Grower Today

Author: Josephine Brown

  • How to Increase Humidity in Grow Tent

    How to Increase Humidity in Grow Tent

    Regardless if you’re a highly-skilled cultivator or just a hobbyist, growing crops can be a difficult task to achieve due to weather conditions, pest infestation, and weed growth that competes with your crops’ nutrients. Fortunately, this problem can be solved with the use of a grow tent.

    Given that each plant has its specific temperature, you need to be wary of controlling the desired temperature for your crops to grow. One common dilemma most beginners face is how to increase humidity in grow tent for plants that need enough moisture to grow healthily.

    What Is a Grow Tent?

    In order to understand the use of a grow tent, it’s practically important to know what it is. A grow tent is used as a preferred alternative in cultivating plants that are difficult to grow.

    Canva Greenhouse Garden e1575736393448

    It’s a transportable grow room that’s suitable for plants that are difficult to cultivate. Indoor plants, for instance, are suitable for grow tent since they’re highly sensitive to weather conditions. Moreover, a grow tent has built-in grow lights for your crops’ insulation which is essential for their growth.

    How Important Is a Grow Tent?

    There are specific crops that are difficult to grow due to their strict weather requirements. Depending on natural weather alone can be a challenging task as it may vary from time to time. Slight changes in the temperature can hinder the growth of some plants or cause them to deteriorate over time.

    Due to the instability of the weather outdoor, some growers seek healthy alternatives for their sensitive crops to grow no matter the weather may be outside. Having a grow tent in your household is more than enough to enclose your plants in one space and receive an equal distribution of the needed requirements like humidity.

    This item actually gives growers full control of the climate and lighting for the plants to ensure that they can grow healthily. With grow tent making indoor planting possible, more plants have reached their optimum growth – all thanks to the right amount of temperature and lighting set for indoor plants. 

    The Importance of Humidity in Plants

    Humidity greatly affects your plant’s growth in such a way that it prevents plants from experiencing water evaporation. Keeping the humidity in the environment high allows the stomata (the pores in a plant that absorb water vapor in the air and enable gas exchange) to be open, hence keeping the photosynthesis working by absorbing CO2.

    How to Increase Humidity in Grow Tent

    A low amount of water in plants will result in the closure of the stomata which stops the photosynthesis since CO2 is a requirement to keep the said process going. If photosynthesis stops, plants won’t be able to generate food.

    Keeping the stomata open is much significant than providing light for your plants.  Even under low light, photosynthesis will continue to occur as long as the stomata are open. However, enough source of light and open stomata can provide optimal photosynthesis.

    How to Increase Humidity in Grow Tents

    Learning the significance of humidity in plants, you should set an effective way for your plants to experience high humidity levels for optimal growth. Without enough humidity in the environment, this will negatively affect its growth as well as its development.

    You can increase the total humidity in grow tents through the following:

    Lowering the Extraction Fan Level

    Making use of a fan is important to allow proper circulation and distribution of air to the plants. There has to be an exchange between the air produced inside the grow tent and outside source to prevent microorganisms from lurking the place.

    Setting the fan level lower minimizes the air to dry quicker in contrast to a high setting. If ever you set the fan level higher, the plants nearby will absorb the vapor. Installing a humidifier can be a good option as well.

    Lowering the Temperature Inside the Grow Tent

    Decreasing the temperature inside the grow tent makes the air moist, hence providing a higher rate of water vapor for your plants to absorb. As a result, your plants won’t get dried up at all and will instead keep on producing energy through photosynthesis since the stomata are open.

    To achieve a low-temperature level inside the grow tent, set your heater lower or airconditioner higher. Another way to drop the temperature is lowering the power of the UV light used for your plants as the heat emitted from the light hastens water evaporation.

    As mentioned above, moisture is more significant than light for your plant, as the former will continuously open the stomata in your plant and absorb an adequate amount of CO2 for energy production.

    Provide Water Sources in the Area

    Placing water sources within the vicinity will increase water vapor levels aside from the moist air. There are several ways in providing water sources for your plants, hence making this process less concerning.

    The heat generated from the light will gradually evaporate the water which, in return, increases the humidity in the area.

    Add Large Plants Inside the Grow Tent

    Instead of seeing larger plants competing against the small ones in absorbing nutrients from the environment, they can instead help in the growth and development of younger plants in their own ways by emitting water vapor from their system.

    In addition, larger plants have larger stomata which means that more water vapor will be evaporated to the environment for smaller plants to absorb as well.

    Conclusion

    Cultivating plants can be a difficult and challenging task since you need to be wary of the weather condition, temperature levels, and even possible pest infestation that might eat your plants. Due to these types of problems, growers start considering grow tent as a better alternative to growing highly maintained plants.

    A grow tent allows you to take control over the temperature and overall condition of its environment which is an advantage when handling sensitive plants. To fully maximize your plant’s growth, it’s always best to increase the grow tent’s humidity. To achieve this, you need to lower the extraction fan, maintain proper temperature inside the tent, provide water sources, and place large plants inside. 

    FAQs

    Why is the humidity so low in my Grow Tent?

    A Grow Tent is basically a portable greenhouse and it comes with built-in lighting and heating facilities. You have a low relative humidity which means that there is not enough water vapor to be held within your air space. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the total amount of water vapor present. You can find the relative humidity using the hygrometer in your grow tent. A relative humidity of 50% or more is usually ideal for plant growth. Raising the humidity level in your Grow Tent is something that you should do at least once a week, as too low humidity levels can cause some plants to wilt.

    How can I raise the humidity in my plants using a humidifier?

    You can add a humidifier to your plant room to help raise the humidity level. The Grow Tent is designed to be used with a humidifier.

    The higher the humidity, the more water your plants will need. You can use a manual humidifier or automatic humidifier to raise the humidity. If you don’t have any extra space for a humidifier, you can also purchase a small, portable humidifier that you can take with you when you go outside.

    Humidifiers are good for raising the humidity, but they are not necessary. Some people say that using a humidifier doesn’t seem to make much difference. You can use a simple, inexpensive dehumidifier and place it on top of a radiator or underneath a fan to increase the air flow. Make sure that the radiator is not too close to your plants. You don’t want to heat up the air above your plants.

