Category: Plants

How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

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

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

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

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

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

How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

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

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

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

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

Growing Lettuce – How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

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

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

Location

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

Soil Type

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

Spacing

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

Watering

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

Fertilizing

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

Pests

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

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

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

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Diseases

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

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

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

Pollination

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

Harvesting

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

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

In Summary – How Far Apart Do You Plant Lettuce?

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

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

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

FAQs

Can you plant lettuce close together?

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

How close can you plant romaine lettuce?

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

How much space does lettuce need to grow?

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

Brian
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.

March 18, 2022
How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

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

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

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

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

How Long Does it Take Carrots To Germinate?

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

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

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

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

Growing Carrots

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

Plant them in a sunny spot

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

Provide well-drained soils

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

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

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Protect them from cold

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

To avoid pests

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

Water them regularly

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

Feed them regularly

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

Harvesting and storing carrots

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

Read more about Are Green Chillies Hot? – An Overview

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

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

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

FAQ

Why are my carrots not germinating?

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

How do you speed up the germination of carrots?

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

Why do carrot seeds take so long to germinate?

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

Are carrots hard to germinate?

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

Brian
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.

March 18, 2022
What Is The Right Zucchini Plant Size?

Zucchini plant size is affected by the growing conditions turning out as tall or as short as the conditions you provided. Zucchini plants can grow to be quite big, so you want to make sure you have plenty of room in your garden. Most gardeners do not pay attention to the plant size but to others, it is a concern.

So What is The Ideal Zucchini Plant Size?

Well, it all depends on the type of zucchini that you grow and the space you have. If you want the best zucchini size, you should give this question some thought and try to figure out what works best for your environment. This will help you make the right decision for your zucchini plants.

How To Grow Taller Zucchini Plant Size

Zucchini plants can generally grow to be around two to three and a half feet tall and four feet wide. To get taller zucchini plants, you need to provide more nutrients to the plant and make sure you provide adequate space for your plants. You should also keep the fertilizer amount constant in order to keep the plant healthy.

The other thing is to not apply fertilizers too early or too late. You should fertilize the plants during their growth stages so that they can grow and be healthy. Fertilize your zucchinis when planting and when they first bloom.

Fertilizers such as fish emulsion, compost tea, and organic fertilizer are all good choices. You also need to make sure that you don’t overwater the plants because this will stunt the growth of the plant.

You should give your zucchini plants about one inch of water a week, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. This will prevent the plants from becoming over-watered.

Growing Zucchini – Zucchini Plant Size

Growing zucchini plants is the easiest way to get a steady supply of fresh zucchini for summer meals. Grow a few of these plants and you’ll have fresh zucchini all summer long.

Starting seeds

Start seedlings indoors two to four weeks before the last frost date. Zucchini seeds germinate quickly, so you don’t need much space or time to grow them.

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Transplanting

Then transplant them outside as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Plant them in rows between two to three feet apart.

Spacing

Zucchini plants grow quickly, so give them enough room. The right spacing for Zucchini is six to eight inches between plants. You may need to experiment with the spacing to find what works best for your situation.

You will also need to space out the pots that you have planted with Zucchini. The pot for your zucchini plant should be at least 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. You should also not plant more than one Zucchini plant per small pot.

Water

For best growth, provide one inch of water a week. Watering your zucchini often will keep them consistently growing at the right pace. Plant your zucchinis in a location where they will get full sun.

Watering daily is not as important as you might think. Zucchini need a lot of light and air so daily watering will not cause them any harm.

Fertilize

Fertilize when planting your zucchini outside and again when the flowers begin to bloom with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Companion plants

To keep pests away from zucchini, plant marigolds around the perimeter of the garden. Or use organic insecticide to deal with any kind of pests.

How To Harvest – Zucchini Plant Size

Wait until the fruit is six to eight inches long, then pick it. Pick the fruit before it’s too big, as it has the best flavor at six to eight inches long. They will be ready for harvest when the flowers have turned brown and dried up.

When they are ready for harvest, cut them from the main stem using a sharp knife or scissors. Avoid pulling them from the plants to prevent damage.

Final Thoughts On Zucchini Plant Size

The zucchini plant size is an indication that the plant is either well fed or not. Be sure to use fertilizer and give your zucchini adequate space to grow. If your zucchini plants are bigger than average, this could be due to a defect or a disease.

On the other hand, zucchinis should not be left to grow too big as they will not be as flavorful. Start harvesting them when they are at least six inches long.

