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Category: Organic Food

  • Can You Grow Carrots In A Pot?

    Can You Grow Carrots In A Pot?

    Can you grow carrots in a pot? The answer is yes, you can definitely grow carrots in a pot or container. Carrot, Daucus carota subsp. Sativus, is a root vegetable that can be easily grown in containers, planters, and window boxes.

    You don’t even need to be a well-experienced vegetable gardener to be able to grow carrots in containers. Also, an outdoor garden is not necessarily needed for growing carrots. You can even grow multiple carrots in a pot. This is a possible means of utilizing little space to get a great yield.

    You can also start small by planting just a few crops and then later succession sow pots of carrots to enjoy a steady harvest starting from early summer all through fall. So let’s go further into how you can grow carrots in a pot.

    The Reason Why You Should Grow Carrots In A Pot

    Growing carrots in pots can pose to be a fantastic idea for a couple of reasons. One is, you can have the right growing medium you desire when you plant in containers. This is because there will be no cause to be bothered about having to plant in rocky, infertile, or weedy soil.

    The roots of the carrots will grow straight and fork-free as the soil you will be growing them in is the stone-free type. You can choose a location with limited space and sunlight to grow your carrots.

    Another good thing is that a pot can contain up to multiple carrots as they are slender plants.

    The Reason Why You Should Grow Carrots In A Pot

    You can have up to 24 to 36 carrots, depending on the variety, in a 10 gallon grow bag which is 16 inches across. Growing carrots in containers also have the advantage of no critter issues like deer and rabbits or pests like slugs.

    And since you’re growing them in pots, you can have them close to your home which makes it easy for easy monitoring.

    Kids can also have fun with growing carrots in pots as a DIY. This is because it’s a type of crop that is easy to plant and grow. The kids will become so attached to the pots, thereby nurturing them and then harvesting the roots eventually. This way, the kids will feel proud of themselves when they eat the carrots they’ve grown by themselves.

    Read more about Best Green Beans For Canning

    Growing Carrots In Pot

    First, choose a variety with short roots and not long carrots. Go ahead and choose a container that is deep enough to accommodate the root of the variety you’ve chosen.

    However, there are carrot varieties with root lengths of two inches to over a foot.

    You can grow these types of carrots in a pot. Hence, be sure the root of the variety you’re choosing will fit into your pot. It is advisable to choose large pots or planters though.

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    This way, a larger volume of soil, as well as the length of carrot roots, will be well contained in large pots.

    Another thing is that, when the pot is large and has a larger volume of soil, you won’t have to worry about water drying out fast.

    The care and maintenance of your planted carrots can also be determined by the type of container you’ve chosen. Clay pots, which are made from porous materials, are high water-absorbent that need to be watered much more. This is unlike other fiberglass, plastic, or metal pots.

    You can use Ten-gallon fabric bags or smart pot long beds. You can also choose other types of fabric containers. Plastic buckets of about five gallons can also be used to grow vegetables.

    So, start by cleaning your pots thoroughly and also endeavor there are drainage holes on the bottom. Add drainage holes if there is none by using a drill.

    Check Out Why Are My Cucumbers Round?

    Sowing Carrots – Can You Grow Carrots In A Pot

    Fill the container with the growing medium. Wet it and mix thoroughly till the potting mix is equally moist. Plant your seeds about a quarter-inch deep and give space of half-inch in between the seeds.

    Don’t plant them in rows, rather, plant them in the form of a grid. This way, you will be able to cover the whole container. For an easy way of planting, choose to use a strip of seed tape or pelleted seeds. This is because the seeds are so small.

    Sowing Carrots

    After planting go ahead and give your seeds nice water spraying with the use of a hose nozzle or a watering. Don’t use the method of watering hard with gushing pressure to avoid spilling out the seeds from the soil.

    The container should be placed in a spot where it can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight, just like the carrots grown in the garden.

    Click Here to Know When To Pick Artichokes

    Tips On How To Grow Carrots In Containers

    There are certain procedures you should follow after you’ve noticed your seeds have begun to sprout and the plants are growing so well. These procedures will help you get a bountiful harvest from the carrots you can grow in a pot.

    1. The soil must be a bit moist and not wet. Carrots won’t do well in soil that is damp. So, ensure moisture is maintained by not over-wetting your plants. Before wetting, check if the soil is dry, like an inch down, by sticking your finger in the soil. This will enhance the root’s healthy development. Hence, do check for soil dryness daily.
    2. Begin to thin the seedlings when they have grown up to three inches. The thinning should be about two to three inches from each of the seedlings. Cut the unwanted seedlings off from the bottom with garden snips. You shouldn’t pull them out like the roots of some of the seedlings may be interwoven and as a result, damaging the other seedlings.
    3. Add liquid organic vegetable fertilizer or compost tea to the container every four weeks for healthy growth of the plants. Don’t use fertilizers with high nitrogen that can enhance the growth of the upper part of the plants but with smaller roots instead.
    4. If you notice that the upper part of your plant roots is bulging out from the soil, add more potting mix to cover them. The root’s top can become green and then bitter tasting if the direct sunlight is on them.

