Grower Today

Author: Natasha C.

  • Interesting Facts About The White Owl Snake Plant

    Interesting Facts About The White Owl Snake Plant

    Have you heard about the white owl snake plant? This sansevieria variation will blow your mind! Unlike many other snake plants, the white owl brings something unique to the table. 

    Snake plants are popular for indoor and outdoor growth. They’re low-maintenance, multiply in no time, and make excellent decorative pieces. If you want to impress your guests with an out-of-this-world plant that will leave them wondering, the white owl snake plant is a good choice.

    In this article, I explain what it is and share some info about a close relative: the night owl snake plant. You’ll also read the reasons why your green snake plant might appear white. 

    What Is A White Owl Snake Plant?

    White owl snake plants are also known as moonshine sansevieria. Unlike typical snake plants, the white owl variety has mint-green to white leaves and is a rare plant to get your hands on! You might see some silvery green hues in it too.

    How Do You Take Care Of A White Owl Snake Plant?

    Caring for a white owl snake plant is easy. If you keep its leaves dry and ensure you don’t overwater them, your plant will do well. You can fertilize it twice a year and expose it to about 6 hours of indirect daily sunlight for optimal health. 

    How Do You Take Care Of A White Owl Snake Plant

    What is a Night Owl Snake Plant?

    The night owl snake plant has dark green leaves with a creamy-yellow border. It’s shorter and broader than other snake plants, making it perfect for bedrooms. This plant adapts well to light and dark rooms and will purify the air while you sleep.

    How Do You Take Care Of A Night Owl Snake Plant?

    You should ensure your night owl snake plant is in well-draining soil. Water it only once a week and check that the top 2 inches of soil are dry before doing so again. You can add fertilizer to this plant’s pot monthly to ensure it thrives. 

    Check Out The Best Guide For Propagating Burle Marx From Cuttings

    Why Is My Snake Plant Turning White?

    If you have a green snake plant and suddenly notice white spots, there could be several reasons for this. Let’s look at each!

    Too Much Sunlight Exposure

    Green snake plants exposed to too much direct sunlight can turn white. The sun can literally bleach your plant leaves, causing them to lose color. This washed-out appearance can be permanent.

    If you think this is the cause, move your plant to an area with less direct sunlight exposure.

    Potassium Deficiency

    Snake plants with a potassium deficiency can turn white. While it’s difficult to pinpoint this cause, you can start by running soil tests. If this isn’t an option, use a potassium-rich fertilizer to see if your plant improves. 

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    Too Much Water

    Another reason snake plants turn white is overwatering. Poor soil drainage can cause root rot and, in return, turn your snake plant leaves yellow and white. If this continues, your plant could damage to the extent that it can’t recover. 

    Infections And Pests

    Snake plants that appear white with no common cause, like watering or sunlight issues, could be a disease carrier or infested by bugs. 

    A common fungal infection affecting snake plants is powdery mildew. While this won’t kill your plant, it will weaken the plant leaves and turn them white. A powdery mildew infection can start as small white dots but eventually cover your whole plant in patches. 

    Insects that like to feed on snake plants include mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs suck sap from plump leaves. They’re small, cotton-like critters that can make your plant look white. Another bug that can infest your snake plant is the spider mite. These brownish insects will weave webs under your plant leaves that prevent photosynthesis. When this process doesn’t occur, snake plant leaves can turn white. 

    Should I Repot My Snake Plant After Buying It?

    There’s no need to repot your snake plant directly after buying it. You’ll know it’s time when the roots start peaking out or are bound – water draining straight through is a sign of this. Before you repot your snake plant, do this:

    1. Place your plant in the spot it’ll be standing in after repotting. This will help it get used to its new conditions and minimize the chance of transplantation shock. 
    2. Prepare your new potting soil by adding the appropriate fertilizer and watering it thoroughly.

    You can then carefully remove your snake plant from its current pot and gently place its roots in the new soil after making a hole. Fill the gaps around the roots and water them. Put your pot and plant in its sunny spot and keep a close eye on it over the next few days. Ensure the soil stays moist for healthy root establishment. 

    Interesting Facts About The White Owl Snake Plan

    • The white owl snake plant is more commonly known as the moonshine snake plant.
    • This sansevieria can grow up to 2 feet tall!
    • When exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves can turn darker.
    • The white owl snake plant is mildly toxic to animals but non-toxic to humans.
    • It’s easy to propagate white owl snake plants from cuttings.
    • This snake plant can tolerate drought and won’t die if you forget to water it for a few weeks.
    • The white owl snake plant can tolerate warm and cold temperatures. 
    • If you’re big on aesthetics, the white owl snake plant will fit right in! It’s a popular plant used for indoor decor.

