Category: Hydroponics

  • How Far Apart Should Lettuce Be Planted?

    How Far Apart Should Lettuce Be Planted?

    The crispy, green, and lush lettuce is one of the most loved and widely grown salads vegetables grown in the United States. Spacing your lettuce the right way is crucial for you to enjoy a great crop yield. So, how far apart should our lettuce be planted?

    Lettuce is a cool-weathered crop that grows easily in the right conditions. It is one of most growers’ favorite garden greens that has a great taste and offers great Vitamin content (especially Vitamin A).

    We will be looking at how far apart your lettuce should be planted. We will also be giving you great guidelines for growing lettuce in your garden so you can enjoy these great-tasting greens.

    Growing Lettuce

    Lettuce is an amazing vegetable to add to your vegetable home garden. You can always enjoy your salad bowl full of this crispy, green, and tasty lettuce available right in the comfort of your home.

    Lettuce is an easy-to-grow plant that will keep producing for a long time. You can start to enjoy baby green lettuce harvest around a month from seedling then full head in about two months or even less.

    The plant isn’t so demanding so far you keep it watered appropriately. Lettuce will grow optimally in containers as well as raised beds. Therefore, this makes lettuce perfect for a small spaced garden.

    Growing Lettuce

    Ideally, lettuce is best grown in spring and fall. It should be planted two weeks before frost. Then in fall, you should begin seed sowing again six weeks to eight weeks before your region’s fall frost.

    How Far Apart Should Lettuce Be Planted?

    How far apart your lettuce should be planted will mainly depend on the lettuce variety you’re growing.

    For instance, the loose-leaf lettuce variety can be grown closely or tightly. Heading lettuce on the other hand requires some space.

    When you start by transplanting lettuce from indoor, it makes it easier to space them. Then planting outdoors from seeds is easier to sprinkle the seeds and thin them later.

    So, let’s look at the spacing requirements for butter lettuce, loose-leaf lettuce, and crisphead lettuce. We will also look at how far apart lettuce should be planted container gardening and hydroponics garden.

    How To Plant Lettuce: Spacing Requirements Tips

    Here are some spacing requirement tips for growing some lettuce varieties as well as container and hydroponics garden:

    1.    Loose-leaf Lettuce

    For transplanting, how far apart your loose-leaf lettuce should be planted should be 2 to 4 inches. If you’re planting in rows, you can plant them 1 inch apart and the rows should be 8 to 10 inches intervals. A general guideline for planting lettuce in a row is 10 plants per foot.

    Loose-leaf Lettuce

    Most times, growers prefer not to thin loose-lettuce. They are usually picked or harvested while they’re young. They are also harvested several times in one season and this limits their chance of fungus or mold infestation.

    2.    Butter Lettuce

    If you give butter lettuce variety adequate space, they will tend to give rise to a semi-firm head. Butter lettuce can as well be tightly packed just like loose-leaf lettuce. Or you can simply space them out to give them a good chance to grow a semi-firm head and to grow larger.

    If you wish to achieve a bigger head, space them 6 to 8 inches apart. Row planting should be thinned out into 6 inches then space these rows at 10 to 18 intervals.

    3.    Crisphead Lettuce

    The crisphead lettuce variety accommodates more space and they may be the most difficult variety to grow. This lettuce variety requires more care so they can produce that firm and mild-tasting heads you see on grocery store shelves.

    Crisphead lettuce variety should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. However, the Romaine variety that tends to grow tall heads can be spaced as close as 6 inches apart. Row planting should be spaced 6 to 12 inches apart in rows at 18 inches intervals.

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    4.    Container Gardening Space Requirement

    A lot of growers that grow lettuce in containers have grown them very closely and overlooked spacing suggestions with success.

    The ability to closely pack lettuce makes it even more ideal to be grown in containers. When you harvest the outer leaves of butter lettuce and loose-leaf lettuce varieties in your containers, the plant tends to continually produce more leaves from the central crown.

    Therefore, this attribute or feature permits us to continue harvesting all season long. Also, doing this allows you to create more room for new leaves to grow.

    5.    Hydroponics Garden Lettuce Space Requirement

    Some lettuce varieties cultivated in various hydroponic systems have been spaced closer to each other. In hydroponic lettuce, their root does not require nutrient competition compared to growing them traditionally. Hence, they don’t need the same amount of space as growing lettuce traditionally outdoors.

    The crisphead varieties can be grown as close as 4 inches apart in a hydroponic garden.

    Guidelines On Planting Lettuce

    Follow these guidelines to plant your lettuce:

    • To plant lettuce from seeds, sow them ¼ to ½ inch deep. Seeds aren’t sown too deep because they require light to grow. The ideal temperature for seeds germination is around 40 F. However, the ideal growing temperatures are between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the leaves have 3 to 4 true leaves, they can be thinned.

    • If you’re transplanting, the transplant should have 4 to 6 mature leaves. The root system should also be developed before transplanting.
    • Ensure you water thoroughly after planting. Make sure you always water lettuce sparingly and frequently. Your aim is to maintain moist soil. Always avoid too much watering because overwatering can lead to root rot, diseases, and stunted growth.
    • Once it’s 3 weeks of transplanting, you should supply fertilizer to your plant soil. Lettuce soil thrives well in high organic components. Use adequate compost and a steady supply of nitrogen so it can grow well.

    FAQ’s

    Can lettuce be grown in containers?

    Yes, it can. There are many different varieties of lettuce that can be grown indoors. Check out some of the many varieties of lettuce that are available online. If you are growing indoors, I would recommend choosing a variety of lettuce that is harvested when its head is still small (4-5 inches). This will allow the plant to continue to grow and produce leaves, but not so much that they get too big and unappealing.

    Does lettuce need a lot of water?

    Lettuce is a very easy crop to grow. It doesn’t need a lot of water, and you can grow it in almost any soil, including sand. It grows fast and reaches maturity within about 60 days. The lettuce that I grow in my garden are loose-leaf varieties. These lettuces do not form heads, so they will continue to grow and produce leaves even when the main head is harvested.