    Conclusion – Can You Grow Carrots In A Pot?

    You can grow multiple carrots in a pot successfully if you follow the aforementioned procedures in this article. This method of growing vegetables will definitely help you in making the best use of your limited garden or patio space by planting as many vegetables as you want.

    FAQ’s

    How many carrots can you grow in a pot?

    You can grow multiple carrots in a pot or container. This is thanks to the slender carrot plant. For a 10 gallon grow bag that is about 16 inches wide, this size of the container can hold 24 to 36 carrots and this will depend on the variety.

    How deep should a pot be for carrots?

    To grow carrots ideally in containers, the pot or container should be around 2 to 14 inches deep. This will help accommodate their developing roots.

    How long do carrots take to grow in containers?

    If you’re growing carrot in a container or pot, the duration for it to grow can take around 75 days. However, it can vary slightly depending on the type of carrot variety.

  • Best Green Beans For Canning

    Best Green Beans For Canning

    Freshly harvested green beans can be canned easily so they can be stored or preserved for year-round use. Best green beans for canning are what we would be looking at in this post.

    Green bean which is also referred to as string beans is an easy vegetable to be grown in our garden and they tend to be quite productive.

    It can be a pretty good idea to can your beans especially if you don’t want to freeze them. Canning beans can help preserve or store your green beans for some good time. So, you can preserve your green beans through canning during their offseason.

    Best green beans for canning are what you should look into if you plan on preserving some certain green beans varieties. So, you are in luck if the best green beans for canning are what you wish to know.

    Best Green Beans For Canning

    Green beans usually come in two styles which are bush beans and pole beans. So, we will be looking at both pole beans and green beans and mention some varieties that are great for canning.

    For pole beans, some of the varieties that are great for canning include:

    • Kentucky wonder
    • Blue lake FM-1
    The Best Green Beans For Canning

    For bush bean variety, some of the best green bean variety for canning includes:

    • Refugee
    • Provider
    • Contender
    • Goldmine
    • Strike
    • Stringless green pod
    • Blue lake 274
    • Tendergreen

    Now that we have seen some of the best varieties of green beans for canning, let’s further look into how the canning process is done.

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    Preparation Of Cans

    Select the canning jars you will be using to can your beans. Then make sure you scrutinize these jars and ensure there are no cracks in the glass. Go ahead and wash these jars in a hot and soapy water, then rinse them properly.

    Further, sterilize the jars by rinsing them a second time using boiling water. Also, the bands of the jar should as well be sterilized before you use them.

    It may please you to know that green beans homed canned beans usually have a better taste commercially canned beans you purchase from the store.

    You can avoid that metallic flavor and because salt is used for only flavoring in canned beans, you can just leave that part. So, this gives you full control over the amount of sodium you will be using in your canned beans.

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    Green Beans Preparation

    You should select the appropriate green beans for canning to ensure smooth canning. Do a snap test with your green beans and select only crispy and tender pods. For instance, try to bend one of the fresh beans you’ve picked and if it snaps, then the beans are fresh and ready for canning.

    Once the green beans are old and limp, it is usually not ideal to be used for canning. This is because this type of old and limping green beans will tend to taste bad. Hence, make sure you properly sort your beans for canning.

    Any green bean that is showing signs of sogginess, wilting, spoilage or damage from insects should be thrown away.

    How To Properly Can Green Beans

    Here is how you can properly can your green beans:

    ·         Pressure Canner

    Green beans are low acid food so they can only be safely canned with the use of a pressure canner. This is used to achieve a high temperature that is needed to eliminate organisms that may cause food-borne illness.

    ·         Fresh Green Beans Should Be Harvested

    Ideally, harvesting green beans should be done during their prime as this is the period they will feel tender and small to medium size.

    Green beans are fast growers so it is ideal you pick them every day so they won’t grow too big. Choose green beans that are small to medium then tender and crisp to get the best quality of canned beans.

    Even though the large or seedy pods can still taste fine when you eat them, they however won’t hold that much when it comes to canning them. These types of beans usually get soft and even add unwanted starch that makes the canned jar become cloudy.

    Again, your green beans can be washed and stored initially in your bean zipper bags in the refrigerator for a couple of days until you have enough cans to load up your green beans.

