Grower Today

Author: Eunice

  • All You Need To Know About Garden Hose Size

    All You Need To Know About Garden Hose Size

    A garden hose is a great tool that can be used for our outdoor needs such as watering our garden, watering the lawn, rinsing backyard equipment, or even washing our cars. But do you know the appropriate size for garden hose? Garden hose size needs to be gotten right so you can enjoy its use.

    It may look like all garden hoses should fit perfectly into any outdoor faucet, but this may not be true in some cases. However, you need to know that there are different sizes of garden hose fittings. So, it’s crucial you know the standard hose fitting size.

    Garden hose size will be discussed in this post and we will discuss how the various sizes work and many more.

    Garden Hose Size: What Is The Standard Size?

    A standard garden hose has 3 types of diameter sizes and they include:

    • 5/8 inch hose
    • ¾ inch hose
    • ½ inch hose
    Garden Hose Size - What Is The Standard Size

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    5/8 Diameter Hose

    This is the most standard diameter found for a hose. 5/8 hose diameter is an all-round size that can suit your yard. This diameter hose size has a heavier flow of water so you should make effort to control the water flow using accessories such as a nozzle.

    This hose size is as well great for washing your car. You can even use this hose to fill up your kid’s pool.

    ¾ And ½ Inch Diameter Hose

    ¾ and ½ are smaller hose sizes that you can as well go for. However, these hose sizes are smaller than the 5/8 diameter hose. These hose sizes are nice to be used for your container plants and basket plants.

    The flow of water that these sizes of hose offer are moderate. This means you get a nice stream of water flow that won’t damage your delicate plant or even flood your yard. So, your lovely plants and flowers won’t be crushed by too much pressure from water flow.

    Other Hose Size

    Apart from this 5/8, ¾, and ½ inches hose diameter, you can also find another hose size such as a 1-inch hose. This type of hose is mostly utilized by professional gardeners. It is also used by those who use more water pressure washers and require a heavy-duty hose.

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    Therefore, the water flow may be too much for home gardens. Hence, going for the standard hose size that suits your garden as the ones mentioned above is best.

    Things To Consider When Choosing Garden Hose Size

    Here are the following points to take note when it comes to choosing the right hose size that suits your needs:

    • Water Flow

    Regarding these diameters, you should know that a bigger diameter will provide more flow of water. Then conversely, a lesser diameter will provide minimal water flow. So, when going for hose diameters, always consider how you want to use your hose and the preferred water flow.

    • Water Conservation

    As we mentioned earlier, a bigger hose gives rise to a bigger flow of water. The usual flow of your hose gives is around 9 to 17 gallons per minute. So, if you wish to conserve water flow to get a lower water bill, then you should consider the diameter of water hose that will suit you.

    • Fittings

    The fittings for the type of the hose should as well be considered. There are different types of fittings and they include aluminum fittings, metal fittings, brass fittings, or plastic. These fitting basically depend on your preference.

    Things To Consider When Choosing Garden Hose Size - Fittings

    How To Measure A Hose Diameter

    Measuring the hose diameter involves measuring the distance across inside your hose. So, to do this, simply use a ruler to measure across the inner part of the hose. You can alternatively use a paper tube by putting it inside the opening and across the hose.

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    What’s The Ideal Length Of A Hose?

    Since we have a good understanding of the garden hose diameter size, let’s look into the length of the hose. The length size of different hoses can range from 25 feet to 100 feet. However, the length you require will majorly depend on the size of your yard and its use.

    Here are some points to consider when choosing the length of your garden hose:

    • Consider if your yard is of a smaller size and you have a spigot in front and at the back of your yard.
    • How are your plants arranged? Are they spread out or all your plants are in one
    • You can as well consider obtaining a hose joiner and this is only if you need to use a longer length hose once in a while.

    So, here are more points to take note if you want the ideal hose length for your garden:

    • For a bigger garden or if you have just one faucet on your property, you may go for length size ranging from 75 to 100 feet. The main issue is just that the hose will be heavier and you may have difficulty working your way through the hose length.
    • If you have a smaller garden, it’s best to go for a 25 or 50 feet hose. This way, it will be easier for you to coil the hose back and there won’t be too much twisting on you whenever you’re watering your garden.

    Conclusion On Garden Hose Size

    Now you know there are different sizes of garden hose. So, choosing the appropriate size to suit your garden need is crucial. If you get the size of your garden hose wrong, this may limit the smooth and easy flow of things when you make use of the hose.

    Garden hose size has been deeply discussed in this post so we hope you’ve been properly enlightened on this.

    FAQ’s

    What is the standard size of a garden hose?

    The standard size of a garden hose includes half an inch, 5/8 inch, and 4/5 inch. You can also find a bigger diameter hose size that is up to 1 inch, but this is for heavy-duty use that is usually not suitable for garden.

    Is a garden hose 3/4 inch?

    The standard garden hose that is commonly used by gardeners is 5/8. However, a garden hose of ¾ inch can also be used especially for plants that don’t need too much water flow.

