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  • Do You Know When To Pick Yellow Squash? Find Out Here

    Do You Know When To Pick Yellow Squash? Find Out Here

    Yellow squash is one of the members of the squash family, with lots of nutritional benefits and the ability to grow rapidly during summer. When to pick yellow squash is one common question asked among gardeners. The yellow squash usually has a very short maturity period making it susceptible to quick picks.

    Yellow squash is summer squash, and one of the varieties of marrow squash. It is largely an edible vegetable looking very much like zucchini in shape, flavor, and texture. Yellow squash usually come in different shapes, sizes, and hues, reaching their peak during the hottest weeks of summer.

    This article offers insight into when to pick (harvest) yellow squash. So, let’s begin.

    When To Harvest Yellow Squash

    Yellow squash should get harvested when it has attained maturity. The following are a few factors that should offer you hint into whether the plant is matured for picking or not:

    Length Of The Yellow Squash – When To Pick Yellow Squash

    The longer the size of the squash, the more likely it is matured for harvesting. When the squash appears long, then most of the seeds inside are very likely matured. While it is necessary for the seeds to matured, they should not be left to get too hardened inside. The ideal length for harvesting yellow squash is when it is about six inches in length.

    Plumpness Of The Blossom End – When To Pick Yellow Squash

    As a squash begins to mature, one of the signs you will notice is the bigger it gets around the blossom end. When the plump end gets really big around, thereby leaving the neck small, then the plant is matured for harvesting.

    Color Of The Squash – When To Pick Yellow Squash

    Although yellow squash is yellow from the beginning, as they mature, you begin to notice some changes. The matured squash begins to turn dark yellow as it nears the picking stage. When it becomes overly matured, there is an orange tint to the skin.

    You Begin To Notice A Few Bad Ones – When To Pick Yellow Squash

    Where you fail to pick any of the above signs, this last sign may come in handy. When you begin to notice that a few yellow squashes are getting worse, then you are sure that maturity has been attained. A change to brown is evidence of this.

    Read more about Foods High In Nitrogen

    Picking Matured Yellow Squash – When To Pick Yellow Squash

    After you have confirmed that the squash is matured for harvesting, then you should go ahead with the harvesting process. Squash can easily get harvested by being twisted off the vine or alternatively by using scissors or a garden pruner to cut off the vine.

    You should be careful not to tug or pull fruit from the vine with force as this may result in injury to the plant. When cutting off the fruit from the vine, it is best to leave a short stem attached to the fruit as this will greatly help improve storage life.

    Due to how easily the skin of the fruit can be injured, care must be taken when going about the harvesting of this plant. This is so as to prevent wounds to the skin.

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    Tips To Note When Picking Yellow Squash

    Below are a few tips that should be considered by you when picking your matured yellow squash fruit:

    • Not all fruits and vegetables are harvested the same way: While some fruits and vegetables are harvested when they are still hard, others require softness before harvest. Some fruits can ripe after picking while others cannot. You must therefore follow the prescribed picking way.
    • The bigger fruit is not always the best: the more you leave your yellow squash attached to the vine, the bigger it gets. This however has its downside, as the seeds also get harder and tougher. If the fruit is to be used for cooking, the soft seeds are better than the hard ones.
    • Exercise care when picking: You should ensure to use both hands when picking so as to protect such plants from being injured. Also, you should take enough care to ensure that the fruit is not yanked off the vine. Doing this may cause serious harm to the plant and growth hampered.
    • Harvest in the morning; Just like most other plants, it is best to harvest the yellow squash in the morning. This allows the product to stay crisp and store longer, and this protects the fruit from becoming limp from heat during the day. Where morning is not possible, then the fruit should be harvested in the evening.
    Tips To Note When Picking Yellow Squash
    • Constant checking of the garden: When you notice that a plant is producing, you should begin frequent visits to the garden. This is to ensure that you do not miss a matured yellow plant. Constant picking encourages the plant to produce even more and as such should be done.

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    Storing Yellow Squash After Harvesting

    After picking the yellow squashes, you may need to harvest some when they cannot all be consumed immediately. Below are a few tips you should note when storing the summer squash:

    • Wipe the fruit with a clean damp cloth and place it in a perforated plastic bag. Thereafter, place the bag in the vegetable crisper of a refrigerator. This is one of the best ways to store and maintain the humidity of the yellow squash.
    • The temperature for storing the summer squash in the refrigerator should not be lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Where the temperature gets too low, it may result in injury symptoms in the fruit such as surface pitting, water loss, and decay.
    • Grating and freezing: Another method that may be adopted when storing summer squashes is to grate and then freeze. Grating and freezing greatly help in retaining the quality and this may last longer than just freezing.
    Storing Yellow Squash After Harvesting

    Conclusion On When To Pick Yellow Squash

    The yellow squash is one of the lovely fruits you may decide to have in your garden. However, for the best possible result to be actualized, you must be conversant with when is the best time to plant as well as pick the fruit. This article gives you proper guidance into how to go about picking the fruit.

    FAQ’s

    How to tell when squash is ready to pick?