    It’s important to understand that your Grow Tent will not be able to get humid enough to prevent mold, mildew, or any of the other fungi and bacteria that thrive in a dry environment. This means you will need to increase the humidity in your tent when you are growing indoors.

    Use a humidifier with a water reservoir attached to it, as this will ensure that you never run out of water. You can use a ‘sponge’ humidifier to raise the humidity level in your Grow Tent. 

    If you use a sponge humidifier, then you must make sure that you add water regularly.

    You must also make sure that the water reservoir is clean and that the sponge is not blocked with dirt or mold. You must also remove any dead or dried up leaves from the sponge before adding more water to it.

    If you use a sponge humidifier, then you must replace it with a new one every two months.

    How can I raise the humidity in my plants without using a humidifier?

    You can try putting a towel in the Grow tent. This works, but it’s hard to keep track of it. I also tried spraying my plants with water from a spray bottle. This seems to work okay, but there is no way to control the amount that goes on the plants.

    Alternatively, you can spray water on the surface of the soil in your Grow Tent.

    Do not allow the Grow Tent to get too hot, and ensure that the temperature of the air inside your Grow Tent is set at 75°F.

  • Overcoming the Challenge of Blossom End Rot

    Overcoming the Challenge of Blossom End Rot

    What is a blossom end rot? Why do we need to look for a solution to this? Does this concern everyone? Blossom end rot will probably denote decay in a flowering plant. You might think that this is just a concern for those green thumbs and lovers of plants, but looking at the bigger picture, most of the fruits that we consume come from flowering plants. 

    Flowers serve as the reproductive organs of plants. Through pollination, double fertilization will take place. Over time, the ovum of the flower will enlarge and become a fruit. It is satisfying for a gardener to see how a plant grows and bears fruit. However, it is a bit disappointing to see dark or brown spots on the fruits that this plant bears. 

    Growing plants is a fulfilling and relaxing activity that a person can do. It is also a source of income for farmers. Blossom end rot can cause loss to those who depend on fruit-bearing plants. It won’t cause death to plants, but it will definitely reduce the harvest of farmers. This will lead to the imbalance of supply and demand in the market that will affect all of us. The question is: how do we overcome this challenge? In this article, we will talk about what causes blossom end rot and the ways we can remedy the problem. Let’s get started. 

    What Causes Blossom End Rot?

    Calcium is an essential alkaline earth metal known to strengthen the bones and teeth of a human being and is commonly obtained through the milk and other dairy products. For plants, calcium aids in various life processes like cellular activities. Calcium safeguards plants from diseases. Calcium strengthens the cell wall that protects other cell organelles responsible for respiration and food production. The quality of fruits is also affected by calcium. 

    Lack of this important element then causes blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a condition where young fruits start to have yellowish spots. Eventually, these yellow spots will become brownish to black. Calcium deficiency causes the rotting of fruits, decay, and curling of leaves, not to mention the slow growth. Due to erosion, nutrients in the soil, including calcium, are sometimes carried away to different places. There are also instances where the calcium in the soil is enough, but the plants’ roots cannot absorb enough calcium for its uses.

    If there is an insufficiency, we simply add what is lacking to maintain a good and balanced condition. If the soil is calcium deficient, we need to improve its calcium content. If it is a plant that can’t absorb the calcium, we must enhance the environment of the plant for it to function well.

    How Calcium Solution Cures Blossom End Rot?

    Calcium can bind with other elements to form compounds that can be absorbed by plants. There are calcium solutions and calcium-rich fertilizers available in the market. You can buy them online as well and read actual reviews from satisfied customers. Simply spray or apply the product to the plants or the soil to add calcium. If you don’t want to use commercial products as calcium enhancers, you may also use organic materials as organic fertilizers. Either way, it can still help alleviate the condition. With the proper application of fertilizer, enough sunlight and enough water, a plant can grow well. 

    Overcoming the Challenge of Blossom End Rot

    Calcium solutions cannot totally cure the blossom end rot. It can only improve the condition of the soil so that plants will receive enough nutrients. The application of calcium solution also depends on the species of plant, the climate, the weather, as well as the humidity. 

    What are the Other Ways to Resolve Blossom End Rot?

    Preventing blossom end rot is better than looking for a cure to it. As the old adage says, ‘prevention is always better than cure’. Providing the basic needs of plants will make them grow well. Receiving proper sunlight, regular watering according to the need, and proper nutrition will yield healthy plants. It takes time and effort, but in the end, it’s going to be worth it.

    As you may have noticed, blossom end rot is common among tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and squash. If yellow and brown spots already appear in some of the fruits, these can be removed to avoid spreading it to other plants and fruits. Those fruits can still be consumed by means of removing the rotten portions although this is not highly recommended a move. 

    If blossom end rot occurs regularly and cannot be aided by calcium solution, the soil should be checked and tested. There are other elements like potassium, nitrogen, and hydrogen that affect the presence of calcium in the soil. Moisture in the soil also affects calcium. Further testing and analysis can provide better solutions to this problem.

    Overcoming the Challenge of Blossom End Rot

    Strive to keep the soil moist and foliar spray plants using calcium solution or kelp. It may also help to add high levels of calcium like oyster shell, bone meal, or gypsum to the soil when planting to prevent the problem from developing. Using mulch, straw, compost, or grass also helps preserve soil moisture, especially during the hot and dry days and promote an even water supply. Minimize the usage of high-nitrogen fertilizers that can accelerate vegetative growth and lower calcium uptake. Fixing the blossom end rot will save your harvest, so do whatever you can to mitigate the harm it brings forth or prevents the problem from sprouting in the first place. 

    FAQ’s

    Can you stop blossom end rot once it starts?

    Blossom End Rot is a condition that can start as early as when the plant is young and can last for months. A small piece of the fruit, usually the blossom end, will have a white, dry or soft area that is covered in brown spots. It’s also known as BER and is caused by a build up of calcium in the tissue of the fruit.

    Blossom end rot spreads very fast and is very hard to stop once it starts. It’s a challenge, but you can do it. It seems to be the most sensitive part of the plant.

    What are some ways that I can I help my plants overcome BER?