    What’s the difference between 5/8 and 3/4 garden hose?

    The difference between these two garden hose sizes is that 5/8 size offers water flow that is a bit heavy. Then ¾ garden hose offers a smaller water flow or pressure.

    How do I know what size hose I need?

    You should know the size of hose you need by looking at the demand of your garden. For instance, if your garden is small with few plants, you should go for a smaller size hose and vice versa.

  • Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    Seeds require certain conditions to germinate. Conditions such as temperatures, humidity, water, soil, air, as well as light is what seeds require. But this is the question we would like to know: do seeds need light to germinate?

    For seeds to grow appropriately, different rules or techniques work for different seeds. When it comes to the light requirement for seed germination, most seeds need light to germinate, but some don’t require light. Such seeds that sprout under light include lettuce, dill, celery, and petunias. Then examples of seeds that sprout under darkness include onions and pansies.

    In this article, we will discuss why seeds need light to germinate and how much light is needed for seeds that need light, and many more. So, continue reading to get some knowledge on this.

    Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    A good number of seeds do need light to germinate. It is a popular thought that seeds generally require light to sprout. After all, light is one crucial factor for most plants to grow. However, there are some seeds that will do well under little light or no light.

    In some cases, sunlight tends to slow down the germination of some seeds. So, the seeds that need to germinate in the dark need to be covered with some soil. Then these types of seeds will be planted deep into the soil so they can be covered.

    So, you should take note and get good info about the type of plant seed you’re growing when you decide to start your seeds indoors or outdoors.

    What about Seedling, Do They Require Light To Develop?

    After sprouting, almost all resulting seedlings surely need light to keep on growing. Light is required for all seedlings that have sprouted to root adequately else they can get leggy from reaching for the light.

    However, you should know that the amount of light needed by various seedlings varies from plant to plant. The plants that need little light during their adult stage don’t need too much compared to those that enjoy full sun all through their life cycle. Exposing seedlings to excess sunshine can cause them to get scorched, wither, and even die.

    Ways To Germinate Seeds That Require Light – Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    Here are the ways to provide light for seeds that need light to sprout:

    • So, when you’re working with seeds that require light for sprouting, you can grow them indoors in a growing try. Then provide the seeds with grow lights or simply face the set up in a sunny spot or north-facing window if this suits the region you reside.
    • Another way you can go about this is to simply sow the seeds directly in a thin layer on the soil if the soil is warm and it is sunny enough.
    • You can also do a greenhouse with direct sunshine during early spring as this can provide adequate light and heat for germination.

    How To Sprout Seeds That Don’t Require Light

    To germinate seeds that don’t need light, you can also sow them in trays. Then just to make sure they are in the dark, you should cover the tray in black plastic. Also, take note of the temperature when they are covered. The temperature needs to stay in the proper range for adequate germination.

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    Seeds That Germinates With Light – Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    Generally, the majority of vegetable seeds need light to germinate but we can’t list them all here. However, let’s look at some of these common plants that need light:

    1. Carrots: a good example of vegetable that needs light to germinate is carrot. The seeds of carrots should be sprinkled on the soil surface and covered with a thin layer of soil or vermiculate for easy light penetration. The seeds should be planted in a row.
    2. Lettuce: lettuce is another common example of vegetable that their seeds need light to sprout and grow into seedlings. If you’re sowing them outdoor in your garden, simply sprinkle them on the soil or vermiculate. Then the seeds should be slightly covered with a thin layer of soil or vermiculate so light can penetrate easily.
    3. Rose: the plant seeds of rose need light to sprout. But you also need to maintain soil moisture at the appropriate level then you can see your seedlings sprout in about 6 weeks.

    Seeds That Germinates In The Dark – Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    The plant seeds that thrive and germinate in the dark are mostly vegetable gardens with thick seed castings so they sprout under the dark covered in soil.

    So, here are some examples of plant seeds that sprout in the dark:

    1. Onion: Allium has its seeds to be big with thick seed casting. Their seeds will not emerge under the light. Therefore, starting onion seeds indoors is a good idea. They can be sown indoors under plastic. Then once they’ve germinated, you should remove the plastic cover and place them under the light.
    2. Sunflower: This plant seed is best to be sown at a depth that is 3 times its diameter. They also do well in the dark under plastic covering for them to sprout. Then when the seeds begin to emerge, simply move them into direct light.
    3. Calendula: Calendula is another plant seed that will germinate with darkness. So, cover the seeds using soil if sown outdoors and maintain moist soil.
    Seeds That Germinates In The Dark

    Seeds That Will Sprout With Or Without Light

    There are also other seeds that will sprout whether they are provided with light or not. Examples of such seeds include cucumber, tomato, eggplant, zinnia seeds, and so on.

    Conclusion – Do Seeds Need Light To Germinate?

    Do seeds night light to germinate has been answered in this post. Some plants need light for their seed to emerge or sprout while other seeds prefer darkness to sprout. There are even some seeds that just don’t care and will sprout even if they are provided with light or not.

