🌱 Grower Today

Category: Organic Food

When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest: Everything You Need to Know!
Knowing when to plant spinach for a fall harvest will give you a headstart on your veggie garden. There are many factors to consider, but being prepared always makes it easier.
While spinach isn’t hard to grow, planting it at the right time is essential. Without the correct soil and weather conditions, your spinach plants won’t succeed as they should. This is a small mistake that causes many gardeners to fail.
In this article, I explain whether spinach is hard to grow and when the best time is to plant this vegetable. You’ll also learn how to plant fall spinach and when the right time is to plant them from a fall harvest.
Is Spinach Hard To Grow?
Spinach is extremely popular and easy to grow. It’s a cold-hardy green that thrives in nitrogen-rich soil. Growing spinach from seed can be a little challenging for some. If you feel like a novice, consider buying seedlings from a plant nursery.
You can plant your spinach early in spring, during the fall, and if you live in a sunny region, in the winter too! Spinach is low-maintenance, and if your timing is right, your greens will stand tall in no time.
When Is The Best Time To Plant Spinach?
It’s best to plant spinach in late winter or early spring. Sowing the seeds too early is the biggest mistake you can make. If you prefer a winter or fall harvest, plant your seeds late in summer when the highest temperatures have passed.
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When Is The Best Time To Grow Spinach?
Spinach prefers cold weather. It’s best to not grow this crop during sunny months unless you provide your greens with something to cool them down. High temperatures can wilt your spinach leaves and dehydrate their roots. A greenhouse fan or auto-misters could help keep your spinach refreshed.
How And When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest
Knowing how and when to plant spinach will help you succeed the most. While this is an easy crop to grow, you still need to do so correctly to see results.
Tips For Planting Spinach
Plant Spinach While It’s Cold – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest
Spinach germinates best in cool environments. Planting seeds in early spring or fall would work best. You can start your growing season indoors or out. If you want to start your spinach in the summer, keep your seedling indoors under a cooling fan. You’ll also have to keep their soil moist to cool their roots.
Once your seedlings are established, your spinach can grow in almost any climate under the right conditions. Temperatures between 25°F and 75°F are preferred for this leafy green. Spinach seeds need about 6 weeks of cool weather for a successful harvest.
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Prepare Your Soil For Spinach – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest
Plant Spinach in neutral soil with a pH between 6 and 7. To achieve this, you can mix compost, organic matter, or liquid fertilizer into your ground. Preparing your soil before planting your seeds is essential whether you’re starting seedlings indoors or sowing directly in the ground.
Plant Spinach Correctly
You should plant your spinach seeds about ½ inch deep. If you’re starting indoors, keep each seed in its own seed holder. This will make transplanting them into the ground easier. Spinach seeds sown directly in the ground should be about 4-6 inches apart, so ensure each plant has enough space to grow.
Don’t plant new spinach seedlings where you take old ones out. Rotate their space with other crops. You’ll have a continual harvest if you plant seeds every few weeks.
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When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest
Spinach needs about 6 weeks from seed to harvest. If you’d like to harvest your spinach in the fall, you should keep this in mind when planting. Spinach is low maintenance and easy to grow, but they prefer cool weather.
To harvest spinach in the fall, you’ll have to start your seeds in late spring or summer. I suggest doing this indoors, where you can create a cool environment for your seedlings with an AC unit, standing fan, or misting system. Planting your seeds outside could lead to stunted growth if you live in a particularly hot area.
Planting spinach for a fall harvest isn’t easy, and your timing should be just right. You’ll also have to experiment with different spinach varieties to find one that thrives in your region.
If you keep your spinach plants indoors, you will have more success. A hydroponic setup is another great idea! Spinach is hardy and adapts to their environment, but a cooled, moist space for their roots is a must. Sunny days can also wilt your spinach leaves, and keeping them indoors will prevent this.
Container Gardening With Spinach
If you’re new to container gardening, you should know that not all crops do well with these setups. Luckily, spinach is one of those that do!
Spinach is among the best crops to grow in containers. There are many benefits to container gardening, and if you keep your setup portable, you’ll have much more control over your crops than you do when they’re planted in the ground.
Container gardens help you meet your crop needs better. If your spinach seems wilted, you can move your pots to a shadier area. You’ll also be able to keep a better eye on soil drainage and pests. Planting spinach in containers allows you to keep them indoors or out, and you’ll be able to adjust your system for planting through every season.
To Sum It Up – When To Plant Spinach For A Fall Harvest
If you keep them cool and moist, spinach will be the easiest crop you ever grow! They’re one of the toughest veggies and are popular for this reason. You can use them in many dishes, and if your timing is on point, you’ll have a harvest throughout the year.
Growing spinach in containers is easier than planting them in the ground, but if you have a greenhouse, keeping them in there is even better. Whichever planting spot you choose, ensure your plants receive water regularly.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have more questions about planting and growing fall spinach, ask them in the comments!
October 17, 2022
Are Green Beans And String Beans The Same?
They look pretty similar, but are green beans and string beans the same? While older generations may argue, my answer is locked in!
Green beans are rich in vitamins, easy to prepare, and perfect next to many mains. If you didn’t grow up eating these on Sunday for lunch, you definitely missed out! Bean varieties are a favorite in my family, and grandma knows how to serve one type in mindblowing variations.
In this article, I share whether green and string beans are the same. You’ll also read about the different types of green beans and learn the other names they go by.
Are Green Beans And String Beans The Same?
Green beans and string beans used to be different, but nowadays, the names refer to the same thing. At first, all beans used to have a string running along their seam, and that’s where their name came from. As agriculture advanced, farmers started growing beans without strings.
What Is The Difference Between Green Beans and String Beans?
Both green beans and string beans are stringless today. In general, they’re just known as green beans.
You can eat the entire green bean – pod and all. This places it in the snapping bean category.
Do All Green Beans Have Strings?
All green beans don’t have strings. In fact, most are stringless. Over the years, farmers carefully manipulated their crops to eliminate this part they deem unnecessary.
Today, you’ll only find heirloom varieties with strings.
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The Different Types of Green Beans
There are over 100 green bean varieties, but they can be divided into two categories: bush beans and pole beans. Here’s a little about some of each group!
Bush Bean Varieties
#1 Jade Beans
Jade beans have a straight, rigid appearance. They have dark green outer flesh and light green round pods inside. You can expect your first harvest within 60 days of planting them.
#2 Maxibel Beans
This dark green bean is thin and stingless with mottled brown seeds. They take about 50 days to mature.
#3 Contender Beans
These beans are best for growing during cool and short summers. They’re slightly curved, and you can eat them fresh, pickled, canned, or frozen. They take 50 to 55 days to grow.
#4 Provider Beans
Provider beans are compact and produce five 1 – 2 inch thin stringless beans. This variety prefers cooler temperatures and matures within 50 days.
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#5 Rolande Beans
The rolande bean variety produces thin 7-inch stringless beans. You’ll have to wait about 50 days to harvest it.
#6 Blue Lake Beans
These beans grow during the summer and have a deep green color. They are long and stringless and take about 55 days to mature.
#7 Tendergreen Beans
Tendergreen beans prefer hot climates and are disease resistant. They produce stringless pods within 55 days of planting.
#8 Dragon Tongue Beans
These beans are pale yellow with purple streaks. You can harvest them in different stages of their growth. The first harvest can take place when they’re green, although you can wait until maturity when they’re a shelling bean. Dragon tongue bean seeds are brown and take about 60 days to mature.
#9 Soleil Beans
Soleil beans are thin with white seeds and yellow pods. You can start harvesting them from day 60.
Pole Bean Varieties
#1 Spanish Musica Beans
Spanish musica beans produce large green beans on a 6 to 10 feet vine. You should harvest them when they’re about 8 inches, although they can stay tender up to 10 inches. This bean has white seeds and is ready for harvest in about 75 days.
#2 Trionfo Violetta Beans
This Italian heirloom bean has purple pods, leaves, and flowers. They can take up to 75 days to mature but are easy to harvest.
#3 Rattlesnake Beans
These beans produce 7-inch round green beans with purple stripes. They’re similar to the dragon tongue variety and can grow up to 8 feet tall.
Rattlesnake bean seeds are brown and take between 70 and 80 days to mature.
#4 Fortex Beans
Forex beans are long and take approximately 60 days to mature. You can harvest them at 7 inches for a thin bean or wait until 11 inches for a bigger one.
#5 Kentucky Wonder Beans
This American classic is edible fresh, frozen, pickled, or canned. It produces dark green round beans within 70 days and is disease resistant.
Green Beans: Other Names They Go By!
There are many different names used to describe green beans. From classic to fancy, here they are!
Snap Beans: This name is often used for green beans eaten as is. They’re green, round, and long. Snap or snapping green beans get their name from the snapping sound they make when you break them while they’re still unripe.
Haricots Verts: These green beans are thin and delicate. They’re typically used in salads and have a higher price than others.
Shelling Beans: When green beans pass maturity, they get bigger and starchier. At this stage, they’re called shelling beans. You can still consume the delicious seeds inside, but the outside pod is inedible.
Dried Beans: After the shelling stage, green beans dry out.
Ramano Beans: Italian green beans are called romano beans. They tend to be smaller, and you’ll need to cook them longer. These beans are flavorful, flat, and wide!
In Ending
Green beans are delicious, easy to grow, and healthy. You can harvest your own within 60 days! They’re one of the oldest cultivated veggies and remain popular in many diets.
There are many different green bean variants to choose from if you’re considering planting your own. Most string beans are heirlooms, but those without strings are just as great.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful. If you have more questions about green beans or other vegetables, bounce them into the comments section, and I’ll get back to you!
October 16, 2022
When To Pick Ghost Peppers: The Best Time!
You should have a pretty good idea about when to pick ghost peppers if you want yours to have the right amount of heat.
Like other chili pepper, these little red burners need to mature enough before being harvested. If you pick them when they aren’t ready, your peppers will taste and burn unlike they should.
In his article, I share when you should plant ghost peppers to get the most out of your plant, how many peppers you can expect to harvest, and when the best time is to pluck them.
The Best Time To Plant Ghost Peppers
Ghost peppers really take their time to grow! I guess they try to give you enough time to prepare yourself and buy gallons of milk for the much-anticipated burn you’ll feel after the harvesting season!
Germination on its own can take more than a month, and you may even have to wait a full 4 to 6 months before you can harvest your first ghost peppers.
Your plants need a very long growing season to produce perfect ghost peppers. You can ensure this by starting your seeds indoors to keep them warm. Start about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date.
Your ghost pepper seedlings will be ready to grow outside about 6 to 8 weeks after germinating. If you work your dates out right, you’ll be able to transfer them outdoors during Spring.
Spring is the best season to get your hot little peppers going outside. The night temperatures aren’t as cold, and the sunny days won’t scorch your plants.
Ghost peppers don’t generate heat from the sun, so you can place them in shaded spots or areas with indirect sunlight.
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How Many Ghost Peppers Does A Pepper Plant Yield?
The long growing season will be well worth the wait because ghost pepper plants aren’t shy. These spicy little pepper trees can produce many ghost peppers per season.
One plant can give you a whopping 50 ghost peppers! This estimate is only from a single harvest. Sometimes you can get up to 100 ghost peppers from a single plant in a season!
You’ll have enough ghost peppers to use in food, dry for spices, and make sauces, and other bottled goods by only planting one ghost pepper tree.
Ghost peppers have an impressive Scoville heat rating of more than 1 million units! A plant with more than 50 of these bright red, shriveled little chilies is one spark away from starting a fire. Imagine that!
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When To Pick Ghost Peppers: Signs
When you notice chilies forming on your ghost pepper plant, you’ll be burning to pick them! But don’t go just yet. There are some signs you should look for to know when your ghost peppers are ripe and ready for harvesting.
Check The Color Of Your Ghost Peppers
The color of ghost peppers is the first sign indicating whether they’re ready to be harvested. A fully ripe pepper will be bright red – if you think it’s red enough, wait for it to become even redder!
Your ghost pepper should have no yellow, orange, or especially green shades. These colors indicate that ghost peppers aren’t ripe enough to be picked yet. Peppers that aren’t ripe are milder and have a bitter taste.
Feel Your Ghost Peppers – When To Pick Ghost Peppers
You should squeeze your ghost peppers to see if they’re ready for harvesting. Ripe ghost peppers should be firm. If they budge when you press them, they’re overripe.