    ·         Raw Pack Or Hot Pack Method

    You can pack your green beans into the canning jar using either by using the raw pack or hot pack method.

    Raw pack refers to a cold pack and this means filling the canning jars with raw beans then covering them with boiling water.

    Then when it comes to the hot packing method, the green beans are firstly cooked partially. Then they are packed into the canning jar and covered with boiling water.

    So, we can see that the raw pack is faster because there is no need for partial cooking. However, the hot pack method also has its advantages.

    Partially cooking these beans make them softer so it can create more space when you’re shoving them into the canned jar. Air is also removed from the tissue and this helps enhance the quality and shelf life.

    ·         Canner Cooling

    You need to ensure some time is given for the canner to cool down naturally and don’t try to rush the cooling. Once your green bean is cooled, then they are ready to be canned.

    Canned Green Beans - Canner Cooling

    Conclusion On Best Green Beans For Canning

    Canning beans can help you prolong the self-life. Best green beans for canning have been listed in this article and how you can properly can your green beans have been explained.

    FAQ’s

    Can you snap green beans the night before canning?

    Yes, it is possible to snap green beans a night before canning. So, once you’ve picked your green bean, washed them, stem their ends, then cut them into little portion sizes, you can go ahead and prepare them for canning.

    What is the most tender green beans?

    One of the most tender green bean varieties is the tendergreen improved variety. This green ban variety is great for home gardens for canning as well as for freezing.

    What are the best green beans for canning?

    Some of the best green beans for canning for pole beans are Kentucky wonder and Blue lake FM-1. Then examples of bush green beans variety for canning are provider, goldmine, refugee, contender, blue lake 274, strike, and stringless green pod.

    How do you keep green beans crisp when canning?

    Green beans can remain crisp when canned if you avoid over-processing the canning process. If you over-process them too long, it can cause the beans to go mushy. The ideal canning duration from the USDA is 20 minutes for pints and 25 minutes for quart jars.

  • What You Need To Know About Basil Growing Temperature

    What You Need To Know About Basil Growing Temperature

    Basil plan is a type of herb that can be grown in many different climates. It is a famous herb used in the kitchen and it offers a lovely aroma and sweet flavor to our recipes. Basil growing temperature needs to be known for a better outcome or yield.

    Basil herb can go well with different recipes such as pasta, salads, pizzas, Bloody Marys, Thai curries, and more. This herb is a warm-weathered plant that is easy to grow when you have the right knowledge. Even novice gardeners can find their way around growing this lovely herb.

    With the ease it comes with growing basil plants, getting to know the ideal growing temperature of this plant is one thing to note if you plan on growing this plant.

    Basil growing temperature is what we will be discussing in this article, so let’s begin.

    Basil Growing Temperature

    When it comes to the ideal basil growing temperature, basil has its preferences. Basil plants love a warm temperature as they will thrive well in warm temperatures.

    Basil plant is native to tropical regions especially Central Africa and Southeast Asia. However, as of today, basil is widely cultivated in climates that are temperature such as the Mediterranean region. But the productivity of the basil herb is however not the same in the entire climate in which they are grown.

    Basil Growing Temperature

    So, below is what you need to know about the basil growing temperature:

    • Basil growing temperature is around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant basil can still do well starting from 50 degrees Fahrenheit up to 90 degrees.
    • However, once the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature starts to become chilly, the growth of the plant can become stunted.
    • Therefore, this implies that basil plants are sensitive to cold and they can rapidly show signs of damage or even die off once the temperature goes down. Ensure you shield your basil plant from frost by moving them indoors if they are in containers or cover them if they are planted outdoors.
    • So, always provide your plants with a warm and sunny spot so your basil plant can flourish optimally. Supply around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to help your basil plant. However, if your area gets very hot, it’s recommended you give your basil plant some shade in the afternoon.
    • Also, if you want your basil plant to take off beautifully, ensure the soil and the air is slightly warm. So, when spring approaches, don’t be in a rush to put out your basil plant but ensure the outdoor environment is fairly warm.

    Check Out Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Basil Growing Season

    From the above, it is only logical to deduce that the basil plant can only be grown during the heat of summer. The chilly winter season is not appropriate to grow basil because the plant can die and drop its seeds.

    If you wish to grow the basil plat outdoors, it is best to commence seed indoors in the spring. Doing this can boost and jumpstart the growing season and you can avoid the risk of exposing your seedlings to freezing.

    Then once the outdoor temperature is favorable (about 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) you can go ahead and transplant the seedlings outdoors.

    However, if the region you live in receives lots of sunlight and remains warm all through the year, then your basil could survive through the winter if you plant them outdoors year-round.