    One of the most effective things that you can do is add calcium to your plants.

    To make a liquid calcium fertilizer, mix one part limestone or dolomite with one part water. Mix the two together to make the fertilizer, and store it in a bottle or jar. Use the fertilizer by spreading it on your plants. Keep Learning Calcium is an essential mineral for plant growth, and it’s available from three sources: soil, water and air.

    Limestone is a calcium carbonate that’s found in rock formations and in some sea creatures. Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate that’s found in igneous rock.

    You can also use calcium sulfate (gypsum) as a slow release source of calcium.

    Some people try fungicides, and they do work sometimes, but very often these don’t always do what they’re supposed to. It’s a matter of trying and hoping for the best if you go this route.

    People have more success with bone meal for instance.

    Does bone meal help blossom end rot?

    Yes, it helps prevent blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a common problem with grain-fed cattle because of the high levels of saturated fatty acids in the diet. It’s also important to make sure the cattle are eating the proper ration. The ration should be around 3.

    Conclusion

    Observation, analysis, and application of proposed solutions will soon finally resolve existing challenges and problems. Knowing the species and its needs will enhance its fruits. 

    Plants are organisms that can make their own food. If these plants were ruined by diseases, it can cause a lot of troubles and can affect us all negatively. We must take good care of the remaining agricultural areas and vegetation and proactively overcome challenges along the way. 

  • How to Clone a Plant with Water

    How to Clone a Plant with Water

    So you might have heard that it is possible to clone a plant with water and wondered how they do it. Plant cloning is a lot different from the type of cloning you may be thinking. Before I knew what the term meant, I used to think plant cloning involved trying to create a new plant from an old one, and that it would need to be carried out in the laboratory with men in white coats, mixing different compounds and staring into a microscope. But while I wasn’t entirely wrong, it was nothing like the Frankenstein movie I imagined it to be. So then what is plant cloning, and how can you clone a plant? 

    What is Plant Cloning? 

    Plant cloning is a process that is used to replicate specific characteristics that a mother plant possesses in her offspring. The features needed to replicate could include height, adaptability, flowers, leaves, and color. 

    It is easy to clone a plant, and anyone can do it once they learn how to. While it may seem like the process requires a lot, all that you need is to take a clipping or cutting from a plant and place it in a glass of water. Keep the glass of water by the window and then give it a few days until you notice changes in the root of the new plant. To be able to carry out the cloning successfully, you will need just the right materials, which we will be talking about in the next section. 

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    How to Successfully Clone a Plant with Water

    There are many reasons why gardeners clone a plant. For some, it is to be able to quickly and efficiently create a new plant; for others, it is to replicate the genes and traits of an existing plant into a new plant. The entire process might sound like something technical that requires the expertise of biologists of other scientists, but that is not true. With the right materials and method of planting, you should be able to get the job done right and without difficulty. 

    You Need the Right Materials 

    Just as you cannot catch a fish without fishing gear, it will be impossible to clone a plant on its own without the right set of tools. 

    Some of the essential tools to get the job done include:

    • A container 

    You would need a plastic container to hold the growing medium for your new species. The type of container to use will depend on the kind of plant you are looking to clone. For large plants, you will require a large bowl or drum while a pail will be just right for an indoor plant. 

    While it is common to find gardeners cloning plants in pots, we recommend using a transparent plastic so you can follow up on the root development. 

    • Rockwool or Soil 

    You also need a propagation medium for the new plant to grow in. Ideally, you may decide to settle for potting soil, but you can also try using Rockwool if you know just how to. While it may be quite easy to plant in a soil medium, it requires a bit of expertise to be able to clone plants in Rockwool if you are a first-timer. For example, you will need to soak it overnight in the right pH water and also have to dissect holes in the middle of the Rockwool block, which can be all too complicated if you have never tried it before. We also recommend that you avoid using backyard soil and opt for potting or composted garden soil to give your clone the right start to maturity. 

    • Root Hormones 

    You may also need to use root hormones as part of the cloning process. They contain synthetic auxins which help the plant to grow. Their function is to influence root development and kickstart the cloning process. It is essential to note that if you are big on organic gardening, using root hormones may not be a good idea since it contains toxins that can be harmful to you. Natural alternatives such as cinnamon, willow tea, and apple cider vinegar are a safer option than synthetic auxins. You may also consider cloning tomatoes since they quickly produce natural auxins than many other plants. 

    Begin the Cloning Process

    Once you have all your materials sorted out, the next step is to begin the planting process, which you can do in less than 10 minutes. All you need to do is to; 

    • Fill your container with soil or Rockwool. 

    You will need to drill a hole at the bottom of the container if you decide to use soil as the growing medium, while the pot can also house your chunk of Rockwool if you choose to go with that. 

    • Water the soil 

    Once you have sorted out the above, you will then have to water the soil to improve its water content. There will be no need if you are using Rockwool since it has been soaked the night before. 

    How to Clone a Plant with Water

    • Cut the Stem and plant

    You will then need to make a diagonal cutting of any lateral stem you intend to clone. We suggest lateral stems instead of a diagonal one since they shoot directly from the roots. Once you have this, you will need to dip the end in your root hormone if you are using one. Once you have the bottom in the rooting hormone, the next step will be to immerse it in the hole we created in the container earlier when we filled it with soil. Lastly, you will need to cover the container in plastic or grass; and this is necessary to keep the moisture intact and enhance the growth process. 

    After you have successfully cloned your plant, you will need to transfer your pot or medium that houses the new clone to a warm area away from direct sunlight. You will also have to keep the soil moist so that the plant can get the right environment to grow. 

    So now you know how it is to clone a plant with water, we hope you will give it a try and experiment with your garden plants if you haven’t tried it before. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section. We love to hear from you. 

  • How to Fix Blossom End Rot On your Tomatoes

    How to Fix Blossom End Rot On your Tomatoes

    One common problem you would encounter in your tomato garden is a rot at the blossom end of the fruit. It would be best to prevent the bottom of your tomatoes from rotting, but once it has started, with simple measures, you can prevent it from happening again on the same plant. 