Remember to wash your hands before and after touching these peppers. Actually, wearing gloves and goggles or glasses would be even better! It can lead to a somewhat massive catastrophic event if you touch your eyes or lips with some leftover ghost pepper residue.
Don’t Rely On The Skin Of Ghost Peppers
Since ghost peppers are so hot that they start wrinkling up, you won’t be able to tell the ripeness by just looking at their skin.
If your pepper is smooth, you have a different variety of ghost pepper than the most common ones, or you mistakenly planted some other pepper. Wrinkles don’t indicate readiness, either!
Go With Your Gut!
If you think your peppers aren’t safe from the winter frost heading your way, you can pick them when they’re almost ripe. They might have some orange tones in them, but saving them at this stage is better than losing your entire harvest.
You can ripen ghost peppers if you picked them while unripe. The process won’t be as quick and simple, but it’s possible!
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Before You Burn, When To Pick Ghost Peppers
You should never underestimate the burn of ghost peppers. Remember to wear gloves when harvesting them and take caution when using them in meals. Ghost peppers are popular thanks to their spice, but most people can’t stomach them.
If you’re ready to take the heat, ensure your ghost peppers mature fully before you harvest them. Unripe peppers don’t taste as good. Look at their color, firmness, and wrinkles!
I hope this article was helpful and great to read. If you have more ghost pepper-related questions, pop them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you.
FAQ’s
What color should ghost peppers be when picked?
Ghost peppers should be bright red and firm. If your peppers have other color tones in them, they aren’t ripe enough yet.
Why won’t my ghost peppers turn red?
If your ghost peppers have trouble turning red, they might need some help from the sun. Place them in a sunny spot on the windowsill. Reddening can take a few days to weeks, so be patient.
Why are my ghost peppers not hot?
Ghost peppers generate heat thanks to the membranes around their seeds. If your peppers aren’t hot, it could be due to poor soil.
Do ghost pepper plants come back every year?
Ghost peppers plants can come back in some hardiness zones. During the winter, they lose their leaves and enter dormancy. Once temperatures rise, your ghost pepper trees will look alive again.
September 6, 2022
How To Grow Tomatoes Upside Down – Can You Do This?!
So, you want to grow tomatoes upside down? You’re in the right place – find all the information you need here!
Whether you consider it a fruit or veggie, we can agree that tomatoes taste great. This summer crop grows easily and requires little maintenance. If you’re limited on space or want to try a new way to plant yours, using the upside-down method might be what you’re looking for.
In this article, I share how you can grow tomatoes upside down in your backyard, list some tips to help you succeed, and explain the benefits you’ll see when planting this way.
How To Grow Tomatoes Upside Down
Growing tomatoes upside down is relatively easy if you have the right equipment and care instructions. Here’s some tips!
Equipment you’ll need:
- 5 Gallon bucket
- Hand drill
- Tomato plant seedlings
- Lightweight soil mix
- Coffee filter or a few sheets of newspaper
- Sturdy frame
- Mulch or peat moss
Create your own upside-down tomato plant hanger by hanging buckets from a sturdy frame of your choice.
1. Drill hanging holes at the sides of each bucket and draining ones at the bottom.
2. Secure the bottom holes with coffee filters or newspaper.
3. Fill your pots with soil and mix mulch or peat moss in.
4. Spread your seedlings and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
5. Water your tomato seedlings every day and watch them grow!
Tips For Growing Tomato Plants
Choose The Right Planter
You can’t grow your upside-down tomatoes without the right planter! Buy a pre-made one at your local nursery or build it according to your needs. A 5-gallon bucket is a great size to work with. You should also buy sturdy gardening hooks to hang your pots.
Pick The Perfect Spot – Grow Tomatoes Upside Down
The success of crops has a lot to do with their location. Your tomato plants will need at least 8 hours of daily sunlight. The spot you pick for growing your upside-down tomatoes should also be easy-accessible since you’ll need to water them frequently.
Use Fertile Soil
Potting soil is nutrient-rich and works great for growing tomatoes in pots. You can fertilize your soil before you plant and again when your tomato plants are about 6 weeks old.
Remember to replace your soil if you’re planting for the new season in the same buckets to avoid nutrient depletion.
Choose The Right Variety
Not all tomatoes grow the same, and some varieties work better for upside-down gardening. For starters, smaller tomatoes grow better hanging than big ones.
Tumbling Toms: These yellow or red tomatoes are excellent for hanging pots. They produce fruit in about 70 days.
Yellow Canary: You can harvest this tomato variety in approximately 55 days, and they need less light than others to thrive.
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Quick Tips For Maintaining Healthy Tomato Plants
- Avoid shady areas. Sunlight is your friend!
- Keep your soil damp but not wet.
- Water your tomatoes twice on hot days.
- Add fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks.
The Benefits Of Growing Tomato Plants Upside Down
Growing tomatoes upside-down definitely has its ups! Here’s some benefits of this method:
Space Efficient: If you’re limited on space, you can hang your tomato plants wherever possible. Hanging pots don’t take up much space.
Control: Upside-down growing gives you more control over how much water your tomato plants receive. The risk of overwatering decreases, and you’re more likely to give enough water too.
Reduces Pests and Diseases: Root rot, infestations, and pest risks are decreased when planting tomatoes in hanging pots. These critters will have trouble reaching your plants, and since you’ll have control over how much water each pot gets, the chances of rotting roots are slim.
Extended Season: Hanging pots are easy to move around during seasonal changes. You can place them in different spots to ensure your plants still get enough sunlight.
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Issues And Solutions When Growing Tomatoes Upside Down
Tomatoes love water, sun, and space to spread their roots. Consider these problems you can run into when growing this fruit upside down:
Inadequate Moisture: Basic science tells us that gravity pulls water. If your soil drains too well, most water will run through the holes at the bottom of your pots, leaving little nutrients for your plants to soak up.
Add enough newspaper or coffee filters to cover these holes and slow gravity down.
Poor Production: Tomatoes need a lot of sun to produce healthy fruits. Heavy pots typically hang from roof overhangs or a tree with some shade to support their weight. This will influence your plant’s sunlight exposure.
Ensure you have a sturdy enough trellis to carry the weight of soil-filled pots and your tomatoes that you can place in direct sunlight.
To Sum It Up, Grow Tomatoes Upside Down
Growing tomatoes in pots is always a good idea if you don’t have much space to work with. Hanging them in the air is even better!
Your tomato crops will succeed if you have a sturdy enough trellis or hook, a good pot, and the right soil, water, and sunlight balance. Adding care and love to the mix will help you harvest fruits all season long and likely beyond.
I hope this article was helpful. If you enjoyed reading it or have more questions, let me know in the comments.
FAQ’s
Which tomatoes grow the best upside down?
Small tomato varieties like cherry and Roma grow the best upside down. Since their fruits aren’t big, your hanging pots will have an easier time carrying their weight.
Do hanging tomato plants grow upside down?
Tomato plants don’t really grow upside down. Instead, they hang. If you plant them in hanging pots, they’ll drape downwards, creating an upside-down effect.
Why do you put tomatoes upside down?
There are many benefits to growing tomatoes upside down. You may also choose to use this method if you have limited space or no backyard.
Are used coffee grounds good for tomatoes?
You can use coffee grounds to help keep your tomato plants healthy. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which benefit tomato growth.
September 3, 2022
How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole Is Ideal?
Starting your own tomato from seeds at home can be a good way to save money. After all, most people would love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables made in the comfort of our homes. But do you know how to go about growing tomatoes from seeds? Is tomato easy to grow from seeds? How many tomato seeds per hole are ideal to be planted? We shall answer these questions and more here.
Tomatoes are juicy and delicious and they are used in different cooking. Tomatoes are easy to grow but when it comes to sowing their seeds, you need to plant their seeds correctly. This is where the question of how many tomato seeds should be planted in each hole.
Let’s look into planting tomato seeds. How many tomato seeds per hole will be discussed here and other related things so let’s begin.
How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole?
It may be fine to put one seed of tomato per hole. However, putting an extra seed or even up to three can serve as a backup plan in case one of the seeds doesn’t sprout successfully. This maximizes the chance of your seed emerging. Looking at the seed germination rate we can understand the reason why more than one seed is advised to be sown.
- Seed Germination Rate
Seed germination rates are the probabilities that a particular seed will emerge and grow into a plant. Different plant species have various germination rates. This implies that you should consider seed germination rate when you’re growing any seed.
Tomatoes for instance have a germination rate to be 75% which is fairly high. Therefore, if plant about 50 seeds, you should have about 37 of them germinate successfully. So, looking at this rate, it means that there is a one in four chance or 25% chance that the seed can fail to germinate.
Other growing factors such as the age of seed, temperature, and so on, can affect the rate at which the seeds germinate successfully.
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Why More Than One Seed Is Recommended Per Hole
Because each tomato seed has about 25% chance of failing, adding an extra seed can reduce the chance of both failing. So, with two tomato seeds, you have about 6.25% chance of both failings. This means you’ve further increased the germination rate.
So, when you sow three tomato seeds per hole, you’ve drastically reduced the chances of the seed failing to 1.56%.
However, we advise you don’t overcrowd the hole if you’re planting bigger varieties of tomatoes. Then if you’re short of tomato seeds, then two seeds should be fine.
If after sowing two seeds and both germinate, just pluck out the weak or shorter one and leave the strong one.
How Deep Should Tomato Seed Be Sown?
How many tomato seeds per hole have been answered. Now, we would like to know how deep tomato seeds should be sown.
Tomato seeds grown in containers should be sown half an inch deep into the soil. Make sure you don’t sow the seed deeper than this because it can make it hard for the seed to sprout successfully.
Watering Requirements For Tomato Seeds
Moisture is a crucial factor for the growth of tomato seeds together with nutrients. However, you need to avoid over-watering the seeds. Over-watering can cause the water to drain down the soil‘s nutrients. This can cause the germination rate to diminish.
The soil only needs to be moist for seed germination and you can make use of sprinkler to wet the soil. Water in the morning and before evening. But during the cold season, water only once then you can increase watering if the soil surface is dry.
Where Can Tomato Seeds Be Grown?
Tomato seeds need to be grown where they can get full or maximum sun exposure. Growing tomato seed in a container is a good idea depending on your climate. However, if your region is in the colder part, you should position the container with the tomato seeds on a windowsill for it to receive maximum sun exposure.
The container seed needs to be moist at all times and ensure the container has an adequate drainage hole to take out excess water. Also, ensure you provide the proper warm growing temperature for the seeds.
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So, after the seeds have emerged into seedlings and the seedlings have attained at least 3 inches, they can be transplanted. You can transplant them into a bigger container or just transplant them outdoors in your backyard.
Once you’ve successfully transplanted the tomato seedlings in your backyard, it’s recommended to give them some support with a wooden stick alongside the plant. Alternatively, you can build iron or wooden mesh to support your plant. Doing this can further help prevent the end rot of tomatoes.
If you reside in a cold region, you need to protect your plant by covering them with polytunnel so that the growth of the tomato plan won’t be affected in an adverse way.
When To Plant Tomato Seeds
How Many Tomato Seeds Per Hole? We recommend you sow your tomato seeds around late February to middle March if you will be growing them indoors or in a greenhouse. Then if you wish to sow tomato seeds outdoors, you should sow them around late March to early April.
However, if you find yourself sowing tomato seeds indoors in the earlier part of the year, you need to ensure the plants are lined up against a window that is facing south.
Final Word
To boost the chance of your tomato seed germinating, you need to sow more than one seed per hole. How many tomato seeds per hole need to be gotten right and we have established that sowing at least two seeds can help your plant emerge successfully.
FAQ’s
Can you plant 2 tomato plants in the same hole?
It is not ideal to plant two tomato plants in the same hole because this can cause overcrowding which causes the root to tangle and reduce the growth. If you sowed two seeds in a hole and the two emerge successfully, simply pluck out the shorter or weaker one.
How many tomato seeds do you put in the ground?
We recommend you put at least two tomato seeds in the ground so that if one seed fails to grow, the second one can serve as a backup plan.
How many tomatoes can one seed grow?
One tomato seed can give rise to one tomato plant. it is important not to overcrowd your tomato plant so it can grow and flourish optimally.
Can I put multiple seeds in one hole?
Yes, you can put multiple seeds in one hole because this can further boost the chance of the seed emerging. However, if you’re growing a bigger variety of a plant, you should avoid overcrowding the hole with too many seeds.
