting substance was then concentrated by evaporating the leachate in big iron pots (“pot-ash”).
So, in those days, potassium is usually extracted from the ashes of burnt wood. However, this practice is no longer used due to several environmental issues.
The very first patent in the US is potash. It was first patented in 1790 and it still remains an essential product today.
Potash is primarily used as an agricultural fertilizer and this is mainly because it is a great source of soluble potassium. This potassium is one of the main plant macronutrients alongside nitrogen and phosphorus (i.e. NPK).
This potash can be used in making soap and textiles softer. Potash can be used as a fertilizer to improve your garden soil nutrient. It can also be used in the prevention of plant diseases or you can use them as an insecticide by applying them to bugs directly.
Sources Where Potash Are Derived From
Since the old way of deriving potash is not safe and unreliable, where then does today’s potash come from? Here are two ways potash is sourced:
1. From Ancient Sea
A time came when an ancient sea dried up. Then the marine salt concentration on the resulting dry land left an abundant residue of minerals and this mineral included potash. This residue is found in the dead sea of Israel and it has produced valuable sources of potash with ICL. They are one of the world’s top producers of potash that sells over 4.5 million tons yearly.
1. Mining
Another source of potash fertilizer is from mining a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world. Now, these are then processed to take out impurities and then converted into a variety of fertilizers.
There is also another mining operation that occurs in Catalonia, Spain through its subsidiary, ICL Iberia Suria and Sallent (IBP).
How to Make Potash: Guide to Follow
Follow this procedure to learn how to make potash:
Step 1: Addition of water and nitrate
Use a measuring cup of 100 milliliters to measure water, then use another measuring cup to measure 40mg of nitrate. Then pour it into the cup.
Step 2: Stir completely
Pour the mixed solution above into a beaker and begin to stir slowly until it mixes completely.
Step 3: Get a hot pan to pour into
Use filter paper to sieve the solution and ensure there are no insoluble particles left. Then get a saucepan and pour the solution into it (water and nitrate). Then begin to heat it.
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Step 4: Potassium chloride addition
Get 37 gms of potassium chloride and slowly pour it into the saucepan and begin stirring the solution until all is mixed. Make sure you maintain the heat at a medium temperature range and avoid boiling the solution. Then keep on stirring.
Step 5: Filter then freeze
After properly mixing the solution, get another filter paper and filter the solution into a freezer-safe container. Again, make sure no solid particles are left out.
Step 6: Crystallization
Once you’ve placed the solution into the freezer, crystallization will begin to form. Then you can take out the container from the freezer once you’ve noticed the total solution has turned completely crystal.
Step 7: Excess liquid should be drained out
You should drain out the extra liquid. So, in case you see some liquid residue at the bottom of the container, you should just drain out the extra liquid. This is to further ensure that no liquid is left and all you’ve got is crystal.
Step 8: Dry the crystal
Next, allow the crystal to dry for a while. Then once they are finally dried, the dried crystal can be applied to your plant as a potash fertilizer.
So, there you go. You can see how easy it can be to make potash fertilizer with the right knowledge.

Sources of Potash From Nature
There are some excellent sources of potash from nature, and they include:
- Potassium sulfate (K2SO4)- Sulfate of potash
- Potassium Chloride(KCl)- Muriate of Potash
- Potassium thiosulfate (K2S2O3)
- Potassium-magnesium sulphate(K2SO4-2MgSO4)
- Potassium nitrate (KNO3)
The potash or potassium content present in each of the fertilizers mentioned above is pretty nutritious for plants no matter the source. However, the only difference between each of the fertilizers listed above is the element that follows the potassium compound.
You should also note that each of the added elements has its own function and acts differently when supplied to crops as fertilizers.
How to Make Potash From Wood Ashes
You can make your own potash in a range of ways. While you can buy it, it’s super easy to make yourself and you need very few products to make it happen. While wood ash is the most common type of ash to use, you can also use other plant ashes, such as ashes from vines, bean stalks, ferns, and thistles. For wood ash, the best wood ash to use is either from coniferous or deciduous trees.