    FAQ’s

    Do seeds germinate better in dark or light?

    The fact is that various seeds have different requirements for light. Some seeds are inhibited by the prescience of light while other seeds need light to sprout. So, you need to know the type of light requirement the seeds you have needs.

    Which seeds require light to germinate?

    Some examples of seeds that will germinate under light include lettuce, carrots, rose, cucumbers, alyssum, cole crops, begonia, savory, coleus, and so on.

    Why do seeds germinate better in the dark?

    Some seed varieties germinate better in the dark because darkness enhances their germination. So, if these seeds are exposed to light, it can seriously slow down their germination.

    Can seedlings get too much light?

    Yes, seedlings can get too much light. Most seedlings are still fragile and some even need to be hardened off before they can be exposed to direct sunlight. So, excess light can scorch or damage the sprouted leaves.

  • Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine?

    Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine?

    Do you know how and when to determine if butternut squash is ready for harvest? Will butternut squash ripen off the vine or not? These questions and more shall we answer in this insightful post.

    Butternut squash which is a winter squash is a rich-tasting squash that can be incorporated into sweet and savory dishes. This squash is one type of squash that is most loved amongst growers.

    Butternut squash is this kind of squash that is characterized by this hard outer skin. This squash can even be stored in a cool and dry spot for as long as 6 months once it has matured.

    Will butternut squash ripen off the vine or not is what we would like to know. We will also discuss how to tell if butternut squash is ready for harvesting, how to store butternut squash, and so on. So, let’s dig in.

    Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine?

    It may be possible for butternut squash to get ripened off the vine. But usually, it’s better to allow butternut squash to remain on the vine so they can get ripen. Leaving them on the vine to ripen allows them to taste better and even last longer.

    However, there are some situations that cause us to harvest our butternut squash early. Winter is the most common cause for growers to harvest their butternut squash very early. So, if your region experiences winter earlier than expected, butternut squash can be harvested early. Then you can use curing techniques just to improve the length of the storage.

    Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine

    How To Ripen Butternut Squash Off The Vine

    So, if the frost in your region is predicted to come earlier than expected, then harvesting your butternut squash is advisable so they won’t freeze on the vine.

    You may get lucky trying to ripen butternut squash off the vine. So, here are some tips on how to ripen butternut squash off the vine:

    • Clip the butternut from the vine and aim to leave several inches of stem. Do this the morning before the frost.
    • Then try curing the unripe squash by storing it at 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, provide a humidity range of 80 to 85 percent for 10 days.
    • This curing procedure is used to extend the storage life of butternut squash by hardening the skin, healing the wounds, and ripening the immature squash.

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    How To Tell When Butternut Squash Is Ripe

    It may seem a bit tricky to determine when butternut squash is ripe. But with the right knowledge, you can know when this squash is ripe.

    To get a sweet and better-tasting butternut squash, it is important you harvest them at the right period. If butternut squash is left too long on the vine, it can get rotten. On the other hand, if butternut is picked too early, you will get an unripe and less sweet fruit.

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    Most growers like to work on the duration of time to tell when butternut squash is ready for harvest. For instance, if butternut squash was planted on time during summer, the squash may get ripened in late September or sometime in October.

    However, there are 3 main factors that determine when butternut squash is ready for harvesting and they are discussed below:

    1.    Color And Length – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine

    Once butternut squash is matured, the squash will usually attain a length of 12 inches. Also, you should notice a deep tan color once the fruit is ripe. But to get a better-matured squash, the color should help you determine the ripeness of the squash.

    2.    Test Using Fingernail

    The fingernail test is one good method to know when to harvest your butternut squash. The test is simply done by pushing your fingernail through the skin of the butternut squash. The squash isn’t ready for picking if the skin punctures. Then if the skin of the butternut squash feels very hard and refuses to be punctured, then it is ripe.

    3.    Brown Color Of The Stem – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine

    The butternut squash is attached to the vine of the fruit by a short stem. During most of butternut squash growing season, the stem is often green. But once the fruit begins to ripen, you will notice the stem starts to turn brown. Again, when the stem is totally brown and dried, it’s a good indication that the fruit is matured.

    Storing Butternut Squash

    So, after you must have cured your harvested butternut squash, simply wipe or brush out any dirt on the fruit. Then make sure you keep them dry. Butternut squash should be stored in a cool and dry place. The temperature range should be between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples of this type of spot are places like a cool basement or even a garage attached to your home.

    Make sure you store your butternut squash in its own place. Don’t store them together with other types of fruits. They should be stacked on shelves or placed in a container with holes so they can get good air circulation.

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    How Long Does it Take for Butternut Squash to Mature?

    Butternut fruits are ready for harvest around 50 – 55 days after the fruits are set. It can take up to 110 days to reach this point, depending on which variety you planted. The growing conditions of your squash will also impact how fast it matures.

    The butter boy hybrid squash and autumn glow variety are ready to harvest in just 80 days! You can enjoy a Waltham butternut in about 85 days. If you planted the argonaut hybrid butternut, your fruit will be ready to eat in 140 days.