July 3, 2022
Why Is There White Mold On Avocado
Have you noticed white mold on avocado fruits and are wondering what the problem is? In this article, we will discuss mold and why it forms to make it easier for you to understand.
In the world of agriculture, we have many problems that are caused by the environment. One of them is water. This problem is quite common in different areas around the world. And one of the most common types of water pollution is the contamination of soil with chemicals or pathogens that can cause serious diseases to humans and animals. In this case, we should be very careful and always look for a solution to this problem.
There is another problem in the world of agriculture that is more common than water pollution. That is the presence of harmful microorganisms in the air or in the soil that are harmful to plants and animals. The most common of these harmful microorganisms is mold, which is often associated with various diseases. And, in this case, it is also very important to know why is there white mold on avocado?
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that has the ability to grow in almost any environment. This means that it can grow in places such as soil, water, air, and even in your body. Mold is a type of fungus that is found in the form of colonies or groups of cells. These cells are not separated from each other, but they are stuck together. It is possible that this fungus can cause many different diseases.
In the case of mold, one of the most common diseases is called mold disease. This is a type of fungal infection that causes the appearance of white, gray, brown, or black mold on fruits and vegetables. In some cases, mold may also be found in the air. This can be caused by the presence of fungi that have contaminated the air we breathe. This is known as airborne mold.
Mold is not a type of fungus that is only found in the soil or on the ground. It can be found in almost every environment. And it is not only a problem for plants and animals. Mold can also be a problem for humans. In fact, there are many cases in which the mold has contaminated food and has caused serious illnesses to people.
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What Causes White Mold On Avocado?
White mold on avocado can be caused by various fungi. It is very common for the spores to be carried to the avocado from the soil. They can also be carried by wind or water. Once it enters the avocado, it starts growing rapidly and can cause serious rotting in the fruits.
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The best way to prevent the growth of this fungus is to avoid exposing them to wet conditions. Does white mold on avocado affect ripe fruits? The mold you see on the surface of the fruit is not mold. It is actually an enzyme that has formed on the skin of the fruit. This is harmless and does not affect the flavor or appearance of the fruit.
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How Do You Remove White Mold From Avocado?
The best way to remove white mold from avocado is to cut off the infected area. If you are unable to cut the mold off the avocado, you can put on gloves and spray a mixture of water and bleach on the mold. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after removing the mold.
You can remove all the affected area with a knife. You can also cut off the whole plant. And you can put it in a plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator for several days. This will destroy the mold. If you do not have time to do this, you can try to spray some chemical pesticides or fungicides. But make sure that the chemicals you use are not too strong. Or else, they will contaminate your avocado fruits.
How can you prevent white mold on avocado? You can prevent white mold on avocado by keeping the soil around the plant dry. Avoid putting wet soil near the avocado because this can cause the avocado to get moldy.
Finally, White Mold On Avocado
White mold on avocado does not harm the avocado as fast as it appears on the surface unless you leave it there long enough. However, if you peel the white mold, you may find a black mold under the surface of the avocado. This is because the black mold is an indication of the decay of the avocado. So, if you want to prevent white mold on avocado from making them rot, you should eliminate it as fast as you first notice it.
You should keep it away from moisture. This means that you should keep the avocado in a plastic bag. You can also put it in a bowl away from water.
FAQ’s
What is white stuff on avocado?
Avocados are one of the most nutritious fruits around. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and they have a healthy dose of omega-3 fats. The white stuff on avocado is the mold that is beginning to form and will cause your fruits to rot if not eliminated as early.
Can moldy avocado make you sick?
You can eat moldy avocado if the rotting has not happened inside the avocado flesh. However, if the avocado has black color inside, its already rotten.
What does avocado fungus look like?
Avocado fungus looks like a white mold that grows on the skin of avocados. It is harmless and usually appears during the storage of avocados after they have been picked. It is possible for avocado fungus to grow in your refrigerator. This happens when you leave avocados out for too long without refrigerating them properly. When this happens, the fungus can get into the avocado skin and grow on the surface.
How do you treat avocado fungus?
If you notice avocado fungus growing on your avocados, there are several things that you can do to prevent this from happening again. The best thing you can do is to store your avocados in the refrigerator. This will stop the growth of the fungus. If you notice the fungus on your avocados, you should throw the avocados out.
July 1, 2022
All About Supertunia Vista Bubblegum!
If you are interested in learning all about Supertunia vista bubblegum, we will look at it in this article.
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a common plant used by most gardeners in landscaping. In this article, we will look at the history of Supertunia Vista Bubblegum and how to care for it. We will also see the many benefits that this plant has to offer.
What is Supertunia Vista Bubblegum?
The Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a type of petunia hybrid that is a member of the Solanaceae family. In USDA Zones 10-11, they are grown as perennials, but in cooler areas, they are grown as annuals.
The beautiful flowers of this plant are great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. They are a particularly popular plant thanks to the fact they tend to be heat and drought tolerant.
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – The Appearance and Uses
The leaves of the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum are green. The flowers of this plant are pink in color red-purple veins. They appear in clusters and have a sweet scent.
These flowers bloom from planting to a hard frost and are known for being excellent bloomers. They are easy to care for and their stunning blooms make for an attractive addition to any garden.
It has several different uses which include: gardening, home décor, and landscaping. Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 12-24 inches tall.
The most common use for Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is as a hanging basket or in a planter. This plant can be placed on a sunny window sill or in an artificial light setting. It can also be used as a patio plant or landscape plant.
Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – Propagation
This plant can be propagated by either seed or cuttings. The best time to propagate this plant is during the summer months.
The best way to propagate this plant is by using cuttings. To do this, take a cutting from the top of the petunia plant, be sure to cut a soft, flexible leaf and wrap it in a damp paper towel. Fill a plastic container with a mixture of equal parts peat moss, sand, and plant food.
Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone and then make a small hole in the soil mixture. Carefully place the end of the stem in the hole and push soil around it to keep it in place.
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Keep the container out of direct sunlight and water the cutting well. After about three weeks, carefully check to see if roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, you can remove it from the container and plant it in a new pot of fresh potting soil.
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Supertunia Vista Bubblegum – Care
This plant can be grown in both sun and part sun. Supertunia Vista Bubblegum thrive when they get six or more hours of sun a day, but they can also grow in four to six hours of partial shade a day.
It is also important to water this plant well. The plant needs medium watering to keep the soil moist. This plant can also benefit from being fertilized on a regular basis.
Fertilize your soil: Your soil will be better off if provided with the right nutrients. Fertilize your Supertunia Vista Bubblegum in the spring by using a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote.
Manage diseases: Supertunia Vista Bubblegums are often disease resistant. However, they can be suspectable to root rot, gray mold, late blight, and tobacco mosaic virus. The plant might also get pests such as aphids, flea beetles, slugs, and snails.
To prevent these problems, keep your Supertunia Vista Bubblegum well-watered and look out for any pests or changes in the plant. You should also keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Repot your plant: The best time to repot this plant is in the spring. This will cause less stress to the plants.
Water thoroughly, but do not overwater and if you notice any sign of disease, re-pot immediately.
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Final Remarks
The Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is a beautiful plant to grow. It will produce stunning pink flowers with red-purple veins.
If you have trouble growing it in your climate, look for it at a plant nursery. It’s quite easy to grow, but do not be surprised if it takes a while for it to mature.
FAQs
Is Supertunia Vista Bubblegum a perennial?
In USDA zones 10-11, the Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is grown as a perennial. However, in cooler areas it is grown as an annual.
What color do bubblegum petunias come in?
The Supertunia Vista Bubblegum is noted for its signature pink flowers with red-purple veins. However, petunias can come in almost all colors except brown and black.
How big do Supertunias get?
The Supertunia Vista Bubblegum can grow to be 12-24 inches tall. They are a particularly great size for growing in hanging baskets and flower pots.
How long do Supertunias last?
How long a Supertunia plant last depends on if it is grown as a perennial or annual. A Perennial will regrow every spring, whereas an annual will live for just one growing season, then die off.
June 6, 2022
How To Propagate a Fig Tree? – Efficient Method
In this guide, we will learn how to propagate a fig tree and provide it with the right growing conditions that this plant requires.
A Fig tree is a large, deciduous tree. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed, grafts, or cuttings.
The best time to plant a fig tree is during spring. This tree is drought tolerant but needs regular watering to survive.
If you are looking to buy a fig tree, we recommend you purchase one from a reputable nursery. Fig trees take at least 10 years to grow to maturity.
What To Consider When You Propagate a Fig Tree
Best Time To Propagate a Fig Tree: If you want to have a good quality fig tree, then it should be planted during spring. This is because fig trees need lots of sunlight and it also needs a good amount of water. The best time to plant a fig tree is from April to May. However, the fig trees can be planted throughout the year as they do not require winter dormancy.
Location For Propagating Fig Tree: The fig tree requires ample sunlight. Therefore, you need to place it where it gets direct sunlight. The best location for this tree is a sunny spot. You can either use a pot or directly plant this tree in the ground.
Watering And Feeding Fig Trees: A fig tree requires a lot of water. So, you need to make sure that you provide your fig tree with a sufficient amount of water. If you have an irrigation system, then you don’t need to worry about watering. But if you don’t have an irrigation system, then you should take care of watering your fig tree manually. You should provide your fig tree with enough amount of water at least twice a week.
Feeding Fig Tree: The fig tree is a deciduous tree which means it requires lots of nutrients. You need to feed your fig tree every month. You should add high-quality fertilizer to your soil.
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How To Propagate Fig Trees
The propagation of a fig tree is quite simple. You can either propagate your fig tree by seeds, cuttings or grafting. However, if you want to make the process easier, you can use a container that will help you to plant a fig tree without worrying about the root system.
How To Propagate Through Seeds
Seeds are used for direct seeding. You can sow the seeds directly in your garden or in a pot. This is the most popular method for propagating fig trees.
The seeds germinate best when the temperature is between 65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C). When you sow the seeds, you should place them in a soil mix with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. You can also use a mixture of compost and peat moss.
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To get the right soil mix, you need to add organic matter to the soil, like compost and peat moss. Add four to six inches of the mixture of soil, compost and peat moss to the pot.
Make sure that the mixture is moistened thoroughly before sowing the seeds. If the soil is dry, then it will be difficult to germinate the seeds. When the seeds start sprouting, cover the seeds with a thin layer of mulch or a sheet of plastic to keep the seedlings warm. The best time to sow the seeds is during spring.
How To Propagate Through Cuttings
For this method, you will need a cutting from your tree. You can take cuttings from the branches that have a lot of leaves or from the branches that have no leaves.
To make sure that the branch has no leaves, you can remove all the leaves except the bud. Then, soak the cuttings in water for at least one hour.
Place the cuttings in a shallow tray filled with a rooting hormone. Make sure that the soil mix in the tray is moistened before placing the cuttings in it.
Place the tray inside a lighted area that has a temperature between 65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C). The best time to plant cuttings is during spring.
How To Propagate Through Grafting
For this method, you will need a branch with a lot of leaves from your fig tree. You can use a softwood branch that is not more than two inches in diameter. You will need a hardwood branch that is more than three inches in diameter.
After you remove all the leaves from the branches, soak them in water for at least one hour. Cut the branches at a 45-degree angle and remove the bark. You will need to remove all the wood from the branches so that they are just bare branches.
To do this, you can use a knife or a pair of pruners. Make sure that the branches are clean of any wood or other materials.
Then, insert the hardwood branch into the softwood branch. Make sure that the two branches are inserted deeply enough so that they are firmly held together. Wrap the roots of the softwood branch with aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped softwood branch in a shallow tray filled with a rooting hormone. Place the tray in a lighted area with a temperature between 65 to 75 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C). The best time to plant grafts is during spring.
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Final Remarks
If you are looking to propagate a fig tree you can follow the above guide to help you propagate from seeds, cuttings or grafting. In a few years, you will enjoy figs from your own tree for the rest of your life.
FAQ’s
Can you grow a fig tree from a cutting?
Yes, it is possible to grow a fig tree from cuttings taken from the rootstock of an established tree. It is, however, important to use the right rootstock as it will determine the type of fig tree that you will grow. The rootstock determines the number of leaves and flowers on the tree, the length of the flowering season, the shape of the fruit, the colour of the fruit and the size of the fruit.
Can you root fig tree cuttings in water?