This guide will make around 60g of potash. For this, you’ll need the following products:
- 400g of wood ash (either from coniferous or deciduous trees)
- 4L of drinking water
Now all you need to do is:
1. Add both the wood ash and drinking water to a pot and leave for around 10-12 hours. After this time, stir.
2. Next, you’ll need to use filter paper to filter the mixture. Alternatively, you can bring it to a boil in the pot it’s in.
3. Once you have a clear mixture, boil on medium heat and heat until the water has completely evaporated. You should stir often throughout. At this point, a powder should be left behind. This is your potash!
4. Store your potash in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for the best results.
What is the Ash Composition of Potassium Hydroxide?
This is simply the fancy name for potash. Wood ashes contain both potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. Because of the high amount of potassium and the use of ashes, this is how it gets the name potash.
Advantages of Potash
When it comes to potash, there are many advantages and reasons why you’ll want to add it to your garden. Let’s take a closer look.
- Potash is a natural resource, as opposed to chemical fertilizers, which is one of the main appeals of the product
- You can easily make this natural fertilizer yourself at home
- If you do buy it, it’s much more affordable than other fertilizers
- It’s easy to use on your plants
- It’s considered a nontoxic product
- It’s renewable, which means that it’s much better for the environment than say chemical fertilizers
Disadvantages of Potash
While there are many advantages of potash, like most things in life, it does come with some disadvantages and negative effects too. It can cause problems for both animals and people. Let’s take a closer look.
As the name suggests, it has a high amount of potassium. Unfortunately, if not used correctly, potassium can cause hyperkalemia. This simply means an abundance of potassium in your body. This can cause a range of problems to your body, and in the most extreme cases, can even cause death.
In terms of the problems it can cause with your plants, potash can either make your soil too alkaline or too acidic – yes, it can cause either! If you have too much acid in your soil, it may mean your plants don’t grow as well as they should. And if you have too much alkaline in your soil, they may simply cease to grow, period!
While there are a few disadvantages of potash, I believe the advantages far outweigh the negatives. Just be sure to use your potash correctly.
Final Thoughts: How to Make Potash
Potash is a type of fertilizer that is very useful when added to our garden crops and it can also be referred to as potassium.
Apart from adding them to our plants as fertilizers, there are also other uses for this substance. For instance, it can be used as a drying agent for food, it can be used for making soaps or glass, and you can also use it as animal feed.
In this article, we have given you a step-by-step guide on how you can make potash. So, we do hope we have been able to enlighten you on the question: of how to make potash.
Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to making potash? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How to make potash fertilizer?
As of today, potash fertilizer comes from either underground or solution mining. Using mining method, a variety of geological potassium salt deposits around the world is mined to derive potash fertilizer. Then from the bottom of the sea when dried up, the residue minerals left from the dried sea contains also potash.
How to make liquid potash fertilizer?
Banana peels with 3 eggshells should be dried. Then combine them with Epsom salt and grind the mixture into powder form. Add water into the powder. Shake and water your plants with this liquid potash.
How to make potash from wood ashes?
Burn some woods in an enclosed area. An extra tip is not making use of any tree branch as this will leave to become black ashes. Then make sure the woods burn to about 2 hours and you can have your potash.
How to make organic potash fertilizer?
You can make organic potash fertilizer from hardwood ashes, kelp meal, and green-sand. Making a homemade organic potash fertilizer reduces wastage and the best part is that it does not require measuring or mixing ingredients.
March 2, 2023
When to Harvest Broccolini – The Best Time
Knowing when to harvest broccolini is important so you can ensure it will have the most flavor and nutrients. The best time to harvest is once the heads have matured but before they can flower otherwise you will lose the beauty of your vegetables.
Broccolini, cauliflower, and kale are all cruciferous vegetables. They all share a similar nutritional profile with many vitamins and minerals.
The most important difference between these vegetables is that broccoli has a high level of indole-3-carbinol (I3C). I3C is an anti-cancer compound that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, another potent anti-cancer compound.