    How Do You Grow a Big Butternut Squash?

    Butternut needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. You should ensure they’re planted in a spot with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you want your butternut squash to grow big, you should thin the flowers out to give each one enough space. Consistent moisture is another critical component for success.

    You can plant bigger butternut varieties if large fruit is your goal. Experimenting with fertilizer and sunlight exposure could also lead to unexpected sizes!

    How Big Does a Butternut Squash Grow?

    The mature size of a butternut squash varies depending on which type it is. Varieties like the liscia have an average weight of 4.4 lbs when ripe. Waltham butternuts only reach 1.7 – 2 lbs.

    How Many Days Does it Take to Grow Butternut Squash?

    On average, butternut squash takes 110 days to grow. However, you can reduce this time. If you start your seedlings indoors, they’ll mature faster when planted outside. Adding extra fertilizer and planting your butternut in nutrient-rich soil can also help this fruit mature faster.

    Growing your butternut in a more favorable environment will impact the time it takes to mature. Greenhouses tend to deliver more fruit in a shorter timeframe.

    Can You Grow Butternut Squash in The Fall?

    Butternuts are typically grown during spring and summer. You’ll have to check the expected frost dates in your area to determine if you can grow yours in the fall. It’s best to plant butternut squash about two weeks after the last frost is expected. Growing butternut squash in the fall will likely be a success if you have a greenhouse or indoor setup.

    What Temperature Does Butternut Squash Need to Grow?

    Butternut squash seeds need soil that’s at least 70°F to germinate. If the temperature is around 95°F, they have an even better chance! You should start growing this fruit once the frost has passed. Your crop will do best in direct sun.

    Why is My Butternut Squash Green Inside?

    There are a few reasons why your butternut squash flesh might be green. The most common is that the fruit isn’t ripe yet. Butternut squash flesh turns yellow as it ripens.

    If you’re sure that the fruit is mature, it might be damaged. Butternuts with damage spoil fast and turn green when they start decaying. This is accompanied by an odor. Lastly, your squash might be a hybrid.

    Final Words – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine

    Even though it’s mostly better to leave your butternut squash on the vine to become ripe, there are still some cases that can cause anyone to harvest them before ripening on the vine. Frost is the most common reason why growers want to harvest their squash on time.

    After all, it’s better to harvest your butternut squash even if they’re underripe than to lose your entire crop to frost.

    So, we hope we’ve been able to answer the question: Will butternut squash ripen off the vine?

    FAQ’s

    Can you pick butternut squash when it’s green?

    You may pick butternut squash when it’s green or if the skin is hard. However, you should know that the appropriate color to pick butternut squash when it’s ripe is a deep tan color.

    What can you do with unripe butternut squash?

    You may get lucky if you try to ripen the unripe butternut squash you may have. You should store the unripe butternut squash at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees with a humidity range of 80 to 85 percent.

    How do you know when butternut squash is ripe?

    You can know if butternut is ready for harvesting if the outer rind is tan in color. It should not have any trace of green spot and it should have a hard skin. Also, the skin should be hard that when you puncture the fruit with your fingernail, it should be hard to puncture.

    How do you ripen butternut squash on the vine?

    You can ripen butternut squash on the vine by providing it with some sun. This is because sunshine helps squash ripen. So, turn the plant from time to time so that all parts of the plant can get proper sun.

  • Get To Know Some Of The Best Worms For Vegetable Garden

    Get To Know Some Of The Best Worms For Vegetable Garden

    Many types of worms are great soil amenders so adding them to our gardens is very beneficial. But which of these various types of worms is one of the best for our vegetable gardens? Best worms for vegetable garden will be discussed in this article.

    If you have a farm that you grow vegetables on, then you should know that come certain worms can help to boost your soil quality. Below the surface of the soil inhabits an ecosystem with life that include worms. So, these worms provide some health benefits to our garden soil.

    Below the surface of your soil, these beneficial worms are adding great nutrients and even aerating your soil. But what types of worms are great for our vegetable gardens? Let’s find out.

    Best Worms For Vegetable Gardens

    So, what are the best worms for vegetable gardens? Below we have listed some of the best worms for your vegetable gardens:

    1.    Earthworms

    When it comes to the best worms for vegetable gardens, we can put earthworms as one of the best. Usually, earthworms are naturally in our soil and they tend to be down below the ground. We may not even know that these worms are down below our soil.

    Earthworms help the soil by fertilizing the soil with their excrete and they also help aerate our soil. Once you’ve confirmed the presence of earthworms in your soil, that’s an indication that your soil has good organic matter.

    Best Worms For Vegetable Gardens - Earthworms

    Additionally, worms help digest any organic matter that you add to your soil system. They do this by assisting in the decomposition of the organic matter added by their feeding activities.