Yes, you can do this. You can either keep the cuttings in moist soil or in water. The best time to root fig tree cuttings is when they are dormant. Cuttings should be kept at a constant temperature of between 10-25°C and at a relative humidity of 50 – 80%.
When should fig trees be propagated?
Fig trees can be propagated at any time during the year. It is important to remember that figs have a very long flowering period, which means that they cannot be propagated all year round. During the summer months, fig tree cuttings should be taken from the rootstock of an established tree. In the autumn and winter, fig tree cuttings can be taken from dormant rootstocks of fig trees.
How long does it take for a fig tree cutting to root?
It can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. It depends on the age of the cutting, the size of the fruit, and the conditions of the rootstock.
June 2, 2022
Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine?
Do you know how and when to determine if butternut squash is ready for harvest? Will butternut squash ripen off the vine or not? These questions and more shall we answer in this insightful post.
Butternut squash which is a winter squash is a rich-tasting squash that can be incorporated into sweet and savory dishes. This squash is one type of squash that is most loved amongst growers.
Butternut squash is this kind of squash that is characterized by this hard outer skin. This squash can even be stored in a cool and dry spot for as long as 6 months once it has matured.
Will butternut squash ripen off the vine or not is what we would like to know. We will also discuss how to tell if butternut squash is ready for harvesting, how to store butternut squash, and so on. So, let’s dig in.
Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine?
It may be possible for butternut squash to get ripened off the vine. But usually, it’s better to allow butternut squash to remain on the vine so they can get ripen. Leaving them on the vine to ripen allows them to taste better and even last longer.
However, there are some situations that cause us to harvest our butternut squash early. Winter is the most common cause for growers to harvest their butternut squash very early. So, if your region experiences winter earlier than expected, butternut squash can be harvested early. Then you can use curing techniques just to improve the length of the storage.
How To Ripen Butternut Squash Off The Vine
So, if the frost in your region is predicted to come earlier than expected, then harvesting your butternut squash is advisable so they won’t freeze on the vine.
You may get lucky trying to ripen butternut squash off the vine. So, here are some tips on how to ripen butternut squash off the vine:
- Clip the butternut from the vine and aim to leave several inches of stem. Do this the morning before the frost.
- Then try curing the unripe squash by storing it at 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, provide a humidity range of 80 to 85 percent for 10 days.
- This curing procedure is used to extend the storage life of butternut squash by hardening the skin, healing the wounds, and ripening the immature squash.
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How To Tell When Butternut Squash Is Ripe
It may seem a bit tricky to determine when butternut squash is ripe. But with the right knowledge, you can know when this squash is ripe.
To get a sweet and better-tasting butternut squash, it is important you harvest them at the right period. If butternut squash is left too long on the vine, it can get rotten. On the other hand, if butternut is picked too early, you will get an unripe and less sweet fruit.
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Most growers like to work on the duration of time to tell when butternut squash is ready for harvest. For instance, if butternut squash was planted on time during summer, the squash may get ripened in late September or sometime in October.
However, there are 3 main factors that determine when butternut squash is ready for harvesting and they are discussed below:
1.    Color And Length – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine
Once butternut squash is matured, the squash will usually attain a length of 12 inches. Also, you should notice a deep tan color once the fruit is ripe. But to get a better-matured squash, the color should help you determine the ripeness of the squash.
2.    Test Using Fingernail
The fingernail test is one good method to know when to harvest your butternut squash. The test is simply done by pushing your fingernail through the skin of the butternut squash. The squash isn’t ready for picking if the skin punctures. Then if the skin of the butternut squash feels very hard and refuses to be punctured, then it is ripe.
3.    Brown Color Of The Stem – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine
The butternut squash is attached to the vine of the fruit by a short stem. During most of butternut squash growing season, the stem is often green. But once the fruit begins to ripen, you will notice the stem starts to turn brown. Again, when the stem is totally brown and dried, it’s a good indication that the fruit is matured.
Storing Butternut Squash
So, after you must have cured your harvested butternut squash, simply wipe or brush out any dirt on the fruit. Then make sure you keep them dry. Butternut squash should be stored in a cool and dry place. The temperature range should be between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples of this type of spot are places like a cool basement or even a garage attached to your home.
Make sure you store your butternut squash in its own place. Don’t store them together with other types of fruits. They should be stacked on shelves or placed in a container with holes so they can get good air circulation.
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How Long Does it Take for Butternut Squash to Mature?
Butternut fruits are ready for harvest around 50 – 55 days after the fruits are set. It can take up to 110 days to reach this point, depending on which variety you planted. The growing conditions of your squash will also impact how fast it matures.
The butter boy hybrid squash and autumn glow variety are ready to harvest in just 80 days! You can enjoy a Waltham butternut in about 85 days. If you planted the argonaut hybrid butternut, your fruit will be ready to eat in 140 days.
How Do You Grow a Big Butternut Squash?
Butternut needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. You should ensure they’re planted in a spot with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you want your butternut squash to grow big, you should thin the flowers out to give each one enough space. Consistent moisture is another critical component for success.
You can plant bigger butternut varieties if large fruit is your goal. Experimenting with fertilizer and sunlight exposure could also lead to unexpected sizes!
How Big Does a Butternut Squash Grow?
The mature size of a butternut squash varies depending on which type it is. Varieties like the liscia have an average weight of 4.4 lbs when ripe. Waltham butternuts only reach 1.7 – 2 lbs.
How Many Days Does it Take to Grow Butternut Squash?
On average, butternut squash takes 110 days to grow. However, you can reduce this time. If you start your seedlings indoors, they’ll mature faster when planted outside. Adding extra fertilizer and planting your butternut in nutrient-rich soil can also help this fruit mature faster.
Growing your butternut in a more favorable environment will impact the time it takes to mature. Greenhouses tend to deliver more fruit in a shorter timeframe.
Can You Grow Butternut Squash in The Fall?
Butternuts are typically grown during spring and summer. You’ll have to check the expected frost dates in your area to determine if you can grow yours in the fall. It’s best to plant butternut squash about two weeks after the last frost is expected. Growing butternut squash in the fall will likely be a success if you have a greenhouse or indoor setup.
What Temperature Does Butternut Squash Need to Grow?
Butternut squash seeds need soil that’s at least 70°F to germinate. If the temperature is around 95°F, they have an even better chance! You should start growing this fruit once the frost has passed. Your crop will do best in direct sun.
Why is My Butternut Squash Green Inside?
There are a few reasons why your butternut squash flesh might be green. The most common is that the fruit isn’t ripe yet. Butternut squash flesh turns yellow as it ripens.
If you’re sure that the fruit is mature, it might be damaged. Butternuts with damage spoil fast and turn green when they start decaying. This is accompanied by an odor. Lastly, your squash might be a hybrid.
Final Words – Will Butternut Squash Ripen Off The Vine
Even though it’s mostly better to leave your butternut squash on the vine to become ripe, there are still some cases that can cause anyone to harvest them before ripening on the vine. Frost is the most common reason why growers want to harvest their squash on time.
After all, it’s better to harvest your butternut squash even if they’re underripe than to lose your entire crop to frost.
So, we hope we’ve been able to answer the question: Will butternut squash ripen off the vine?
FAQ’s
Can you pick butternut squash when it’s green?
You may pick butternut squash when it’s green or if the skin is hard. However, you should know that the appropriate color to pick butternut squash when it’s ripe is a deep tan color.
What can you do with unripe butternut squash?
You may get lucky if you try to ripen the unripe butternut squash you may have. You should store the unripe butternut squash at a temperature of 80 to 85 degrees with a humidity range of 80 to 85 percent.
How do you know when butternut squash is ripe?
You can know if butternut is ready for harvesting if the outer rind is tan in color. It should not have any trace of green spot and it should have a hard skin. Also, the skin should be hard that when you puncture the fruit with your fingernail, it should be hard to puncture.
How do you ripen butternut squash on the vine?
You can ripen butternut squash on the vine by providing it with some sun. This is because sunshine helps squash ripen. So, turn the plant from time to time so that all parts of the plant can get proper sun.
May 31, 2022
How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Which Is Ideal, Little Or Excess Sunlight?
How much sun does lettuce need is what we would like to know. Do you know if you should give your lettuce little or extra sunlight? We will find out soon.
Lettuce is an excellent veggie that is loved by many and used in most homes when it comes to cooking. You can incorporate lettuce in almost every dish including sandwiches, soups, and so on. No wonder this veggie is loved by many and it’s only logical for anyone to want to have this tasty veggie in their garden.
But for you to enjoy the best production of lettuce, you need to provide some growing conditions and one important growing condition is sunlight. You need to know the ideal sunlight requirement for lettuce; if it needs enough sunlight or little sunlight.
How much sun does lettuce need will be answered in this post. So, let’s delve into this.
How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need? Lettuce Sun Requirements
The fact is that lettuce doesn’t need too much sun exposure. But the plant also needs some time under sunlight to flourish. Therefore, it is crucial you know the right sun requirement for lettuce. If not, you may end up having little or nothing to harvest.
How much sun does lettuce need is one important question that should be on your mind. When you know this, you are a step ahead of averting any problem that may come with improper sun exposure to your lettuce plant.
However, when it comes to determining the ideal duration to provide sun to lettuce plants, you need to know the type of lettuce variety you are growing.
There are different lettuce varieties and some of them include Romaine lettuce, Butterhead lettuce, Crisphead lettuce, and leaf.
Generally, lettuce is fine with around 6 hours of sun exposure. However, some varieties can take more duration that is around 10 to 12 hours of sun exposure. But if it’s not possible to supply your lettuce with as much as 10 to 12 hours of sun duration, then 6 hours of sun exposure is generally fine.
Also, you don’t have to follow any specific time to provide lettuce with sun. The sun exposure can be in the morning or even in the afternoon.
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Is Too Much Sunshine Exposure Bad For Lettuce?
As we mentioned earlier, lettuce does not need excess sun direct sun exposure. The truth is that no variety of lettuce likes or thrives well under hot weather.
If lettuce is left under hot weather for a long time, the plant begins to lose more water. Bolting occurs which means you get limited or no fresh lettuce leaves and the plant begins to end its growing process.
Then this usually results in lettuce plant that seeds and flowers really fast than it should. Hence, the result is bitter-tasting lettuce.
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How Can Lettuce Be Shielded From Excess Sun Exposure?
The goal of planting lettuce by most growers is to get that big leafy leaves that are used for most cooking applications. Nobody wants to end up with bitter-tasting lettuce that is a result of excess sun exposure.
So, how do we shield our lettuce plant from excess sun exposure? Let’s look into this;
1.    Select The Right Variety Such As Hardy Lettuce Varieties
There are some lettuce varieties that can tolerate more heat. So, you can go for this type of lettuce variety especially if you live in a hot region.
Examples of such heat tolerating lettuce varieties include Summer Bibb Blend, Green Salad Bowl, and Bibb Buttercrunch.
2.    Use Shade Covers To Protect Lettuce
Shielding lettuce leaves from direct sunshine should is another way to protect the plant from excess sun exposure. Once the temperature is high (around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), your lettuce plant will be prone to bolting.
Using shade covers can act as a barrier between your lettuce plant and the excess sun exposure.
3.    Early Season Planting – How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need?
You can plant lettuce in the early season and you don’t need to wait for sunlight to begin planting. Lettuce can begin to sprout with a temperature that is as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then once the weather temperature begins to fall around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, your lettuce should almost be ready to be harvested.
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4. Use Natural Shade
Natural shades can be used to shield your lettuce plant from too much sunshine. Natural shades such as trees or other tall-growing plants are easy to be used to shield lettuce from direct excess sun exposure.
You can even aim to plant your lettuce close to these trees or taller plants in a way that partially shades lettuce.
Just set your lettuce plant in relation to the direction of light all through the day. For instance, you can set your lettuce plant by shading them away from hot afternoon sun rays. Then lettuce plant should be set to receive adequate sun rays in the morning.
Can Lettuce Grow Under Partial Shade?
It is possible for lettuce to grow under partial shade and partial shade can even provide protection from heat. However, adequate light is required for the plant to germinate appropriately.
Therefore, if you still want to grow lettuce under partial shade, just make sure you grow the seeds under adequate light so they can germinate.
So, once the germination stage has elapsed and the seeds have successfully sprouted, then you can transplant them to partial shade.
Conclusion On How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need
Lettuce light requirement is an important factor to consider when growing this tasty vegetable. Provide lettuce with the right duration of sun exposure so they can grow and produce well.