Broccolini is a member of the brassica family which includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and cabbage. Created by crossbreeding broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It is very similar to broccoli, however, it has longer, thinner stalks and smaller florets.
Broccolini is very similar to cauliflower as they both have the same size, shape, and taste. The key difference between them is that broccolini is more tender than cauliflower. Broccolini is a cool-weather crop and it is grown in the northern hemisphere.
When to Harvest Broccolini – The Best Time
Broccolini is best harvested when it is young as it will get larger and harder when it grows. Broccolini takes about 48 to 60 days depending on the type and growing conditions you provide. It is best planted in the spring for the summer harvest.
In some areas, you can plant them in the late summer for a fall harvest. Broccolini is an annual vegetable but it can be grown in cooler climates where broccoli would not grow. In warmer climates, it is grown as a biennial vegetable.
How to Harvest Broccolini
Now that you know when to harvest broccolini, it’s also important to know how to do it. Broccolini can be harvested in many different ways.
The easiest way to harvest broccolini is to just pick it off. Cutting the stalks with scissors will remove the leaves from the stalk and leave the broccolini intact.
Alternatively, you can cut the stalks at the base with a sharp knife or scissors. This will leave the broccolini intact but cut off the top part of the stalk.
Broccolini is usually sold in bunches of three, so when harvesting, cut off three bunches and use the scissors to cut the stalks in half. You may have to do this process a few times before the stems are cut in half.
Once you have cut off the heads of broccolini, you should store them in the refrigerator. Store the broccolini in an airtight container with the stems facing down.
If you are cutting the broccolini into individual pieces, you will need to separate each piece from the rest. Use your hands or a spoon to gently pull the individual pieces out from the bunch. Once you have picked the broccolini, rinse it under cold water and pat dry.
How to Cook Broccolini – When to Harvest Broccolini
You can cook the broccolini by boiling it or sauteing it. To boil the broccolini, add a large amount of water to a pot, bring the water to a boil, and then add the broccolini. Let the broccolini simmer in the water for 5-10 minutes, until the broccolini is cooked through.
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To sautee broccolini, heat one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the broccolini and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the broccolini is cooked through.
Broccolini is used as a vegetable in several dishes. It is also a popular side dish as it can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is often stir-fried, steamed, or sauteed and can even be used as a pizza topping.
Broccolini can be used to make soup and salads, and it’s sometimes used to make pasta dishes.
Read more about the Top 9 Plants That Like High Phosphorus
The Benefits of Broccolini – When to Harvest Broccolini
- Broccolini is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories. It has a low-fat content. The nutritional value of broccolini is comparable to other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage.
- Broccolini is rich in many vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, and folate. It is also rich in manganese, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, beta-carotene, and fiber.
- Broccolini is an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin C. Broccolini is best harvested when the heads are mature. It can be harvested from the end of June through the end of August.
- Broccolini is a good source of dietary fiber.
- It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids. It is an excellent source of lysine and methionine.
Broccolini Plant Stages
When it comes to the broccolini plant, it goes through many stages before it becomes the delicious vegetable we enjoy with our lunches and dinners. It’s considered a tricky plant to grow, but it certainly doesn’t have to be – just as long as you have the right knowledge.
Before you plant, you should add a few inches of compost to your soil and then add a layer of mulch on top to ensure the best environment for your broccolini to thrive.
Once your seeds are planted, you should ensure that you’re watering your broccolini often. They’re thirsty plants and need around 1-2 inches of water per week. If the soil looks dry at any point, be sure to add more water.
If you notice any discoloration of the leaves, you may want to apply liquid feed. You can also add fertilizer to ensure the best results.
Your plants should now be thriving and when they reach around 8 inches in height, you can add more soil around the stems. This will encourage the broccolini itself to grow; which is, of course, the part that you harvest.
Broccolini Yellow Flowers – What Are They?