    In Ending – White Owl Snake Plant

    The white owl snake plant isn’t well known by this name. Most people refer to it as the moonshine snake plant, which is also what it’s known by in West Africa, where it’s native. You might have trouble getting your hands on one of these rare plants, but once you do, you can propagate hundreds!

    I hope you enjoyed this article and found the facts about the white owl snake plant interesting. If you have more questions about snake plants or something to add to the discussion, pop them in the comments!

  • The Best Guide For Propagating Burle Marx From Cuttings

    The Best Guide For Propagating Burle Marx From Cuttings

    Do you want to start propagating Burle Marx from cuttings? It’s not as complicated as you might think! Before you know it, you can have hundreds of these mesmerizing vine plants. 

    Burle Marx grows in clumps and makes beautiful indoor or outdoor plants. You can grow it in containers or let it run free! In this article, I share how to propagate Burle Marx cuttings. You’ll also read about the interesting methods you can use to variegate this plant. 

    How To Propagate Burle Marx Cuttings

    Propagating Burle Marx from cuttings is easy using one of two growing mediums: moss or water. Here’s how!

    Cutting Your Burle Marx

    You need to look for root growth when making a cutting from your parent Burle Marx. Select a stem with at least one node and two leaves. This will ensure your cutting has a better chance of establishing itself and growing. 

    Wait a few hours after you cut the stem for the wounds to heal before placing it in soil or water. If you don’t, your branch could develop propagation rot.

    Propagating Burle Marx In Moss Soil

    You can transplant your Burle Marx to its potting soil once the wounds have dried. Prepare your sphagnum moss by watering it and letting the excess water drain. It’s important that your pot has drainage holes!

    Next, push your finger a few inches into the moss and place the stem of your cutting inside the holes. Fill the gap around the stem to ensure it stays in place. You should place the cutting in a sunny spot. 

    Over the next few days, ensure to water and fertilize your Burle Marx cutting. This will help the roots establish and mature. Regular watering is vital in the first weeks after transplanting, so keep a close eye on the moisture levels. 

    Take Out Time to Also Read:

    Propagating Burle Marx In Water

    Propagating a Burle Marx cutting in water is pretty straightforward. After the wounds have dried, place your stem in a long see-through vase. This will help you monitor the water levels better. Next, fill the vase with clean water and put it in a sunny spot. 

    You should replace the water every other day to ensure it stays clean. New roots will start forming within weeks! Once your cutting has a healthy root system and more leaves, you can transplant it to soil or leave it as is. 

    Is The philodendron Burle Marx Rare?

    The Burle Marx philodendron is a rare flowering plant native to the Brazilian rainforest. It can reach unimaginable sizes and make any area it’s planted in look like something from a fantasy world!

    Does Philodendron Burle Marx Need A Moss Pole?

    Your Burle Marx philodendron doesn’t need a moss pole, but it will appreciate one. This climbing plant can grow up to two feet tall! Since it’s in Burle Marx’s nature to climb trees, it will easily attach to a moss pole. 

    Is Variegated Burle Marx Stable?

    A variegated Burle Marx can look stunning with stripes, blotches, and multicolored leaves. Unfortunately, it’s not stable. Your variegated Burle Marx can revert to green at any time. Many factors, like the growing conditions, light, and nutrient balance, can cause this. 

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    How Do You Grow Variegated Burle Marx?

    Variegating a Burle Marx takes time, effort, and experimentation. There are many ways to do this. However, you might not have success with all. It’s not easy to variegate a plant at home. If you get it right, you’re one of the lucky few! 

    A plant can have leaf color variations due to cell mutation or genetics. If the variation is genetic, the variegation is stable. If not, the plant can revert to green due to extreme temperatures or low-light levels.

    Here are 5 ways to grow variegated Burle Marx philodendrons:

    Method 1: Selecting Genetics

    Variegation is genetic for some Burle Marx plants. If you happen to get a hold of one, the best way to grow variegated plants is by creating offspring. You can propagate variegated cuttings from the parent plants to ensure that offspring have this gene. This is referred to as selective breeding. The cutting will produce a plant similar to the parent. 

    Method 2: Radiation – Propagating Burle Marx

    If you expose Burle Marx cuttings to Gamma – or X-rays, they can develop a mutation. While this mutation rarely relates to their leaf color, it happens sometimes. You’ll need a lot of patience to make this method work. Experimenting with the amount of radiation and stage of exposure might keep you busy for a few months!

    Method 3: Chemicals

    You can induce variegation in your Burle Marx plants with chemicals. These can alter the plant DNA and lead to multicolored leaves. Some chemicals worth trying are Ethylene gas and Ethyl methanesulfonate. If you use high concentrations of these, your plant leaves could change completely!