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    Ways Of Preventing Damage Caused By Cold To Basil Plant

    As we have stated, basil doesn’t like chilly or cold weather. So, it is recommended you avoid planting basil outdoors when the weather is cold.

    However, there may be some periods where late spring and early fall ushers in unexpected chilly temperatures.

    But your basil can still survive outdoors during this unexpected period of colds if they are just brief and don’t hit freezing temperatures. Also, you will need to take extra precautions during this unplanned frosty period and do things such as covering your basil plants. Then your basil can be safe.

    The addition of mulch to the base of your plant is another way to minimize the cold effect and add a layer of insulation. Then if your basil is in containers, you should bring them indoors during chilly seasons. Also, you can aim to harvest your basil leave for your cooking before the risk of frost is close by.

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    Other Requirement For Basil Growth

    So, we have established that the basil plant thrives in warm climates. There are also other growing requirements to further improve or boost the successful growth of the basil plant. Some of them are:

    • Watering Needs

    Basil thrives well with moist soil but not too soggy soil. Therefore, try to water your basil adequately and don’t let the soil dry out.

    If your basil is planted outdoors on the ground, you can put some mulch around the bottom of the plant. This is to further help in retaining moisture in the soil.

    • Harvest More Often

    If you want a large and bountiful harvest, you should harvest your basil more often. Harvesting more will improve the yield.

    • Well Draining Soil

    The soil of basil needs to be well-draining soil to flourish. This is to encourage good drainage. Therefore, if they are planted in containers, you should water them when needed.

    Well Draining Soil For Basil

    Conclusion On Basil Growing Temperature

    Basil growing temperature is a very crucial point to note when you are growing this plant. You can always enjoy a healthy and productive basil plant at a temperature of around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

    FAQ’s

    What temperature is best for growing basil seeds indoors?

    The best temperature for basil to grow seeds indoors optimally is around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Basil seeds can still thrive in temperatures from 50 degrees but they should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What is a killing temperature for growing basil?

    A killing temperature frost for growing basil is a temperature that drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is very dangerous for the growth of your basil plant.

    What temperature is too cold for basil?

    A temperature that dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for basil. Basil thrives well in warm temperatures and they won’t flourish in chilly weather. So, it is best to start the seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors later when the weather is warm if the climate in your region is not always favorable.

    Does basil grow in hot weather?

    Basil definitely grows in hot weather because the plant is a warm loving plant. However, the weather should not be too hot; it can stress the plant as they fight to retain moisture. So, you can take some extra precautions by shading your plant a bit if the temperature is too hot for them.

  • Do Green Bell Peppers Turn Red?

    Do Green Bell Peppers Turn Red?

    You may have experienced your green bell pepper turning red after a while. Then you begin to wonder: Do green bell peppers turn red? Green bell pepper turning red is not a sign of an issue.

    It is easy to spot or differentiate a green bell pepper from a red bell pepper especially when you see them in grocery stores. The color of this bell pepper can either be fully red or fully green. Even when you decide to buy these bell peppers, the red bell peppers are usually pricier compared to the green bell peppers.

    You should also know that peppers can come in various colors and the ripening stage of bell pepper begins with the fruit turning green. So, you can have bell peppers to be green, yellow, orange, red, or even purple in some cases. Do green bell peppers turn red is what we would like to know in this post.

    The truth of the matter is green bell peppers do turn red. But what are the things or reasons that make this happen?

    Now let’s find out why green bell peppers turn red and get to know more about them.

    Do Green Bell Peppers Turn Red?

    Certainly, green bell peppers do turn red. The first stage of the ripening process or stage of bell pepper begins with the pepper showing green color. Then the very last ripening stage of bell pepper is when it turns red and this implies that the bell pepper has fully ripened.

    Therefore, this implies that the green bell pepper is in the immature stage of the bell pepper. But both green and red pepper are perfectly edible.

    Green Bell Peppers Turning Red

    Also, green pepper is usually less expensive compared to red pepper. This is mainly because red bell pepper does take a while to grow and attain the red color. So, red peppers are matured or ripened green bell pepper.

    Therefore, a grower or a producer can get the result of green pepper quicker in little time compared to the red peppers. Hence, this tends to have an effect on the price difference between a red bell pepper and green bell pepper.

    Matter of fact, almost all types of peppers are inclined to turn red if you allow them to remain on the plant for long.

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    Ripening Green Bell Pepper Off The Vine Indoors

    As we have stated, it takes a while for green pepper to finally ripen or reach its final stage and turn red. It is possible to change or ripen your green bell pepper off the vine indoors.