    2.    Nightcrawlers (Lumbricus Terrestris)

    Nightcrawler worms are also great to be used for vegetable gardens. These types of worms are just like earthworms because they also help breakdown organic matter thereby making these nutrients available to your plants. Nightcrawler worms also help aerate the soil by burrowing into the soil.

    3.    Red Wigglers (Eisebia Foetida) – Best Worms For Vegetable Garden

    Red wiggler is another good worm that can be added to your vegetable garden. However, it is best to add red wiggler worms to raised bed as this will help keep them contained.

    Unlike other worms species such as earthworm and nightcrawler that tend to burrow into the ground, red wigglers don’t burrow. Rather, these worms often remain in the upper layer of the topsoil, meaning they are surface dwellers.  They can tolerate higher temperatures.

    Red wigglers breathe via their skin and they need to remain moist. So, ensure you don’t let these worms dry out. You can help with moisture by adding a layer of mulch so the soil can remain moist. Do this once you’ve released red wigglers into your vegetable garden.

    These worms are pretty efficient in decomposing scraps from your vegetables in your compost pile or worm bin and their droppings. Their urine is very useful for your plants and your garden.

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    Should Red Worms Be Introduced Into Our Garden?

    Earthworms are natural dwellers that you can find sitting down below your soil. However, red wigglers may not be found naturally in your garden. You may need to introduce red wigglers from outside source.

    But introducing red wiggler worms into your garden may not be the best option. Red wigglers are active critters that tend to move so they can move away from your soil area.

    If you want to get good results, you will need to keep these worms contained. Setting them up in a raised bed with a huge amount of mulch and keeping them in the vermicompost bin is a good plan. Alternatively, if you have a manure pile, then you can use them on the pile.

    Is It Possible For Earthworms And Red Worms To Live Together?

    The fact is that red worm and earthworm lifestyle is totally different. Hence, it’s hard for them to compete with resources.

    Red wigglers don’t burrow into the soil as earthworms do. So, introducing red wigglers in the topmost part of your soil can probably get them eaten by birds. They can even move away from your garden or garden bed.

    So, because of the differences in how earthworms and red worms live, not all situations or environments are suitable for them.

    Earthworms, for instance, tend to burrow deep into the soil and they like a cool environment but they can’t tolerate heat. However, red worms are surface dwellers that can tolerate heat.

    Also, earthworms like a huge compost bin so that they can have the chance to burrow deep down. For red worms, on the other hand, you should use them with vermicompost bin or use them on a manure pile.

    So, the ideal thing is to allow earthworm remain in their base down below as they assist in processing the waste and aerating the soil. Then red worms can remain on the top soil as they also help process waste.

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    What Are The Benefits Of Adding Worms To Garden?

    Worms such as earthworms, nightcrawlers, and the like can be of great help to our garden. Usually, we may not even be aware they are doing their good work.

    • Beneficial worms help digest all organic matter that enters our soil system. The worm’s activities help degrade organic matters.
    • Worms help by making all nutrients available to the plants. They do this by pre-digesting organic matter.
    • Worms such as earthworms and nightcrawlers dig deeper into the soil thereby aerating the soil.
    What Are The Benefits Of Adding Worms To Garden

    Conclusion On Best Worms For Vegetable Garden

    Earthworms, nightcrawlers, red worms, and the likes can be very helpful to our gardens, especially vegetable gardens. Best worms for vegetable gardens have been discussed in this post. So, you can help boost the production of your vegetable garden by introducing these beneficial worms when necessary.

    FAQ’s

    What kind of worms are best for vegetable garden?

    The kind of worms that are great for your vegetable garden includes earthworms, nightcrawler, and red worms. Earthworms and nightcrawlers dwell deep down in the soil. Then red worms usually prefer the surface of the soil.

    Are worms good for gardens?

    Yes, some species of worms are great for our gardens. Worms such as earthworms help improve the fertilization of the soil as well as aerate the soil.

    Should I put worms in my garden?

    Although beneficial worms such as earthworms are naturally present in our soil, you should only add them to your garden when it is necessary.

  • How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Which Is Ideal, Little Or Excess Sunlight?

    How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Which Is Ideal, Little Or Excess Sunlight?

    How much sun does lettuce need is what we would like to know. Do you know if you should give your lettuce little or extra sunlight? We will find out soon.

    Lettuce is an excellent veggie that is loved by many and used in most homes when it comes to cooking. You can incorporate lettuce in almost every dish including sandwiches, soups, and so on. No wonder this veggie is loved by many and it’s only logical for anyone to want to have this tasty veggie in their garden.

    But for you to enjoy the best production of lettuce, you need to provide some growing conditions and one important growing condition is sunlight. You need to know the ideal sunlight requirement for lettuce; if it needs enough sunlight or little sunlight.

    How much sun does lettuce need will be answered in this post. So, let’s delve into this.

    How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Lettuce Sun Requirements

    The fact is that lettuce doesn’t need too much sun exposure. But the plant also needs some time under sunlight to flourish. Therefore, it is crucial you know the right sun requirement for lettuce. If not, you may end up having little or nothing to harvest.