    Unfortunately, most plants revert back to green after about 6 months. The change induced isn’t permanent, and offspring won’t be variegated. 

    Method 4: Viruses – Propagating Burle Marx

    Viral infections could be harmful to your Burle Marx, but if they’re not, it could lead to permanent variegated leaves. The right virus won’t kill your plant but only discolor its leaves. This virus will also be transmitted to new plants. 

    How Do You Grow Variegated Burle Marx

    Method 5: Forcing Variegation

    One way to try and force variegation is by looking for leaves with even the tiniest amount of blotchiness. If you spot one, make offspring to see if the gene passes to them. You should continue to do this until you have a leaf with your desired amount of variegation. This will take a lot of time, but the results will be permanent!

    Last Words – Propagating Burle Marx

    Burle Marx might be rare, but you can produce multiples once you have a cutting in hand! The plant in its most common form is a sight to see, but variegated leaves make it even more stunning. 

    I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Let me know in the comments once you’ve successfully propagated or variegated your Burle Marx cuttings!

  • Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care Guide: The Dos And Don’ts

    Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care Guide: The Dos And Don’ts

    Caring for a bird’s nest anthurium can be tricky. This plant is somewhat picky compared to other indoor plants. Still, they’re a great addition to any area – indoors or out – making them a popular choice. If you want an excellent bird’s nest anthurium care guide, keep reading!

    In this article, I share everything you need to know when caring for a bird’s nest anthurium. If you look after your plant, it’ll reward you by staying healthy and producing lush leaves. While this plant is fussy, you can keep it happy if you carefully consider what it needs before making any moves. 

    You’ll be surprised by how quickly you get the hang of caring for this plant once you’ve established a routine! Careful planning, a care schedule, and love are all they need to impress you with their beauty. 

    The Basic Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care Guide

    You can follow these guidelines to care for your bird’s nest anthurium, although your plant should be your ultimate lead!

    Birds Nest Anthurium Soil Needs

    The bird’s nest anthurium prefers moist soil. While the plant is in its growing season, you’ll also have to keep the ground fertilized. These plants draw many nutrients from their soil, so it has to be slightly loose to allow plant root movement. 

    If your plant is in clay soil, its roots might have trouble breathing. This could lead to root rot, which you should avoid at all costs. 

    Take Out Time to Also Read:

    Birds Nest Anthurium Watering Needs – Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care

    You should monitor the water intake of your bird’s nest anthurium carefully. While this plant likes moist soil, overwatering can lead to fungi and root rot. If you stick your finger about an inch deep into the ground and it feels dry, you should water your plant again. 

    Checking the plant leaves will also help you determine its watering needs. If your birds nest anthurium is unhappy, its leaves will discolor and shrink. 

    Your birds nest anthurium will go through growing and resting seasons. During its growth season in the summer, it’ll need more water, while cutting back on watering sessions is best when it’s cold. 

    Birds Nest Anthurium Sunlight Needs

    Your birds nest anthurium will need bright, direct sunlight to stay healthy. Without enough light, they won’t photosynthesize properly. Whether you place your plant indoors or out, you should find a sunny spot for it. 

    If you don’t get much sun where you live, grow lights will be practical too. There are many options available, but choose one closest to natural sunlight. 

    Bird Nest Anthurium Fertilizer Needs

    Fertilizing a birds nest anthurium is easy. While it’s still young and growing, you should fertilize it monthly. You can use a high-phosphate fertilizer for the best results. When your plant matures, fertilization is only needed once every quarter. 

    Birds Nest Anthurium Temperature Needs

    The birds nest anthurium doesn’t like cold weather much. Temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees are best for this plant. This makes it perfect for greenhouse growth!

    Your plant leaves will turn dark green or yellow when it gets cold. You should cover your plants at night to ensure they don’t damage and die. Once the day breaks, uncover them to allow their leaves to soak up sunlight! 

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    Birds Nest Anthurium Humidity Needs

    Birds nest anthuriums like humid areas. If the air around it is dry, your plant leaves will turn brown and wilt. It’ll die if you don’t increase the humidity levels around your plant quickly. 

    Birds Nest Anthurium Pruning Needs – Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care

    You should check your birds nest anthurium for dry or browning leaves. If you fail to prune these, they can consume all the energy meant for your healthy leaves. Pruning will also help you eliminate diseases and encourage new leaf growth. 

    If you regularly trim your birds nest anthurium, your plant will look better and be healthier. 

    Can You Root Anthurium From a Cutting?