    Gardners that have a short season in their areas and still have a lot of pepper in the garden that has not reached its final maturity stage and turn red can take advantage of turning their unripe green pepper indoors.

    A green pepper that can continue its ripening process off the vine indoors to become red. For this to happen successfully, your green bell pepper should be placed on the counter or at a place that is room temperature. However, if you put them in the refrigerator, the ripening process can end.

    Additionally, to achieve a more successful result of your bell pepper ripening and turning red, choose bell peppers that have just started changing color if possible. Therefore, just leave out your green bell pepper for it to attain the desired color.

    However, take note that the peppers you ripened off the vine won’t be as sweet as the ones ripened outdoors on the plant inside the sun.

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    Differences Between Green Bell Peppers And Red Bell Peppers

    We can get some differences between green bell peppers and red bell pepper:

    • The Appearance Of Bell Pepper

    One glaring difference between green bell pepper and red bell pepper is the color. Also, red pepper looks better in dishes or homemade recipes. For this reason, a lot of shoppers like to go for red bell peppers and this also increases the demand for red pepper.

    • Taste – Do Green Bell Peppers Turn Red?

    It is often said that red bell pepper usually tastes better than green bell peppers. The reason been that red bell pepper is the matured fruit and it is only logical for fruit to taste better or sweeter as they mature.

    So, the fruit of bell pepper tends to taste a little bitter in their green stage then the fruit can taste sweet in the yellow or orange stage.

    Click Here to Get Info About How Long Does Lavender Take To Grow Full Size?

    • Nutrition Of Red And Green Pepper

    When it comes to the nutritional value or content of both green and red peppers, you will find out that red peppers are healthier.

    Red pepper tends to be more healthier because as the fruit changes from green to red, the value of vitamin C content doubles up. Vitamin A content also increases 8 times more. Then beta carotene almost triples its value as green pepper turns red.

    Another upper hand red pepper has when it comes to nutritional value is that red pepper is a great source of lycopene. Red peppers are also loaded with healthy antioxidants.

    However, in all these nutritional differences between green and red pepper, this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from green pepper. Green pepper also has nutritional benefits. The only difference is that red pepper tends to be better.

    Conclusion – Do Green Bell Peppers Turn Red?

    By now, you should be able to get the answer to the question: Do green bell peppers turn red? So, from the above, we have definitely seen that the green bell do turn red.

    We have explained that green pepper is the immature stage of a pepper fruit and red pepper is the final ripening stage. You can even ripen your green bell pepper off the vine indoors and this can be done by simply putting your green bell pepper on the counter.

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take for green peppers to turn red?

    When a green pepper finally turns red, it means it has ripened and reached its final maturity. The ripening stage of peppers usually depends on the type of pepper variety. Ideally, it can take around 60 to 90 days for pepper to mature. You can also get the maturity date for your pepper in your seed packet.

    How do you get green peppers to turn red?

    Turning green pepper to red is quite possible even if it’s off the vine. To turn your green pepper to red off the vine, simply place your green pepper on the counter or place them in a room temperature.

    Do green bell peppers turn red after picking?

    It is very possible for green bell peppers to turn red after picking. So, if this has happened to you, don’t be surprised and you can safely consume this green bell pepper that has turned red.

    Are green peppers just unripe red peppers?

    Green peppers are the immature stage of a pepper. Therefore, green pepper is an unripe red pepper. If green peppers are left longer on the vine, they can finally turn red.

  • Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Ideally, tomato plants thrive well under a normal condition of at least six to eight hours of sunlight every day. But what about a situation whereby you live in a zone where you hardly get sunlight, especially in your garden? Then you ask yourself: Will tomatoes grow in shade?

    Well, the answer is yes! You can grow tomatoes in the shade. However, there are certain varieties of tomatoes that are shade-tolerant that you can choose to plant. This and more are what you will find out about in this article.

    So if you’re asking if tomatoes will grow in shade?  Then yes, tomato plants can adjust to growing in shade but they will be more leggy. This is because of the way they try to get to where the light is. But let’s find out more.

    Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Certainly, tomatoes can grow in the shade even if they require direct sunlight. Tomatoes can adapt to shades. However, the plant will become leggier as they attempt to reach sunlight.

    Although, growing tomatoes in full sun is the best with at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, partial shade may still be okay. Look to choose the best spot for planting your tomatoes, then the center of your garden or by a wall that is facing south will be perfect.

    Furthermore, don’t plant them by a wall facing north or beneath a tree. At this point, you may still be wondering if tomatoes will grow in a shade. Planting tomatoes in a shade can still turn out great, however, do bear in mind that the yield won’t be as much as expected when they are being grown under the light.