    What’s the best time to plant lettuce?

    Lettuce should be planted in cool weather. This will give it a good chance of survival. It will do well with temperatures around 45 degrees F. I recommend planting it in mid-spring, and in mid-fall.

    What type of soil does lettuce need?

    Lettuce is a cool-season crop and thrives in soils with good drainage. It can be grown in sandy, clay, loam, or peaty soils as long as they are not compacted. Lettuce requires good air circulation around the roots, but it will tolerate light shade. To keep the roots moist, water regularly.

    How long does it take for lettuce to germinate?

    According to the University of California, you should expect to see lettuce sprouting around 5-7 days after the seed is planted.

    How Far Apart Should Lettuce Be Planted: Conclusion

    Lettuce is great-tasting veg that is pretty easy to grow. Ensure you follow our tips on how far apart your lettuce should be planted so you can enjoy some crispy great tasting lettuce.

  • Bush Cucumber

    Bush Cucumber

    Cucumber comes in hundreds of varieties for growers to choose from and it’s known for its pickling and slicing use. If you’re interested in trying out some bush cucumber variety, then we’ve got you covered here.

    Cucumber plants are easy to grow and they can be grown in the ground, raised beds, containers, or even hydroponic systems. They are one of the most beloved homegrown vegetable plants.

    Not all cucumbers are the same and there are so many cucumber varieties to choose from. Selecting which kind of cucumber variety is one step to growing cucumber successfully.

    Cucumber plants grow in two ways and they are bush and vining. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing more on bush cucumber varieties. So, read on to learn more on this.

    Cucumbers Plants

    Cucumber plants are easy plants that can be grown or added to your vegetable garden. Cucumbers originate from India and they have a cousin known as bitter melon which is still a staple as of today.

    Cucumbers have been cultivated for over 3,000 years and they are known as one of the oldest crops to be grown in a controlled surrounding.

    Cucumbers Plants

    Generally, cucumbers can be divided into 3 categories which are slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, and seedless cucumbers.

    • Slicing cucumbers are thick-skinned smooth types of cucumbers and are used for slicing and eating fresh. They are long and tender and non-bitter skin. Hence, they are the sweet type.
    • Pickling cucumbers are short cucumbers with blocky and bumpy skin used for pickling.
    • Lastly, we have the seedless cucumbers also known as burpless cucumbers.

    Looking for Easy to Grow Plants? Click here:

    Cucumber Bush

    Cucumber usually grows in two forms which are vining and bushy. Bush cucumber (Cucumis sativus) has been bred to occupy only a short space with very short vines and has been made to produce an abundant result. Therefore, the variety of bush cucumber allows you to plant them in a small space while enjoying plenty of yields.

    Bush Type Cucumbers

    The majority of the bush cucumbers only need about 2 to 3 square feet per plant. Their requirements are almost the same as vining cucumber type and they will mature in about the same period.

    Bush-type cultivars include pickle bush, bush champion, salad bush, parks bush whopper, and space-master.

    Bush Type Cucumbers

    Planting Bush Cucumber

    Planting cucumber requires fertile soil and they will grow rapidly so far they get constant watering and warmth. Most of the cucumbers variety available in nursery gardens is vining plants. So ensure you search for the word ‘bush’ in the seed pack or somewhere.

    You can plant bush cucumber variety in both containers and a small garden.

    Planting In-Ground

    Select a planting site with full sun as cucumber requires warmth and lots of light. Once the danger of frost has passed, turn over your soil with a shovel or spade. Create a long row of soil and space them 2 feet apart. Leaf compost or aged manure should be dug in using one part compost to every 10 part soil.

    If you’re making use of heavy clay soil, one part of sand should be dug into every 5 part soil. This will ensure the mixture is rich and light enough for fragile bush cucumber plants to root.

    Soil temperature should be measured with a soil meter and measure deep into the soil. The aim for an ideal soil temperature should be around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Then you can plant your seed or seedlings. Any temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit will not encourage seed germination or seedling growth.

    Next, insert one bush cucumber seed in each hole and cover it with about a quarter-inch of soil.

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    Alternative Planting Method

    Another way is to dig 4 inches holes with a trowel then slowly bring out the seedlings you’ve purchased from the nursery containers.

    Ensure the soil around the roots remains intact. Then put a seedling in each hole and cover it up with soil around the plant. Ensure you don’t press them too much because they’re fragile. Make sure you water the seeds or seedlings consistently.

    The seedlings of the bush cucumber should be thinned once they’ve grown four true leaves or once they attain a length of 6 inches. Remember to continue watering.

    Ensure you water daily if the weather is hot and the soil dries out quickly. However, if the soil still holds some moisture, you can water every 2 to 3 days. The watering should be deep into the soil. Once the plant starts to flower or bloom, feed with a balanced garden fertilizer.

    Container Planting

    You can also grow bush cucumber in a container or pot. Select a container or pot of about 12 inches in diameter with drainage holes. The container should be filled with potting soil mix.

    Then 3 bush cucumber seeds or 3 bush cucumber seedlings should be planted in the container soil and water daily. Once the plant germinates thin one or two plants once they have four true leaves. Side dress the plants with a liquid time-released balanced fertilizer. Always water consistently.

    Benefits Of Growing Bush Cucumber Variety

    Here are the benefits of growing bush cucumber variety:

    • If you’re short of garden space then bush cucumbers variety will be ideal for you.
    • They are perfect for container gardening.
    • With their small bushy size, they will give rise to plenty of yield. They will also not overwhelm your garden with too much cucumber than you can handle.
    • Bush cucumber variety is ideal for gardeners that don’t want to go through the stress of bumper crop or unusually large crops production.

    FAQ’s

    What are bush cucumbers?

    Bush cucumbers (Cucumis anguria) are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melons, gourds and squash. It is closely related to watermelons, but differs in that it is a herbaceous perennial plant rather than a woody shrub. It has long been cultivated for its edible fruits, known as cucumbers, which are used in salads and sandwiches, pickles, and even as a cooking ingredient.