    You can grow a birds nest anthurium from a cutting. However, doing so from leaves is easier. If you grow this plant from a cutting, you’ll need a lot of patience. 

    If you decide to take this route, you should cut a stem from your parent plant and remove all the leaves, but ensure that there are leaf buds on it. Cut your stem into several pieces, keeping one leaf bud on each. Next, you must place the pieces upright in a pot with loose, well-draining soil. 

    You should keep the soil moist and try to maintain a soil temperature of up to 30 degrees. If you follow these steps, your cuttings will develop roots and leaves within 28 days. You can transplant your cuttings to large pots or place them directly in the soil when they grow large enough for comfortable handling. 

    Where Do You Cut Anthurium Leaves?

    If you need to trim anthurium leaves, you can cut them all the way to the stem if they’re discolored or dead. You could also cut them in different patterns for aesthetics. 

    How Do You Keep Anthuriums Blooming?

    Anthuriums are picky about their growing conditions. You need to meet all their needs to ensure they keep blooming. Besides placing them in the right spot, keeping their soil moist, and ensuring they get enough nutrients, you should also care for their leaves by trimming unhealthy ones. 

    How Do You Keep Anthuriums Blooming

    In The End – Bird’s Nest Anthurium Care

    Like any other plant, the health of your birds nest anthurium is in your control. If you properly care for it, your plant will thrive. The birds nest anthurium is known for being tricky to grow, but if you follow the guidelines above, your plant will stay healthy. Once your soil requirements and lighting are sorted, your plant only needs the proper watering schedule and pruning practices to look alive!

    I hope this article was helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. If you have more tips for bird’s nest anthurium care or other questions to ask, pop them in the comments.

  • How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot?

    How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot?

    Container gardening can take some calculations, especially if you’re working with a strict budget. You wouldn’t want to buy anything you don’t need. Knowing how much soil is needed for a 5-gallon pot can ensure you don’t have waste.

    You’ll also need to determine how much fertilizer or water will keep plants in pots of this size thriving. The crop you choose to grow will also influence the soil, water, and fertilizer needs. These are just some factors you need to consider when container gardening.

    In this article, I share how a 5-gallon pot looks, its capacity, and how much soil and water you’ll need for it. 

    5-Gallon Pot Size And Capacity

    You can use a 5-gallon pot or container to grow various crops or flowers. You can even create a bonsai tree display to freshen your indoor areas. Here’s what you need to know about 5-gallon pots before purchasing one:

    5-Gallon Pot Dimensions

    The dimensions of 5-gallon pots differ. Some are wider, while others are deeper. Whether the bucket or container is round or squared also has an influence. 

    Round Pots: The average rounded 5-gallon pot is 12-15 inches tall and has a diameter of 10-12 inches. 

    Squared Pots: A squared 5-gallon bucket typically has a width of 9-11 inches and a lenght of 9 – 12 inches. Most are about 12 – 16 inches deep. 

    The mold used by manufacturers and the specific design of the pot are responsible for these variations. 

    5-Gallon Pot Capacity

    A 5-gallon pot can produce enough fruit or veggies for one person, depending on what you plant. Some crops that grow great in containers and do well in pots of this size include:

    Tomatoes: You can plant cherry or bush tomatoes in a 5-gallon pot. Don’t plant more than one plant per pot. If your plant is healthy, you can harvest about 300 cherry tomatoes and 10-30 pounds of bush tomatoes per season. 

    Eggplant: A 5-gallon pot can house only one eggplant at a time. You’ll harvest up to 15 eggplants from one tree.

    Peppers: You can plant any pepper variety in a 5-gallon pot. Your crop yield will depend on the type you choose. Plant one or two pepper plants per container. 

    Cucumbers: Plant one cucumber per 5-gallon bucket. Use a trellis to help it grow upward. 

    Broccoli: You can grow one broccoli head in a 5-gallon pot. Continue to water your plant after the initial harvest – some plants produce another head.

    Brussels Sprouts: One brussels sprout tree will fill a 5-gallon pot. If your plant gets heavy, stake it. You’ll harvest about five sprouts per week, adding up to more than 30 over the season. 

    How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot?

    You’ll need about 0.7 cubic feet of soil to fill a 5-gallon pot. The type of soil you use, what you want to plant, and how it reacts to water will influence this amount.

    If you’re planting crops, you won’t have to fill your pot all the way to the top. Before purchasing potting soil, be sure to research the crops you want to plant in your container garden. You might need less than 0.7 cubic feet per 5-gallon pot. 

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    How Much Water Is Needed Per Gallon Of Soil?