    There are a few things you would notice in a yellow squash to give you an inkling into whether it is ready to be picked or not. These include an increase in size to no less than 6 inches, plumpness of the fruit and a change in the color of the fruit to dark yellow as opposed to bright shiny yellow for young fruits. A yellow squash is usually ready to be picked about 50 to 60 days after planting

    How do I know when yellow squash is ripe?

    You know when the yellow squash is ripe by some of the features you will notice in the fruit. These include an increase in size to no less than 6 inches, plumpness of the fruit, and a change in the color of the fruit to dark yellow as opposed to bright shiny yellow for young fruits.

    How do you pick squash off the vine?

    You pick squash off the vine by carefully holding with one hand and twisting gently. Be careful and ensure not to pull so as not to break the vine. Also, for easing of picking, you may also use a scissors or garden pruner to cut the fruit off the vine.

    Will yellow squash ripen off the vine?

    Yes, if the yellow squash is allowed to stay on the vine long enough, it will ripen on the vine. You will gradually begin to notice a change of its color to a darker yellow. At this point, know it has ripened for harvest.

  • Get To Know How Often To Water Cilantro

    Get To Know How Often To Water Cilantro

    A major question most people ask is this: how often to water cilantro? Cilantro needs special care and when you properly care for this plant, you will enjoy great results.

    There are precautionary measures that need to be adhered to when it comes to watering cilantro. If you desist from them, you may end up endangering the health of your plant.

    This thereby leads to a state of confusion as many often tend to ask about how often to water cilantro. You don’t need to look too far for the answer because we will be discussing it in this post.

    Should Cilantro Be Watered A Lot?

    Maintaining moisturized soil is important to cilantro plants. They grow well when they are being watered the right way. But, you should know that adequate water is not needed by this plant.

    Also, this plant doesn’t require a lot of water when it has grown a bit to like an inch tall. The amount of water needed by the cilantro plant is determined by whether it’s being grown outside or indoors.

    When growing cilantro indoors, it is best you water them very well. This is most especially when you’re growing them in containers and when temperatures get higher. They need to be watered thoroughly, most especially if they’ve been planted newly, for successful growth.

    Again, you need to take note that it is important that the pot and the soil or the type of garden soil you plant the cilantro in must be well-draining. This is because of the huge amount of water the plant is being supplied with.

    Should Cilantro Be Watered A Lot

    The roots of the cilantro plant are extensive, hence the soil must be well-drained. But you might also consider holding back on watering when they are grown.

    Cilantro doesn’t need much water when they are grown. In fact, to keep the plants healthy, watering them should be done at appropriate times. For instance, when you check the surface of the soil and it’s totally dry, it means water is needed.

    However, when you get the soil clogged with water when the plant is already grown, you make it easy for diseases to have access to the plants. so, just provide the right amount of watering to your plant.

    Check Out Basil Water Requirements

    What Amount Of Water Should Cilantro Be Supplied With?

    When cilantro is newly planted, water it with an inch of water every day for successful healthy growth. And when it has grown, water it with an inch of water once a week to keep it healthy. Knowing the exact amount of water cilantro needs is important in order to avoid overwatering.

    Overwatering is also not the only factor to put into consideration, under-watering should also be considered. Under-watering is a serious issue despite the fact that the plant doesn’t need to be watered much. Under-watering can lead to wilting of the leaves which causes the leaves to dry off.

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    Drought, as well as the death of the plant, can also be caused by under-watering. This is because the leaves will begin to dry and fall off and then the stems get affected.

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    Can Cilantro Be Overwatered?

    The cultivating means and the nature of the soil will determine how often cilantro should be watered. The soil in which you planted your cilantro should be watered once it becomes dry for the plant. Watering should be weekly.

    However, how often to water cilantro should be dependent on whether the plant is still about to germinate or if it has grown.

    The plant needs to be watered daily when planted newly in nursery plant beds. Its healthy growth is dependent on enough watering as it helps the seeds with proper germination.

    Then when the plants have been moved to the garden, water every week with just an inch of water. However, if you don’t want to transfer your cilantro plants from the containers, then take note that watering must increase daily. This should be most especially during when temperatures begin to rise.

    A lot of watering is required if you started your plants as stem cuttings. This is because much water will be needed by the quick sprouting root to establish itself in the soil.

    Can Cilantro Be Overwatered

    Furthermore, apart from the watering at the beginning, the plants should be watered every day with at least an inch of water. Do this for two weeks, and then continue water with just an inch of water weekly.

    However, watering the plants regularly is important if you’re growing your cilantro plants in pots first before you transfer them to the ground. You may also want to know that while it is good to water cilantro plants, overwatering is a thing that is likely to happen if you don’t adhere to the right tips for watering.

    How To Know If You’re Overwatering Cilantro?

    Overwatering can have serious negative effects on cilantro plants. This can lead to the total breakdown of the plants, thereby slowing down the total wellbeing and productivity of the plant. Let’s take a look at a few signs to look out for that indicates overwatering.