    How much sun does lettuce need is one important question that should be on your mind. When you know this, you are a step ahead of averting any problem that may come with improper sun exposure to your lettuce plant.

    How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Lettuce Sun Requirements

    However, when it comes to determining the ideal duration to provide sun to lettuce plants, you need to know the type of lettuce variety you are growing.

    There are different lettuce varieties and some of them include Romaine lettuce, Butterhead lettuce, Crisphead lettuce, and leaf.

    Generally, lettuce is fine with around 6 hours of sun exposure. However, some varieties can take more duration that is around 10 to 12 hours of sun exposure. But if it’s not possible to supply your lettuce with as much as 10 to 12 hours of sun duration, then 6 hours of sun exposure is generally fine.

    Also, you don’t have to follow any specific time to provide lettuce with sun. The sun exposure can be in the morning or even in the afternoon.

    Read more about How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    Is Too Much Sunshine Exposure Bad For Lettuce?

    As we mentioned earlier, lettuce does not need excess sun direct sun exposure. The truth is that no variety of lettuce likes or thrives well under hot weather.

    If lettuce is left under hot weather for a long time, the plant begins to lose more water. Bolting occurs which means you get limited or no fresh lettuce leaves and the plant begins to end its growing process.

    Then this usually results in lettuce plant that seeds and flowers really fast than it should. Hence, the result is bitter-tasting lettuce.

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    How Can Lettuce Be Shielded From Excess Sun Exposure?

    The goal of planting lettuce by most growers is to get that big leafy leaves that are used for most cooking applications. Nobody wants to end up with bitter-tasting lettuce that is a result of excess sun exposure.

    So, how do we shield our lettuce plant from excess sun exposure? Let’s look into this;

    1.    Select The Right Variety Such As Hardy Lettuce Varieties

    There are some lettuce varieties that can tolerate more heat. So, you can go for this type of lettuce variety especially if you live in a hot region.

    Examples of such heat tolerating lettuce varieties include Summer Bibb Blend, Green Salad Bowl, and Bibb Buttercrunch.

    2.    Use Shade Covers To Protect Lettuce

    Shielding lettuce leaves from direct sunshine should is another way to protect the plant from excess sun exposure. Once the temperature is high (around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), your lettuce plant will be prone to bolting.

    Using shade covers can act as a barrier between your lettuce plant and the excess sun exposure.

    3.    Early Season Planting – How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need?

    You can plant lettuce in the early season and you don’t need to wait for sunlight to begin planting. Lettuce can begin to sprout with a temperature that is as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Early Season Planting Lettuce

    Then once the weather temperature begins to fall around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your lettuce should almost be ready to be harvested.

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    4.    Use Natural Shade

    Natural shades can be used to shield your lettuce plant from too much sunshine. Natural shades such as trees or other tall-growing plants are easy to be used to shield lettuce from direct excess sun exposure.

    You can even aim to plant your lettuce close to these trees or taller plants in a way that partially shades lettuce.

    Just set your lettuce plant in relation to the direction of light all through the day. For instance, you can set your lettuce plant by shading them away from hot afternoon sun rays. Then lettuce plant should be set to receive adequate sun rays in the morning.

    Can Lettuce Grow Under Partial Shade?

    It is possible for lettuce to grow under partial shade and partial shade can even provide protection from heat. However, adequate light is required for the plant to germinate appropriately.

    Therefore, if you still want to grow lettuce under partial shade, just make sure you grow the seeds under adequate light so they can germinate.

    So, once the germination stage has elapsed and the seeds have successfully sprouted, then you can transplant them to partial shade.

    Conclusion On How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need

    Lettuce light requirement is an important factor to consider when growing this tasty vegetable. Provide lettuce with the right duration of sun exposure so they can grow and produce well.

    How much sun does lettuce need has been answered in this post and we hope this can help you plan how to provide lettuce with the ideal sun exposure.

    FAQ’s

    Does lettuce need full sun?

    Yes, lettuce does need full sun as they can benefit from it. However, you should provide full sun only for a specific period which is about 6 hours. Excess sunshine can harm the plant especially when the weather is very hot.

    Does lettuce grow well in the shade?

    Yes, it is possible for lettuce to grow under shade. But when you want to begin the process of growing lettuce from seeds, the seeds will require bright light to germinate, so shade won’t benefit seed germination.

    Can lettuce grow in partial shade?

    Yes, lettuce can be grown under partial shade and partial shade can offer protection from extreme heat. However, when it comes to seed germination for lettuce, it will need direct sun to sprout.

  • How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    Zucchini is a prolific and versatile plant that is easy to grow, easy to harvest, and it is great to be used for cooking. How long does it take for zucchini to grow is the question we would like to answer.

    Getting to know the duration it takes for zucchini to grow will further help us to plan how we want our zucchini to mature. Although the fruit of zucchini can be eaten at any stage of maturity, the plant usually tastes great in its young and tender stage.