    On average, you’ll require 2½ gallons of water for a 5-gallon pot filled with soil. This will vary depending on the crops you planted and how well your soil drains. Here’s what you’ll need for other sized pots:

    • 1-gallon pot: ½ gallon of water
    • 3-gallon pot: 1 ½ gallon of water
    • 7-gallon pot: 3 ½ gallons of water
    • 9-gallon pot: 4 ½ gallons of water
    • 11-gallon pot: 5 ½ gallons of water

    Using A 5-Gallon Terracotta Pot: What You Need To Know

    Terracotta is a type of fired modeling clay used to create beautiful pots for gardens. You can use them indoors or out and plant flowers, fruits, or vegetables in them. Just take note:

    • Terracotta clay is porous and absorbs water. You’ll have to water your crops more often or give them more per session if you want them to grow successfully.
    • These pots are fragile. Place them in an area where you won’t move them.
    • Place your terracotta pots in shaded areas to keep them cool. If they dry out fast, they’ll absorb more water.
    • Plant crops that prefer dry soil like beans, corn, and eggplant.
    • Use terracotta pots when planting crops prone to developing root rot or soil diseases. 

    The Benefits Of Container Gardening – How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot?

    Whether you plant your crops in 5-gallon pots, other containers, or a square-foot garden, there are many benefits to keeping your crops raised. Here are my favorites!

    Space Saving: You’ll use less space when planting your crops in pots. It’s an ideal solution if you don’t have land or need to garden on a balcony.

    Control: You’ll have more control over your soil, watering sessions, and plant needs when using a raised gardening method. 

    The Benefits Of Container Gardening

    Portable: Planting in 5-gallon or bigger buckets allow you to move your garden around. This is extremely helpful, especially if you live in an area that gets hot days and cold nights.

    Variety: Planting in buckets allow for more variety. You can grow one crop per container to ensure you grow something of everything without the different crops impacting one another.

    Less Work: You won’t have as much maintenance work when planting in pots. There’ll be fewer weeds to pluck, and working with the crops in your containers won’t be as strenuous. 

    Final Words – How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot?

    How Much Soil Is Needed For A 5-Gallon Pot? Gardening in a 5-gallon pot is practical and easy. You’ll use less soil and water and have a wider variety of crops. There are different designs and materials to choose from, so shop around until you find a pot that works for you!

    I hope this article was helpful and a good read. If you have more questions about gardening in containers or different-sized pots, ask them in the comments.

  • What Size Pot Do Peppers Need? Here’s The Answer!

    What Size Pot Do Peppers Need? Here’s The Answer!

    Wondering What Size Pot Do Peppers Need? Here’s the info you’re looking for!

    Peppers come in a wide variety. There are big ones, small ones, sweet ones, and spice ones. The type you choose greatly influences the pot you’ll need for it. Pepper plants need space for their roots to grow. Without healthy roots, your plants won’t produce great-tasting peppers!

    In this article, I share how big peppers grow and how much space you need to give them. I explain how many peppers will typically fit in a pot and summarise my favorite varieties!

    How Big Do Pepper Plants Get?

    There isn’t an easy way to estimate the average size of a pepper plant. Some only grow about 20 inches tall, while others reach lengths of 6 feet! The smallest recorder tree was 6 inches, while the largest was 9 feet. 

    The pepper variety, where it’s planted, and how you care for your plant will determine how big it grows. 

    How Much Space Do Peppers Need To Grow?

    Pepper varieties need different amounts of space to grow. When you plant them in the ground, keeping 18 to 24 inches between them is ideal. This will ensure each plant can branch out and none overshadows the other. 

    If you plant your pepper in a pot, keep to one plant per container, depending on how big it is. 

    How Many Pepper Plants Per Pot Is Enough?

    The number of pepper plants you can plant per pot will depend on the variety you choose and how big the pot is. Typically, three pepper plants per pot is enough. If your peppers grow really tall, you’ll need to make room for support structures too. 

    When planting pepper varieties that get big, you should place support structures like wooden beams or tomato cages with them not long after you’ve planted the seedlings. This will ensure minimum damage and ultimate support. 

    The Best Pots For Pepper Plants

    The smallest pepper variety needs a pot of at least 2 gallons or bigger. Look for one in the 10 – 12 inch rage width and 8 – 10 inch rage depth. Peppers need enough room to spread their roots, so if you’re planting more than one per container, ensure enough space between them so their roots won’t entangle. 

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    Big Vs. Small Peppers: A Size Comparison

    While some pepper plants are miniature, they have big names in their niche. Here’s a list of the smallest and biggest peppers you’ll get: 

    Small Pepper Varieties – What Size Pot Do Peppers Need

    Often referred to as dwarf peppers, these plants are easier to maintain and need less growing space. You can pop them on your windowsill and watch them rise faster than the bigger varieties could ever. 