    The plant is an herbaceous perennial growing from a taproot, with a thick, woody stem up to tall and in diameter. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, each with a broad, heart-shaped blade long and wide, and are covered in a thick, soft, white down. Small white flowers form on the upper part of the stem, between the leaves. The fruit is a long cylinder about long with four or five seeds. The flowers appear in early spring and the fruits ripen from late summer to autumn. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and China, and has also become naturalised in Florida, Texas and California.

    It has long been cultivated for its edible fruits, known as cucumbers, which are used in salads and sandwiches, pickles, and even as a cooking ingredient.

    What varieties are bush cucumbers?

    ush cucumbers are also called summer cukes, pickling cukes and pickle cukes. They are sometimes referred to as Japanese cucumbers, but that is a misnomer. Pickle cukes are very small (1/8 – 1/4 inch) and have a thinner skin than most other cucumber varieties. They are a type of bush cucumber and are often grown for pickling purposes.

    Will bush cucumbers climb?

    bush cucumbers (Lepidosperma) can climb. They do this by means of their long, thin tendrils, which are very sensitive to touch and also have a strong grip. When a bush cucumber climbs it extends its tendrils in all directions, then bends them back at an angle of 45 degrees and attaches them to the nearest support. The tendrils then spread again, and so on.

    How big does a bush cucumber get?

    The Bush Cucumber is the largest member of the cucurbit family and can grow up to 30cm in length. The leaves are heart-shaped, with five leaflets and a tapering point, and the flowers are yellow and funnel shaped.

    How are they eaten?

    They are most commonly eaten raw, pickled or used as a garnish. A lot of people toss them into salads as part of a healthy vegetarian meal.

    Additional Say

    Bush cucumbers are ready for harvest in about 40 to 70 days from planting. Harvesting depends on the size you want and how you plan to use them.

    The bush cucumber plant is a great cucumber variety to grow if you are bothered about space and you want maximum production. So, you can always enjoy growing bush cucumber variety for your gardening pleasure.

  • How To Tell When Carrots Are Ready To Pick

    How To Tell When Carrots Are Ready To Pick

    Are you wondering how to tell when carrots are ready to pick? Let’s find out. Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden and this fruit is packed with great nutritional benefits.

    Growing and harvesting carrot is an awesome way of taking advantage of the amazing nutritional value they offer. It is important to have an idea of how to tell when carrots are ready to pick so you can enjoy an amazing crop yield.

    In this article, we will be discussing how you can decipher when carrots are ideal for harvest and many more. So, continue reading for more info on this.

    How Do You Know When Carrots Are Ready To Pick?

    It is pretty easy to grow carrots. However, how to tell when carrots are ready to be picked may be quite dicey. This is usually because carrots are underground vegetables meaning they tend to grow underground. Hence, trying to monitor the maturity progress from outside may be confusing unlike other fruits such as cucumbers, peppers, etc that grow outside.

    If you’re new to growing underground vegetables such as carrots and you wish to learn how to tell when they are ready to pick, we’ve got you covered. So, below are some tips to know when carrots are ready to be harvested.

    How Do You Know When Carrots Are Ready To Pick

    Carrot Harvest: When To Pick

    The proper period to harvest carrots will depend on the variety been grown. Hence, you should check out the information on your seed packet to know the harvest period.

    Some carrot varieties can be harvested around 58 to 80 days from planting. Others can take about 75 to 100 days. All these majorly depend on the variety.

    For instance, you can harvest baby carrots from 50 to 60days from planting. However, if you wish to harvest matured carrots, you will need to wait a few more weeks. Matured carrots should be ready for harvest in around 75 days.

    You can always harvest your carrots once they are large enough to be eaten. It’s not necessary to wait for them to finish growing. Leaving carrots for too long to grow large may cause them to turn woody and lose their sweet taste.

    Read more about How to Harvest Leaf Lettuce

    More Tips To Know When To Pick Carrots

    • To know when your carrots are ready to be harvested, the shoulder or the top of the carrot will be around ½ to ¾ inch. This is around 1.5 cm to 2 cm (in diameter).
    • The top of the carrot will also begin to slightly pop out of this soil, but this may not be in all cases.
    • The color of the carrot will as well be vibrant in color once they are ready to be picked.

    Tips On How To Pick Carrot

    So we’ve learned how to tell when carrots are ready to pick. Let’s take a look at how to pick them appropriately.

    ·         Root Diameter Check

    Once you’ve estimated the days to maturity and as well check the size of the carrot by looking at the root diameter, you can proceed to harvest. You can predict how the tips of the roots are and how big they are once they bulge out.

    However, bulging of the tip does not occur in all cases. Hence, you can simply brush some soil away from the top to see how big they’ve developed.

    ·         Hydrate Soil

    We recommend you hydrate the soil before harvesting. This is to ensure digging and removing carrots is easier for you. You can plan harvest after a day after rain or a day after watering.

    ·         Loosen The Soil

    After you must have dampened the soil, you can proceed to loosen the soil. You can make use of a shovel, hand cultivator, etc to loosen the soil around the roots. Avoid pulling them straight out of unloosened soil to prevent the roots from breaking off from the soil.

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    ·         Pull The Roots

    Now you can pull out the roots since your soil is soft and loose. This will allow your carrot to slide out of the root easily. If they are still resisting pulling, use a garden tool to loosen the soil a bit more and try again.

    ·         Brush Excess Sand

    We recommend you don’t wash the carrot after picking only if you plan to eat them right away or in few weeks. Just brush off excess sand or mud and store.

    ·         Remove Top And Store

    Before storing your carrots, you should remove or cut off the top green. The green should only be trimmed and about 1 inch should be left attached to the carrot. The green can as well be saved for compost.

    Storing Carrot

    If you’ve decided to harvest your carrot, make sure you’re harvesting what you will use in a period of two to four weeks. Carrots will ripe around the same time. However, harvesting them all at once isn’t necessary. You can simply leave your carrots in the ground for extra 4 weeks more. The best preservation method is leaving them in the soil.