    • Dark Leaves: this condition, which is known as leaf spot, affects plants in the damp and cool surroundings.
    • Fluids Start to Accumulate: the leaves and stems accumulate water and then start to bloat due to the fact that the plant is the type that doesn’t need much water. This is a condition called edema.
    • The Cilantro Leaves become Yellow: overwatering leads to the rotting of the roots. This in turn stops the nutrients, like nitrogen, that are needed for the leaves’ greenish coloration from getting to the leaves. Therefore, the leaves begin to turn yellow.
    • Mildew: overwatering also causes mildew. This condition is an indication of the presence of a fungal disease on the plant. This condition usually causes the plant to become unproductive and to also lose some of its taste and flavor. This condition, however, will not cause the death of the plant.

    Additional Say On How Often To Water Cilantro

    How often to water cilantro is an essential aspect of growing cilantro plants successfully. Without knowing how the cilantro plant should be watered, you might make a lot of mistakes in trying to get a successful outcome.

    Watering your cilantro plant evenly is a very important thing to do. Endeavor to supply the plants in garden beds with an inch of water weekly. But if you have your cilantro planted in containers, you may need to water them more frequently.

    FAQ’s

    Do you water cilantro everyday?

    It’s not necessary you water your cilantro every day. Ideally, cilantro watering should be done a few times in a week. Water when it is necessary and aim to maintain a damp but not too moist or soggy soil.

    Can you overwater cilantro?

    Yes. Cilantro plants can be over-watered and this is usually a bad thing to do. Therefore, try as much as possible to avoid overwatering to avoid the negative impact of having a soggy cilantro plant.

    How much water and sun does cilantro need?

    Ideally, the appropriate amount of watering for cilantro should be about 1 inch into the soil per week for optimal growth. However, once cilantro plants are established, too much watering isn’t too necessary. The sunlight requirement for the cilantro plant is full sun.

    How often to water cilantro in a pot

    The watering needs for growing cilantro in pots aren’t so hard to deduce. Aim to keep your soil evenly moist and avoid soaking the soil. you can aim for about 1 inch water weekly.

  • Basil Water Requirements

    Basil Water Requirements

    If you are interested in having a plant with a great scent coupled with a lovely flavor in your garden, then fresh basil should be considered. Basil is a versatile herb that is both easy to grow and very nutritious when consumed. Basil water requirements are however very important for the smooth growth of this plant.

    Basil is a very tender annual herb with a likeness for consistently moist soil. While this plant will do well in moist soil, it does not require very wet soil or dry soil. Getting the proper water content for the plant will give you the desired result.

    There are some key considerations that determine how much water should be added to the plant when being grown. So, this article gives insight into the basil plant, explaining the water requirements of the plant.

    Watering requirements for young tender basil and established basil plants are quite different. Similarly, there’s a different water requirement when growing indoors and when growing outdoors. All of these will be considered here.

    Water Requirements Of Basil Plant At Seedling Stage

    If you desire to begin your basil plant by growing seedlings, you must pay very close attention to the water you add to these plants. At the seedling stage, basil may be planted in containers or introduced straight into the ground.

    The watering of basil seedlings is largely mild and does not require deep watering like adult plants. All you are required to do is the damping of the soil. If you are able to consistently keep the soil damp, the seedlings will flourish.

    Water Requirements Of Basil Plant At Seedling Stage

    For the best possible result, you should use a sprayer or plant mister to properly moisten the very top layer of the soil. Continue to do this until the plant germinates and begins to grow comfortably. Ensure that the soil is not allowed to dry out or become soggy.

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    Basil Water Requirements For Established Plant

    The water requirement for grown and established basil plants is more intense than for young seedlings. Where the established basil plant is grown outside in the garden, then you should water every 3 to 4 days. This will be largely dependent on the amount of rainfall where the plant is grown.

    Whereas an established basil plant is grown outside in a pot, then it should be watered every 1 or 2 days, depending however on the location. Where the pot or container is placed under a shade, then evaporation is reduced, and every 2 days should be fine.

    Basil generally likes to stay moist and will thrive in about 1 inch of water every week. You should therefore water deeply so as to keep the roots growing deep in the soil moist. Just like most other plants, the best time to water the basil plant is very early in the morning.

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    Watering Frequency When Growing Basil Plant Indoors

    When growing basil plants indoors, you must pay very close attention to the plant. It is usually best to water when the top half-inch of the soil is dry to touch. The amount of sunlight the plant gets and the warmth or otherwise of the room will influence how much water you add.

    On dark, cloudy, and winter days, you may need to water less often as dryness gets increasingly difficult to attain. You should also note that plants that are grown in small pots require more frequent watering than those grown in large pots.

    Growing basil plant indoors offers you a great advantage of having this plant both in summer and winter. The weather condition outside this has very little effect on the plant.

    Watering Frequency When Growing Basil Plant Outdoors

    When growing the basil plant outdoors, you will be required to provide the plant with between 1 and 1.5 inches of water every week. This water may come naturally from rainfall or may be provided by you artificially.

    As such, the frequency of rainfall, the amount of sunlight, and the weather condition all play a vital role in determining the amount of water that should be added to the plant. As the roots grow even deeper into the ground, you may need to water more regularly.