    Pepper VarietyPlant Size
    Calico Hot PeppersReaches a maximum height of 12 inches.
    Cuyana Hot PeppersGrows 6 to 12 inches tall.
    Medusa Hot PepperReaches a height between 10 and 12 inches.
    Dwarf Fire PepperCan grow between 6 and 10 inches tall. 

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    What Size Pot Do Peppers Need

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    Big Pepper Varieties

    Larger pepper plants can add shade to your garden, pops of color, and even help keep the soil moist. They also help with pollination and attract bees that’ll benefit the rest of your garden.

    When you’re planting bigger pepper varieties, space is an essential factor. 

    Pepper VarietyPlant Size
    Ancho Magnifico Hot PeppersGrows between 1 and 7 feet tall.
    Semi Domesticated C.PraetermissumCan reach height of 9 feet.
    Chiltepin PepperReaches a height between 3 and 10 feet.

    How To Transplant Pepper Plants From Smaller Pots To Bigger Pots

    What Size Pot Do Peppers Need? If the pot you’ve chosen for your pepper plant gets too small, or you need to transfer your nursery plants to bigger containers, transplant shock can occur. 

    To prevent this, ensure you water your plants thoroughly before transplanting them. Fill the new container with high-quality potting soil and a compost mix. Water this well before placing your plants in it. 

    Tip the small pot and knock it at the bottom. Doing this will help loosen the ground around the edges and prevent damage to the roots. Gently remove the pepper plant and its roots and place them in the bigger container. Press down lightly to ensure the plant sits firm. 

    To ensure the roots establish well, you should keep your pepper plant watered in its new pot. It might look droopy for the first few days but will settle after that. 

    Types Of Pepper Plants And Their Uses – What Size Pot Do Peppers Need?

    There are many pepper varieties to grow, but here are some of my favorites:

    • Bell Peppers: These are red, green, and yellow. You can use them to add a sweet flavor to your dishes.
    • Poblano Peppers: Also known as anchos. These peppers are typically used in mild dishes. 
    • Serrano Peppers: You can use these peppers for hot dishes. The smaller the pepper, the spicier it is.
    • Ginnie Peppers: These are also known as cayenne peppers and are used as the main ingredient in most chili powders. 
    • African Red Devil Peppers: This pepper is popular for use in sauces.
    Types Of Pepper Plants And Their Uses

    When To Harvest Your Pepper Plants

    Most peppers are ready for harvest at different stages. You’ll have to research the variety you’re planting to know when they’re ready to pick. Peppers are typically ready between 90 and 150 days from planting. 

    Peppers that are ready for harvest will stop growing and almost fall off their stems when you touch them. Their flesh will be firm yet soft. 

    In Ending – What Size Pot Do Peppers Need?

    No matter which pepper variety you choose, you’ll have to pick a pot that can accommodate healthy roots. Your plants’ root system keeps them healthy and helps them produce an abundance of peppers. Besides the soil, water, and light, space has the greatest impact on healthy growth.

    All peppers grow relatively easy. You’ll have your first harvest ready within 150 days. If your timing is right, you can plant more than once a season. Most pepper plants will produce 15 or more peppers at once. 

    I hope you enjoyed this article and that it was helpful. If you have more questions about pepper plants and their care, ask them in the comments.

  • When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest: Everything You Need to Know!

    When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest: Everything You Need to Know!

    Knowing when to plant spinach for a fall harvest will give you a headstart on your veggie garden. There are many factors to consider, but being prepared always makes it easier.

    While spinach isn’t hard to grow, planting it at the right time is essential. Without the correct soil and weather conditions, your spinach plants won’t succeed as they should. This is a small mistake that causes many gardeners to fail.

    In this article, I explain whether spinach is hard to grow and when the best time is to plant this vegetable. You’ll also learn how to plant fall spinach and when the right time is to plant them from a fall harvest. 

    Is Spinach Hard To Grow?

    Spinach is extremely popular and easy to grow. It’s a cold-hardy green that thrives in nitrogen-rich soil. Growing spinach from seed can be a little challenging for some. If you feel like a novice, consider buying seedlings from a plant nursery.

    You can plant your spinach early in spring, during the fall, and if you live in a sunny region, in the winter too! Spinach is low-maintenance, and if your timing is right, your greens will stand tall in no time. 

    When Is The Best Time To Plant Spinach?

    It’s best to plant spinach in late winter or early spring. Sowing the seeds too early is the biggest mistake you can make. If you prefer a winter or fall harvest, plant your seeds late in summer when the highest temperatures have passed. 