You may have noticed that your broccolini has yellow flowers. If this has occurred, there’s no need for concern as this part of the plant is completely edible. It simply means the plant is bolting. This tends to happen in hotter climates. If yellow flowers have appeared on your broccolini, it’s likely to taste slightly different. This part of the vegetable has a peppery taste, which I, personally, love.
Are Broccolini Flowers Edible?
Absolutely! When it comes to broccolini, the whole vegetable can be consumed safely. Whether you enjoy the stem or the yellow flowers, you can eat them all. And did you know that you can also eat broccolini raw too? Just be sure your broccolini has been rinsed first!
Where to Buy Broccolini Seeds
Broccolini seeds are surprisingly accessible. You buy them from many places online, as well as gardening centers and stores. Even online stores such as Amazon and Etsy have broccolini seeds available, and they’re often very reasonably priced too. I usually opt for Park Seed, which comes in packets of 20, and can be bought easily on Amazon.
Do You Need to Wash Broccolini Once Harvested?
So you’ve harvested your broccolini and you may now be wondering what you need to do with it. You must wash your broccolini before consuming it, as there may be both dirt and insects on the plant.
All you need to do is add your broccolini to a colander or sieve and run under cool water to remove any residue of dirt or insects. Be sure to rinse the entire broccolini. It’s important not to use hot water for this as it can make your broccolini limp and soggy.
You can leave it in a bowl of cool water for around 5 minutes to ensure your broccolini is completely clean. However, you don’t need to do this. I just do this as a precaution.
In Conclusion – When to Harvest Broccolini
The perfect time when to harvest broccolini is when it’s a bit bigger and has more flavourful stems and leaves than it does when it’s just a baby, tender leaf. Broccolini should be harvested in the morning before the sun gets too strong. Keep the leaves and stalks separate and place the leaves in an open plastic bag with a little lemon juice.
FAQs
Can you harvest broccoli too early?
Yes, it is possible to harvest broccoli in the spring. The only thing you need to be careful about is not overwatering. If you water your plants too much, the plant will grow too fast and not produce a big head of broccoli. You can also try to keep your broccoli from getting too hot. Try to keep the soil at an appropriate temperature, so that the plant can grow properly. When the weather starts getting hot, you might want to harvest some of your broccoli.
How and when to harvest broccolini?
Broccolini can be harvested at any time. You don’t have to wait until it is fully mature. It will be ready when the buds start to turn yellow. If you do harvest it, cut off the top leaves before you begin harvesting the broccoli. These are the leaves that get all the sun and will make your broccoli turn bitter.
What does broccolini look like when ready to harvest?
The broccolini head will be firm with a deep green color. If you notice it turning to yellowish color, is it about to flower so it’s best to harvest it immediately.
Does broccoli grow back every year?
Yes, the broccoli plant will not come back. You will have to plant fresh seeds each season. If you let the broccoli head go to seed, the seeds will be planted and will germinate in the next growing season.
March 2, 2023
Brown Spots on Green Beans: Top Tips on Why
Brown spots on green beans may be something you might have experienced as a gardener. But do you know for sure what the reasons are for your beans to start changing color? This is what we are about to find out in this post.
Green bean is a type of common bean that comes from different cultivars. Green beans have different common names they go by and some of these names include snap beans, string beans, and French beans.
You can add green beans to any type of healthy diet, or almost any eating plan and this is thanks to their low-calorie and fat contents.
Green beans are also fairly easy to grow and they grow in either a bushy manner or a climbing manner. But some situations may arise that causes your green beans to turn brown and this can have you wondering what the cause is.
Let’s look into some of the reasons why your green beans may be turning brown and see if they are safe to eat.
Brown Spots on Green Beans: Why?
Looking at some of the major reasons why green beans turn brown, may be because the beans are not in their best state any longer.
When you begin to notice some brown spots on green beans, it usually means they are already getting old and stale. These green beans usually become mushy and they do not snap easily when broken into half. Therefore, this type of bean won’t be so fresh when you consume them.