How much sun does lettuce need has been answered in this post and we hope this can help you plan how to provide lettuce with the ideal sun exposure.
FAQ’s
Does lettuce need full sun?
Yes, lettuce does need full sun as they can benefit from it. However, you should provide full sun only for a specific period which is about 6 hours. Excess sunshine can harm the plant especially when the weather is very hot.
Does lettuce grow well in the shade?
Yes, it is possible for lettuce to grow under shade. But when you want to begin the process of growing lettuce from seeds, the seeds will require bright light to germinate, so shade won’t benefit seed germination.
Can lettuce grow in partial shade?
Yes, lettuce can be grown under partial shade and partial shade can offer protection from extreme heat. However, when it comes to seed germination for lettuce, it will need direct sun to sprout.
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May 31, 2022
How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
Zucchini is a prolific and versatile plant that is easy to grow, easy to harvest, and it is great to be used for cooking. How long does it take for zucchini to grow is the question we would like to answer.
Getting to know the duration it takes for zucchini to grow will further help us to plan how we want our zucchini to mature. Although the fruit of zucchini can be eaten at any stage of maturity, the plant usually tastes great in its young and tender stage.
Zucchini tends to grow very fast that one day you can see the fruit grow just as small as 3 inches. Then the next night the fruit can practically grow to become as big as a foot and a half. So, this is why you need to know the growth period of zucchini.
How long does it take for zucchini to grow will be answered in this post, so continue reading for some insight on this.
How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
Zucchini which is a summer squash plant is a fast-growing vegetable and it can take about 45 to 55 days for it to grow when you plant them from seeds.
When you know how long it takes for zucchini to grow, the information can help you plan how you want your zucchini to mature.
Once zucchini has bloomed, the plant can change to produce fruit that is even ready to be harvested in as little as 4 to 8 days. The fruit zucchini plant produces grows very fast and in abundance and the fruit can grow up to an inch daily.
When To Harvest Zucchini
The ideal period to harvest zucchini is when the fruit has attained a height of 5 to 8 inches. You may also harvest zucchini that are smaller around 2 to 4 inches and these are baby zucchinis.
Also, you will know zucchini is ready to be harvested when the fruit is firm and dark green and sometimes yellow or white (depending on the variety).
However, once you notice the fruit has started feeling mushy, the fruit is usually rotten and need to be thrown away.
How Zucchini Can Be Harvested Properly
There is a proper way to harvest zucchini that can help you get only the best zucchini and continuous yield. To achieve this, you need to do two things.
Pick Them Early – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
First, always pick zucchini when they’re still young because young zucchini taste better when you pick them young. But when you linger in harvesting zucchini a little longer, it can result in an overly large, tasteless, and sometimes bitter fruit.
Once zucchini attains the height of about 5 inches to 7 inches, you can begin to harvest your regular zucchini. Zucchini can be harvested at any period without harming the plant.
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If you wish to harvest zucchini when they are smaller, it’s very possible and a good thing. Smaller zucchini are known as baby zucchini and they are around the size of 2 inches to 4 inches long. These baby zucchinis are even most restaurants and farmer’s market favorites.
Baby zucchinis are most favored because of their mild, sweet, and attractive appearance.
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Pick Them Often
Picking zucchini regularly can help hasten the yield as well as boost the production of the plant. So, ensure you pick zucchini frequently and you can keep on enjoying great yields.
However, if you notice that you have too many zucchini productions than you can use or handle, just leave a few of the fruits on the vine. This can slow down the production of fruits.
Harvesting Zucchini – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
So, to harvest zucchini squash the right way, make sure you avoid abrupt pulling of the fruit. This can damage the plant because the leaves and stems are pretty fragile. You need to cut the fruit from the plant at the stem.
Another thing to note is that zucchini has this broad leaves that can make it difficult or you to find fruits. Large or overgrown fruits may even be hiding behind these broad leaves that you may not notice on time.
This is why you need to properly scrutinize under and in-between the leaves of your zucchini plants while you’re harvesting. But while you’re doing this, you should be careful so you don’t injure the fragile leaves and stem of the zucchini plant.
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Storing Zucchini
So, once you’re done harvesting your tasty zucchini squash, you need to know how to store them properly particularly if you aren’t ready to use them right away.
So, you don’t need to wash the fruit of zucchini after harvesting if you want to store them and you can store them in a perforated or open plastic bag. They can be stored this way for up to a week.
Alternatively, you can simply freeze the fruit for later use. You can do this in some ways. You can shred or slice the unpeeled zucchini, drain it, then gently squeeze it to take out excess moisture. Then put the frozen zucchini fruit in sealed quart-size freezer bags and freeze them flat this way, they can be stacked inside the freezer.
Shredding the zucchini is done because the final result is usually zucchini bread or fried zucchini cakes.
The fruits can as well be washed, dried, and sliced into about one-inch cubes and then frozen using a freezer bag. You should also know that when you freeze zucchinis, they can last up to 3 months.
Conclusion – How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
Zucchini is an excellent type of vegetable that many people love because it is easy to grow and produces great yields. How long does it take for zucchini to grow has been answered in this educating post and many more. So, we hope you’ve been enlightened about the duration of zucchini growth.
FAQ’s
How long does it take for a zucchini to grow after flowering?
Zucchini squash tends to grow fast and it takes about 4 to 8 days after flowering for zucchini fruits to appear and be ready for harvest.
How long do zucchini plants live for?
Because zucchini plants fall under annual plants, they will only live for one growing season. This is between 0 and 150 days and this mainly depends on your location, growing conditions, and variety of zucchini.
How long does it take zucchini to sprout?
When you plant the seeds of zucchini, they tend to sprout around 1 to 2 weeks. Then they can be planted once they have many true leaves.
May 28, 2022
Habanero Vs Scotch Bonnet – All You Need To Know
In this article, we will learn all about the habanero vs scotch bonnet chilies and what’s different about each variety.
What is a Habanero?
A habanero chili is a hot pepper belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. It belongs to the species named Capsicum Chinense. It is native to the Amazon region of South America and has been cultivated since ancient times.
The habanero is a very popular hot pepper, used in many types of dishes. It is especially good for sauces, stews, and soups. A habanero can be found in supermarkets, specialty food stores, and online.
A habanero chili is a type of hot chili pepper and is one of the hottest peppers on Earth. The habanero is a very popular pepper in Mexico and is used in many different dishes. Though it is very hot, it has fruity notes, hints of citrus, and a flowery aroma.
Before maturity the pepper is green, however, once it matures it ranges from yellow-orange to orange to bright red in color. In some cases, it can even appear pink or dark brown depending on when it is harvested. Habaneros range in size from 1 to 2 1/2 inches in length and from 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
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What is a Scotch Bonnet?
Scotch Bonnet is another very hot pepper that belongs to Capsicum Chinense, as the habanero does. Its origins can be traced back to South and Central America and they are popular in Jamaica and the Caribbean area.
Like the habanero, it is used in many types of dishes. This chili can be found in supermarkets and specialty food stores. They are popular in Jamaican, Caribbean, and African cuisines.
Though they are as hot as habaneros, they have a slightly sweeter profile. Today, Scotch Bonnets are used in a variety of dishes including soups, stews, and sauces.
Physical Appearance Scotch Bonnets have orangish-yellow color. Their flavor profile is hot with sweet, fruity, tropical, and earthy tones.
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What Are The Differences Between Habanero and Scotch Bonnet Chilies?
Habanero vs Scotch bonnet… is not an easy comparison. They are both grown in the same climate but have different flavor profiles. We will learn more about this in this article.
Differences between habanero and scotch bonnet:
Habanero vs Scotch Bonnet – The size of the chili Scotch bonnets tends to be a bit smaller than habaneros. Habanero chilies can be 2.5 inches long, while scotch bonnets are only around 1.5 inches long.
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Habanero vs Scotch Bonnet – Flavor Differences: Habanero and Scotch Bonnets both have a lot of heat. They are both very spicy. They can be substituted for each other in certain dishes if desired.
The difference is in the flavor as the habanero has hints of citrus and a flowery aroma. Scotch bonnets have a slightly sweeter flavor than habaneros with tropical, and earthy tones.
Both the habanero and Scotch Bonnet have very similar heat levels. Both types of peppers measure in at Scoville heat units (SHU) of 100,000 to 350,000.
A habanero can be found in many supermarkets. In fact, they are usually the first pepper you see in the supermarket.
Habanero Vs Scotch Bonnet – How To Use
Habanero and Scotch bonnets can be used in many dishes. They both add bold flavors that really stand out.
You can use them as an ingredient or a condiment. You can use them to spice up a dish. You can use them in curries, stews, soups, and even desserts.
They are great for making spicy salsa, which is perfect for adding flavor to any dish. They are also good for making a sauce for chicken, pork, and fish. Scotch Bonnet peppers are an essential ingredient to jerk chicken.
You can use habanero chili powder in place of paprika to give your food a little more kick. You can also use it to spice up a salad.
Scotch bonnet chili can be used in place of Tabasco to add a little more flavor and heat to your food.
Habanero chili powder is great for adding heat to dishes that you want to have a little more punch. It’s a good way to make your food taste flavorful and pack a punch. You can use it to spice up your favorite dishes.
You can also use habanero chili powder as a seasoning for soups, stews, and marinades. It is excellent in any dish that you want to add a little bit of heat to it. Use habanero chili in your next recipe!
In Conclusion – Habanero Vs Scotch Bonnet
The habanero vs scotch bonnet is two different chilies commonly used by many chefs across the world. All the information you wanted to find out about these two peppers is available in this article.
The habanero has a hot, pungent flavor that is considered a perfect addition to spicy foods. It is often used for salsa and salsas.
Both the Scotch Bonne and habanero pack a punch. Habaneros are great for cooking and are popular in Mexican cuisine. The Scotch Bonnet is commonly used in Jamaican, Caribbean, and African cuisines.
FAQs
Are habaneros same as Scotch bonnet?
No, habaneros and Scotch bonnets are different peppers but are closely related as they are part of the Capsicum Chinese variety.
Is a Habanero hotter than a Scotch bonnet?
Habanero and Scotch bonnet peppers both have a heat rating of 100,000–350,000 Scoville units.
Can you substitute habanero for Scotch bonnet?
Yes, but the flavor flavor profile will be slightly different.
What pepper is hotter than a Scotch bonnet?
The hottest pepper in the world is the the Dragon’s Breath chile, followed by a Carolina Reaper and then a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion. These are all hotter than a Scotch bonnet and habanero.
May 21, 2022
Step By Step Guide On How To Propagate Sage
You may probably want to grow sage in your yard due to the distinctive flavor it brings to culinary dishes. How to propagate sage is actually very easy. So, in this article, you will learn how sage cuttings can be propagated in water or soil.
The two methods are perfect; however, the success rate at which the water method works is way higher than that if a rooting hormone is not used. The water method also gives you the opportunity of watching the roots grow in water. This sounds like fun, right?
Another thing is that many other herbs can be propagated through this procedure. They are herbs like rosemary, basil, and other types of sage. So let’s go further into how to propagate sage.
Brief About Sage
Sage is a type of plant that is perennial and it is characterized by this stocky and woody stem. These stems produce sprigs of sage that is robust and full of flavor. You may have come across this herb while cooking some time ago or you may have eaten a dish that contains the sage herb.
Whichever way, sage is a great addition of deliciousness and distinctive flavor to culinary dishes. In the United States and as well as all over the world, it is easy to grow sage in many of the growing zones.
Growing sage in an herb garden is a great addition to it, with the sage herb’s lovely green color. This thereby gives your kitchen an abundant supply of fresh sage.
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How To Propagate Sage: Step By Step Guide
Even though sage can surely be grown from seeds, propagation from cuttings is also another great option for growing sage. So, here is how you can grow sage from cuttings;
Step 1 – Obtain Sage Cuttings
Begin by getting some sage cuttings and these should be healthy, non-flowering sprigs of sage.
Step 2 – Strip Off The Leaves – How To Propagate Sage
After obtaining your sage cuttings, strip off the lower leaves on the end of the stem. About 2 inches of the bare stem on the sprig is needed to serve as a base for future roots.
Then once you’re ready to propagate, simply cut the tip of the sprig at a degree angle of 45.
Also, if you would like to dip the bare stem into a rooting hormone it’s fine but this is optional.
Step 3 – Begin The Structure Of The Root
This process entails establishing the root structure before you plant it in the soil. To achieve this, put the sage plant in a glass of water and ensure at least 2 inches of the bare stem is totally immersed in water.