    Check Out Are Green Beans And String Beans The Same?

    When Is The Best Time To Grow Spinach?

    Spinach prefers cold weather. It’s best to not grow this crop during sunny months unless you provide your greens with something to cool them down. High temperatures can wilt your spinach leaves and dehydrate their roots. A greenhouse fan or auto-misters could help keep your spinach refreshed. 

    How And When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    Knowing how and when to plant spinach will help you succeed the most. While this is an easy crop to grow, you still need to do so correctly to see results.

    Tips For Planting Spinach

    Plant Spinach While It’s Cold – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    Spinach germinates best in cool environments. Planting seeds in early spring or fall would work best. You can start your growing season indoors or out. If you want to start your spinach in the summer, keep your seedling indoors under a cooling fan. You’ll also have to keep their soil moist to cool their roots. 

    Once your seedlings are established, your spinach can grow in almost any climate under the right conditions. Temperatures between 25°F and 75°F are preferred for this leafy green. Spinach seeds need about 6 weeks of cool weather for a successful harvest. 

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    Prepare Your Soil For Spinach – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    Plant Spinach in neutral soil with a pH between 6 and 7. To achieve this, you can mix compost, organic matter, or liquid fertilizer into your ground. Preparing your soil before planting your seeds is essential whether you’re starting seedlings indoors or sowing directly in the ground. 

    Plant Spinach Correctly

    You should plant your spinach seeds about ½ inch deep. If you’re starting indoors, keep each seed in its own seed holder. This will make transplanting them into the ground easier. Spinach seeds sown directly in the ground should be about 4-6 inches apart, so ensure each plant has enough space to grow. 

    Don’t plant new spinach seedlings where you take old ones out. Rotate their space with other crops. You’ll have a continual harvest if you plant seeds every few weeks. 

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    When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    Spinach needs about 6 weeks from seed to harvest. If you’d like to harvest your spinach in the fall, you should keep this in mind when planting. Spinach is low maintenance and easy to grow, but they prefer cool weather.

    To harvest spinach in the fall, you’ll have to start your seeds in late spring or summer. I suggest doing this indoors, where you can create a cool environment for your seedlings with an AC unit, standing fan, or misting system. Planting your seeds outside could lead to stunted growth if you live in a particularly hot area. 

    Planting spinach for a fall harvest isn’t easy, and your timing should be just right. You’ll also have to experiment with different spinach varieties to find one that thrives in your region. 

    If you keep your spinach plants indoors, you will have more success. A hydroponic setup is another great idea! Spinach is hardy and adapts to their environment, but a cooled, moist space for their roots is a must. Sunny days can also wilt your spinach leaves, and keeping them indoors will prevent this. 

    When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    Container Gardening With Spinach

    If you’re new to container gardening, you should know that not all crops do well with these setups. Luckily, spinach is one of those that do!

    Spinach is among the best crops to grow in containers. There are many benefits to container gardening, and if you keep your setup portable, you’ll have much more control over your crops than you do when they’re planted in the ground.

    Container gardens help you meet your crop needs better. If your spinach seems wilted, you can move your pots to a shadier area. You’ll also be able to keep a better eye on soil drainage and pests. Planting spinach in containers allows you to keep them indoors or out, and you’ll be able to adjust your system for planting through every season.

    To Sum It Up – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest

    If you keep them cool and moist, spinach will be the easiest crop you ever grow! They’re one of the toughest veggies and are popular for this reason. You can use them in many dishes, and if your timing is on point, you’ll have a harvest throughout the year. 

    Growing spinach in containers is easier than planting them in the ground, but if you have a greenhouse, keeping them in there is even better. Whichever planting spot you choose, ensure your plants receive water regularly.

    I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have more questions about planting and growing fall spinach, ask them in the comments!

  • Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants: Why And How

    Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants: Why And How

    Adding coffee grounds on tomato plants may benefit your crops. Here’s a few reasons to try it!

    Organic gardening can seem impossible when you’re starting out. The market is flooded with synthetic fertilizers, and gaining knowledge about organic ones takes time. Coffee grounds are a quick, easy-to-use organic fertilizer that even beginners can master.

    In this article, I explain how you can keep your garden organic with coffee grounds on your tomato plants, what coffee does for your soil, and how tomatoes can benefit if you add it to your soil mix. 

    Organic Gardening With Coffee Grounds As Fertilizer For Tomatoes

    Although not scientifically proven, many gardeners believe coffee grounds benefit their tomato plants.

    There’s no concrete evidence to show coffee grounds make tomatoes grow faster or kill pests around them. However, gardeners have taken it upon themselves to test this theory out. 