    Read more about Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    Tomato Varieties That Are Shade-tolerant

    Tomato plants grown in the shade will not yield many fruits and the fruits won’t get ripened quickly. Hence, this is why it’s advisable to go for small varieties of tomatoes like cherry tomatoes to be grown under shade.

    Going for the bigger tomato varieties can also turn out great in partial shade if it’s the ones with a shorter maturity date.

    So if you’ve decided to grow tomatoes in the shade, then take cognizance to make sure that factors like nutrients, water, and airflow are in high supply. This is really important, as it will determine how healthy your tomato plants will be as well as the plants’ yield while growing in the shade.

    Let’s see the list of the varieties of tomato that can be grown in the shade.

    • Classic Round Tomatoes: Carmello (Red), Arkansas Traveler (Deep Pink), Green Zebra, Siberia Red, Early Wonder (Dark Pink), Belize Pink Heart (Deep Pink), and Marglobe (Red).
    • Cherry, Grape, and Pear: Golden Sweet, Black Cherry, Ildi (Yellow), Evans Purple Pear, Juliet Hybrid (Red), Isis Candy Cherry, and Principe Borghese (Red).
    • Plum and Paste: Roma (Red), Mama Leone (Red), Redorta (Red), and San Marzano (Red).

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    Providing Good Light For Tomato Seedlings

    Try providing adequate light, like a grow light, if you’re starting your tomato seeds indoors. This is because it is important they get adequate light when they are beginning to grow.

    Naturally, tomato plants form roots along their stem as they grow as sprawling vine. When you want to transplant your tomato seedlings and you find out they are leggy, you should remove part of the leaves at the bottom.

    Go ahead and transplant the seedling deep in the soil leaving a stem of at least two inches, with leaves, at the surface.

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    Looking At The Bright Side Of Growing Tomato Plants In The Shade

    Now that you have answers to your question: Will tomatoes grow in shade? So, let nothing stop you from going ahead and selecting shade-tolerant tomatoes and planting them in your shady garden.

    However, if it’s not a shade-tolerant variety, you should always have fewer expectations about your plant yield. You won’t be getting as much harvest compared to when growing tomatoes in full sunlight. But growing tomatoes in the shade will still turn out well if it’s a shade-tolerant variety.

    Looking At The Bright Side Of Growing Tomato Plants In The Shade

    Harvesting – Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    If you want to know when your harvest will be ready, check the packet of your seeds for the maturity date. You should be expecting to begin harvesting your fruits after a few weeks from the maturity date.

    Hence, you should boycott growing the beefsteak varieties that don’t usually get ripened quickly even if they are grown in full sun. In partial shade, medium-sized and sometimes large varieties of tomatoes will turn out well at the end with good harvests.

    Growing cherry tomatoes in partial shade in addition to at least three to four hours of direct sun will turn out well at the end also.

    Furthermore, always bear in mind that tomatoes grown in the shade, be it partial or full, tend to have their roots and leaves remain moist for long when watered. This is due to the fact that they have the tendency of retaining water for too long as they don’t get enough sunlight to dry them out. Hence, the plants may become prone to disease if the soil is soggy.

    Hence, if you’re going to plant tomatoes in the shade, endeavor to space the plants and have them pruned. Make sure you create a channel from where there can be unhindered airflow. This will help in making the soil and leaves dry quickly.

    Harvesting - Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade

    Conclusion – Will Tomatoes Grow In Shade?

    Exploring growing tomatoes in shade or partial shade is a way of not limiting yourself to a particular set of vegetables to grow in your shady garden.

    Now that you are certain that some variety of tomato can grow in shade, go ahead and try your hands on the aforementioned varieties in this article.

    Don’t forget to let us know how the journey to growing tomato plants under shade turns out at your end.

    FAQ’s

    What happens if tomatoes don’t get enough sun

    If you’re growing tomatoes under partial-shade, have the expectation of lesser yield and slow fruit ripening from your plants. This is due to the absence of enough sunlight for at least six to eight hours.

    Can tomatoes grow without direct sunlight

    Yes, tomatoes can grow without direct sunlight. If you’re starting your seeds indoors, try providing adequate light, like a grow light for the plants. This is because it is important they get adequate light at their early stage of growth.

    How many hours of sun does a tomato plant need

    Ideally, a tomato plant should get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day for a bountiful yield of fruits.

    Do tomato plants like morning or afternoon sun

    The time when the sunlight gets to hit your tomato plants doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the plants get at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight, be it in the morning or afternoon. Your tomatoes can be grown successfully.

  • How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce? 

    How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce? 

    Lettuce is an important vegetable to all sandwich lovers, but how far apart do you plant lettuce to produce a bigger head of fresh leaves?