    When the cold season approaches, make sure to protect carrots from the cold. Use some covering or extra mulch to protect them from cold. However, once it starts freezing, ensure you must have harvested the last carrot.

    Storing Carrot

    Refrigerating Carrots

    You can as well store the harvested carrots in the fridge. Remember not to wash the carrots even when muddy. Only brush off excess sand or mud.

    The carrots should be put in a container of water and placed inside the refrigerator. If by any chance the water gets cloudy and you’re not ready to make use of the carrots, simply replace the water with fresh ones. You can do this and maintain a fresh carrot for more than a week or two weeks.

    FAQ’s

    How do I know when my carrots are ready to be pulled?

    When your carrots are at the right size, they will be bright and shiny with a good amount of greens attached. You don’t want to pull them too early, because you may end up with mushy carrots and nothing else. And, if you pull them too late, the greens will dry out and die off. You can tell when your carrots are ready by looking at their leaves.
    If you see any yellowing, browning or curling leaves, it’s time to pull them. It will help your carrots to grow faster and look healthier.

    How long does it take to harvest carrots?

    In general, they take around three months to harvest. Carrots are a great vegetable to grow in the garden. They are easy to grow, and can be harvested throughout the summer. You can grow them from seed, or you can plant the young plants that will become your mature carrots in late spring. Carrots grow best when temperatures remain above 50 degrees F. The soil should be rich and well-drained.
    You can harvest carrots as soon as they are big enough to eat. Carrots tend to get bigger and sweeter when they have more sun exposure. For best flavor, harvest your carrots when they are 6 inches in diameter.

    The main factor determining when they’ll be ready is how much sun and warmth they get during that time. If you’re growing them in a cold frame or greenhouse, they’ll probably be ready sooner.

    Why are the carrots that I grow so small?

    There are a number of reasons why carrots might be small. They can be affected by the soil composition and/or moisture content in the root zone, or they can have a genetic defect that causes them to not produce as much of an edible part of the carrot. In addition, carrots can be affected by how well the roots are grown (i.e. if they are grown on a flat surface or in the ground).

    Carrots grown in the ground will have less surface area for air to circulate around them and may not get enough sunlight to make good sized carrots. Carrots grown in the ground can also be more prone to diseases and pests. The carrots may not have enough space to grow and therefore may not get as tall as they would if they were grown in pots or raised beds. The soil composition and/or moisture content of the root zone can also affect the size of your carrots. If the soil is sandy, the roots will not be able to absorb water as well. This can cause the roots to become dry and weak. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot and die. If the soil is too compacted, it can make it difficult for roots to grow deep enough to get good sized carrots.

    How To Tell When Carrots Are Ready To Pick: Final Say

    How to tell when carrots are ready to pick is not so complicated. All you need to do is to have the right information. Simply follow our recommended tips and learn how you can tell when your carrots are ready to be harvested.

  • How To Cut Fresh Cilantro From Plant

    How To Cut Fresh Cilantro From Plant

    Do you wish to learn how to cut fresh cilantro from your plant? Then we’ve got you covered here. Cilantro is a wonderful herb to add to your vegetable garden and they are pretty easy to grow.

    Harvesting cilantro is as well easy. All you need do is to do your harvesting the right way so you can enjoy continuous fresh cilantro to add to your various dishes. Both cilantro leaves and seeds are edible recipes for adding flavor to your dishes.

    So, in this article, we will be discussing how you can cut fresh cilantro from your plant and keep enjoying a great harvest.

    Planting Cilantro For Fresh Harvest

    The herb cilantro is a cool weathered crop. It thrives well in temperatures of about 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature that exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the plant to enter bolting and eventually flower. Bolting causes bitter-tasting cilantro herbs.

    For regions where you have cool weather and moderate summer, plant cilantro immediately after the last frost. For instance, in the north of the United State, it is advisable to sow seeds in the early spring around the middle to late April.

    Planting Cilantro For Fresh Harvest

    In warmer regions that experience very hot summer and moderate winter, cilantro should be planted in late summer. This is usually when the weather begins to cool off. The Southern United States for instance implies that September should be the ideal growing period for cilantro herbs.

    So once you have the appropriate weather to plant cilantro, the first thing is to select your plant bed and prepare the soil. Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

    Cilantro seeds should be planted one to two inches apart in rows spaced twelve inches apart. Then ensure you always provide a moist bed but not too wet. Once the seedlings start to germinate, they will require more watering to grow well. You should water one inch deep every week.

    When the seedlings have started germinating, trim them to six inches apart.

    Cutting Cilantro From Plant

    How you can enjoy fresh cilantro from your plant is by proper trimming. Adequate cutting or pruning will help prevent cilantro from entering the bolting stage. Hence delay flowering. This will in turn prolong the harvest of cilantro.

    However, if your goal is to harvest cilantro seeds which are known as coriander, you should allow the plant bolt. Bolting will cause the cilantro plant to flower thereby producing seeds.

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    Maturity Period To Harvest Cilantro

    To harvest cilantro leaves at the appropriate time, allow the plant to attain good size for harvesting. It will usually take 60 to 75 days to attain good maturity for harvesting leaves.

    How To Trim Cilantro

    Herbs generally love to be cut back and constant harvesting makes these herbs grow stronger and bulkier. Hence, cilantro is no exception to this. Cilantro will as well benefit from regular trimming or harvesting.

    Cilantro plants grown during fall, winter, and spring will result in more leaves and will be slow to flowering. But when the season becomes warm or during summer, cilantro plants tend to enter bolting hence they will flower and give rise to seeds.

    Both cilantro leaves and seeds are edible and great choices to add flavor to various dishes. Follow these tips to learn how to cut fresh cilantro plants:

    • Once the plant leaves attain the length of 6 inches, you can start to trim the outer leaves.
    • Avoid cutting the inner leaves. This way, the cilantro plant will carry on producing and growing until it’s time to flower.
    • With the continuous trimming, cilantro will grow and you can always go back and cut more cilantro leaves every 5 to 7 days.