    So if you are asking how do I fix blossom end rot on my tomatoes, you have come to the right place. Before I get into all the details of how best to improve your plant’s harvest, lets first find out what causes blossom end rot on a tomato plant. 

    What is Blossom End Rot?

    Most gardeners think that an insect or disease problem causes a blossom end rot; when it is an anomaly that occurs as a result of inadequate uptake of Calcium by the plant’s fruits and leaves. You mustn’t confuse this for calcium deficiency in the soil, as there are several reasons why the fruits and leaves may not be getting the required amount of Calcium to support healthy fruiting. 

    How to Fix Blossom End Rot On your Tomatoes

    The reason for a discolored patch beneath the fruit could be in the flowering stage when leaves and fruits are competing for Calcium to aid in their development. While using slake lime and adding Calcium to the soil may help in restoring the mineral content of the earth, there are other tricks you can use to stop future occurrences. 

    Why your Tomatoes are not Receiving Calcium 

    If, after performing a soil test, and you find the calcium content of your soil to be just fine, you may find it challenging to know what exactly is happening in your garden. In most cases, your tomatoes will suffer from nutrient uptake problems when:

    • The pH of the soil is low, thereby causing nutrient absorption problems
    • There is excess nitrogen application resulting in poor nutrient uptake
    • There is no enough water for the absorption of nutrients due to inconsistent watering. 

    How to Fix Blossom End Rot On Tomatoes? 

    You can follow any of the following methods outlined below if you notice the bottom of your fruits is darker than usual. 

    Keep Tabs on Nitrogen Application 

    While your plants need to get the right supply of nitrogen, you want to make sure you do not apply more than necessary. When too much of the nutrient is in the soil, it encourages the growth of leaves while making it hard for the fruits to get enough. If you apply fertilizer before planting, ensure you use a balanced feed and avoid applying them at the peak of summer when plants are likely to go into dormancy.   

    Don’t Allow the Plants Go Thirsty.

    You should keep a watering schedule for your garden plant and stick to it. If you want your plants to be able to absorb nutrients properly, then you need to ensure the earth remains fertile. If you use an irrigation system in your garden, you would want to water deeply but less frequently so as not to waterlog the ground. Also, if you are using a container, you will need to water regularly, and it is best to use soaker hoses or drip watering instead of a foliar application for your tomatoes. 

    Mulch your Plants 

    Using organic mulch around your plant can help improve moisture retention. You don’t need to use too much; about three-inch of mulch is enough to get the job done. The standard mulch you can use is straw since it is readily available and can last a while. If you also have a weed problem in your garden, mulching will also get rid of it. 

    Stay Clear of the Plant Roots During Flowering 

    It is also necessary that you do not disturb the plant root once it starts to fruit. You will have to take extra care when weeding or to mulch your plant so as not to stress the soil. When there is too much activity on the earth, it can affect how the root absorbs nutrients. It is common during hot and dry weather for plant roots to undergo stress, which is why you need to water regularly. 

    Use the Right Fertilizer for Soil Amendments 

    If you need to amend the soil after performing a soil test, you should endeavor to use the right fertilizer in your garden. It is common to find substandard products in the market, so you want to do your research to make sure you end up with the best one. I recommend organic fertilizers always since they do not contain chemical compounds that can be harmful to you, your plants, and the environment. 

    Before Planting 

    If you are preparing to plant tomatoes in the planting season, you can prevent bottom end rot by using compost rich in Calcium to improve your soil nutrient. Another way is if you are using a container, to use a well-balanced potting soil, so plants don’t suffer from any deficiency as they flower. 

    FAQ’s

    What is tomato end rot?

    Blossoms end rot is caused by a soilborne fungus called Botrytis cinerea (Bc). This is a relatively common fungus in the summer and fall months, and is the main reason why tomato plants are pruned off when they flower.

    It usually starts out as a small, dark spot or a bump that enlarges.

    Can you reverse blossom end rot on tomatoes?

    There are many factors that can cause blossom end rot in tomatoes. The two most common factors I see are too much nitrogen and insufficient calcium. If your soil pH is more than 2.2 you will need to adjust your soil pH to 3. The best way to do this is with lime.

    You can add 1/4 cup of quicklime per 10 gallons of water or mix 1/4 cup of calcium carbonate in a bucket of water until it is dissolved. Then pour the solution on top of your soil, let it sit for an hour or two, then rake it into your garden bed.

    You can spray for blossom end rot with a foliar application of Bordeaux mix. There are many products available for controlling tomato leaf spot, including systemic fungicides, like Mancozeb and Captan.

    How do I keep my tomatoes from rotting on the bottom?

    Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop that require consistent temperatures of at least 70 degrees for a long period of time. If your garden is not in a greenhouse or covered with shade cloth, you will need to use a high tunnel to protect your plants and fruit. High tunnels are growing houses made of transparent plastic.

    They are available in many shapes and sizes and can be purchased from many different companies. Most high tunnels have an insulated floor and a roof that comes down to ground level. Growers who are growing tomatoes in full sun should consider using a high tunnel. You will need to provide ventilation if you are growing tomatoes in a high tunnel. The best way to ventilate is to leave the lid slightly open.

    What is a good source of calcium for tomatoes?

    Calcium is an essential nutrient needed for the growth and development of all parts of the plant. Calcium helps the plant resist cold and drought stress.

    Calcium chloride is often used as an effective foliar fertilizer, but also as a soil drench. Calcium chloride is a water soluble form of calcium. Calcium chloride is used to increase the uptake of nutrients by plants in soils deficient in calcium and other elements. It is also used to lower the pH in acidic soils.

    After Planting

    Water regularly and use a rich mulch to improve moisture retention. Tomatoes require enough Calcium and would only be able to absorb it from the soil when it is moist.

    As soon as you notice any discolored fruits, you should immediately remove them so as they can stop competing for nutrients with the healthy ones. If you have a backyard compost pile, you can add rotten fruits to it to improve the green materials in the mix. 

    How to Fix Blossom End Rot On your Tomatoes?

    It is also worth mentioning that there are varieties of tomato seeds that are resistant to bottom end rot, so you may want to consider getting those for the next planting season if you do not wish to suffer from the condition. You should also be aware that the rot does not spread amongst the fruits, as it is not a viral disease. It is only a condition that reduces your yield when it is time for harvest. 