    Lettuce plant spacing should be at least 12 to 18 inches apart. This will give you a big head of fresh lettuce leaves.  Lettuce is easy to grow and is one of the oldest vegetables cultivated.

    It is a great source of vitamins and minerals.  Lettuce is one of the most important vegetables to grow as it is easy to grow, and very nutritious.  It is a very popular salad green and is excellent for adding to sandwiches.

    Lettuce is a member of the Asteraceae family which is also known as the daisy family. The daisy family also includes daisies, cone flowers, marigolds, and sunflowers.

    Lettuce, though easy to grow, needs a lot of space to grow and produce a large head of lettuce. It is a great crop to grow in your home garden.

    How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

    Lettuce should be planted at least 12 to 18 inches apart.  There’s a good reason why you don’t grow lettuce close together because of pests and it will not give the plants adequate room to grow. Pests love to eat lettuce, and they have their favorite spots to lay eggs.

    When they’re close together, the lettuce leaves will touch each other. When they touch each other, they form a web of lettuce that is perfect for bugs to crawl into while also not giving the individual plants adequate room to grow.

    It is a common mistake for gardeners to plant lettuce too close together. This means that the plants are very crowded and can’t put out as many leaves.

    Lettuce plants need plenty of room to spread out and grow. Do not overcrowd lettuce as it may cause high humidity and lead to mildew.

    Growing Lettuce – How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

    Lettuce is an easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in loose well-drained soils. It is a cool-season crop and will be available from early to late spring and fall.

    Lettuce is available in many different varieties, colors, shapes, and flavors.  To grow healthy lettuce heads, it is important to consider the following:

    Location

    Lettuce loves the sun, but should not be planted under a very strong sun. Provide it with at least six hours of sun and partial shade to balance it out when temperatures get warmer.

    Soil Type

    Lettuce is a cool-season crop and prefers loose, well-drained loose accompanied by regular watering and adequate nitrogen. Lettuce can grow in clay or a light sandy soil, as long as you incorporate some compost to improve the growing conditions.

    Growing Lettuce - Soil Type

    Spacing

    How far apart do you plant lettuce: Allow at least 12 to 18 inches between plants and rows to give them maximum space to thrive and grow big heads. Plant your lettuce seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep for best results.

    Watering

    Lettuce requires moist soil for good growth and good quality leaves.  Water regularly throughout the growing season and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

    Fertilizing

    Lettuce is an annual vegetable that will grow best when fed a balanced fertilizer.  A balanced fertilizer provides the nutrients needed by the plant. Fertilize about every two weeks during the growing season.

    Pests

    The main pests that attack lettuce are aphids, cutworms, and earwigs.  Aphids are small often green or brown insects with soft bodies.  They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves, along with sticky excrement and sooty, black mold.

    Use a strong spray of insecticidal soap or put banana or orange peels around the plant to control aphids.  Cutworms cause wilting and severed stems. Remove cutworms by hand.  Earwigs can be controlled by spraying them with a mixture of water and dish soap.

    You can plant rows of chives and garlic between your rows of lettuce to help control the aphids. These will work as a barrier for your lettuce plants.

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    How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce
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    Diseases

    Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects lettuce.  It appears as white powder on the leaves and can grow quickly.  It can also be very difficult to get rid of because it can remain on the leaves for many weeks after the plant dies.  

    To prevent powdery mildew, remove the affected leaves.  Plant in full sun when possible and provide good air circulation.  Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with one quart of water and spray the plant to prevent mildew.

    If powdery mildew is a problem, use a fungicide.  Be sure to follow the directions on the label.

    Pollination

    Lettuce does not need bees to pollinate since they don’t produce fruit. Most leafy vegetables don’t need bees to grow.

    Harvesting

    Lettuce is usually harvested when it reaches maturity.  The best time to harvest lettuce is in the morning. The lettuce should be full-size but young and tender. 

    Store your lettuce in the fridge up to 10 days after harvesting. Wash your lettuce before consuming it. If your lettuce begins to wilt, put the leaves in a cold bowl of water with ice cubes and soak for around 15 minutes.

    Harvesting lettuce

    In Summary – How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce? 

    How far apart do you plant lettuce? It is important to consider when growing these vegetables.

    For the same reasons that you want to grow these crops in a row, you also want to space them out to give each plant room to spread out and grow. This is especially important for lettuce because it is susceptible to pests and diseases if you don’t leave enough space between plants.

    Start seeds indoors about one month before the last frost to get a head start before planting outside. Plant seeds 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch deep for best germination and set the rows 12 to 18 inches apart. You can sow the seeds in containers before transplanting the plants into your garden.

