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Category: Organic Food

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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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
When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
You might be wondering about this; When are tomatillos ripe? Tomatillo is a small round green fruit that has a similar appearance to green tomatoes. But take note that tomatoes and tomatillos are two entirely different fruits.
Their fruits of tomatillos usually have husks around them. From inside the husk, the fruits are usually formed on plants.
You can harvest so much on a tomatillo plant which gives you the advantage of preparing lots of salsa verde. When you know the right time to pick tomatillos, you get to pick the fruits only when it’s in their full flavor.
Physalis philadephica and Physalis ixocarpa are the two types of tomatillos and these two types of tomatillos have many varieties. These several varieties of tomatillos are native to Central America and Mexico.
When tomatillos are ripe is what we would like to know but before we look into this, let’s briefly discuss growing tomatillos.
Growing Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
Discussing about knowing when tomatillos get becomes ripen may not be complete without going into little details about how they are being grown.
You can either plant tomatillos in warmer climates if you’re planting from seed or plant them indoors first. This should be before the last expected frost, like six weeks before then. It usually takes like 75 to 100 days, from planting to harvesting tomatillos.
Remember a tomatillo plant can yield a lot of fruits. But two or more tomatillo plants, at least, are needed in order for them to yield fruits. This is because tomatillo plants are not self-pollinating.
A lot of yellow flowers are then produced, which later begin to transform into round husks that are empty (from the calyx). It is inside the husks the tomatillos will begin to form gradually and then totally occupy the husks. You need lots of patience when growing tomatillos.
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Step By Step
Choose a spot with full sun and with soil that drains well. Even moisture is important for the plant to be healthy and grow to its full potential. This is even more important after the setting of fruits.
Well, you can say tomatillos and tomatoes share some similarities in how they are being cultivated. And as it is also called Mexican husk tomatoes and Mexican ground cherries, tomatillos can take time to set fruit.
At this point, you may need to self-pollinate the plant, so, go ahead and hand pollinate them if you want to. But be very observant once you notice signs of the setting of fruits.
Once the tomatillo fruits begin to develop, you will notice that the plants are becoming heavier. Sometimes these plants will begin to lean for support due to how heavy they’ve become.
To avoid disturbing the roots or breaking the branches when the plants are more matured, cage or stake the plants when they are yet smaller during earlier in the season. The strongest-looking tomatillo plant can cause by a sudden summer storm. This is why caging or staking the plants will be the best thing to do.
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When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
When are tomatillos ripe and ready to be picked? Well, the fruit of tomatillos should be ripe and ready for picking once you notice that the papery husk that surrounds the fruit turns green to tan. Then they will begin to split.
The fruit of tomatillos is usually bright green, purple, or yellow and this often depends on the variety.
Once the fruit of tomatillos is ripened or matured, the size will be like that of cherry tomatoes or a bit bigger. Note that the smaller fruit of tomatillos is usually tastier than the larger ones.
Also, tomatillos are usually ready to be harvested from 65 to 100 days after sowing and about 65 to 85 days after transplanting. However, this can vary depending on the weather conditions, growing conditions, and variety.
You can however allow your plant a good 2 to 3 months of growing before you begin to check the fruit for ripeness. Then when the fruits have begun to ripen, you will be picking them for 1 to 2 months.
The plant of tomatillos yields abundantly and a single plant can give rise to 60 to 200 individual tomatillos. This is about 2 and a half pounds for each plant.
However, once tomatillo’s mature stage has passed, you will notice the gloss of the fruit becoming dull.
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Harvesting Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
It is best to harvest tomatillos when they are still green. This is because it is the stage when they still have the most flavors. To foster the yielding of fruits continuously, knowing how to harvest tomatillos is important.
- You should harvest tomatillos by gently twisting or slightly turning the plant with the help of a garden pruner or scissors.
- Then go ahead and peel the back a little part of the husk and ensure the fruit is blemish-free.
- If you notice the fruit is sticky when you remove the husk, simply wash it off with mild soapy water.