    Zucchini tends to grow very fast that one day you can see the fruit grow just as small as 3 inches. Then the next night the fruit can practically grow to become as big as a foot and a half. So, this is why you need to know the growth period of zucchini.

    How long does it take for zucchini to grow will be answered in this post, so continue reading for some insight on this.

    How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    Zucchini which is a summer squash plant is a fast-growing vegetable and it can take about 45 to 55 days for it to grow when you plant them from seeds.

    When you know how long it takes for zucchini to grow, the information can help you plan how you want your zucchini to mature.

    Once zucchini has bloomed, the plant can change to produce fruit that is even ready to be harvested in as little as 4 to 8 days. The fruit zucchini plant produces grows very fast and in abundance and the fruit can grow up to an inch daily.

    When To Harvest Zucchini

    The ideal period to harvest zucchini is when the fruit has attained a height of 5 to 8 inches. You may also harvest zucchini that are smaller around 2 to 4 inches and these are baby zucchinis.

    Also, you will know zucchini is ready to be harvested when the fruit is firm and dark green and sometimes yellow or white (depending on the variety).

    However, once you notice the fruit has started feeling mushy, the fruit is usually rotten and need to be thrown away.

    How Zucchini Can Be Harvested Properly

    There is a proper way to harvest zucchini that can help you get only the best zucchini and continuous yield. To achieve this, you need to do two things.

    Pick Them Early – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    First, always pick zucchini when they’re still young because young zucchini taste better when you pick them young. But when you linger in harvesting zucchini a little longer, it can result in an overly large, tasteless, and sometimes bitter fruit.

    Once zucchini attains the height of about 5 inches to 7 inches, you can begin to harvest your regular zucchini. Zucchini can be harvested at any period without harming the plant.

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    How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
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    If you wish to harvest zucchini when they are smaller, it’s very possible and a good thing. Smaller zucchini are known as baby zucchini and they are around the size of 2 inches to 4 inches long. These baby zucchinis are even most restaurants and farmer’s market favorites.

    Baby zucchinis are most favored because of their mild, sweet, and attractive appearance.

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    Pick Them Often

    Picking zucchini regularly can help hasten the yield as well as boost the production of the plant. So, ensure you pick zucchini frequently and you can keep on enjoying great yields.

    However, if you notice that you have too many zucchini productions than you can use or handle, just leave a few of the fruits on the vine. This can slow down the production of fruits.

    Harvesting Zucchini – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    So, to harvest zucchini squash the right way, make sure you avoid abrupt pulling of the fruit. This can damage the plant because the leaves and stems are pretty fragile. You need to cut the fruit from the plant at the stem.

    Another thing to note is that zucchini has this broad leaves that can make it difficult or you to find fruits. Large or overgrown fruits may even be hiding behind these broad leaves that you may not notice on time.

    Harvesting Zucchini

    This is why you need to properly scrutinize under and in-between the leaves of your zucchini plants while you’re harvesting. But while you’re doing this, you should be careful so you don’t injure the fragile leaves and stem of the zucchini plant.

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    Storing Zucchini

    So, once you’re done harvesting your tasty zucchini squash, you need to know how to store them properly particularly if you aren’t ready to use them right away.

    So, you don’t need to wash the fruit of zucchini after harvesting if you want to store them and you can store them in a perforated or open plastic bag. They can be stored this way for up to a week.

    Alternatively, you can simply freeze the fruit for later use. You can do this in some ways. You can shred or slice the unpeeled zucchini, drain it, then gently squeeze it to take out excess moisture. Then put the frozen zucchini fruit in sealed quart-size freezer bags and freeze them flat this way, they can be stacked inside the freezer.

    Shredding the zucchini is done because the final result is usually zucchini bread or fried zucchini cakes.

    The fruits can as well be washed, dried, and sliced into about one-inch cubes and then frozen using a freezer bag. You should also know that when you freeze zucchinis, they can last up to 3 months.

    Storing Zucchini

    Conclusion – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?

    Zucchini is an excellent type of vegetable that many people love because it is easy to grow and produces great yields. How long does it take for zucchini to grow has been answered in this educating post and many more. So, we hope you’ve been enlightened about the duration of zucchini growth.

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take for a zucchini to grow after flowering?

    Zucchini squash tends to grow fast and it takes about 4 to 8 days after flowering for zucchini fruits to appear and be ready for harvest.

    How long do zucchini plants live for?

    Because zucchini plants fall under annual plants, they will only live for one growing season. This is between 0 and 150 days and this mainly depends on your location, growing conditions, and variety of zucchini.

    How long does it take zucchini to sprout?

    When you plant the seeds of zucchini, they tend to sprout around 1 to 2 weeks. Then they can be planted once they have many true leaves.

  • All You Need To Know About Caring For Begonia Julau

    All You Need To Know About Caring For Begonia Julau

    Begonia julau is a very rare plant that looks stunning and it can be a great addition to decorating your indoor space collection. This lovely plant is a hybrid which is from the family of begonia.