    FAQs

    Can you plant lettuce close together?

    No, it is not advisable to plant lettuce close together to prevent pest infestation. The lettuce will also not grow well if it is overcrowded.

    How close can you plant romaine lettuce?

    We recommend planting at 12-18 inches apart from plant to plant.  You can buy seed from the supermarket and grow your own in a window box or small pot.

    How much space does lettuce need to grow?

    Lettuce needs a minimum of 12-18 to grow.  A good-sized bed should be around 3m x 2m (10×8 feet).

  • How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

    How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

    Once you sow your carrot seeds, you may wonder how long it takes carrots to germinate after waiting many days for them to pop up.

    Carrots are one of the most popular root vegetables that are grown worldwide. The reason behind this is that carrots have a very high nutritional value, especially when it comes to vitamins and minerals.

    Carrot seeds are easy to grow in garden beds, containers, and pots. Carrots grow best when they are planted in rich soil, with ample amounts of water and sunshine.

    When grown in such conditions, they will grow quickly and have a high yield.

    How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

    So just how long does it take carrots to germinate? Once sowed, the seeds can take 14 to 21 days to germinate, depending on the growing conditions provided. In a good, warm, damp soil, with plenty of organic matter, they will generally germinate quickly.

    It is best to sow the seed three to five weeks before the last frost in spring. Sow them at a depth of about 1/4 inch and three to four inches apart.

    Carrots do best growing in cool temperatures during early spring and late fall. The ideal temperatures are 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. If temperatures are too high it can cause poorly colored, low-quality carrots.

    If you live in a colder area, sow your carrots indoors in pots where you won’t need to transplant them and put them outdoors once the weather has warmed up. If growing them outdoors, wait for the soil to warm up so that you can plant them in the ground from the time they germinate until they are mature enough for harvesting.

    Growing Carrots

    Growing carrots is easy especially when you get them to germinate the right way.  Germination is the hardest when it comes to growing carrots.  To grow perfect carrots:

    Plant them in a sunny spot

    When planting out your carrots, make sure that you do this in a sunny spot.  Provide them with at least six to 10 hours of sun.

    Provide well-drained soils

    When you plant your carrots, make sure that they have enough soil and that it’s moist.  You can plant them in a greenhouse, a garden shed, or even on the balcony. If you’re worried about the soil being too wet, add some sand or compost to it.

    Carrots grow best in soil with plenty of organic matter and an even pH. The soil should be well-drained and moist.

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    How Long For Carrots To Germinate
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    Protect them from cold

    If you live in an area where it gets very cold in the wintertime, make sure that you give them a little protection from the cold winds.  Overall carrots are hardy plants.

    To avoid pests

    Make sure that you protect your carrots with some insect netting when they are young.  When you put down the netting, make sure that it’s not too close to your carrots. You can also sprinkle some Diatomaceous earth around your plants to keep pests away.

    Water them regularly

    Carrots need at least one inch of water a week during the growing season. Soak the soil thoroughly when watering because if the carrots don’t get enough water they may be bitter or misshapen. Don’t let them sit in a dry place and make sure that they have plenty of water so that their leaves don’t start to wilt.  

    Feed them regularly

    Carrots should be fertilized when the tops are four inches tall and again when they are six to eight inches tall if the tops are pale.  Use a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10.  This will help to keep their roots healthy.

    Feed Carrots Them Regularly

    Harvesting and storing carrots 

    When your carrots are ready, you can harvest them. They are ready to harvest in about 70 to 80 days when the roots are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.

    Read more about Are Green Chillies Hot? – An Overview

    Final Remarks: How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

    Many gardeners will ask themselves the question: how long does it take carrots to germinate? It is important to note the period you sow your seeds in order to tell how long for carrots to germinate without losing your patience. Generally, carrot seeds take 14-21 to germinate and if you are impatient you might end up digging them out in frustration.

    The best time to grow carrots is in cool temperatures during early spring and late fall. They can make a great vegetable to grow if you take the time and dedication they need.

    FAQ

    Why are my carrots not germinating?

    If your carrot seeds do not germinate, the seed might not viable and the seed needs to be viable before it can germinate. Therefore, you will need to buy new carrots.

    How do you speed up the germination of carrots?

    Make sure to provide optimal conditions for carrots to germinate. The ideal temperatures are 55 degrees Farenheit at night and 75 degrees Farenheit during the day. The soil should be well-draining and moist.

    Why do carrot seeds take so long to germinate?

    Carrot seeds are slow to germinate. They will take around 14-21 days to germinate.

    Are carrots hard to germinate?

    Carrots can be tricky to germinate. You will need to have some patience as it takes 14-21 days for the seedlings to emerge.