    Harvesting Cilantro Seeds

    Cilantro seeds are known as coriander seeds. Continuous cutting of cilantro leaves will definitely delay bolting and flowering. However, the cilantro plant can’t continue to yield leaves forever. It will eventually enter the bolting stage and flower to produce seeds.

    But if your goal is to harvest cilantro seeds rather than the leaves, you should avoid trimming the leaves and allow the plant to enter the flowering stage to produce coriander seeds.

    Cilantro plants will take about 100 days from germination to give rise to seeds so far you avoid cutting back the leaves. Once the flower dies off, trim off the flower stalk then you will see small seed clusters that have turned brown. You can then shake the seeds off the stalk.

    Dry the seeds in a properly ventilated place for about a week. Then you can proceed to store them in a well-sealed airtight container.

    How Often To Harvest Cilantro

    Cilantro herbs can be harvested about once a week. However, if you have abundant growth of cilantro, you can harvest more often. Nevertheless, it is necessary to harvest cilantro at least once a week to prevent it from entering the bolting stage.

    How Often To Harvest Cilantro

    If you harvest too many or excess cilantro or you aren’t able to use them immediately, you can simply freeze them until you’re able to cook with them.

    read more about How to Trim Basil to Promote Growth

    More Tips On How To Enjoy Continuous Cilantro Harvest

    One great way of enjoying frequent cilantro harvest is to indulge in succession planting. Succession planting will keep cilantro plants fresh and available for you. Once you’ve trimmed the first original cilantro, more seeds should be sown every 3 weeks.

    Once the next or second plant has attained the height for cutting, you can pull the first or original plant. Continue doing this by sowing new seeds and removing the old plants before they enter the flowering stage. Doing this will allow you to enjoy a constant supply of fresh cilantro herbs.

    FAQ’s

    How do you harvest cilantro without killing the plant?

    Cilantro is a perennial herb that grows from seed and doesn’t have a very long lifespan, but it can be harvested repeatedly in the spring and summer months
    When the plants are in their first year of growth, they grow just above the ground and require little water. As they mature, they grow taller and require more water. In fact, if you harvest cilantro when the plants are in their second or third year, they will have grown so tall that they need to be harvested by hand, making the process extremely labor-intensive and time consuming. Cilantro is also one of the first herbs to flower, usually appearing in the early spring. For this reason, cilantro is considered a biennial herb, meaning that it grows for two years before flowering.
    If you want to preserve your harvest, you have to wait until the plant is ready to flower.

    Will cilantro grow back after cutting?

    Yes, it can. Cilantro will regrow if you wait 3 weeks. You just cut the top off.
    The plant will send out new roots, and it will start growing again.

    How long does a cilantro plant last?

    Cilantro is one of the most resilient herbs in the garden, and it is easy to grow.Cilantro is easy to grow and can be kept in a pot for up to two years. If you have a container with good drainage, a cilantro plant will grow well for years. It is also a very forgiving plant, so if you don’t get it just right, it will still grow.

    How often do you water a cilantro plant?

    This herb has a habit of becoming leggy and spindly unless you give it the proper care. In order to avoid this, we recommend that you water your cilantro every other day or so.

    If you have a good growing medium, it can live for weeks without any attention. Cilantro needs lots of light and lots of water. It is also very hungry. I

    Does cilantro like full sun?

    Cilantro likes full sun, but it will tolerate some shade.

    Does cilantro grow year round indoors?

    Yes, cilantro does grow year-round indoors, and is available throughout the year.

    What month do you plant cilantro?

    Planting it in late spring might be the best time However, there’s no evidence that planting cilantro in late spring is better than in early spring or summer. It depends on what kind of cilantro you want to grow. The seeds of Asian cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) are hardier and will survive longer than the seeds of regular cilantro.

    How To Cut Fresh Cilantro From Plant: Conclusion

    How to cut fresh cilantro from your plant is pretty easy and you can always enjoy constant cilantro herbs by doing it right.

    Follow our tips on how to cut fresh cilantro appropriately to continue enjoying them and to add great taste to your various meals.

  • When To Harvest Cilantro Seeds

    When To Harvest Cilantro Seeds

    If you plan on growing cilantro in your garden and you’re wondering when to harvest the seeds, we will let you know in this post.

    Cilantro is a cool-weathered herb and they are wonderful plants to grow in your garden. Their seeds are known as coriander seeds and both cilantro leaves and seeds are used in different cuisines all over the world. Harvesting cilantro seeds the right way is important and they require maturity before the seeds can be harvested.

    In this post, we will be discussing when and how to harvest cilantro seeds and leaves, and many more. So, continue reading for some information on this.

    Cilantro Plant

    Cilantro is one fast and easy to grow herbs that do well in the cool weather of spring and fall. The entire plant including the seeds is used in different recipes.

    The seeds are referred to as coriander seeds and they are usually crushed and grounded. Then the blended powder is used as a spice.

    Cilantro Plant

    Planting Cilantro For Seed Harvest

    Growing cilantro from seeds directly by sowing the seed in a garden bed is pretty easy. If you wish to grow cilantro with the aim of harvesting their seeds, then you should plant seeds 8 inches apart in rows. Each of these rows should be about 15 inches apart from each other.

    Because cilantro grows with a deep taproot, make sure you select a good planting location for planting cilantro. Also, you need to supply the ideal temperature range to plant cilantro plants so they can grow optimally. The ideal temperature for growing cilantro optimally ranges from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can however allow the temperature to exceed 80 degrees only if you wish to harvest seeds. This way, the cilantro plant will bolt and flower thereby producing seeds.

    But if your goal is to harvest the leaves alone, never allow the temperature to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of cilantro leaves. But eventually, the cilantro plant will enter bolting and flower and this must have been after you’ve enjoyed enough cilantro leaves.

    Once cilantro flowers, it will yield seed pods that contain two seeds.

    When To Harvest Cilantro Seeds

    Cilantro grows rapidly hence their leaves can be harvested in just about a month. However, if you wish to harvest their seeds, it takes longer.