    Where you wish to control how much water evaporates from the soil, you should consider adopting water retention techniques.  The use of mulching is one great way to achieve this. Mulching may be done with straw, shredded hardwood mulch, or grass clippings.

    When you however decide to mulch with organic materials, be careful to keep the mulch a little bit away from the plant’s crown. Likewise do not build too much mulch around the stem as this may affect the plant’s growth.

    Factors That Affect Basil Plant Watering – Basil Water Requirements

    The following are some factors That affect basil plant watering plans:

    • Drainage: Soil drainage is one of the biggest determinants of how much water the plant will require to do well. Where basil is grown in poorly drained soil, water may end up drowning the root causing root rot. Proper drainage allows for good water and oxygen to the root.
    • Vermiculite: Where you notice that the soil where you planted your basil plant keeps drying out, then you may consider the use of vermiculite. Vermiculite is a granular material that is great for growing basil and aids in water retention.
    • Environment: This is another major factor that may affect how much water your plant requires. When you plant in drier environments with lots of sunlight, the soil will dry out fast and you may need to water more regularly. Planting in a shaded area may solve this problem.
    Factors That Affect Basil Plant Watering

    Conclusion On Basil Water Requirements

    Basil as we have seen above requires sufficient water to grow properly. Care must however be taken not to add too much water or too little water to the plant.

    FAQ’s

    How do I know if my basil is over watered?

    Where your basil is over watered, you may begin to notice the following signs: yellow leaves starting from the lower leaves and working upwards, drooping and wilting leaves, stunted growth of the plant, roots become mushy and brown or black, with an obnoxious odor emitting from the soil.

    Can basil get too much water?

    Yes, the basil plant can get too much water. This is especially the case when the soil is not one that allows for good drainage. While basil requires a good supply of water, this must be regulated so as to ensure that the soil does not get wet. When the soil gets wet, the tendency of the plant suffering from over watering becomes high.

    How much to water basil?

    Basil generally likes to stay moist and as such, they require no less than 1 inch of water every week. You should also water deeply at least once a week to keep the roots growing deep moist. Where the plant is grown in containers, the need for watering increases.

    How often to water basil plant?

    Basil plants should be watered regularly, depending on the weather condition, soil drainage condition, whether planted outdoors or indoors. You should however ensure that in total, the plant gets no less than 1 inch of water every week.

  • How Do Artichokes Grow?

    How Do Artichokes Grow?

    With elegant and distinctive leaves, very endearing to the eyes and aesthetic to the environment, artichokes are a wonder to the eyes. It serves as a very important and nutritious addition to your vegetable garden. Its ability to thrive in different climatic conditions makes it all the more endearing.

    Growing artichokes is relatively easy as you are only required to note a few things and follow the right process. When you time your planting period properly, ensure you plant on good soil and water the plant regularly, yield is sure to be bountiful.

    Knowing how do artichokes grow and the intricacies involved in caring for the plant goes a long way to influence harvest. This article gives insight into how to grow and care for the artichoke plant. The proper time for planting, the time to expect harvest amongst others are explained here.

    However, before we delve into how to grow and care for artichokes for the best possible result to be attained, let’s consider a few facts about the plant. An understanding of what artichokes plant really is will influence your decision to have them in your garden and how you go about caring for them.

    Things To Know about Artichoke – How Do Artichokes Grow

    Understanding a few facts about the artichoke plant will give you insight into growing and caring for the plant. The buds of the plant are the artichokes that you can harvest and eat. If allowed to flower, it becomes thistle-like and purple.

    Artichokes are usually large to behold and can be grown in rows in the garden, or grown as informal boundaries or planted in the wide border. This plant has the ability to grow as high as 3 to 5 feet under the right conditions.

    Things To Know about Artichoke

    A single plant can produce many artichokes, with the biggest bud growing at the top, while the others below it. The artichokes are mostly edible, and best harvested when the flower bud is still immature and green.

    This plant has the ability to survive both in warm and cold climatic conditions without growth being affected.

    How To Plant Artichokes Seeds

    If you intend to begin growing artichokes from seed, you should ensure to do the following:

    • Prepare Soil Indoors: it’s best that you plant artichoke seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. This is best done about two months before the weather outside is ready for transplanting. the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic materials or fertilized.
    • Sow your Seeds: after the soil meets the above specification has been prepared indoors, you should sow. sowing should be done about three or four inches apart and about half an inch deep into the soil.
    • Water Regularly: after planting the seeds, ensure to keep the soil bed evenly moist. You should be careful not to get the soil too wet as your seedlings begin to sprout.
    • Thinning: it is always best to plant a little more than what you actually need, just in case some don’t germinate. So when the seedlings grow, you can thin them so that there is only one plant growing from a particular spot.

    • Transplant to a Permanent Location: when you are done vernalizing your seedlings, you may transplant them into your garden bed. Ensure to do this carefully so as not to disturb the root of the plant as this may affect the growth.
    • Spacing after Transplant: after transplanting the seeds, you should space them about 2.5 to 3 feet apart in rows of about 3 to 4 feet apart. Transplants usually have a slow growth between October through January. But growth improves significantly in early spring.
    • Water: after transplanting your seeds to their permanent site, ensure to water them regularly and nourish their new home with the right nutrients.