So, after a while, you should begin to notice matured roots and this is when you can plant the cutting in your potting soil.
You should take note that these cuttings tend to be quite fragile at this point.
Step 4 – The Waiting Period For Plant Maturity (About 6 To Weeks)
In around 6 to 8 weeks, the growth should begin to show. Also, provide optimal conditions for your sage plant and a warm and humid area is a good spot to store your sage plant.
Step 5 – Adequately Care For The New Sage Plant
So, after the successful propagation of the sage plant, ensure you properly care for your new sage plant.
Provide lots of sunshine but usually, the plant of sage requires at least half a day of full sunshine exposure.
The watering requirement of sage plants is moderate watering. It’s easy to decipher if sage plant needs water and this can be done by simply checking the about half-inch of the upper soil. If this part feels dry, then your sage plants need to be watered.
Once the sage plant has outgrown its original pot, be sure to transplant them into a bigger pot or into the ground.
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Is It Important To Use A Rooting Hormone To Propagate Sage Cuttings?
Using a rooting hormone to propagate Sage will make cuttings develop roots successfully and quickly, however, using a rooting hormone is not necessary. So if you skip the rooting hormone, you will only need to use half of the cuttings needed when using a rooting hormone.
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The Reason For Propagating Sage
The process whereby new plants are being created from existing ones is called propagation. Propagation helps you make your personal herb garden larger with so many greens, thereby making provision for giving to friends and family.
You can even start your very first sage plants with cuttings may be from the local grocery store or from someone who has shared some sage cuttings with you.
This way, you get to use fresh and nice sage from your own garden in your mouth-watering recipes like whole wheat herb sourdough crackers or butternut squash sage soup.
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When To Take Sage Cuttings
Sage cuttings can be taken any time all through the growing season. From spring to the beginning of summer is the best time to propagate Sage cuttings if you live in a type of area with a cold winter climate.
This idea will help give the new seedlings enough time to grow well and the roots to have a stronghold. This is to also make the seedlings very hardy ahead of when the colder months arrive. This will help increase the seedling’s survival chances during the winter.
Conclusion On How To Propagate Sage
Sage is a nice plant to have and it can be grown for different reasons such as for food preparations, for its health benefits, or just to enjoy its greenly foliage.
How to propagate sage has been explained in this article and we do hope you’ve gained some knowledge from this guide.
FAQ’s
Can you grow sage in water?
Yes, it is possible to grow sage in water when you propagate the plant. To grow sage in water, simply cut a healthy sage of about 3 to 4 inches and put the cuttings into a glass of freshwater.
Can sage be propagated from cuttings?
Yes, it is possible to grow sage from cuttings and the process is known as sage propagation. You can divide sage plants or take some cuttings just to achieve propagation of sage plants.
When can I take sage cuttings?
The best period to take some cuttings from sage plant is during spring. Avoid taking cuttings from sage plant during winter because it might be hard for the plant to scale through the winter period.
How long does it take to propagate sage?
The period it takes to propagate sage plant usually depends on the season. But generally, it should take around 6 to 8 weeks for some growth indications.
May 19, 2022
How To Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing
One easy and nutritious vegetable to grow is kale. Now, if you’re a newbie that wishes to grow kale, then you should get to know how you can properly harvest this veggie to maximize your harvest. How to harvest kale so it keeps growing is what we will be looking into in this article.
The tender leafy green of kale plants is a resilient frost-friendly green that is loved by many growers. Many of us would love to keep our kale plants in our garden for as long as possible so that we can enjoy that cut and come again.
Apart from the easy growth of kale plants, the plant also offers amazing health benefits. So, you can enjoy nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and it is also loaded with lots of antioxidants.
How to harvest kale so it keeps growing is easy to achieve and we will be giving amazing tips on how to go about it.
When To Harvest Kale
The leaves of kale can be harvested in two different ways. You can harvest the matured kale leaves or baby kale leaves.
However, when you want to harvest either of this kale (baby or matured kale), know that there are different periods in which they can be harvested. But when you’re harvesting both baby kale and matured kale, you should harvest them the same way so you can continue enjoying the cut and come again feel.
- Matured kales green are usually ready for picking in about 60 days after planting. You can identify a healthy matured kale when you notice the plant has more than ten leaves. Then you will also see some tiny leaves in the center of kale plants which are surrounded by larger leaves.
- If you wish to pick baby kale greens, they should be ready for harvesting in about 25 to 30 days of seed sowing.
The ideal harvest period for kale green is once in the later stages of spring or early summer. Then the second round of harvest usually comes again during autumn.
Avoid leaving your kale plant too long before harvesting. This is mainly because kale usually becomes large as they grow old and they may change color and fall off. But if this happens probably because you missed harvesting on time, you can just pick out the bad leaves and your plant can keep growing for you to enjoy the continuous harvest.
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How To Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing
To harvest kale, you can simply use your fingers to snap kale plants or you can use clean and sharp gardening tools.
So, to enjoy a continuous harvest of your kale green, follow these steps on how you can properly harvest kale:
- Kale leaves need to be removed from the outermost parts then you work your way to the inner part as you pick the bigger and lower leaves from the plant’s layer.
- Make sure you pick the leaves one by one and make sure you leave the central leaves with the central bud that you see on the plant. Doing this will ensure will make sure your plant produces more leaves.
- In the process of harvesting, ensure discolored leaves are taken out so that new growth and healthy leaves can be encouraged. It is usually a week or even less than a week for the new set of leaves to appear.
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So, when next you’re harvesting your kale greens, ensure you keep these above tips in mind and you can continue to enjoy that cut and come again feeling.
How Many Times Can One Cut Kale Greens?
There is no number of times you can harvest kale because you can harvest them over and over again. So far you keep to the rules of maintaining a healthy plant and you don’t damage the central bud, then you can keep growing and harvesting kale greens.
However, you need to know that the kale plant is a biennial plant. This implies that even if there isn’t any limit to harvesting them, you will still need to replace your plant every two years.
You may experience your kale green always looking healthy but there are times your kale may look wilted or even limped. When you notice these unappealing looks, it may be an indication that the plant is dead. You may still be able to revive kale dead plant after its two years have elapsed. But the best thing to do in this situation is just to replace the plant with a new one.
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Storing Kale Greens
So, to properly store kale leaves that are freshly picked, simply wash all the leaves and then blot them dry using a cloth. Ensure the entire leaves are intact and put them in a resealable plastic bag with a paper towel. This way, the leaves won’t get slimy or soggy.
If you will be refrigerating kale greens using the above-mentioned tip, you can store kale leaves for up to two weeks.
Conclusion On How To Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing
The super nutritious kale greens are a wonderful veggie to grow and their versatility makes them easy to be used (in cooking) in different ways.
With the great characteristics this superfood offers, it is lonely logical for growers to want always to have this veggie every time. This is why you need to know how to get that cut and come again experience with kale.
How to harvest kale so it keeps growing has been discussed in this post and we hope you have gained some insight on this.
FAQ’s
Does kale keep growing after you pick it?
Yes, it is possible for kale to keep growing after you’ve picked it. But to achieve this continuous growth, you need to harvest this green the right way. Maintain a healthy kale plant and avoid damaging the central bud and your kale will keep growing.
How long will kale continue to grow?
Ideally, kale is a biennial plant that will continue to grow for 2 years. But it is still possible to be able to revive kale plant after its 2 years growth span. But it is better to just replace the plant after two years.
How do you harvest kale without killing it?
To harvest your kale greens without killing the plant, simply ensure you avoid picking or damaging the terminal bud.
What does kale look like when it’s ready to harvest?
You can determine your kale is ready for harvest when the plant has attained a height of about 12 inches. Also, once the leaves are around the size of your hand or even bigger, then they are ready to be picked.
May 12, 2022
3 Major Ways For How To Propagate Thyme
How many ways do you know how to propagate thyme that you can share with us? We will list the different ways you can use it and add any we might not include.
What is Thyme?
Thyme is a medicinal herb, popular for its culinary uses. It is also used in the treatment of colds, skin problems, and digestive issues. It is a popular herb in cooking and can be added to teas.
The leaves and flowers are the parts of the plant that are most commonly used. The leaves have a distinctively strong and aromatic flavor.
Let’s look at different ways how to propagate thyme.
Propagation Methods – How To Propagate Thyme
Seed
The seeds are the most common form of propagation, but they are slow-growing. The germination process can take up to 14 to 28 days. They can be planted outdoors as soon as the soil has been properly prepared.
The seeds can be germinated on a windowsill. Seeds need to be planted about 1/4 inch deep in moist but well-drained soil.
Division
This method is used to create new plants from an existing plant. It is often done in the spring. Carefully dig up the whole plant and then gently break the plant into sections. You will generally get three to four divisions and be sure each section has healthy roots.
It can be beneficial to cut off some of the bottom leaves. Plant each of the segments into different containers and keep them in there until they grow roots and leaves. Then, transplant them to your garden or leave them in the container.
Cuttings
This is another method of propagating thyme. This method is commonly used to start new plants from cuttings taken from mature plants. It is best done in spring and fall.
Carefully cut the sprig on the stem where the leaves attach. After making a clean, strip about two inches off the sprig. Cut the tip of the spring at a 45-degree angle and dip it in growth hormone if possible.
If using growth hormone, you can put the cutting in well-draining potting soil. If not, place the thyme in a cup of water for three to four weeks with two inches of bare stem fully submerged. Once roots begin to grow, you can transfer the plant to potting soil.
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Growing Thyme – Characteristics
- Thyme is generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9. However, thyme can struggle in hot summers.
- It is best to plant it in spring when the threat of frost has passed. Thyme will tolerate drought well, but you should water it regularly during dry periods.
- Thyme generally grows six to 12 inches tall. To grow your own thyme, simply purchase seeds at a local nursery or garden center.
- Thyme loves the sun so you should plant it in an area where it gets full sun. If growing indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill.
- Thyme is easy to grow and can be started indoors or in pots. Your thyme should be planted at least three feet apart.
- If you live in a cold climate, mulch around your thyme plants with straw to protect them from frost. Thyme is a hardy perennial and will return every year. It can be left outside in the winter as it will grow leaves again in spring.
Benefits Of Growing Thyme
- It is a favorite herb for cooking and can be used as a natural insect repellent.
- It is also beneficial for the skin because it contains thymol, which has antibiotic properties.
- You can use thyme for cooking, tea, and soap.
Herbal remedies:
- Thyme is used in many herbal remedies for different ailments. Here are some of the most common uses for thyme:
- Thyme helps to relieve stomachaches.
- Thyme tea is a natural treatment for colds. Boil two cups of water, add one teaspoon of thyme, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the herbs and serve.
- Thyme is used as an insect repellent. Sprinkle thyme around your house to keep insects away.
- You can also use thyme to make soap.
- You can also use thyme to help cleanse the skin. Just be careful as some people may be sensitive to using thyme on their skin.
In Conclusion – How To Propagate Thyme
Knowing how to propagate thyme allows you to enjoy the many benefits of this herb. It is possible to propagate by seed, cuttings or division. It is often best to propagate by seed.
This method has the least amount of problems and is the easiest way to grow thyme. Cuttings are the second option.
It is more difficult to establish a cuttings culture than it is for seed. In the case of thyme, it can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
FAQs
Is thyme easy to grow from seed?
Yes, thyme is easy to grow from seed. In fact, it is a very popular herb garden plant, and many people grow it in their gardens because it is a good low-maintenance herb to grow in a pot or in the ground. You can buy thyme plants from your local nursery or garden center, or you can grow your own from seed.
Should I soak thyme seeds before planting?
You don’t need to soak thyme seeds before planting them. Just plant the seeds directly into your garden soil and they will germinate within a few days.
How long does it take to grow thyme from seed to harvest?
Thyme can be grown from seed in two to three months. However, if you want to harvest some leaves or flowers sooner, you can use cuttings from mature plants to start new thyme plants.
What month do you plant thyme seeds?
If you are growing thyme for culinary purposes, you should plant your seeds in spring, after the threat of the last frost has passed.
May 7, 2022
Is a Mushroom a Producer or What Can It Be Called?
Is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer? What class would you classify mushrooms especially if you want to start growing them?
Have you ever grown mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi and they have a very unique appearance.
Fungi can be single-celled or very complex multicellular organisms that often grow on dead organic matter, such as wood, plant material, and decaying matter. There are millions of species of fungus, including many edible ones.