However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t safe to eat. You can still eat them but you just won’t get that fresh taste. You can simply compare them to products or foods that are not spoiled but are simply past their peak of freshness.
If by any chance you come across this type of brown beans, you can simply make use of them in dishes that have bold flavors.
Note that both cooked green beans and raw green beans have the same shelf life and they can last up to a week in the fridge.
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Ways to Tell if Your Green Beans Have Gone Bad
Here are a few ways you can tell your green beans have gone bad:
- Color: As we have pointed out above, the color of the beans should be able to give the state of the green beans. Once you notice the green beans have begun fading in color and they turn very dark green or they turn brown, then it’s a sign they have started turning bad.
- Smell: Once you perceive an unpleasant odor from your green beans, the beans may already have some bacterial growth. Hence, it is best to discard them.
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- Texture: Another way to tell if your green beans have started to go bad is to feel the texture. The texture of the green beans needs to be firm. Then when you snap or break the green bean, it should snap easily. Once you’ve started noticing that mushy, bendy, or limp look, the beans are probably getting old. It may not necessarily mean they are spoiled, but you just won’t enjoy that fresh taste of green beans.
- Mold: You need to check for mold on your green beans to know if they are still in good condition to be eaten. When your green beans become moldy or slimy, it’s a sign that they are no longer fresh. So, you should throw them away.
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Lasting Duration of Green Beans Outside the Fridge
Leaving your green beans on the counter outside for 2 days is fine because they can last up to 2 days outside the fridge.
All you need do is to keep these beans away from direct sources of sunlight like close to a window, or an area on the counter that receives direct sun.
Lasting Duration of Green Beans in the Fridge
If you store your green beans properly in the fridge, they should be able to last you up to a week and this is for both raw and cooked beans.
Just ensure you store them properly in the fridge. Use a container to put the green beans inside the fridge. Avoid tossing the green beans in the fridge so they don’t get wet or else they can go bad faster.
However, you should look out for any signs that the beans are turning bad such as brown spots or a mushy look.
Lasting Duration of Green Beans in the Freezer
You can store green beans for longer in the freezer. They can last up to 6 months when frozen. It will be easy for you to defrost them when you’re ready to use them. When you freeze green beans, you take pleasure in knowing that they will still taste as good as when you bought them.
So, if you want that longer storage duration for your green beans, you can store them in the freezer. However, if you just want to use your green beans for about a week, storing them in the fridge will be much easier.
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How Can I Keep My Green Beans, Fresher, for Longer?
When you properly store your green beans, it will further help in prolonging their shelf life. For instance, it is recommended you don’t wash your green beans until you’re ready to use them. Once water touches the green beans, it can further speed up the spoiling process. Hence, the shelf life will be reduced.
Again, your unwashed green beans need to be stored in a plastic bag or container and stored in a vegetable drawer in the fridge.
Is It OK to Eat Green Beans With Brown Spots?
When it comes to deciding whether to eat green beans with brown spots, it all depends on how many brown spots there are. If the spots are few and far between, then it’s safe to say you can eat them without any problems. The only issue may be it may not taste as good! However, if the discoloration is significant and there are many spots, then it’s probably best to discard it to avoid any potential problems.
What Do Rotten Green Beans Look Like?
The easiest way to tell if green beans are rotten is by their appearance. Brown spots and discoloration is the easiest sign to see that your green beans are going, or have already gone rotten. Other signs may include limpness, sliminess, and misshapen.
When you’re looking at fresh green beans that have yet to be washed, they should look vibrant and bright. As well as this, they should be able to snap with ease. Instead, they may feel rubbery in texture, or even slimy.
If you’ve boiled your green beans and then place them back in the fridge, they’re likely to last longer, at around 5-7 days. However, if they start exhibiting any of the signs above before then, it may be best to discard them.
The same goes for frozen green beans. While freezing does massively increase the shelf life to around 6-8 months; they can still go bad. It may be easier to tell once they are defrosted. Keeping your green beans frozen is a great way to ensure they keep their snap.