    How Long Does It take for Artichokes To grow?

    You must know this from the onset. Artichokes are relatively slow growers. They would as such take between 85 to 120 days of the proper weather condition-spring or summer, to produce flowers.

    However, some varieties of this plant do not produce flowers until about two years after planting. Choosing the right variety and exposing it to the right conditions is therefore paramount.

    It is imperative to note however that vernalization usually encourages the plant to produce flowers in its first year.

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    Tips On Growing And Caring For Artichokes

    For the best possible result to be achieved, you should adopt the following tips when growing this plant:

    • Seed Variety: there are different seed varieties you can grow which will help with the desired result. These include the Green Globe, Violetto, Imperial Star, and Emrald. These varieties will flow quickly and usually grow faster and better than others.
    • Climatic Conditions: artichokes are naturally coo-season plants. They, therefore, do better when the daytime temperature is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the nighttime temperature is about 15 degrees cooler. Therefore, they excel in areas with cool summer.
    • Sunlight: this plant is best grown in full sun. This means they require about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Where, however, very hot and dry summer is witnessed in your area, you can plant them in shades.
    • Water: this plant requires a lot of water to survive. As such, you should water regularly throughout the growing season. You should even add weeds to cover some part of the plant to protect the moisture content until buds begin to form.
    • Harvesting: you should harvest artichoke buds when they have swelled but are still tightly closed. You can use a sharp knife to cut across the stem just about 2 inches below the bud.
    • Pests and Diseases: very few pests and diseases affect this plant. However, slugs, aphids, botrytis can be a few disturbers of this plant. Removing affected and discolored leaves as soon as you notice them will help prevent a spread. You can also use pesticides occasionally.
    Tips On Growing And Caring For Artichokes

    How Do Artichokes Grow: Conclusion

    How do artichokes grow? By, now, you must now have an idea of how artichokes grow and what to expect when you plant them in your garden. The intricacies involved in growing this plant have also been demystified in this article.

    Be sure to observe these guides when planting or caring for artichokes. If you do, then your good yield will be guaranteed.

    FAQ’s

    How long do artichokes take to grow?

    Artichokes are relatively slow growers. Depending on the variety and the prevailing condition, they would as such take between 85 to 120 days of the proper weather condition-spring or summer, to produce flowers. They can also take a longer period to grow in other prevailing conditions.

    How tall do artichokes grow?

    Also, depending on the variety and the prevailing conditions, this plant has the ability to grow as tall as anywhere between 3 to 5 feet.

    How many artichokes do you get from one plant?

    A healthy artichoke plant should be able to produce between 6 and 9 buds. This means a healthy plant should be able to produce about 6 to 9 artichokes.

    How much space do I need to grow artichokes?

    The appropriate outdoor spacing for artichokes being planted on the garden bed is about 2.5 to 3 feet apart in rows of about 3 to 4 feet apart. The number of artichokes you wish to plant will therefore influence how much space you may need to get to grow them.

  • How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?

    How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?

    How long do carrots take to grow? Let’s find out. Carrot is one of those vegetables which is considered to be highly nutritious and beneficial for your health.

    This article gives an insight into how long it generally takes for carrots to grow from planting to harvest. The different tips to note about growing carrots and how best to care for the plant are also discussed in this article.

    To achieve the best possible result, this article also discusses the best time to plant carrots and when to possibly expect to harvest. How to go about the harvesting stage and a few tips on how to store carrots when they are not being consumed immediately are also discussed here.

    How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?

    When carrots are planted outside in the garden or yard, with moderate exposure to the sun, good soil nutrients and proper watering harvesting become very easy. Carrots would in such conditions be ready for harvest between 70 and 80 days after planting.

    Where there is a change in the above conditions, the timeline may be altered slightly. Where they are planted indoors and exposed to the ideal temperature, light, and water conditions, carrots should be ready for harvesting between 60 and 80 days.

    Carrots Take To Grow

    You may not even need to wait for the above timelines if you have a preference for baby carrots. Your baby carrots should be ready for harvest in about 50 to 60 days after sprouting.

    Tips On Growing Carrots – How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?

    If you are desirous of achieving the best possible results, you should take note of the following when growing carrots:

    • Soil Preparation: you may decide to plant your carrots just about anywhere. You may decide to plant them in the ground without making beds, or in raised beds, or even on the patio in tubs. The soil should however be stone-free and well-dug, with exposure to sunlight.
    • Planting Carrots: after preparing the soil, the carrot seeds can then be planted. The carrot seeds should be soaked for several hours or throughout the night in warm water. This aids the germination process. The seeds should be sown ¼ to ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced between 12 to 24 inches apart.
    • Watering the Plant: carrots require a good amount of water to grow even at a very early stage. As such, water should be provided regularly to the plant. It is for this reason that it is necessary for the soil to be well-drained.
    • Care for Carrots: When the seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, they should be spaced about two inches apart. When weeds begin to appear, ensure to pull them out early enough so they don’t disturb the carrots. Apply low nitrogen-rich fertilizers about 6 weeks after planting.