    After 90 days of planting, cilantro seed pods are ready to be harvested. Cilantro seeds are ready for harvest when their appearance looks light brown and the plant will look dried. This happens when the cilantro plant has flowered 2 or 3 weeks after.

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    Take note not to harvest seeds that are not matured yet. This is to avoid bitter-tasting seeds that are not ideal for cooking.

    So, when the weather starts to go hot, the cilantro plant will eventually bolt and flower. By this period, you should know it’s time for cilantro to produce seeds. This is when to harvest or pick your cilantro seeds. Cilantro seeds can be harvested 2 to 3 weeks after flowering has occurred.

    How To Harvest Cilantro

    Cilantro seeds are known as coriander seeds. So, to harvest coriander seeds, do the following:

    • Let your cilantro plant enter the bolting stage especially during the hot season so they can grow and produce seeds.
    • When you notice the leaves and seeds becoming brown, cut off the stem with the seed heads.
    • The harvested stem should be hung upside-down in a paper bag in a cool dry place. When the seeds become ripe, they will drop off their seed head into the bag.
    • Store cilantro seed or coriander seed in an air-tight container.

    If you want to get a quick result of coriander seeds, we advise you to avoid cutting cilantro leaves. If you form the habit of cutting cilantro leaves as they grow, you will be delaying them from entering into the flowering stage and producing seeds for you to harvest.

    Uses Of Coriander Seeds

    The seeds of cilantro are mostly grounded before use or else they will feel tough to chew. However, you can also use the whole seeds or simply roast the seeds in an oven.

    Cilantro seeds give a lovely aroma and taste to different dishes. It is rich in antioxidants and you enjoy other health benefits from it. Below are some uses of coriander seeds:

    • The blended cilantro seeds are used as a spice in cooking like curry as well as in baked beans.
    • Some use coriander seeds to bake into bread.
    • The seeds can as well be used in soups, stews, and ratatouille.
    • Cilantro seeds also feature in Indian cooking ingredients such as masala mixtures.
    • The seed oil is as well used in different herbal solutions and dietary supplements.
    • Coriander is also used in flavor gin, tobacco, liqueurs, and perfumery.

    Health Benefits Of Cilantro Seeds

    You get to enjoy great health benefits using coriander seeds in your dishes. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy by incorporating coriander seeds into your diet:

    • Coriander seeds are very rich in vitamin K, C, B.
    • The seeds are rich in other great minerals and it offers antioxidant benefits. Hence, it will help get rid of toxins and it’s beneficial to skin and hair health.
    • Oil extracted from coriander seeds may as well help in promoting digestion and gut health.
    Health Benefits Of Cilantro Seeds

    FAQ’s

    How do you harvest cilantro seeds?

    It’s easy to harvest cilantro seeds by hand. Just pull the leaves from the stem and hold the stem firmly. The key is to keep the stem attached to the leaf so that you can remove it from the plant later. Then just shake the plant to get all the seeds out.
    You can remove them from the stem by hand, but it’s much easier to use a knife. The trick is to pull off the leaves while holding the stem firmly.

    How long does it take for cilantro seeds to sprout?

    Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) seeds should sprout in 5 to 7 days under normal conditions. Watering helps them grow faster.

    What is the trick to growing cilantro?

    Cilantro is relatively easy to grow in Zone 10.
    Cilantro is a good example of a plant that can be grown from seed. It grows best in areas where it is warm and humid and has lots of rainfall. If you are having a hard time getting seeds to germinate, you could try planting the seeds indoors (in a warm, bright place) for a few weeks, then transplant them outside when the weather is warm and humid.
    The trick is to start with small seeds (about 1/4 inch diameter) and plant them in a pot of potting soil. Cover the pot with plastic wrap so the soil doesn’t dry out. Keep the soil moist, and keep the soil warm by using a heat mat or light bulb. In about 3 weeks the seedlings should be ready to transplant. Plant the seedlings out in the garden once the weather gets warm and humid. They can be planted any time after the last frost date. Cilantro likes to grow into a weed, so you may need to keep pulling it up and destroying it.
    It has a very strong and invasive root system. It can take over large areas of your garden if it is not contained.

    Why is my cilantro plant falling over?

    Either you are overwatering it or you have some sort of disease. If you are overwatering it, you should water it less often. If you are watering it too much, stop for a few days.

    Also, it might be because your soil is not good enough. You should add some peat moss or sand to your soil to improve the drainage. That way your cilantro will be able to absorb more water and will not get too dry. You can also try adding some compost, if you have any available.

    When To Harvest Cilantro Seeds: Final Say

    Harvesting cilantro seeds will require you to wait until the plant enters bolting and flowers to produce seeds. Coriander seeds can be harvested after 2 to 3 weeks of flowering. We recommend you avoid cutting back the leaves if harvesting cilantro seed is your goal.

    There are also many great benefits to cilantro such as adding flavor and sweet aroma to your various dishes. It also offers amazing health benefits to your diet.

  • Cilantro Germination Temperature

    Cilantro Germination Temperature

    Growing cilantro especially from seeds may be a bit tricky as you must get the right set up to create good germination conditions. One criterion to successfully growing cilantro is to get the ideal germination temperature.

    Cilantro is a type of herb used for many great dishes. There are plenty of great reasons to add this dynamic herb to your vegetable garden. But you need to learn how to appropriately germinate cilantro so you can enjoy continuous use of this herb in your various meals.

    You may be finding it hard to grow cilantro. But in the actual sense, this herb is actually pretty easy to grow with the right knowledge. Simply follow our guide to learn the right germination temperature for cilantro and other tips to successfully grow this amazing herb.

    Some Info On Cilantro Plant

    Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley and it originates from Greece. Both cilantro green leaves and cilantro seeds are used in different dishes. Cilantro seeds are as well known as the spice coriander. Both cilantro herbs and coriander seeds come from the same plant.

    Their leaves are used in fresh salads, meat dishes, and salsa. The leaves can as well add a little spice to an omelet.

    Cilantro seeds which are known as coriander supplies a distinctive flavor to your various dishes. The coriander seeds are integrated into sausage, pastries, and cooked fruits. The seed is also a vital component in pickling spice and curry powder.