As for canned green beans, they can last anywhere from an amazing three to five years. No matter what the best-by date is on the packaging, it’ll safely last well beyond that date. The only deterioration that may happen is mold, and an odor may eventually appear. If either of these things happens, it’s best to throw the can of green beans away.
My Green Beans Are Slimy – Why?
If your green beans are slimy, likely, they are already past the point of no return. You want your green beans to be crisp and snap easily; not limp and slimy. If you notice that only the ends are like this, simply slice them off and wash them under water. When cooking them, you should allow an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure the delicious texture you’re looking for.
How to Prevent Brown Spots on Green Beans When Growing?
Brown spots don’t just appear on green beans when harvested. They can occur while the green beans are growing, and this can be for a variety of reasons. But first, you need to determine why this is happening. Is your soil not wet enough, or too wet? Are there any insects around your green beans? Is your soil fertilized enough? These are questions you must ask before you can solve the issue.
To prevent brown spots, keep your green beans in ample sunlight, with the right amount of fertilizer. You should also ensure you’re watering your green beans daily and checking for any insects, such as aphids. As long as you’re following these guidelines, it’s unlikely your growing green beans will have brown spots.
Final Words: Brown Spots on Green Beans
Brown spots on green beans can be a sign of your beans turning bad. It usually implies that the beans have started deteriorating. But there are things you can do to prevent your beans from turning brown and losing their taste and we have listed them in this post. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to brown spots on green beans? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Is Brown on green beans bad?
Usually, when you notice a brown color on your green beans, it often means that the beans have started losing their fresh taste. But they may still be safe to be consumed. Just make sure there is no mold and they are no slimy appearance on the beans.
How do you know if green beans are bad?
You can detect if your beans are bad once they are growing mold or looking slimy. If you perceive any unpleasant smell from your green beans then they may be bad. Also, once you snap the beans and they don’t break easily, it may be a sign they are bad.
Why are my green beans turning brown?
Green beans are inclined to turn brown when they are not properly stored. Once you leave them outside on the counter for instance for more than two days, they can turn brown.
How to prevent green beans from turning brown?
You can prevent green beans from turning brown by storing them properly. For instance, you can store them in the fridge for about a week. Your green beans can also be stored in the freezer for about 6 months.
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March 2, 2023
How Many Plants Can I Grow per 1000 Watt Light?
When starting out growing various plants indoors, different questions may pop into your mind. Questions such as “how many plants can I grow per 1000 watt light?”.
Every grower wants to maximize their yield after all the hard work they put into their indoor garden. Providing your indoor plants with light is very essential for their development. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lights have been in existence for almost 50 years, and are some of the most widely used grow lights. They have been providing light energy for indoor plants growing needs.
Now, you must get the right plant coverage for the particular bulb wattage you have. This is why we are going to be looking at how many plants you can grow per 1000 watt light. We will also be looking at other grow light plant coverage for 1000w. So, read on to find out.
How Many Plants for an a1000-Wattt HPS?
The light wattage will decide how much area or the coverage area you can light up. So, for how many plants for a 1000 watt HPS bulb? The answer should be around 5 by 5-foot or 25 square feet.
Even though everyone has their methods, it all boils down to what method works for you. Some growers have boasted of growing about 6 to 9 plants using 1000-watt HPS. Some even grow smaller plants while using the SCROG and SOG techniques to manage space.
How Many Plants per 1000 Watt Light?
Various grow lights will have a coverage capacity depending on their wattage. Let’s take a look at some 1000-watt to grow lights and their plants’ coverage capacity:
· 1000 watt LED grow light plant coverage capacity
A 1000-watt LED grows light plant coverage capacity will also be around 5 by 5 feet or 25 square feet area. You should also take note of the quality of the LED to-grow light you’re using as some lights are more efficient than others. Different brands will offer different benefits to your plants.
Another important thing to understand is what is actually meant by a 1000-watt LED. The meaning of a 1000-watt LED is referred to as the equivalent of a 1000-watt HID light. The only difference is that this LED light consumes less than 1000 watts of light.