- Also, you should pick the fruits whose husks have been burst open and have not been infected with diseases or mold. Not with insect damage also. When there are any damaged fruits, separate them from the plant and compost them. To prevent these affected fruits from harming other healthy fruits and stems, cut them off the plants.
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Storage Of Tomatillos – When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
Once you’ve harvested the fruit of tomatillos, it is best you use them while they are fresh and green.
However, if you wish to store them, you can store them in their husk for around two weeks in a paper bag in the section for crisper vegetables in the refrigerator. Note that tomatillos can suffer injury if stored below 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Say On When Are Tomatillos Ripe?
Tomatillo is a cool crop you can add to your vegetable garden and always enjoy the tasty result anytime. We have given some great hints to help you know when this tasty fruit is ready to be picked so you can comfortably enjoy your harvest.
FAQ’s
Can you eat unripe tomatillos?
It may not be necessary for tomatillos to become ripe for you to eat them. The small unripe tomatillos may be fine to be eaten but they often taste sour and you won’t get that sweet and flavorful feel when you eat the ripe ones.
Will tomatillos ripen after being picked?
Yes, tomatillos can continue to ripe and mature after they have been picked. But ideally, tomatillos usually fall off the vine before fully ripe so they can continue their maturity once picked.
What part of tomatillos are poisonous?
The parts of tomatillos plants that are poisonous include the leaves, husk, and the stem. Once the fruit ripens, their papery husk will let out the fruit inside them.
What is the sticky stuff on tomatillos?
The sticky stuff on tomatillos are chemicals called withanolides and along with their husk, they help deter insects away from them.
April 22, 2022
In-depth Knowledge On What Ox Heart Tomatoes Is
Ox heart tomatoes are characterized by their huge and fleshy fruits. This type of tomato variety may sound new to you or not. But ox heart tomatoes have been around for a very long time (almost a century).
Ox heart tomatoes are this type of versatile tomato variety that is similar to the beefsteak tomato variety. This tomato variety is quite easy to grow and it can take around 80 days for tomato fruits production. It is also a low-maintenance that can give rise to huge fruit.
If you’ve ever wondered what an ox heart tomato is all about, here is where you can get some good info about them. We will be discussing some information about this amazing tomato variety and more so continue reading for some insight on them.
Ox Heart Tomatoes: Some Info About Them And Their Characteristics
Ox heart tomatoes come in big sizes and they have this pointed bottom that looks like a beef heart which is where their name is derived from. This unusual shape of ox heart tomato is a result of a mutation that causes their blossom end to become elongated. However, you may find that some are deep ribbed ox heart tomatoes.
Ox heart tomatoes are categorized to be under the group of beef tomato group and their fruit can weigh around 100 to over 1000 grams.
This tomato variety is from mid-season to late season. They have a close resemblance to beefsteak tomato and because of this reason, some gardeners may be looking at them as an alternative to the regular beefsteak tomato variety.
It’s been suggested that the ox heart tomato originated from Russia as this was where it’s been first mentioned towards the end of the 19^th century. Then this ox heart tomato got to the United States where it has been widely cultivated till date. This tomato variety is also popular in France and Italy where their fruits are usually sold at the markets of farmers.
They are indeterminate and the majority of ox heart tomato comes in red or pink. However, you may still find some yellow, green, orange, or purple just like you can find in other types of tomatoes.
Just like in most beef tomatoes, the seeds contained in ox heart tomato are usually small. The majority of ox heart tomatoes are heirloom and the newer varieties are hybrid and these tend to yield sterile seeds.
The good thing is that if you’re able to find an heirloom ox heart tomato variety, then you can easily propagate your oxheart plant using their seeds.
Check Out General Information About Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes
What Does Ox Heart Tomatoes Taste Like?
Ox heart tomatoes have this delightful aromatic sweet taste with a bit of acidic taste.
Once the fruit of the ox heart plant ripens, it usually turns soft quickly. Therefore, it is best you eat it as soon as possible or process the fruit soon once you’ve harvested them.