    • Sowing Carrots: Carrot seeds can be sown from very early spring right through August. The vegetable can be harvested about all year round. Most varieties get sown between April and July, while early cultivars may be sown as early as February.
    • Carrot Disease Prevention: Carrot flies are notorious for damaging the roots of carrots. To prevent this insect from wreaking havoc, cover the ground with garden fleece or with a row cover.
    • Harvesting Carrots: When it is about time to harvest the carrots, you would know from the size of the top of the root poking out of the soil. When it appears matured, you can harvest the vegetable. The smaller ones are easy to pull out directly from the soil, while chunkier ones will require some digging from the ground.
    • Storing: Where the carrots are not being consumed immediately, they should be stored in cold temperatures a little above zero degrees. You can also store in sand or sawdust, or simply by leaving the harvested carrots under heaped soil in the garden.

    Recommended Varieties Of Carrots

    Carrots have a wide array of varieties from which you can pick if you are interested in growing the plant. These different varieties come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the recommended varieties are:

    • Danvers: This is a classic heirloom variety, usually about 6 to 8 inches long. It usually tapers at the end and has a rich, dark orange color. It has the ability to thrive in heavy soil.
    • Bolero: This variety is usually about 7 to 8 inches long and slightly tapered. It has the ability to resist most leaf pests and blights.

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    How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?
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    • Little Finger: Just like the name suggests, this is a small Nantes type of carrot which is only about 4 inches long and about 1 inch thick. It is a good variety to plant in pots or containers.
    • Nantes: This is an exceptionally sweet variety, of about 6 to 7 inches long. It has a crisp texture and is easily recognized.

    Nutritional Benefits Of Consuming Carrots

    The nutritional benefits of consuming carrots are numerous. Carrot contains water, protein, calories, carbs, sugar, fiber, and little traces of fat. Below are some of the major nutritional benefits:

    • Lowers the Risk of Cancer: antioxidants that carrot contains help a great deal to fight harmful free radicals in your body. These radicals can easily make you less likely to have cancer. Carotenoids and Anthocyanins are the two main types of antioxidants in carrots.
    • Heart Health: just the way the antioxidants in carrots help reduce the risk of cancer, they are also very beneficial to the heart. Carrot also contains potassium which helps keep your blood pressure in check, while the fiber content helps with weight and lowers risks of diseases.
    • Boost Your Immune System: carrots contain a substantial quantity of Vitamin C, and this helps your body build antibodies. This ultimately helps to defend your immune system. Vitamin C also helps your body to take in and use iron, which helps prevent infections.
    • Help Control Diabetes: people who have been diagnosed with diabetes are advised to consume more starchy vegetables such as carrots. The fiber in carrots helps to keep blood sugar levels under control and the Vitamin A and beta-carotene it contains helps with diabetes.
    Nutritional Benefits Of Consuming Carrots

    Conclusion – How Long Do Carrots Take To Grow?

    As you have seen from the above, carrots are one of the vegetables that anyone can recommend for you. Its benefits are huge and as such, it is highly desirable.

    This article gives you a guide to planting, growing, and caring for carrots. It also gives you an idea of how long it will take to grow carrots and when you are likely to harvest after planting.

    FAQ’s

    How long do carrots take to grow indoors?

    In a situation where carrots are planted indoors and exposed to the ideal temperature, light, and water conditions, they should be ready for harvesting between 60 and 80 days.

    How long do baby carrots take to grow?

    If you are a lover of baby carrots, the wait time is usually less. Your baby carrots should be ready for harvest in about 50 to 60 days after sprouting.

    How long do carrots take to grow from seed?

    In the right conditions, carrots usually take between 70 and 80 days to grow before they can be harvested when planted as seeds. This timeline may be briefly altered depending on the exact conditions the seeds and plants are exposed to.

    How long do carrots take to grow from containers?

    When carrots are grown in containers, the timeline before harvest usually depends largely on the variety. Most varieties will however be ready for harvest about 75 days after germination.

  • Head Of Broccoli

    Head Of Broccoli

    Broccoli is a type of vegetable that is under the cabbage family. Head of broccoli is pretty edible. So, its flowering head, stalk, and up to the leaves make up for that edible vegetable.

    Under the cabbage family, there are others like cabbage, kale, bok choy, Romanesco, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, and kohlrabi. The big flower portion which is at the extreme of a broccoli stalk is called the head of broccoli.

    Cutting the head into smaller bits and removing the thick stock gives you what is called broccoli florets. The broccoli floret most times is used as part of mouth-watering recipes.

    In an actual sense, the part of the broccoli with the best taste is the stalk. It is the best part of broccoli because it is rich in vitamins than the flower itself.

    That is why you shouldn’t throw away the stalks. But the stalk has tough skin and gets tougher after cooking it. To know how to get the best of the head and stalk of broccoli, keep reading.

    Broccoli Vegetable – Head Of Broccoli

    Like it’s been said earlier on, broccoli is a vegetable under the cabbage family. Broccoli and the rest of the members of the cabbage family are all vegetables that have their origins traced down to a wild mustard plant.