We have what we call LED actual wattage and labeled wattage. The labeled wattage of the LED growth light is written in bold words by the manufacturer. The actual wattage is the actual amount of power the LED light draws and it’s not usually up to the labeled value.
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For instance, a 1000-watt LED grows light actually wattage maybe around 500 to 700 watts but will give you an output that almost equals a 1000-watt HID. You can find the actual LED wattage value if you dig through the manufacturer’s manual.
Thus, this shows that LED grgrowthights are more efficient by offering you more benefits while saving you power consumption. So, the coverage area of LED actual wattage of 500 to 700 will also be a 5 by 5-foot area.
· 1000 watts for other HID grow light plant coverage
We have looked at how many plants for a 1000 watt HPS will be. So, let’s discuss other 1000 watt HID bulb plant coverage (such as CMH and MH).
The difference between HID light coverage and LED light coverage is not so much. 1000 HID watt coverage offers roughly a close range of coverage area the only difference is the HID reflector used.
Umbrella reflectors for instance will offer you a big light coverage area. However, the light intensity will not be so great. Other focused reflectors such as a hood will offer you a smaller coverage area with more light intensity.
Taking a look at the types of HID bulbs we have, here is their plant coverage capacity:
Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH): even though 1000-watt CMH bulbs may be scarce (the common watt seen is 315w), the ones that are actually 1000 watts will have plant coverage of about 5 by 5 feet area.
Metal Halide (MH): for a metal halide bulb, the plant coverage is about 7 by 7 area feet for vegetative growth. While for the flowering phase, the coverage area is about 5 by 5 feet. However, we recommend not using a metal halide bulb for the flowering phase. You should rather use HPS grow light if you want big buds and yields.
How Many Plants per Light: Factors to Consider
Now, talking generally about the number of plants to be grown per grow light, we would say 1 to 8 plants. Make sure you don’t grow more than this number so you don’t limit your yields.
Following the right number of plants to grow per plant will give your plants a good chance to flourish thereby resulting in good yields. However, if you grow more than 8 plants using a single grow light, your plants won’t receive adequate light and space to grow.
Here are other factors to consider when deciding how many plants to be used using each grow light:
Power of grow light
You should also note that the power of your grow light will also be another determinant of how many plants you can grow using that light.
Condition of grow space
Another factor to consider when deciding how many plants to grow per light is the condition of your grow space. If your grow space already a bit receives natural light, then a not-so-strong grow light will be fine. You can even place your grow light higher to increase the coverage area.
Plant growth stage
The stage your plant is in will also have a determining fafactor inour choice of grow light. Some flowering plants require high light intensity, thus, a 5 by 5 feet coverage area should be ideal for 1000 watt light. On the other hand, vegetative plants such as lettuce can allow you to hang your light higher for larger coverage. You can use a coverage area of 7 by 7 feet for plants in their vegetative stage of growth.
1000 Watt HPS Grow Light Coverage
HPS grow lights are ideal for use in grow tents, large grow rooms, and greenhouses. 1000-watt HPS grow lights are the most powerful grow lights and have a wide coverage area of up to 49 square feet.
A 1000-watt HPS grow will effectively cover a growing area of 36 square feet. The difference between the maximum coverage area and effective coverage area is dependent on the depth and height of the plants you are growing. The denser the plants, the lower the coverage area your grow light will have.
Unlike other grow lights such as LED, HPS grow lights generate heat. So regardless of the growing area you are using the lights on, they must be mounted farther from the plants to avoid burning them.
Depending on the plants you are growing, you can mount an HPS grow light anywhere between 6 to 24 inches from the plant canopy. Make sure you do sufficient research on your plants so that you can create the ideal growing conditions for them and not burn them with grow lights. You will also need to set up an efficient ventilation system to help keep the humidity conditions right.
To even further improve your plant growth potential, you can set up your HPS grow lights with timers and light rails. The timers will help you keep the plants in a consistent light schedule. The lights will turn on and off at the same time every day. Light rails will help you to move the light fixtures along rows to ensure that all the plants get an equal amount of light in the entire growing area.