Is a Mushroom a Producer?
Fungi can be saprobic, parasitic, or mutualistic. Saprobes eat organic material and are decomposers. Decomposers play an essential part in the survival of the ecosystem.
Mushrooms are decomposers and they only eat dead organisms. They break down the nutrients in the dead
organisms they consume, then return them to the food web. Mushrooms will eat dead producers or
consumers.
Defining a producer and decomposer:
Is a mushroom a producer? A producer is an organism that produces food for itself and other organisms. Producers, which are plants, use energy and simple inorganic molecules to create organic compounds.
In the case of mushrooms, they are decomposers. Mushrooms break down dead plants and animals and then release simple inorganic molecules back into the environment.
The decomposers are those organisms that eat dead organic matter, such as insects, to get its energy. For example, earthworms eat the soil and convert the organic matter to new soil for plants to grow in. So, the earthworm is a decomposer and not a producer.
Growing Mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is not for the fainthearted. If you have never grown mushrooms before, it is important to start with compost and a tray. The more you grow, the more you will learn about the various species.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the most common species of mushroom: the shiitake. The shiitake is easy to grow, and it’s a good beginner’s mushroom because they are quite forgiving.
We also recommend growing oyster mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are delicious when they are young, but they can grow to be very large. If you like oyster mushrooms, you will be pleased with the variety of sizes and flavors available in your garden.
For growing mushrooms you will need:
- For best results, use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep.
- Mushroom compost material.
- A spade or garden fork.
- A mushroom spawn bag. The most common mushroom spawn bags are made from polypropylene. The advantage of using a mushroom spawn bag is that it keeps your mushrooms from getting waterlogged.
- Heating pad.
- Potting soil.
- Spray bottle.
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Step-by-step directions:
Step 1. Preparing the mushroom tray
Use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep. The tray should resemble seed flats. Fill your trays with mushroom compost material and then sprinkle spawn on top.
Step 2. Growing the mushrooms
For the first three weeks, use a heating pad to keep the soil temperature at 70 degrees Farenheit. Once white, rootlike growths called mycelium appear lower the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees Farenheit. Cover the mycelium with about an inch of potting soil.
Be sure to always keep your soil moist during the growing period. Also, be sure to keep your growing tray out of direct sunlight.
Step 3. Harvesting the mushrooms
After three to four weeks, the mushrooms will be ready to harvest. You know that they are ready to harvest when the caps open fully and separate from the stems.
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the mushroom at the stem, do not pull it out. Wrap the mushrooms in paper towels then place them in open plastic bags or paper bags and keep them in the fridge. You can now use the mushrooms in recipes or freeze them for later use.
In Conclusion – Is A Mushroom A Producer?
So is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer? As we have seen in the above article, a mushroom is a decomposer and not a producer.
Read more about Best Oyster Mushroom Substrate.
FAQs
What is a mushroom classified as?
A mushroom is a fungus that forms fruiting bodies and spores. Fruiting bodies are the reproductive structures of the mushroom.
The most common form is a spore-producing structure called a cap. Caps can be single or multiple and can be attached to the substrate or free-standing.
A spore-producing structure called a stalk grows from the base of the cap. Mushroom stalks can also be free-standing or attached to the substrate.
Does mushroom belong to Basidiomycetes?
Yes. Mushrooms are basidiomycetes which are a diverse and abundant group of fungi. They comprise of around 1/3 of all known fungal species.
Why is a mushroom not a plant?
Plants are the dominant life forms on Earth. Plants have a root system, photosynthetic leaves, and reproductive structures. Mushrooms are not plants. They do not have roots, they do not produce chlorophyll, and they do not photosynthesize. Mushrooms are fungi that form fruiting bodies and spores.
Are all Autotrophs producers?
An autotroph is a type of organism that can produce its own food using inorganic substances. So, autotrphos are producers.
May 7, 2022
Growing Peppers Indoors
Growing peppers indoors may sound unfamiliar but it is possible. You can even get ornamental peppers that can be grown as ornamental indoors. Ornamental hot pepper plants’ foliage is very beautiful. They grow pretty well indoors.
However, if you’re having a warm sunny day, you can take them outside for a while for them to get that extra boost. You can even include hot peppers in your indoor herb garden tray as houseplants.
That is why if you are a lover of pepper and summer has ended, which means to some, pepper cannot be grown till the next summer, you can still get to enjoy your spicy colorful fruit.
So if you’re considering growing peppers indoors in order to keep enjoying this fruit, there are tips you need to follow for a successful planting season.
Hot Peppers Grown Indoors
The best hot pepper to grow indoors is ornamental pepper. When the plants set fruits, the fruits appear green then yellow, orange and then they become red. They are usually very hot when you cook with them.
You can grow the colorful cayenne ‘Carnival’ in a pot if you’re the type that likes using pepper plants from time to time. The compact varieties adapt well to containers, although you can still choose any other hot pepper type.
If you want to grow peppers indoors, you can begin by collecting pepper seeds and starting them in containers that are clean. You can as well opt for buying seedlings or small plants to grow indoors. Then you can get a permanent container and transfer them there.
Seedlings or small plants require up to 10 to 12 hours of sunlight every day when growing. You can put the plants under a grow light instead for 14-16 hours when they are up to 6 inches. To sprout the seeds when planting from seeds, use a warming mat. A warm location that is out of direct sunlight is where to start your seeds.
Endeavor to keep the soil moist. You can place a plastic covering which helps to keep moisture. Then as the seedlings sprout, you can begin to increase sunlight. Pepper plants must be prevented from growing spindly in the course of trying to reach for the light by providing proper lighting.
Check Out When To Harvest Celery
Growing Peppers Indoors: Methods To Follow
There are two types of methods of how to grow pepper indoors. These are by starting peppers from seeds or by planting peppers outdoor and then bringing the plants indoors later.
1. Starting Peppers Indoors
This method of starting peppers from seed can be done at any period of the year. This technique is quite simple too. Starting indoors from the beginning is a method that is recommended by many experts. You just have to leave the plants indoors all through their lives.
Starting seeds indoors gives you the advantage of selecting the type of variant you want and that can grow to the exact size to fit into your planting space indoors. And if you have enough room, larger plants like red bell peppers and Hungarian wax peppers can be grown conveniently.
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You can opt for the dwarf chilies variety if the space you chose is not that much. Use an organic potting mix that is made for edible plants to plant the seeds in. Start by putting two pepper seeds just beneath the surface of a planting medium in a small-sized pot.
Put them close to the middle of the pot. Don’t forget to maintain moist soil and not a very wet one. Keep the pot in a location where it can get access to direct sunlight.
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2. Bringing Outdoor Pepper Plants Indoors
If at some point, you have pepper plants outside in your yard and you want them to keep thriving all through the year, then take them inside. This way you would have started planting your crops before the frosty weather sets in. And you get to harvest the fruits earlier than usual.
Furthermore, a situation whereby you have your peppers planted directly in the ground will not make it easy for these plants to be brought in. Uprooting and bringing these plants in cannot be done just like that.
So to be successful at this, a sharp garden shovel will be able to help you dig around your pepper plant. Don’t forget to dig up lots of soil with the plant. Once you dig up the plant, lift it up immediately and place it right in a pot.
Transplanting is best done in the evening in order for the plant to have enough time to cool off all through the night and also recover. A plastic plant pot is ideal for transplanting. Don’t use materials like terra cotta for transplanting your peppers.
At this stage, you can add some compost if your planting pot still has some space in it. Then don’t add more garden soil at the point. Then after, your plant must be watered, look for a shady location and keep it there to rest for a while.
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- Get To Know The Different Types Of Arugula
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Caring For Pepper Plants Indoors During Winter
You need to be vigilant with the plants that you’ve brought indoors. Outdoor pepper plants are likely prone to pests like aphids. Make sure you don’t bring any of the pests into your home by checking the plants thoroughly.
You should take any plant that has bugs on it outside and rinse the bugs out thoroughly. You should keep the plants away, like quarantine them from the others if the signs of pests are much. This way, you should be able to use an organic plant pesticide to treat the plant and get rid of the pests.
Another thing is that you need to keep the plant in a location where it can easily get access to sunlight. And if getting access to sunlight is an impossible option, an inexpensive grow light can be used to make light available.
Growing Peppers Indoors During Winter
Ideally, hot temperatures are the best to grow peppers. Notwithstanding, they can as well grow well indoors during cold weather. You should also be prepared for the extra work that comes with growing peppers indoors.
Final Say
Growing peppers indoors can be a fun thing to do and your pepper seeds especially can even benefit from a great boost.
FAQ’s
Do pepper plants need night cycle?
Yes, pepper plant can benefit from the night cycle because dark hours play a crucial role in the development of plants. So, pepper plants can benefit from 4 hours of night cycle daily.
Can pepper seedlings get too much light?
Even though the seedlings of pepper require bright light to grow properly, you should however desist from using excessive bright LED light because it can cause damage to your seedlings especially when they are close.
Can you grow peppers from the seeds inside?
Yes, it is possible to grow pepper seeds inside or indoors. Matter of fact, if you start your pepper seeds indoors, they can benefit from it as you will be giving them a good boost before transplanting them outdoors.
How long does it take to grow peppers from seed indoors?
Normally, when you start pepper seeds indoors, it can take around 8 weeks to sprout and you can then move to transplant your seedlings outdoors.
May 6, 2022
When To Harvest Celery
When to harvest celery is what will be discussed here. Planting a seed is as important as harvesting a plant because every farmer or gardener plants with the mindset of harvesting as when due. This principle also applies to celery plants but to have a bountiful and beautiful harvest, the planting process must be carried out with care, and seriousness. Every necessary attention must be paid to the plant.
The growing process as well needs to be monitored and to achieve the maximum from the plant when they are due for harvest; the proper harvesting procedures have to be followed.
Then when and how can you harvest your celery plant? This and more will be discussed in this insightful article.
Celery plants are a wonderful source of phytonutrients that have the ability to reduce inflammation (a health situation that is capable of causing arthritis and osteoporosis. A single stalk has over 24 compounds that can offer protection to the body against inflammation. When to harvest celery will be discussed here so let’s begin.
Planting Celery Seed – When To Harvest Celery
These wonderful plants are raised from the seed and planted either in an open field or a hotbed with inclination to the season of the year. The moment they attain a height of 6-8 inches after thinning and transplanting, they are transferred to a deep trench for easy blanching.
Growing and raising a celery plant is generally considered to be a gardening challenge because of its low tolerance for both cold and heat (of course because balancing the temperature of a plant isn’t as easy as it looks).
In the process of planting, mix the tiny seeds (after being soaked in warm water over the night to help with proper germination) with sand and sprinkle over a starter soil tray, then cover with a plastic wrap till trap warmth and retain moisture as that is what’s required for celery seed.
Once the seedlings pop out, remove the wrap and transfer it to a pot, and place it in a strategic location where it can get a minimum of 15 hours of sunlight on a daily basis. Not to forget that the celery plant needs moisture so it must be ensured to keep it watered often.
To prevent the plant soil from coming out, endeavor to cover the base of your pot with a coffee filter or paper towel.
Also, before you sprinkle your soil and seed mixture into the potting soil, you shouldn’t forget to add fertilizer (in the quantity required or as directed by label instructions) to the soil before filling it into the plant pot.
When the plants are about 50mm, transfer pots to the garden where the soil isn’t in danger of frost and is about 10⁰C and ensure they are at least, eight inches apart to ensure proper growth.
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When To Harvest Celery Plant?
Everything under the sun sure has timing; the time to plant, the time to sleep, time to eat, and time to weed and all. For a plant that was planted, there must be a time to harvest. So, when is the right time frame to harvest your celery plant?
Understanding the distinctive traits of the celery plants suggest if it is ripe or not. Harvesting the celery too early can lead to its stalks (leaves) turning yellow or dying.
Most celery varieties take between 95 to 150 days after transplanting. Once the base of your plant reaches 3-4 inches in diameter and the stalks have grown about six (6) inches tall from the stem, it is ready to be picked.
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How To Harvest Celery
There are two paths to harvesting the plant;
1. Harvesting by A Bunch: This means digging out or cutting at least 1 inch above the soil across the base of the plant. This is usually done when you intend to have an untouched bunch of celery. This also keeps the root of the plant in the soil thereby giving it an opportunity to grow back gradually, which in turn gives you yet another but smaller harvest.