    Do you grow tomatoes in your garden? Have you ever had to deal with bottom end rot? We will like to hear from you in the comment section. 

  • How to Make the Best Premade Super Soil like Magic

    How to Make the Best Premade Super Soil like Magic

    Make the best premade super soil ever for your beautiful garden! The secret to a blooming plant begins with a good quality mixture of soil. You just have to use good soil to get a good outcome. Use bad quality soil and you’ll most likely end up with unyielding plants. So, let’s start by knowing how to create a super soil to end up growing super plants.

    It’s easy to buy ready-made soil mixes, but unfortunately, they usually cost more than making your own. Hence, why spend your money on dirt made by others when you can make your own best premade super soil right at the comforts of your home!

    Almost all plants bloom in fat fertile soil, and there is an easy way to make super soil for your plant containers using 3 basic ingredients: upper soil/topsoil, a mixture of decayed plants/compost, and moss that grows on wet (perlite) land/peat moss. The key to making a good super soil is to mix them all together at the right amounts.

    What are the Ingredients Needed

    The following are different recipes suggested by different successful gardeners and authors:

    This first recipe is complex and is composed of base ingredients, nutrients and minerals, and extras.

    Base materials

    How to Make the Best Premade Super Soil like Magic

    Nutrients and Minerals

    Extras

    • Vermicompost
    • Crop mix

    The Second Recipe is an alternative recipe for beginners.

    • 6 portions of soil– pulverize your own soil before adding it up for mixing.
    • 4 portions of compost- compost contain all the needed nutrients to feed your plants during summertime. Pure compost helps keep your plants alive during hot days and you need not water them that much. So, if you don’t have it, start making a pile now!
    • 1 portion of perlite/ peat moss- the unobstructed pores of perlite helps in both retaining water and draining water which also keeps the soil less heavy. This is just right for your plant containers! Plus, it has a pH of 7 which is considered as neutral; thus, it doesn’t disturb the pH level of the completed mixture. Though peat moss can be used instead of perlite, perlite is still the better choice.

    This recipe can be made in any amount as long as the proportions are just right. But if your soil is not that fertile for some reason, you can make some changes to the proportions and make your super soil work for you. 

    • If your soil is rich in clay, add one portion of granulated sand and one more portion of compost. 
    • If your soil is too sandy, replace the portion of perlite with one portion of compost.
    • Lastly, your plant containers should have an effective drainage to keep your plants breathing.

    If you are just at the beginning of your gardening journey, I suggest you follow the second recipe mentioned above, as it requires only lesser ingredients to complete the first good quality super soil you want to achieve. But if you’re an experienced gardener and you want the best, I suggest you follow the second recipe mentioned, as it goes down into details of the volume of ingredients needed to make the best-premade super soil!

    What are the Steps in Completing your Super Soil

    1. Choose the Right Container and Mixer

    A good container would be half the size of your plant’s drip line. Here are three choices of containers you can possibly use:

    • Fabric pot- is the standard pot for any type of plant growth.
    • Air pot- is designed with holes on its sides that allow roots to simply root out, which also at the same time allows you to prune the roots easily.
    • Bed- is usually used for larger growth of plants. It is wider compared to pots, and you can plant more than one plant using each one. 

    Also, you need to prepare your mixer; its size should depend on how much ingredients you are going to use. Any will work as long as it holds your ingredients and isn’t hard to work with. With the right approach, this should all go well. 

    2. Know the Volume of Soil Needed

    For your containers, convert your gallon measurements to cubic feet soil. Use the formula below to know how many cubic feet of the super soil is needed for your containers: No. of containers x gallons per container divided by 7.5 = cubic feet of soil

    This equation makes up for the overall volume of super soil you will make from the base materials you’re going to use.

    How to Make the Best Premade Super Soil like Magic

    3. Add Base Materials

    Base Materials

    • 15% of Compost
    • 15 % of Vermicompost- this ingredient is rich in nutrients, enhances porosity, and has lesser chances of carrying bacteria or viruses with it. Vermicompost/ Worm Castings are waste products produced by earthworms, or they are also known as worm poo. Make sure that the vermicompost that you have is of high quality if you plan to buy it from the market.
    • 30% of Peat Moss
    • 30% of Scoria- scoria is a complex-shaped igneous rock that improves porosity, penetrability, and aeration due to its huge surface area. Commonly, super soil recipes use perlite to improve porosity, but scoria is a better choice. Perlite doesn’t simulate the natural system of the soil, except for making more pores.
    • 10% Biochar- this char is created from carefully heating organic matter until it becomes black earth. With this ingredient, your soil will improve its porosity and CEC. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) allows the soil to hold on to important nutrients, and it also serves as a protection against soil acidification.

    Nutrients and Minerals

    • ½ cup/ cubic foot of Crustacean Mix- this mix is made up of grounded crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. These creatures provide your soil with essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. 
    • ½ cup/ cubic foot of Neem Seed- this ingredient acts as an organic pesticide.
    • ½ cup/ cubic foot of Kelp- this grounded up seaweed wakes up plant hormones to improve resiliency and tolerance from diseases.
    • ½ cup/ cubic foot of Glacial Rock Dust- this is rich in micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
    • 1 cup/ cubic foot of Gypsum Dust- this dust contains a huge amount of sulfur and calcium, and also has a neutral pH.
    • 1 cup Basalt Dust per cubic foot- this ingredient is also rich in micronutrients; it also has paramagnetic properties.

    4. Mix All the Ingredients

    Pour everything into your mixer and use a hand tool that helps you mix your super soil until it gains consistency. It doesn’t have to be perfect as the ingredients will settle by itself after you place your plant.

    5. Test your Soils pH and Biology

    To make sure that it’s the best super soil, you should test its pH by using the right equipment. Or to make things easier, you can send it to a lab for evaluation by professionals.

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    6. Place your Plants in your Completed Super Soil

    Now it’s time to place your plant in the super soil. Thoroughly do this step to avoid unwanted troubles.