To get the best efficiency out of HPS grow lights, they should be replaced every 14 months.
LED Equivalent to 1000 Watt HPS
LED lights can be used in place of HPS. Due to the difference in the designs of these lights, however, there will be differences in the wattage replacements of these two lights.
LEDs are designed to have a lower energy consumption compared to HPS. Because of this, LEDs will have a lower wattage.
If you are looking for an LED equivalent to 1000-watt HPS, a 300-Watt LED High Bay is a good choice. Or you can replace a 1000-Watt Metal Halide Shoebox with a 300-Watt LED Shoebox. They can deliver the right amount of light required, last longer, and have reduced energy consumption.
Because of the differences in the equivalencies, it may not be best to base your decision on grow light wattage. Instead, you can use the number of lumens your plants need. Once you understand that, it becomes easy to find a replacement.
1000w DE HPS Distance From Plants
The distance at which you should place the grow light from the plants depends on the strength or intensity of the light. The stronger the light, the further you will need to hang them from the plants.
Because a 1000W DE HPS is quite a strong light, you should hang it at least 15 inches away. And if it is even stronger, place it further away but do not go farther than 30 inches. If you place the lights too far above the plants, they will love vitality.
A 1000w light produces a lot of light so you will need to err on the side of caution with this one. If your plants are starting to burn, you will notice the leaves starting to bleach. Some strains of plants will bleach easier or faster than others. So place your grow lights at an appropriate distance from your canopy to avoid heat stress. If you are using this light in a grow tent or a well-reflective light, you will not have much of a problem with this
Conclusion – How Many Plants Can I Grow per 1000 Watt Light?
Now, we have answered the question “how many plants can I grow per 1000 watt light?”, you should be well on your way to comfortable and confidently purchasing the best grow lights for your plants. Keep all considerations such as the density of the plants, grow light area, the distance between plants and light, and the height of your plants when purchasing a grow light. This way you will be guaranteed to get the best out of your grow lights while avoiding issues such as leaf burn.
So, we hope this post has been able to enlighten you on deciding your plant grow light coverage.
FAQs
How much area does a 1000 Watt HPS cover?
It isn’t set in stone, but the amount that it covers is thought to be around 49 square feet.
The best way to calculate how much area you will be heating with a HPS is by looking at the Watts. The power rating of your HPS (1000W) is divided by the number of hours in a day and the number of days in a year. If you are heating with a HPS for 24 hours a day 365 days a year, the area you are covering is about 1.5 acres.
The more you put distance between the light and the walls and ceiling the less wasted energy you will have.
How many plants can I grow with 1000 Watt HPS?
The answer is that it depends on how much light you are using, how much space you have and what your plants require. For instance, let’s say you have a 10′ x 20′ growing area. If you only use 4″ of light, you can grow about 15 plants.
This means you would need 2 bulbs to cover this area. But if you were to use 8″ of light, you could grow 50+ plants in this space. So, you could easily grow up to 200 plants with 8″ of light and a 1000 watt HPS bulb. Let’s take this one step further. Say you have a 2000 watt HPS, you could grow 500+ plants in this space. So the bottom line is you can grow just as many plants with a 1000 watt HPS as you can with a 2000 watt HPS.
So, it gets a bit tricky. The first thing you need to determine is how much light you will need. The number of plants you can grow will depend on the amount of light you have available.
How far should 1000 Watt HPS be from plants?
You should be at least one meter away. But, if you want to go further, go ahead.
What LED is equivalent to a 1000w HPS?
Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 could be easily considered an equivalent. The only issue is thet they are very expensive, and for this reason very few people go for them.
How much does it cost to run 1000 watt HPS?
You can get a 1000Watt HPS for $0.90/hour. However, you will need to do some research to find the right model and wattage, as well as getting a supply voltage of around 110V. I would recommend finding a manufacturer like Noctua or CLC or XSPC that makes HPS units for your particular requirements and then order online.
February 27, 2023