2. Harvesting by Stalk: This method is also known as the cut and come again method and it’s the commonest method being used in harvesting celery plants. This is done by using sharp scissors to cut the base of the outer stalk about 1 inch above the soil. When doing this, one must be very careful to avoid cutting into the entire plant. This method gives the opportunity for the inner stalks to grow into maturity throughout the planting year and gives you more plants to harvest when you’re in need of it. Just as the name implies, you cut some, go then return for more.
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Caring For Your Celery – When To Harvest Celery
The celery plants are liable to lest and it requires a lot of routine maintenance and a properly monitored planting to enable them to thrive and grow to their best during their long growing season. Some care tips include:
- Regular and proper watering of the plant
- When weeding, utmost care needs to be taken as the celery roots are shallow and are easily disturbed.
- Sufficient organic matter/mulch doesn’t just help keep weeds from germinating but also keeps the soil moist and cool. It also introduces worms and other soil creatures that are beneficial to your plant. When choosing your mulch, you can contact your nearest garden instructor to help know and decide which mulch matches your soil and crop.
- Make use of row covers during the first month of planting to protect new and young stalks from aphids and other destructive insects.
- Companion Planting: Planting your celery close to plants like shallots, dill, mint, and garlic help attract pollinators and drive back fungus and intruding insects.
Conclusion On When To Harvest Celery
When to harvest celery plant has been explained here. We have also looked into how the harvesting can be done and how to care for the plant.
FAQ’s
Does celery grow back after cutting?
The fact is that celery are biennial vegetable so this implies that once you’ve harvested celery for two years, it won’t grow back after you cut it.
How long can you leave celery in the ground?
Celery can be left in the garden on the ground for around a month. Just make sure the soil that is built up around it can maintain the appropriate temperature.
Does celery come back every year?
Because celery is biennial a plant, once they have been harvested after two years, they don’t usually grow back.
Are celery leaves edible?
Yes, celery are pretty edible and they aren’t toxic. However, consume them in moderate portions and take note that their nutrition is offered in little portions.
May 6, 2022
Get To Know The Different Types Of Arugula
Arugula, which is also known as Eruca sativa, will get you hooked from the first peppery bite. You will be amazed to know that there are so many different types of arugula. Types of arugula are what will be listed here.
This leafy green will have you falling in love with its peppery deliciousness except, you’re yet to have a taste of one of its varieties that you will like. Or it might be that it’s the bagged one sold at the grocery store that you’ve eaten.
The Arugula plant is an annual leafy vegetable that grows very fast such that you can begin to harvest the leaves in just a few weeks. It belongs to the mustard family grown as a salad green that is flavorful.
Its flavor is kind of tart and peppery. The leaves are usually 3 to 6 inches in length and are deeply lobed. Arugula usually grows in rosettes. Since it’s a cold season vegetable, arugula should be planted at the beginning of spring or late summer.
Let’s take a look at some of the types of arugula varieties that you can grow in your vegetable garden.
Types Of Arugula: Some Of The Best Varieties
Below are some deliciously zippy varieties that you can consider growing in your garden.
1.    Italian Cress
Italian Cress is a good addition to sandwiches and salads, with its lettuce-like leaves that are large. Unlike other skinnier varieties, each leaf of the Italian cress is packed with lots of greens that are edible which makes.
This makes this variety perfect for those who will be impatient with the skinnier varieties. This way, you don’t have to pick so many leaves at once for your salads. This variety is as well perfect for gardeners with limited space and indoor planting of greens over the winter. In just 30 days, Italian Cress will reach maturity.
These large leaves will taste so well in soups and stews or sautéed like spinach.
2.    Astro
The Astro cultivar’s mild but peppery flavor may be a perfect recommendation for those who like arugula but are not the too spicy type. You can harvest the baby greens around 3 weeks or better still be patient till the 38^th day for tender leaves that are mature.
You can also brighten up your salads with edible white flowers. But once the plant starts producing flowers, the leaves will somehow taste a bit sharper.
3.    Slow bolt
The arugula plant can grow more quickly and bolt during hot weather. A confirmation that it can set flowers and go to seed a bit faster than harvesting it.
For gardeners living in zones 8 and above in the USDA that are hardy, the heirloom ‘Slow Bolt’ is a win-win. Compared to some other non-slow-bolting varieties, the ‘Slow bolt’ variety matures in 43 days.
And you get to have more time to harvest the mild baby leaves. These larger mature leaves can be added in your salads and sandwiches and also in stews and soups to get a mild peppery flavor.
4.    Garden Tangy
Garden tangy is a cultivar from Italy and as well can be used to garnish all Italian-style dishes perfectly. It has frilly leaf edges reminiscent of kale and a spicy flavor. It also has this ‘Garden Tangy’ flavor in pasta dishes, salads, and many more and it matures very fast.
You can sure pluck 10-12 inches leaves from the plant of this variety in just 30 to 35 days. The Garden Tangy thrives in cool weather and sunshine just like all other arugula varieties.
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5.    Red Dragon
This variety, out of the types of arugula, has serrated leaves like the shape of an oak leaf. The difference is that the ‘Red Dragon’ cultivar leaves have a red vein branch at the center, unlike the oak tree leaves.
This variety will be perfect for a nice salad. Due to its not-so-peppery flavor, it can be served to guests that have not eaten arugula before for a full flavor of the vegetable but not with an imposed trial impression.
This variety grows slowly. It matures in 45 days with a mature height of 5 to 6 inches.
The Ideal Period To Plant Arugula
Generally, it takes 40 days from seeding for arugula to be ready for harvesting. Well, it is possible to have two arugula seasons if you time it right. The first can be during spring to the beginning of summer and then another at the end of summer into fall.
However, the midsummer is not really a good time because it won’t grow well in the high heat. As soon as the soil is workable during spring, you can begin planting.
If you want to harvest continuously, you should plant more additional seeds every two to three weeks till the weather becomes hot in summer or frosty during fall. Arugula is also tolerant of frost and light freezing cold too.
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Planting Arugula
Here is a brief on planting arugula:
- When planning arugula, sow seeds about quarter-inch deep then one inch apart in rows 10 inches apart.
- You should begin to notice seeds sprouting in about a week. A bonus tip for speeding up germination is soaking seeds in water for a few hours before you plant.
- Then new seeds can be sown every 2 or 3 weeks so you can enjoy non-stop harvest later.
Conclusion On Types Of Arugula
Arugula tends to grow faster and it has a bolder flavor compared to other greens. There are different types of arugula that you can always enjoy. Types of arugula have been listed in this post.
FAQ’s
What is the spiciest arugula?
One spicy arugula variety is Arugula Coltivata and this variety tends to become spicier when the weather is hot.
Are rockets and arugula the same?
Arugula leaves can as well be referred to as rocket and they are tender and bite-sized that offers that tangy flavor.
Is there purple arugula?
Purple stemmed rockette is a variety of arugula that gives rise to a lovely purple tint that is quite attractive.
Is arugula like cilantro?
Arugula and cilantro are not related and they both come from two different plant families. The family cilantro comes from is Apiaceae, while the family arugula comes from is brassicaceae.
May 5, 2022
The Ideal Blueberry Soil PH Requirement
It is necessary to maintain an ideal pH for the blueberry soil so the plant can flourish. Blueberry soil pH can range from 4.2 to 5.5 so this implies that they need acidic soil to thrive and yield fruits.
The pH of the soil is one of the most important things to put in place when planting blueberries. For you to properly plan your blueberry planting, you need to know the status of your soil and do the appropriate amendments necessary for your plant to flourish.
The information we will be provided in this article will outline more about blueberry soil requirements.
Blueberry Soil PH: The Ideal PH Requirement
So, the correct pH level you should provide for the soil for growing your blueberry is between 4.2 to 5.5 and this shows that acidic soil is the best pH for the plant.
This pH range for blueberry is pretty unique given the fact that most vegetables and fruit plants thrive well in a soil pH range between 6.5 to 7.5.
But when it comes to blueberry plants, if you want to follow the usual pH range for most fruits and vegetables (which is around 6.5 to 7.5), the plant’s growth can slow down, show yellowish leaves, and even produce only a few fruits or no fruit at all. This is why you need to test your soil and lower the pH when necessary.
To reduce the pH of your soil, you can simply amend it by adding sulfur to the soil. This sulfur can be in form of elemental sulfur, sphagnum peat moss, or you can simply use a widely available sulfur amendment gotten from your local garden stores.
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How You Can Test The Soil To Determine Soil PH
When you plan to grow blueberry, it is very important to determine the status of your soil pH. Once you’re able to determine the soil pH, you can know the right amendments to do. The appropriate pH status required to grow blueberry ranges from 4.2 to 5.5
You can determine the soil pH by simply obtaining some soil samples in the area of the plant site you will be planting your blueberries and submit this sample to a lab.
Now, once you’ve identified the status of your soil, you can now decide on the appropriate soil amendments for your soil. If the soil is high in pH, this means you should amend the soil by lowering the pH and if the soil level pH is low, you can leave it but make sure the level is between 4 to 5 pH levels.
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Way Of Amending Soil PH To Suit Blueberry
So, below are some great ways you can amend the soil pH:
1.    Sulfur – Blueberry Soil PH
Sulfur should be applied to the planting site. But if you would be making use of sulfur to amend your soil to plant blueberry, it is recommended to amend your soil pH the fall before you plant. It is suggested you do this because it can take several months for the pH to be amended after sulfur application.
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2.    Sphagnum Peat Moss – Blueberry Soil PH
Sphagnum peat moss is also great to be used to amend the soil. This is particularly if your soil has not been amended yet and you wish to plant your blueberries this spring. So, the addition of an acidic growing medium such as sphagnum peat moss can be added to the planting site to help amend the soil.
This method will even be more ideal if the originally the soil pH is around 5.5 to 7.0. So, just add about 4 to 6 inches of sphagnum peat moss to the upper layer of about 6 to 8 inches of the soil.
We recommend you go further by amending the whole planting site for your blueberries. This is because the roots of blueberries are inclined to expand and outwards. Hence, it is better to amend a soil area of about 2 to 3 feet wide just to ensure the roots of the blueberries plant have access to acidic soil.
3.    Fertilize With An Acidic Fertilizer – Blueberry Soil PH
Blueberry soil pH planting site can as well be amended using acidic fertilizer. Some of these acidic fertilizers include ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, or sulfur-coated urea.
Guidelines For Planning Out A Blueberry Planting Site
Let’s further look into some guidelines to put you through planning out a blueberry planting site:
1. You should begin soil amendments by planning ahead because the soil can need several months to adjust once it has been amended. If possible, you can amend the soil in the fall before you plant
2. At your planting site, you need to plant blueberries 5 feet apart. It may seem like this distance looks far, but the plant is capable of growing out and filling the space. Just make sure you don’t plant too close because it can create competition amongst the plants and it can even increase the chances of insect and disease damage.
3. Make sure the blueberry variety you’re purchasing is from a reliable or reputable store.
4. Preferably, don’t plant against a wall because the wall may generate extra heat that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant.
5. You can expect 6 to 8 pounds of fruits each year for each plant and begin 3 to 4 years after planting.
Final Note On Blueberry Soil PH
Blueberry soil pH needs to be in the right range which is around 4.2 to 5.5 because this pH range will ensure blueberry plant thrives well and produce.
Soil testing should be the first factor to consider when planning your garden site for your blueberry and once you’ve determined the pH level, just amend the soil accordingly to suit blueberry growth.
FAQ’s
How do I make my soil acidic for blueberries?
You can make your soil acidic for blueberries planting by simply adding sulfur to your soil, amending it with sphagnum peat moss, or fertilize the soil using acidic fertilizer.
Should you put lime on blueberry bushes?
The addition of lime to soil usually neutralizes the soil pH to a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.0. However, blueberry needs an acidic soil of lower pH (which is between 4.2 to 5.5) to flourish. So, lime may not be so great in helping blueberry plant amend their soil to the right pH range.
Can I put coffee grounds on my blueberry plants?
You may decide to put coffee grounds on your blueberry plants because they are highly acidic. However, if your soil is already high in nitrogen and you apply coffee ground, it may stunt the growth of flowers and fruit production.
How do you add sulfur to blueberries?
Sulfur helps amend blueberry soil by lowering their pH, so if you want to reduce the pH range of sandy soil, you need to add ¾ pound of sulfur per 100 square feet of the garden planting site.
May 5, 2022