🌱 Grower Today

Category: Organic Food

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.
Read more about How Long Does It Take For Zucchini To Grow?
Is Too Much Sunshine Exposure Bad For Lettuce?
As we mentioned earlier, lettuce does not need excess sun direct sun exposure. The truth is that no variety of lettuce likes or thrives well under hot weather.
If lettuce is left under hot weather for a long time, the plant begins to lose more water. Bolting occurs which means you get limited or no fresh lettuce leaves and the plant begins to end its growing process.
Then this usually results in lettuce plant that seeds and flowers really fast than it should. Hence, the result is bitter-tasting lettuce.
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How Can Lettuce Be Shielded From Excess Sun Exposure?
The goal of planting lettuce by most growers is to get that big leafy leaves that are used for most cooking applications. Nobody wants to end up with bitter-tasting lettuce that is a result of excess sun exposure.
So, how do we shield our lettuce plant from excess sun exposure? Let’s look into this;
1.    Select The Right Variety Such As Hardy Lettuce Varieties
There are some lettuce varieties that can tolerate more heat. So, you can go for this type of lettuce variety especially if you live in a hot region.
Examples of such heat tolerating lettuce varieties include Summer Bibb Blend, Green Salad Bowl, and Bibb Buttercrunch.
2.    Use Shade Covers To Protect Lettuce
Shielding lettuce leaves from direct sunshine should is another way to protect the plant from excess sun exposure. Once the temperature is high (around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit), your lettuce plant will be prone to bolting.
Using shade covers can act as a barrier between your lettuce plant and the excess sun exposure.
3.    Early Season Planting – How Much Sun Does Lettuce Need?
You can plant lettuce in the early season and you don’t need to wait for sunlight to begin planting. Lettuce can begin to sprout with a temperature that is as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
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