    Some Info On Cilantro Plant

    Cilantro Germination Temperature

    The best temperature for cilantro germination is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also do a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But ensure you always maintain moist soil until plants germinate which can take about 7 to 10 days.

    How To Germinate Cilantro Seeds

    Germinating cilantro is easy with the right knowledge and it’s pretty easy to maintain. So continue reading to learn how to grow cilantro appropriately so you can enjoy its continuous flavor.

    When To Sow Cilantro Seeds

    The ideal period to sow coriander seeds for the cooler region is in late spring or early summer. This is usually two weeks after the last frost. If your goal is to get multiple harvests, go ahead and keep planting more coriander seeds up until mid-summer.

    For warmer regions, the coriander seeds should be sown during fall. Ensure you space them around 10 inches apart once they begin to germinate.

    If you however wish to have some fresh cilantro during winter, you should sow seeds at the start of autumn or even winter. You can be sure of a great harvest result when you sow cilantro seeds during spring or winter. This is because cilantro is very sensitive to heat.

    When To Sow Cilantro Seeds

    Soil Preparation For Germinating Cilantro Seeds

    The first step to growing cilantro is to prepare your soil. Choose a well-draining soil for our cilantro plant. You can go for a moderately fertile sandy or loam soil. But you can still choose other types of soil all you need to do is to ensure nutrient levels and moisture are observed closely.

    Cilantro Seed Germination

    Next is to obtain your cilantro seeds for germination. Cilantro is a cool-season crop but will thrive in temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cilantro can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperatures surpass 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it may enter bolting.

    In Texas, February is the most appropriate time to plant cilantro so you can get an April harvest. September is also another perfect time to plant cilantro in Texas for a November harvest.

    Seeds should be planted in a soft, well-tilled, and composted soil. The seeds should be planted 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart if you wish to harvest cilantro leaves. If the seed is what you wish to harvest, then you should sow the seeds 8 inches apart in a row 15 inches apart.

    The depth to which you sow your seeds for both cilantro leaves and coriander leaves purposes should be about a quarter to half inches.

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    Fertilizing Cilantro

    Fertilization should be done twice throughout their growing season. Half a spoon of ammonia nitrate or urea should be applied per square foot of your plant.

    Watering

    The cilantro plant will require more watering during its seedling germination and establishment. Once the cilantro plant has developed and become established, their watering needs won’t be so demanding.

    Harvesting

    Harvest your cilantro leaves 45 to 70 days after seedlings germinate. The exterior leaves should be cut or trimmed when they attain 4 to 6 inches in length. Or you can simply cut the entire plant about 1 to 2 inches above the soil level.

    Germinating In Containers

    To germinate cilantro in containers, get a shallow bowled container of at least 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Then fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and apply some organic fertilizer. One part of cilantro seeds should be mixed with 3 parts of sand. The pot should be misted with water then spread the mixture evenly over the container.

    Next, you should cover the seeds with some potting mix. Gently mist the soil once again then position the set up in the full sun. If the weather is very hot, position the set up in a light shade area. You should begin to notice the seeds germinating in about a week.

    Additional Tips On Cilantro Germination

    The cilantro growing period is pretty short. We encourage you to frequently trim your cilantro plants to help delay bolting and extend your harvest time. However, even if you continuously trim your cilantro plants so many times, they will still enter the bolting phase. And bolting will give rise to bitter-tasting leaves. But you can enjoy some nice cilantro leaves before they enter bolting.

    When the cilantro has entered its bolting stage, just allow the plant to grow and let it seed. The seeds will be available for you to grow again next year. You can as well use the seeds for coriander cooking.

    FAQ’s

    Does cilantro need heat to germinate?

    No, it doesn’t need to be heat-treated to germinate.

    The temperature of the seedlings as they grow depends on the rate at which the seedlings absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. The seeds that germinate fastest are usually the ones that survive best. Cilantro seedlings that grow slowly may be lost to diseases. It is important, however, to keep your cilantro seedlings warm during the first few weeks.

    What is the best temperature to grow cilantro?

    The answer is probably somewhere between 45-55°F (7-13°C) with lots of sun. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to keep it indoors in a south-facing window for part of the year or have a greenhouse.

    Does cilantro need dark to germinate?

    Cilantro does not require darkness to germinate, but if you want to plant it indoors (in a seed starting mix) you may need to keep it in the dark for at least 2 weeks.

    Why is my cilantro not growing?

    Here are some reasons why cilantro plant is not growing:
    If your soil is too acidic, it won’t grow properly. If it is too alkaline, it will take longer to germinate. Organic matter in the soil also helps the cilantro to grow. Add compost and manure, or if you don’t have that, add lime and sand to your soil. Watering Watering is essential for cilantro. It needs to be watered frequently, so that the soil stays moist and the roots have enough water. Too much water can cause the plant to rot. In general, a well-watered cilantro plant will grow faster than an under-watered one. It’s best to water it every day. You can also use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water it. But, don’t overdo it! If you do use a soaker hose, make sure to set it up properly. If you have a small garden, you can put it right on the surface of the soil. If you have a large garden, then you can place it in a raised bed. Sunlight It is important to expose the cilantro plant to sunlight. It grows better with sunlight than without it. The ideal temperature for cilantro is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But if your house gets too hot, you can put the plant outside. If you have a cool house, you can put the plant inside a greenhouse. Pests and Diseases Some pests and diseases can attack cilantro plants. For example, aphids can eat the leaves, while whiteflies can damage the leaves and even the flowers.

    Can you overwater cilantro?

    You can overwater the cilantro, but it will just wilt. You don’t want to drown it. The plant needs water to grow, so just give it what it needs. If it starts looking like it is drying out, just add more water and you’ll be fine. If you are worried about it getting too wet, you could put a few layers of newspaper on the bottom of the pot or tray.

    Conclusion On Cilantro Germination Temperature

    We have concluded that the best germination temperature for cilantro is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can as well follow our growing tips for that successful cilantro leaves or coriander seeds germination.