    This particular plant has been bred for the sole aim of producing different traits. They all are from Brassica oleracea species. The reason for breeding the plant called broccoli is to bring about a plant with bigger stems flowers.

    Broccoli Vegetable

    While the reason for breeding other cultivars is for more and bigger leaf buds, this is in the case of cabbage and Brussels sprouts, then for more leaves in the case of kale.

    The flowering part of a plant that must be harvested before the flower buds begin to bloom is known as broccoli. When the head of the plant turns yellow and begins to produce seed, then it can be planted instead to grow more seeds.

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    The Number Of Cups Of Broccoli Florets In A Head

    3 ½ cups of broccoli floret can be gotten from an average size of a broccoli stem. You can also get up to 2 cups of stalks that have been cut into pieces and still cook everything together with your broccoli floret to get more quantity.

    Knowing What Broccoli Look And Taste Like

    Broccoli takes the form of a small tree which is green and has a thick stem. Looking at typical broccoli closely, you will notice the head of broccoli has lots of flower buds that are tightly clustered together but have not started to bloom.

    Fresh broccoli should be dark green, especially the flower potion. It must be heavy and the buds must be tightly held together. If the broccoli is older, the color will be pale green or sometimes yellow. The body mass will be light too. Don’t eat it if it has turned slimy which means it’s old.

    365 by Whole Foods Market, Broccoli Florets, 32 Ounce

    Head Of Broccoli
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    As for the taste of broccoli, it should be earthy and even a bit bitter too. This is because the vegetable contains glucosinolate compounds. For some people, it’s really bitter, while some others can’t taste it at all due to the type of gene that they have.

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    Knowing Broccoli Cuts From Florets

    It is possible to mistake broccoli cuts as broccoli florets if you’re not so familiar with how they come when they’ve been packaged to be sold.

    You see, broccoli cuts comprise broccoli florets and as well as broccoli stalks that have been cut into pieces. Hence, you might not even know you’re buying broccoli cuts at the supermarket because the package comes as a lot of cut-up stalks but few florets.

    Endeavor to use only broccoli florets, instead of cut broccoli, as a side dish. But you can use the cut if you will take your time to prepare it correctly. You can as well purée the broccoli cuts as a soup instead or you can as well prepare them in a casserole, they will turn out good and taste great.

    This is because eating the cuts without being prepared can turn out bad. They are usually very tough and chewy if they are not been peeled and prepared.

    Knowing Broccoli Cuts From Florets

    How To Cut Broccoli

    Cutting all the parts of broccoli, especially the stalks, doesn’t take much time. It is also worth it because you get to use up all the broccoli stalk parts which is very economical.

    • Cut Off The Floret Stems

    A great idea of getting lovely florets is to leave the stems long. With the help of a chef’s knife, slice off the floret of the broccoli at the point where both its stem and the main stalk meets. Don’t cut the florets to the point where they are attached to each other.

    This is because the broccoli loses its lovely shape that way, making the floret look stubby. But there can always be an exception in a situation whereby you want to make a broccoli soup or you don’t need much stem in a veggie tray. Then the stem can be cut shorter.

    • For Large Broccoli Florets, Cut Them In Half

    For florets that are large in size, cut them into two at the bottom of the stem and then separate the florets. The florets should be equal in size if possible but not necessarily perfect.

    • You Can Cut The Stalk Too But It’s Optional

    The stalk is rich tastier and rich in vitamins than the flowers, you just have to know the right way to bring out its flavor.

    The irregular outer skin that is on the stalk should be sliced off, thereby making them into four sided rectangular sticks. The stalls can be used in stir-fries just like the florets.

    Head Of Broccoli: Conclusion

    So that’s it. The broccoli peelings can also be used for making vegetable broth. After all, the whole part of the broccoli can be very useful and not just the head of broccoli.

    FAQ’s

    What is a head of broccoli?

    The head of broccoli is very unique and it is the clusters of flowers that. So, it is also referred to as the cluster of flowers.

    How many calories in a head of broccoli?

    Broccoli tends to offer very low calories. The calories of broccoli are around 31. So, if you are concerned about your calorie intake, you can be sure that broccoli offers you low calories.

    How much protein in a head of broccoli?

    The head of broccoli comprises of about 2.6 grams of protein. However, when it comes to the calorie content of one cup of chopped broccoli which is the same as 88 grams, it has 2.5 grams of protein. Then 100 grams of broccoli comprise 2.8 grams of protein.

    How many carbs in a head of broccoli?

    The quantity of carbs present in the head of broccoli is about 6 grams. However, when it comes to the carb content of 1 cup of broccoli florets, we have about 3.6 grams.

  • What Are T5 LED Grow Lights All About?

    What Are T5 LED Grow Lights All About?

    What exactly is the catch with T5 LED grow light? Is it necessary for you to switch to T5 LED grow lights? Let’s answer these questions and more in this post. T5 LED lights are another excellent type of fluorescent grow light that can be used to supply light to your indoor growing plants.