    Many tomato plant enthusiasts report a difference in their tomato gardens compared to when they weren’t using coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are a popular fertilization method for organic gardening.

    Will Coffee Grounds Kill Plants?

    Coffee grounds won’t necessarily kill your plants, but they may hold some disadvantages. 

    Tomato plants love acidic soil. Coffee grounds bring the pH balance of soil down, making it perfect for this red fruit. The plants next to them don’t like this as much. You might want to skip the coffee grounds if you grow different crops in the same beds as your tomatoes. 

    Coffee grounds can leave other crops without the nutrients they need and suck the water in the soil up. This can stunt growth. 

    Your plants may even dehydrate. Coffee grounds group together to form a thick, hard layer. This can stop water from running through the soil to your plant’s roots. 

    Do Coffee Grounds Add Nitrogen To Soil?

    Apart from making the soil acidic, one of the biggest advantages for tomato plants is the nitrogen present in coffee grounds. Most gardeners use coffee grounds in their organic gardens because of this. 

    Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These vital minerals fertilize the soil and help you grow healthy tomatoes. Coffee also acts as a slow-release fertilizer to ensure your tomato plants are fed for a longer period.

    Reasons To Add Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Although none of these benefits have been proven, you can still add coffee grounds to the soil around your tomato plants for the next reasons.

    Coffee Grounds Contain Vital Minerals

    Coffee grounds are packed with minerals like nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Adding them to your soil will slowly release these to your plant roots.

    Coffee Grounds Contain Vital Minerals

    Tomato plants need these nutrients for healthy growth. Potassium helps them photosynthesis while nitrogen encourages stronger leaf growth. Magnesium improves fruit quality. 

    Coffee Grounds Make Soil More Acidic

    Tomatoes thrive in acidic soil. Adding coffee grounds will lower the pH level of your soil to help it meet your plants’ requirements. 

    You should use coffee grounds mixed into peat moss for the best results. The acidity in the coffee grounds will reduce over time.

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    Coffee Grounds May Prevent Fungal Diseases – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

     Some harmful fungal diseases that affect tomato plants include anthracite fruit rot and early flight. Many gardeners claim that coffee grounds help combat these diseases and keep their plants healthy. 

    Coffee Grounds May Keep Pests Away

    The love slugs have for tomato plants is one-sided. These critters can harm your harvest, leaving ugly and inedible tomatoes behind.

    Researchers tested the effect coffee grounds have on slugs, and it turns out that they don’t want to come near it. There’s no reason to not give this slug repellent a try!

    Cats also don’t like the smell of coffee, so they won’t use your soil as a litter box if you use grounds. 

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    How Do You Add Coffee Grounds To Tomato Plants?

    There are many options if you want to add coffee grounds to your organic garden. Here are some ways you can use it to benefit your tomato plants:

    Mixing Coffee Grounds Into The Soil

    You can simply mix some coffee grounds into your soil before planting your tomato seeds or seedlings. This will allow it to act as a root fertilizer.

    The coffee grounds will ensure nitrogen levels in your soil rise. It will also help keep pests away and make the soil more acidic and favorable for tomato growth.

    Just be careful to not add too much to your soil. Doing this can cause drainage issues and harm other plants nearby.

    Use Coffee Grounds In Your Compost – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Mixing coffee grounds into your already established compost is the best and safest way to use it. This will ensure your plants receive the benefits of coffee grounds and the compost you choose.

    Your final compost mix should contain a 1 to 4 green to brown ratio. Coffee grounds are considered a green compost material.

    Use Coffee Grounds As A Mulch

    Mulch helps keep moisture in the ground, prevents weed growth, and promotes a healthy composition. Mixing coffee grounds into your regular mulch will ensure your tomato plants get extra nitrogen.

    Add Coffee Grounds In The Water

    You can create a liquid fertilizer by making coffee with coffee grounds and water. You should add no more than 2 cups of ground with 5 gallons of water. 

    I suggest spraying it on your tomatoes at least once a week.

    How Do You Add Coffee Grounds To Tomato Plants

    Wrapping Up – Coffee Grounds On Tomato Plants

    Coffee grounds are relatively cheap, easy to get, and even easier to use in an organic garden. Adding it to your tomato beds can greatly benefit them and help you harvest more healthy tomatoes than ever before!

    While no concrete evidence has been penned about the use of coffee grounds on tomato plants, many gardeners live by it. It’s a key ingredient in keeping tomato plants healthy when organic gardening. If you keep the ratio of coffee grounds to other soil nutrients balanced, you have nothing to lose by at least trying.

    I hope you found this article helpful and enjoyed reading it. If you have more questions about using coffee grounds in your garden, ask them in the comments.