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Some Of The Best Ox Heart Tomato Variety To Go For
There are many varieties of ox heart tomato. But here are some of the best varieties of ox heart tomatoes you can go for:
- Orange Russian: this is one lovely ox heart tomato variety that is heart-shaped and orange-marbled. Their fruit can weigh up to 300 grams and they have this amazing taste that is fruity, sweet, and spicy. Also, this variety is best grown in a greenhouse.
- Coeur de Boeuf: this ox heart variety is well-loved among growers and may even be one of the best known varieties of ox heart tomato. Their fruits form light red fruit with strong ribs. This variety of ox heart is from France and they ripen from the middle of July. They can grow as high as 200 cm and they are ideal for outdoor cultivation with a bit of protection from rain.
- White Oxheart: this ox heart variety gives rise to light-yellow fruits and the plant can grow as tall as 200 cm. They usually do well and produce great in a greenhouse.
- Anna Russian: this ox heart tomato variety yields large heart-shaped tomato fruits that changes to deep pink once they are matured or ripe.
- Bulgarian Oxheart: this variety grows numerous pink heart-shaped tomato fruits during summer. The plant of this variety can grow as tall as 180 cm.
- Hungarian Heart Tomato: this ox heart tomato variety originated from outside of Budapest Hungary, around 1900. They are characterized by their radiant reddish-pink tomato fruit and they can be almost a pound heavy. Their fruit is quite heavy and meaty just like every other ox heart tomato.
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Applications Of Ox Heart Tomatoes
Ox heart tomatoes are great to be used for slicing tomatoes in salads and sandwiches. They also work well when you incorporate them into soups and sauces.
If by any chance you end up harvesting more ox heart tomatoes than you can consume, these tomatoes are blessed with adequate flesh that makes them ideal for processing and canning.
But ox heart tomatoes aren’t pasted tomatoes. Hence, it might take longer for them to thicken into sauce or paste.
Again, thanks to their huge size, these tomatoes are great for stuffing and their scooped-out and meaty innards a nice to be used for sauce and or add to your dishes.
All in all, these huge ox heart tomatoes are wonderful flavor and versatile in the kitchen.
Conclusion On Ox Heart Tomatoes
We have seen that ox heart tomato is another type of tomato you can go for. Ox heart tomatoes are as huge as beefsteak tomatoes and we have given some in-depth knowledge on what this wonderful tomato variety is.
FAQ’s
What does oxheart mean?
When we talk about oxheart, we are referring to a huge variety of sweet cherries. Then oxheart tomato is a type of tomato variety that is huge and fleshy.
What can I do with oxheart tomatoes?
Oxheart tomatoes are nice to be used in our different cooking such as soups and sauces. You can also use them in your sandwich and salads. So, you can enjoy the delightful flavor of oxheart tomato in your kitchen.
Is ox heart tomato heirloom?
Most varieties of ox heart tomatoes are heirloom then the newer varieties of ox heart tend to be hybrid that gives rise to sterile seeds.
Are oxheart tomatoes easy to grow?
Yes, oxheart tomatoes are pretty easy to grow and it is pretty easy to be successful at growing them. just ensure you provide them with full sun, proper watering, and fertile soil.
April 21, 2022
3 Ways On How To Propagate Rosemary
Have you ever wondered how to propagate rosemary? There are several ways to propagate rosemary that we will look at today to help us learn how to do it correctly.
Rosemary is one of the most common herbs that most gardeners love to grow. It is easy to grow and has good taste. It does not require much space and can be grown anywhere.
It only needs to be watered every one to two weeks, but if you want it to produce more leaves, you will have to water it more often. The leaves can be used for flavoring food or tea. Rosemary also makes an attractive garden plant.
It is easy to grow and has many uses in the kitchen. Some people even use rosemary as a herb in their cooking.
You can dry the leaves and use them for tea, as well as for other purposes. They are also good to dry and use for soap making.
How To Propagate Rosemary
Knowing how to propagate rosemary is helpful if you are an avid gardener. To propagate rosemary, we need to first understand what it is. Rosemary is a perennial herb that grows from a root system. There are several ways to propagate rosemary that include:
Growing the plant from seed
The most common way to propagate rosemary is by seed propagation. Seeds are the easiest way to propagate rosemary because they are relatively quick to start and easy to get. Rosemary seeds germinate in about 15-25 days and require lots of warmth.