    7.  Add on the Extras

    • Add 1 cup per 4 square feet of Vermicompost. Place the castings in on the topsoil surface but don’t allow any worm to touch the stem or leaves of the plant!
    • Lastly, add mulch. Mulch decreases the evaporation of water in your soil. These include rice straw, barley, wheat, etc. 

    8. Mission Accomplished!

    Now that you have followed the right steps to achieve your super soil, you’re now ready to fill up your empty garden with beautiful and fast-growing plants!

    How to Make the Best Premade Super Soil like Magic

    FAQ’s

    Do cover crops help make the soil you start out with better?

    Yes, this is first thing I recommend is to plant cover crops.

    This will add nutrients and increase the diversity of life in your soil, which will result in a richer soil. What is a Cover Crop? Cover crops are plants that are planted between rows of vegetables or flowers to help keep weeds down, fertilize the soil and reduce erosion. There are many different types of cover crops, but the most common are grasses, legumes and clovers.

    The idea behind a cover crop is to maintain the health of the soil for the next season, but not necessarily to grow a harvestable crop. Some cover crops can be harvested for their leaves and stems (like clover), but most are planted with the intention of being left in the ground. Why do we need cover crops? Why not just plant something like tomatoes in a row or two and let it go? Well, there are a few reasons.

    What’s a great way to make super premed super soil?

    ’m a big believer in making your own soil. I love the feeling of working with soil and watching it grow. However, I also love to have a ready made soil mix that I can just add to my garden. I’ve had a good friend who is a farmer for over 20 years and he always makes his own soil mix.

    It’s an easy way to get started and you can customize it to your soil type. He calls it his “magic dirt” and I think it’s the best soil mix I’ve ever had. I was lucky enough to get a sample of this magic dirt and am so excited to share it with you!

    How to Make Your Own Magic Dirt First off, make sure you have all of your supplies ready. You’ll need:

    1. A bucket of potting soil or compost. This is what you’ll use to mix your magic dirt.

    2. 1/4 cup of bone meal. Bone meal is great for improving soil structure, improving nutrient levels and providing calcium.

    3. 2 cups of sand. Sand helps loosen soil and can be used as a filler in your mix if you don’t want to add too much potting soil.

    4. 1/4 cup of leaf mold. Leaf mold is soil that has decomposed leaves and other organic matter in it. It is great for building soil structure and adding nutrients.

    5. 1/2 cup of peat moss.

    6. Peat moss adds moisture retention, improves drainage and has other wonderful properties.

    7. 1/2 cup of compost. Compost is a great way to improve the fertility of your soil and add nutrients.

    8. A shovel. I suggest a wide blade shovel because it will help you scoop out the mix.

    9. Optional: A trowel or garden fork. You’ll be able to dig your garden beds with this.

    If you’re feeling lazy, you can just buy all of these materials at your local nursery or garden center. However, if you’re really looking to save money, you can buy a bag of potting soil and then add your own ingredients!

    Mixing Your Magic Dirt Mix

    Now that you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to mix your magic dirt. You’ll need to scoop up about 2 cups of soil from the bucket into a mixing bowl. Add your bone meal to the soil in the mixing bowl. I like to mix mine in with my fingers and then use my spoon to spread it around evenly. Then, add your sand. I use my hands and scoop it into the bowl. Next, add your leaf mold and compost. Mix these in with your hands as well.

    Finally, add your peat moss. You can mix this by hand as well. However, I find that using a spoon is more efficient. Scoop the peat moss into the mixing bowl and mix it in. Once the mix is completely mixed together, scoop it into your garden beds. You may want to wet the top of your beds before you add your magic dirt. This will help the dirt stick better. It also helps keep weeds from growing. After you’ve added your magic dirt to your beds, you’ll want to water the dirt well. Make sure that you water the dirt after you have watered your plants. The moisture in the soil will help the soil retain nutrients. Once the soil has had some time to settle, you can begin planting!

    Can you add nutrients to super soil?

    Short answer: Yes. Long answer: It depends. There are many ways to make a good soil. But if we are talking about super soil, then there is only one way, and that’s to use compost or manure. Both will provide the necessary nutrients and microbes needed to produce healthy plants.

    Tips in Making the Process Effective

    • Grow your Plants in Raised Beds. This type of container makes a good draining system, prevents soil from getting compact, reduces the growth of weeds, and protects your plants from pests. 
    • Plant Different Kinds of Crops. Planting different kinds of plants for different seasons helps in controlling known root diseases, improves soil fertility, and is a good defense system for weeds and pests. This technique needs planning; it is advisable to group your plants into four: beans, vegetables, fruits, and green leaves.

    Did you enjoy the tutorial? Well, I hope you did! The detailed step by step instructions I mentioned above are essential for you to make the best super soil you’ve always wanted to achieve. You just need due diligence to follow the instructions I provided, and in the end, all the efforts will be worth it.

    Please state your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, please like and share this article with family or friends who might be interested in pulling off the whole project.

  • How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?

    Alfalfa sprouts are usually seen on sandwiches, aisles, and in many salads. Most of us love sprouts too because they add flavor to dishes and come with nutritional benefits. I know you love them also.

    I have been moving away from commercial foods recently and trying to grow organic foods that I can harvest fresh off my garden. So while I was eating an alfalfa sandwich the other day, I asked myself if I could grow the sprouts myself. This prompted me to research how to grow alfalfa sprouts and compiled this piece.

    Here is How You Can Grow Alfalfa Sprouts at Home

    Alfalfa sprouts sprout within one week, and you can easily grow them in a tray or a jar. To begin, you have to find the alfalfa seeds. I buy them at a local food store, but you can also get them from feed stores or online shops.

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts Using a Jar

    Step 1: Measure one tablespoon of the alfalfa seeds

    A tablespoon of the sprouts will sprout about one and a half cups of alfalfa sprouts, which can serve a maximum of two meals.

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?

    Step 2: Sort and wash the seeds

    Sort out the healthy-looking seeds and rinse them using a mesh sieve or a piece of cheesecloth. Remember to make sure you only wash seeds you plan to sprout immediately.

    Step 3: Place the alfalfa seeds in a glass jar 

    Find a flat-sided quart jar; it works best since it can be laid on its side for better circulation.