  • MH Or HPS For Flowering

    MH Or HPS For Flowering

    Both MH (Metal Halide) and HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) are great indoor grow lights for your various plants. However, do you know if MH or HPS is good for flowering? We will answer that in this post.

    For general plant growth, both MH and HPS are good for growing. But each of these grow light has specific light characteristics it will offer your plant according to their needs.

    The growth stages of plants include vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stage and each of these stages require specific light spectrum. However, in this article, we would like to know if MP or HPS grow light is better for flowering plants. So, continue reading to find out more about this.

    MH And HPS Grow Lights

    Metal halide (MH) and high power sodium (HPS) are both products of high-intensity discharge (HID). They are quite efficient in terms of indoor growing and can mimic the work done by sunlight. The two grow lights require a ballast to start. Thus, a complete lightning kit is recommended so you don’t miss any important parts especially if you are just starting out.

    Let’s take a look at some info on both MH and HPS grow lights.

    MH Grow Light

    This grow light is a type of HID lamp and they are good for growing plants in their various stages. However, they are mostly or preferably used in the vegetative stage of a plant’s life cycle. They contain a crisp or bluish-white color spectrum, but most MH grow light may lack red wavelengths which are needed for flowering.

    Metal halides are built quite closely to mercury vapor lamps. The main difference is that they are composed of additional metal halide compounds in the quartz arc tube and this is to enhance the efficiency and color performance.

    Metal halides are rated with a high lumen output of about 100 lm per watt. They are quite long-lasting and can last up to 20,000 hours. They also require a ballast to function.

    MH grow lights are known to emit heat. Thus, you should know the appropriate hanging distance to your plants’ canopy. The ideal grow light distance for metal halide plants should be around 8 inches to 25 inches. However, know that this will depend on the type of plant you have and the wattage of your grow light.

    MH Grow Light

    HPS Grow Light

    HPS grow light is also a type of HID light. Their spectrum comprises red, orange, and yellow wavelengths that enhance roots and flower development. For this reason, they are the best for the flowering phase of a plant. They require a ballast to power on and sustain the electrical arc.

    HPS grow lights are less expensive and are great for indoor gardening. However, high-pressure sodium grow light produces heat, therefore the appropriate hanging distance should be considered.

    The grow light distance to your plants’ canopy can be around 6 to 34 inches and this will depend on the type of plant you’re growing. It will as well depend on the wattage or strength of your grow light. Also, you should ensure you investigate the plant you have so you can establish the appropriate growing conditions. This is to avoid plant burns from positioning your grow light too close to your plants.

    In addition, a ventilation system should be put into considerations to ensure the environment is no too hot for your plants.

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    MH or HPS For Flowering

    Metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) are both high-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights. They are both great for most of your plants’ growth stages and growers usually use them together for a complete grow light system. But which is better for flowering between MH or HPS?

    Ideally, HPS is the best for flowering plants. Growers usually begin with a metal halide (around the vegetative phase of a plant) for growing. Then once the plant enters the flowering stage, it is been replaced with high-pressure sodium.

    Also, most metal halide grow lights lack the red wavelength that is responsible for the flowering stage. This is why they are not so great for flowering but just vegetative phase. Hence the need to always switch to high-pressure sodium, HPS grows light during the flowering phase.

    HPS For Flowering

    HPS grow lights are composed of a reddish or orange color spectrum which is associated with the flowering phase of a plant.

    The higher lumen or light intensity is also gotten from high-pressure sodium lights. The intensity is usually 25 to 40 percent greater than metal halide bulbs or even the same wattage. This is why HPS is better for flowering because the more light the better for the flowering plant results.

    HPS Grow Light

    FAQ’s

    What is better for flowering HPS or MH grow lights?

    HPS lights are great for vegetative growth and flowering.

    They’re more expensive than MH lights, but they produce much higher amounts of light. They have a lot of heat though, so you’ll need a good ventilation system to keep it cool.

    MH grow lights are much cheaper than HPS grow lights, but they’re not as efficient at producing light. They only produce about half the amount of light that HPS grow lights do, and they don’t get very hot. If you have the room, you can grow with MH grow lights. They’re perfect for smaller grow spaces. 

    Can you use both at the same time?

    If you would like to save on costs but would like to treat your plants well, a good idea would be a good idea to get one of each.

    What I use is a mixture of both. My HPS lights are in a big space, so they’re really bright and powerful. But my LED grow lights are in a small space, so they’re more efficient. I like using LED grow lights because they produce less heat, which is important for my plants. I also like the idea that you can control them, so I can adjust the brightness of each light to suit my plants. There’s also a lot of varieties of LED grow lights out there, but if you’re looking for something that will fit in your space, you can find one that does the trick. 

    What light spectrum is best for flowering?

    Light Spectrum is the primary input to the plant. Plants have evolved with certain light spectrums that are best for growth. We are interested in finding out which light spectrum(s) are best for flowering. This may differ depending on the species and the time of year. If you are interested in growing cannabis plants indoors, you will want to use a special light spectrum. A light spectrum is a specific range of wavelengths of light.

    As a general rule of thumb, red radiation is the best light for driving photosynthesis at the flowering stage of a plant.

    Final Thoughts On MH or HPS For Flowering

    Even though HPS is the best for flowering, utilizing both MH and HPS in your indoor garden is a perfect combination for all your plants’ stages. So, if you’re wondering which you should go for, we would say the two.

    MH is great for the vegetative stage, while HPS is great for the flowering and fruiting stage and this combination will give you the best growing result.

    However, technology has advanced and our regular traditional MH and HPS grow lights is been replaced with LED lights. LED grow light can be used as a standalone light for all your plant growth stage. LED used to cost a lot to purchase, but now, there are various options that can suit your budget.

    However, LED grow lights still costs a bit more than the traditional HID, but at a reasonable price. Again, LED lights won’t emit much heat as HD lights do and your investments in the cooling system will be lesser.

    All in all, whichever choice you decide to go for, be sure that either HID or LED light will give your plants what they require to grow adequately with the right conditions.