Growing from cuttings
Rosemary can also be propagated by cutting. Rosemary cuttings should be taken from healthy sprigs four to six inches long. Rosemary cuttings will root easily in containers or soil and are easy to grow.
Strip the leaves off of the bottom two inches of the branch and dip in growth hormone if possible. If using growth hormone, you can place the cutting directly in well-drained soil. If not, place the cutting in a glass of water with the bottom two inches of the stem submerged for three to four weeks. Once there are mature roots you can plant them in potting soil.
Rosemary cuttings should be pruned off regularly to encourage new growth. Though division is a great way to propagate other plants, it does not work well for rosemary. Division involves digging up a plant and dividing the root stems into individual sections.
Layering
Another common way to propagate rosemary is through layering. Layering involves getting stems to develop new roots while still attached to the parent plant. To do so, start by digging a trench that is approximately two inches deep and one inch wide at the spot where the stem of the rosemary reaches the ground.
Using a sterilized sharp knife, carefully strip the leaves and bark from the bottom of the stem. Then, place it in the trench while leaving about two to three inches of foliage and stem intact at the tip.
To pin the stem in the ground, use a garden staple and refill the trench with soil. Regularly water the layered stems until you see rootlets have grown and new growth appears where the exposed tip is.
To check for new roots, very carefully dig around the area of the buried stems. This process is successful but can take many months to achieve.
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How To Propagate Rosemary From Cuttings
Propagating rosemary from cuttings is easy. There are several ways you can do this, and it depends on what you want to achieve.
You can use this method if you want to keep some plants alive for the winter. In addition, if you just want to grow more plants next year you can use this method.
To do so, you will need to grow a cutting and take it into a propagator where it will root and grow into a new plant. To grow rosemary from cuttings, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the cuttings
Cut off a sprig about four to six inches long and remove the leaves from the bottom two inches.
Step 2: Water the cuttings
Propagate rosemary in water by placing the cuttings in the water for around three to four weeks.
Step 3: Take the cuttings out of the water
Carefully remove the cuttings from the water, and place them in a tray of moist soil.
Step 4: Place the cuttings in a propagator
Grow your new cutting in a tray of well-drained potting soil, preferably in a warm environment, and water regularly.
Step 5: Plant the rosemary cuttings
Once the cuttings are ready, take the cuttings out of the tray. You can plant the cuttings in a pot filled with compost, or you can plant them in a large container such as a garden or patio planter. You can also plant the cuttings directly into your garden.
Rosemary propagation is one of the easiest to do especially when you have a healthy rosemary plant. The most important thing to consider is the way you prepare your cuttings so that they root easily and fast.
Final Words On How To Propagate Rosemary
No more wondering about how to propagate rosemary, as the methods are discussed above and all of them are successful. Your choice of propagation method depends on the results you want to achieve and the amount of time you are giving your plant. Knowing how to propagate rosemary is easier than one may think.
For example, if you want this low-maintenance plant with a nice aroma, you can let it grow from cuttings from a well-grown plant and plant them. Also, remember that you can successfully propagate rosemary using cuttings because you will end up with many small plants.
If you plant from seed, you have to wait for these plants to grow before they produce leaves, which is time-consuming. When propagating seeds you can choose between sowing them in soil and using seed trays. Knowing how to propagate rosemary is beneficial for any gardener.
Read more about General Information About Grape Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes.
FAQs
How to grow rosemary from seed?
The simplest method for growing rosemary is from seed. This is recommended when you wish to establish a new plant in a pot or garden bed, or if you want to grow a rosemary hedge in your garden. Rosemary can be sown as soon as the soil has been warmed up. To sow, simply sprinkle seed evenly over the surface of a prepared bed and water well.
How to propagate rosemary from cutting?
A cutting taken from an established plant will root more quickly than seeds. Simply take a cutting, leave it in water, and water well. The cuttings can be rooted in a single growing season.
April 21, 2022