    Step 4: Completely cover the seeds with about 2 inches of cold water

    Use a pantyhose or a cheesecloth to cover the jar and secure the cover with a rubber band. The cover will help to hold the seeds in the jar when draining the water.

    Step 5: Let the alfalfa seeds soak for at least half a day

    You should keep the jar in a dry and warm place.

    Step 6: Drain the water in the jar after twelve hours elapse

    Do not remove the covering cheesecloth since it will hold the seeds in the jar while you drain out the water.

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    Step 7: Rinse and drain the seeds

    Drain all the water from the jar to prevent the seeds from rotting.

    Step 8: Place the jar lying on its side in a dark place

    Closets and pantries are great locations since they provide ideal temperatures. Spread the seeds across the base of the jar.

    Step 9: Rinse the alfalfa seeds after every eight to twelve hours

    Use lukewarm water to rinse the alfalfa seeds and completely drain the water each time. Repeat this step for four days until the seeds sprout to about two inches long.

    Step 10: Move the jar into a sunlit area

    Spread out the seeds on a dish or platter and place them close to a sunny window for fifteen minutes until the sprouts turn green. Sunlight activates enzymes, which make the sprouts healthy.

    Step 11: Store the sprouts in a refrigerator

    The cold temperatures slow down the sprouting for up to six days.

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts Using a Clay Tray

    Step 1: Measure one tablespoon of alfalfa seeds and store the remaining seeds a sealed plastic bag or in the original packaging bag.

    Step 2: Sort and rinse the seeds.  Sort out the seeds removing any discolored or damaged seed. Place the healthy seeds on a piece of cheesecloth and rinse them.

    Step 3: Place the seeds in a jar and soak them with two inches of cold water.  Make sure the seeds are completely covered with water then cover the jar with a cheesecloth bound by a rubber band.

    Step 4: Place the jar in a dark room and let the seeds soak for twelve hours.

    Step 5: Drain the seeds through the cheesecloth. You should drain out all the water to prevent rotting and rinse the seeds again using lukewarm water.

    Step 6: Spread the alfalfa seeds over the clay tray. You can use any type of clay tray, but if possible, use a tray with a red terra cotta. Spread the seeds to cover the base of the tray evenly.

    How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?

    Step 7: Place the tray on a bigger pan with water. The water in the pan should cover the tray halfway up, but make sure the water does not spill into the tray.

    Step 8: Place the pan and tray in a dark location and leave the seeds to sprout. The clay tray absorbs moisture from the pan that helps the seeds to sprout. I love this method since there is no need to rinse the seeds every few hours.

    Step 9: Refill the pan for four to five days. Check on the level of water in the pan and refill accordingly. The seeds will not sprout if the pan runs out of water for the seeds to absorb.

    Step 10: Place the tray in the sunlight when the sprouts reach two inches in length. Let the sprouts stay in the sunshine for about 15 minutes to activate essential enzymes. The sprouts are ready to eat when they turn green.

    Both processes yield fresh and organic sprouts. The method to use solely lies on your preference or interest.

    You can remove the hulls from the sprout if you like or leave them since they are also edible. Fresh sprouts taste the best, but if you plan to eat them later, you can store them in a dry plastic bag and refrigerate them.

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take to grow alfalfa sprouts?

    The answer depends on how you start your sprouts. If you buy a sprouting kit, it takes about five days for the seeds to sprout. If you grow them from seed, it will take four to six weeks. Which is the better way to grow sprouts? Both methods have their pros and cons. With the kit, there are no worries about soil conditions or temperature.

    You can purchase an inexpensive kit that usually comes with a sprouter, but you can also just put your sprouts in a glass jar with a lid. If you want to grow sprouts from seed, start them in an indoor potting soil. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the soil and place the pot in a warm location, such as a sunny window. Keep the sprouts moist, but don’t let the soil become too wet.

    You should see sprouts emerging after two weeks. The easiest way to keep your sprouts fresh is to store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. But if you live in a warm climate, you might want to take them outside. If you do, make sure you have some type of cover for the sprouts. A screen works well because it keeps out the bugs and wind. Sprouts are nutritious and packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The nutrients in alfalfa sprouts are especially beneficial for children and pregnant women. Sprouts are also a good source of iron and zinc. They also contain calcium and magnesium. Alfalfa sprouts are high in antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and other diseases. A study by the University of Illinois found that alfalfa sprouts contained about 1.5 milligrams of the antioxidant glutathione per gram of sprout.

    Do I need to wash alfalfa sprouts?

    Do I need to wash alfalfa sprouts?

    Alfalfa sprouts are a great source of nutrients and fiber. The sprouts are harvested when the sprouts are still small, and have a tender texture. Alfalfa sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked. Sprouts should be kept in the refrigerator because they spoil easily. 

    Sprouts will lose their crispness if stored for too long, so it is recommended that you use them within 3-5 days of purchase. How to cook alfalfa sprouts? Alfalfa sprouts are a great source of protein and vitamins. To make sprouts, first rinse the sprouts under cold water.

    Then, drain the sprouts and cut them into halves or quarters. For a side dish, cook the sprouts in boiling water for about 1 minute or until tender. For a main dish, steam the sprouts in a steamer or on a wok-style pan with lid. You can also add some salt to enhance the flavor.

    What do you do with alfalfa sprouts?

    You can make a salad out of them, but that’s pretty much it. But if you think about it, alfalfa sprouts are pretty similar to lentils in that they don’t really have an established culinary identity in the U.S., and while both have a long history as an ingredient in Asian cuisine, they are mostly unknown here.

    Conclusion

    With the above steps, you can enjoy fresh alfalfa sprouts straight from your home. Both methods work well, and it all comes down to what equipment is available to you. I would recommend trays such as the hawos Terracotta Sprouter Clay Sprouting Pot if you are using the clay tray method, or you can try Ball Quart Jar with Silver Lid if you are using the jar method.

    Leave a comment if you have any questions and I will gladly respond.

  • How to Make Clones Root Grow Faster?

    How to Make Clones Root Grow Faster?