    T5 fluorescent lights alone are a great choice for seeding, vegging, and cloning. Now when you make use of T5 LED grow lights, they tend to offer even better work. Everything the normal fluorescent does is what T5 LED grow light does but they do it in a better way. This means they offer the same out and spectra as well as flexibility.

    Now, let’s delve in further and see what T5 LED grow light is all about and how it can benefit our indoor growing crops.

    T5 LED Grow Lights: What Are They?

    T5 LED grow lights are a type of fluorescent grow light that has LED lighting features. This grow light performs all that a normal fluorescent grow light will do but they do it in a better or more efficient way.

    Another great catch is that T5 LED grow light makes use of lesser power or half the power. For this reason, they release lesser heat and offer better durability.

    T5 LED Grow Lights - What Are They

    Types Of T5 LED Grow Light

    We have two types of T5 LED grow lights. They are:

    1. T5 equivalent LED light

    This type of grow light can perfectly replace a T5 fluorescent light and they come with a fixture. Therefore, they can be used as a standalone light.

    1. T5 LED direct replacement tubes

    These types of grow lights are light tubes. Hence, they need a fixture to work. However, they can still use any standard T5 fluorescent fixtures available to you. Therefore, you don’t need to purchase a new fixture if you already have one.

    So, the advantage of using this tube is that you can use any fixture. However, to make it more efficient, just make use of LED tubes rather than fluorescent tubes.

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    Why Use T5 LED Grow Lights?

    You may often wonder if you should or should not switch to T5 grow lights. Well, the answer will generally depend on your plants’ basic needs. Both T5 grow light and T5 LED light featured grow lights are great to be used for indoor gardens.

    So, we know that the normal T5 fluorescent lights are great to be used for indoor gardens. T5 LED grow lights however are better fixtures that can offer even better features.

    T5 LED grow lights even make use of lesser power or half the power and this implies that they tend to emit minimal heat. So, even though T5 grow light costs a bit more, you can however recover the invested money quickly from the cost of saving power. They are also inclined to last longer.

    This also means you won’t have to change bulbs too often than saving half of the electricity will help you save a lot of money.

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    How Is T5 LED Grow Light Better Than The Standard Fluorescent Bulb

    LED tubes offer 3 great benefits when we compare them to their fluorescent counterparts. Let’s look into them:

    1. Durability: T5 LED grow light tends to last longer. Hence, you get to save some money and it reduces the stress of replacing bulbs often.
    2. Half Power Usage: the fact that T5 LED grow lights only consume half power, again helps you save money.
    3. The Heat Emission is Minimal: the heat released by this grow light tends to be in a minimal form. However, there may be heat issues only if you are using a lot of this grow light.

    There is however a few downsides to T5 LED grow light and this is their price. They tend to be at a higher price compared to the equivalent T5 tubes.

    How Is T5 LED Grow Light Better Than The Standard Fluorescent Bulb

    The good news is that you can quickly make back the cost this high cost because they consume lesser power which saves you electricity. It will also last you for a longer time. Therefore, the issue of changing bulbs frequently is reduced. You may not even need to get a new bulb for many years.

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    Some Recommended T5 LED Grow Light

    Here are some recommended T5 grow lights you can go for:

    1.    Active grow T5 high output 4FT LED tubes

    Active grow light active tubes are one of the most favored types of T5 LED grow light. They are so loved because they can work with the ballast with most features. This implies that you can replace the fluorescent bulbs with these bulbs. Other complete lightning on the other hand usually requires you to rewire the fixture to disconnect the ballast.

    This grows light also has a high output with an excellent spectrum option that allows you to offer your plant exactly what it requires.

    The downside to this grow light is that it isn’t compactable with all types of ballast.

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    2.    Barrina LED T5 integrated single fixture

    This is a 4-foot Barinna integrated light bar that includes both the bulb and the fixture. No other thing is required once you have this light. Hence, this makes this type of grow light an easy way to add T5 LED to your grow light should in case you don’t already have a T6fixture.

    The downside to using this grow light is that it lacks a reflector. This implies that light tends to spread out in a 270-degree angle.

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    3.    HTM lightening 4ft 24W T5 high output LED tube

    This is a T5 LED grow light that is lesser in price compared to other types of T5 LED lights. It works well with any kind of T5 fluorescent fixtures.

    The drawback is that this light isn’t designed specifically for plants. However, it works just like a fluorescent tube would work.

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    Conclusion

    Now, we can see how T5 LED grow light benefits our indoor garden. T5 LED lights are excellent lights that can supply your indoor plant with the necessary light required for your plants to thrive and grow adequately.

    FAQ’s

    Which is better LED or T5?

    Although both LED lights and T5 are great lights, we can still say LED lights are a bit better than T5 in regards to efficiency.

    Are T5 lights good for growing?

    Yes T5 lights are good for growing.

    What is a T5 LED grow light?

    T5 LED grow light is a type of LED featured light that works just like a standard fluorescent light would, but T5 LED lights tend to perform better.

    T5 led grow lights how far from young plants?

    You can start with a hanging distance of about 5 to 10 inches. Then adjust the distance either away or towards them depending on how well your plant takes the grow light distance as they grow.