    This type of houseplant is characterized by their round dark leaves that feature pointed pink ends. The leaves of begonia julau look butterfly-shaped and the plant leaves are sometimes mistaken to be flowers because of the pink pattern of its leaves.

    But when it comes to taking care of this lovely houseplant, you need to do it the right way so that you can continue to enjoy its beauty. It is a gorgeous plant that you should consider having and we will be sharing all you need to know about caring for this charming plant in this guide.

    Begonia Julau Description

    The plant is one attractive houseplant that can add beauty to your indoor space. The plant is characterized by this rare pink pattern on the leaves that add elegance to your home. It may even look like the pink dots on the leaves were painted.

    Its leaves are shaped like butterfly wings or angel wings which is why they are also regarded as the ‘angel wing begonia’ or ‘butterfly begonia.’

    The name of the plant begonia was derived from where it was discovered. And the plant begonia julau was discovered first in the city of Julau in Malaysia.

    Is It Easy To Care For Begonia Julau Plant?

    Other types of houseplant may seem easy to care for. But when it comes to begonia julau, caring for this plant may seem a little tactical.

    It tends to be delicate in nature, so you need to properly take care of this plant. Caring for begonia julau may seem tricky, especially for beginners. The deal behind this tricky reason is usually because of the water and light care. This is why you need to provide optimal care and good attention for begonia julau so you can always enjoy the beauty of the plant.

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    Caring For Begonia Julau

    1.    Watering Requirement

    One common challenge that some growers face with growing and caring for begonia julau is the watering regime.

    The crucial thing to take note of is that this plant thrives in slightly moist soil. One good way to determine if the plant needs to be watered is to check if the upper soil layer is a bit dry before you proceed to water your plant.

    However, waiting until the top soil is a little dry may seem tricky and if you extend the period of this dryness, it can lead to droopy leaves and this is mostly because the leaves lack water to remain healthy.

    But another important thing to take note of is to avoid over-watering the plant. Overwatered can predispose the plant to root rot.

    2.    Light Requirement

    The light supplied in the natural habitat of begonia julau is partially shaded where this plant is found in the jungle. Hence, this restricts begonia julau from direct sunshine.

    So, for this reason, the plant will flourish when supplied with bright indirect sunshine. When begonia julau is grown indoors, it is recommended you position them in a south-facing window. However, if you have difficulty supplying adequate light for the plant, you can always use artificial grow lights.

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    Also, take note that this plant won’t thrive well if adequate indirect sunshine isn’t provided to the plant. You should begin to notice drooping of leaves in response to the deficiency in sunlight.

    3.    Climate

    This charming plant can be grown under USDA hardiness zone 9 to10. However, you should take note that this plant isn’t frost-friendly so colder zones won’t favor the begonia julau plant.

    Therefore, if you wish to grow begonia julau and your region is in the colder parts, it is recommended you grow this plant indoors where you can easily provide adequate indoor conditions for the plant.

    4.    Soil

    The ideal soil to use is well draining potting compost and the soil needs to be a bit moist. However, don’t allow the soil to be overly wet.

    You can further help with the soil drainage by mixing the soil with perlite, sand or grit then add a layer of charcoal. Pebbles can also with soil drainage.

    Also, when you use soil rich in nutrients and you water the soil the appropriate way, it can further reduce or prevent root rot and ward off pest infestation.

    5.    Fertilization Requirements

    Begonia julau doesn’t really require too much fertilization as the plant can do well with minimal fertilization. Therefore, it is important you don’t over-fertilize the plant. A naturally rich potting soil will do just fine for the plant because most potting soil comes with some nutrients.

    6.    Temperature

    Because begonia julau thrives in a warm environment, an ideal temperature of around 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit is great.

    Caring For Begonia Julau - Temperature

    7.    Humidity

    This lovely plant flourishes under high humidity of around 60%. Your begonia julau should mostly be in a place with lots of moist air. Some ideal spots are the kitchen and bathrooms.

    Alternatively, you can use a pebble water tray or use a humidifier and this can further help your plant meet its needs.

    Begonia Julau- Recap

    Begonia julau is a stunning plant with incredible features that can add elegance to your indoor decorations. The plant needs to be taken care of properly so you can continue to enjoy its beauty of the plant.

    How to properly take care of begonia julau has been discussed in this insightful guide and we hope this information will be of great help to you.

    FAQ’s

    Which begonia is the easiest?

    One of the easiest begonias to grow is cane begonia. They are characterized by clusters of red, pink, or white flowers that tend to open during spring and summer.

    What is the best medium for begonias?

    The best medium to grow begonia is a well draining soilless planting medium. Because the plant is prone to root and stem rot, the medium needs to be well draining. You can a use an equal part of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.

    Are begonias for sun or shade?

    Shade is ideal for begonias but they can also benefit from a bit of sunshine. Just ensure the sunlight you will be exposing the plant to isn’t too harsh and direct.

    Which begonias are toxic?

    It is been said that every member of the family of begoniaceae is slightly toxic. However, the parts of the plant that are more toxic are the rhizomes, roots, and tubers.