    It is always a good idea to grow your own vegetables. It is also an economical hobby as you never have to buy your veggies; with this, you can be sure if you are eating something that you know is well taken care of and groomed. More and more, people are into cloning plants. Whether you are a first-time grower or a more experienced gardener, plant cloning can be rewarding if you do it the right way. With this, it is important that you know how to make clones root grow faster.  

    Waiting for the fruit of your labor is exciting. If you are fond of growing your own veggies, then harvesting it will be your ultimate goal. Growing plants can be a great hobby, and it becomes even better when you see the fruit of your labor. Cloning can be beneficial to growers, and speeding up the growth of the plants can even be a better and satisfying hobby. But, before you put in your time and energy into it, you need to know first what cloning is. 

    What is Plant Cloning?

    Plant cloning is also known as asexual plant propagation. This is the method of getting a piece of the plant, like the stem or roots, and placing it in a suitable planting container or location with moist soil. This, then, allows the obtained part to grow as an independent plant. Aside from moist soil, you can also use coir, perlite, rock wool, and expanded clay pellets for your plant cloning base. 

    How to Make Clones Root Grow Faster?

    How to Clone Plants?

    It is just normal to be frustrated to wait for your clones to grow. Any gardener or vegetable grower would feel anxious waiting for results. Consequently, they would seek for ways to make the plants grow faster to allow them to harvest their products at the soonest possible time. But before all that, a gardener or a plant grower must choose a good plant to get the cuttings from. As they say, cloning from a good plant will yield more good plants. Here are sure-fire instructions to speed up clone roots growing. 

    • Prepare Needed Materials

    Getting the materials ready will make your cloning procedure faster to finish and hassle-free. You will need: 

    • Cloning tray with holes
    • Soil, rock wool, or clay pellets
    • Pair of scissors
    • Razorblade
    • Rooting powder or rooting gel
    • Mixing bowls
    • Spray bottles

    • Prepare your Cloning Tray

    You will need to make sure that your soil, pellets, or rock wool are moist enough. If you are using soil or rock wool, you just have to sprinkle water to it; then, place it inside the tray. But if you are using clay pellets, you still need to expand it by soaking in a bucket of water. Allow it to fully expand; then, squeeze out excess water. Finally, you can place it on the tray. 

    • Get Clones from the Mother Plant

    To make clones grow faster, you need to cut from the lower part of the plant; choose the part that is closest to the root. Also, choose the larger section of the plant. Keep in mind that small section or stems will take a longer time to grow. It is also better to get the part with some leaves, as the leaves can give more energy to the plant. In this step, you can use the razor blade to cut the large section of the plant at a 45-degree angle.  

    • Prepare the Cuttings for Planting

    The obtained cuttings from the mother plant should be first placed in a bucket of cold water; using such will prevent air bubbles from forming inside the cutting. Your cuttings should also be of the same length so that you can monitor which ones are growing faster. Once the cuttings are trimmed, you can dip it in rooting powder or gel; it is better if you could use both. Dip the cutting first into the gel; then, to the powder. Now, it is time to plant it in the cloning tray. Press down the cutting into your soil, rock wool, or clay pellets making sure that it is stable and will not fall out. 

    • Provide Needed Environment

    Ideally, you have to put the clones in a place that has moisture, warmth, and light. It will need 18 hours of light per day. You also have to make sure that the place is not too cold or too hot. Daily misting will also be needed to keep the tray moist. Misting prevents the plant from drowning. 

    How to Make Clones Root Grow Faster? 

    Now that you know the proper steps to plant and grow clone plants faster, it is best to get tips and tricks on how to make clone root grow in no time. 

    • Daily Care

    Plant cloning is a daily thing. To make sure that the clones grow faster, moisten the clone tray every day. Everyday misting will help keep the clone tray moist and provide needed water to the plant.  

    • Daily Monitoring

    Always check on the progress of your plants. See if the plants are already developing roots and leaves and if it is already getting bigger.  

     

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take for clones to grow roots?

    I’ve had several clones growing for a couple of weeks now and I’m curious if it will take longer for them to grow roots. They have been potted in a mix of perlite, vermiculite, and potting soil.

    How do you make clones grow bigger?

    The easiest way to clone plants is by cutting them with a clean knife. The cut must be as clean and sharp as possible, and the knife should be sterilized before use. Then, you place the cutting in a water-tight container such as a ziplock bag or other airtight container, and keep it on a warm surface. The warmth will speed up the growth of the cutting.

    You may want to place the cuttings on a heating pad, or even in an incubator.

    Can I put my plant clones straight into soil?

    The answer is Yes, you can. You do need to ensure that the plants are well watered when they arrive, but after that, they will need to be planted in a pot and placed in a place where they will get enough light.

    Can you clone from a leaf?

    The answer is yes. You can clone plants from leaves or other parts of the plant, but you have to take extra care. Most plants are propagated by seeds, which are small and easy to grow. But some plants are propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are small pieces of a plant that are cut from the parent plant. They are usually rooted in a rooting medium, such as soil or sand.

    Can you clone a plant too many times?

    My answer to that question is no. You can never clone a plant too many times. The reason for this is that every time you clone a plant you are creating a clone of that plant. Each cloned plant is identical to the original plant and they will grow into identical plants.

    This means that each one of those plants will be genetically identical to the original plant and so on.

    How do you keep clones healthy?

    You should always use a well-established, disease-free clone. Disease-free means that the plants have been through a quarantine process and have no diseases or pests. It is also important to follow your nursery’s standards for growing your plants. Starting seeds indoors can be a good option. You will need to invest in some pots and soil to begin with. The first year you can plant outside, and the second year, you can move your plants into larger pots.

    Growth 

    In case, you notice the plants developing roots and the stem becoming larger, you can then transfer it to its natural and new home. Remove the dome and transfer it to a larger pot. Place it in an environment where it can have natural light and a normal environment.  

    Plant cloning is more common these days, but the issue is that cloning takes a lot of time to grow and produce the fruits you want to see. The main idea of speeding up the growth of your clone plants is to start right. The instructions given will help even first-time growers to achieve faster growth for their clone plants. Once this is achieved, your next planting will be easier and hassle-free. If you find this article helpful, please feel free to share it with your friends and family, and let us enrich our world and provide people with good plants around.