Zucchini plants are usually harvested before they get very large as this will ensure that they continue to produce zucchini fruit for a longer time. There are many ways of growing zucchinis and choosing the right method can be very important.

As mentioned before, it is best if you choose to grow them in containers as it can help to ensure that you have a good yield of zucchini fruits. You should also choose a variety that is suitable for your area because different areas have different environmental conditions and this will affect how the plants grow.

FAQs

How much space does zucchini need in the garden?

Zucchinis can be grown on a large scale with a lot of space. Plant them in two to three feet apart spaced six to eight inches. They require sunlight for the best growth and can be grown in containers or raised beds.

How many zucchinis do you get per plant?

Zucchinis are easy to grow and produce lots of fruit per plant. Some varieties of zucchinis produce more fruit than others. On average, a zucchini plant will produce three to ten pounds of fruit per season.

Do zucchini plants need support?

Support is not required for most varieties of zucchini plants. However, some varieties of zucchini plants are so large that they may require support to keep them from toppling over.

What size grows bag for the zucchini plant?

You will need a very large grow bag (at least 5 gallons) for your zucchini plant. You can get one from Amazon or any other gardening store. Zucchini plants are best planted in late April and May. However, some people prefer to start their seeds indoors in March so they have a head start on the summer heat. In general, most varieties of zucchini plants are started in late April and May.

Brian
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.

March 18, 2022
Do Pepper Plants Need Cages When Growing?
Do pepper plants need cages or are they easy to grow in the garden or containers without needing any support?

Growing peppers is fun and very rewarding. Peppers are easy to grow and a lot of varieties are available for growing indoors or outside. There are many different types of peppers, some are hot and some are sweet; there are small, medium, or large peppers. Some varieties are for cooking while others are for eating raw. You can grow peppers indoors in a sunny window, outdoors in a greenhouse or a patio, and even in a pot on your porch. Peppers can be grown either from seed or by transplanting seedlings.

Do Pepper Plants Need Cages

So, as you can see from the above information, there are many different types of peppers. If you are asking about growing peppers indoors, then we would recommend that it is quite possible to grow them without cages.

When growing them outdoors, pepper plants do not also need cages or staking. We do suggest that you plant them at least 18 inches apart. They will not mind if they are closer together and you can plant them at a greater distance if you wish. However, keep in mind that if you do choose to plant them at a greater distance apart then you should allow for extra growth between plants.

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So, do pepper plants need cages, we say yes, you do need to provide some form of support for your plants if need be. This is to help the fruits not touch the ground or the soil and rot as a result. If you choose to grow your pepper plants in cages or any kind of support you protect them from the early rotting of fruits that comes as a result of touching the soil.

Do Pepper Plants Need Cages? If you chose to grow the peppers without staking or supporting them, then mulch the plants to keep the fruits from rotting throughout their growing journey.

Click Here to Learn:
- What Are The Bell Pepper Plant Problems?
- Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots
How To Use Cages Or Stakes On Pepper Plants

You can use cages or stakes on your pepper plants to prevent them from falling off the trees. You can place the plants on the cages or stakes and tie them tightly around the trunk of the tree. Peppers can grow up to two meters in height and a diameter of one meter.

If you want to have a big and healthy plant, you need to provide it with the right care and attention. Peppers are easy to grow. You can grow them in a pot on the balcony or in your garden. If you don’t have space for a large plant, you can try growing it in pots and then planting it outdoors.

Peppers are self-pollinating plants, so they need to be planted close to each other. The distance between the two plants should not exceed 50 cm. If you want to grow pepper plants indoors, you can use pots. If you want to grow peppers on the balcony, you need to provide them with some sun. You should also keep an eye on the temperature because it influences the growth of pepper plants.

Wherever you chose to grow your peppers, remember to use cages or stake them to protect the fruits from damage. However, this is more common for red, yellow, and green peppers. For the hot peppers, most of them can do well without staking.

Final Remarks: Do Pepper Plants Need Cages?

Do pepper plants need cages? Yes, it is possible to grow your peppers in cages or stake them to protect their fruit from contact with soil. However, it is not a must to use them. If you have mulched the plants, you don’t have to use cages as your fruits will rest on the mulch.

That said, sometimes the pepper plant might have many fruits that are growing and could need some support so that the branch does not break before the fruits reach maturity. Overall, if you notice your plant needs support in holding up its fruits, be quick to provide a cage or stake it. This will save it from damage.

FAQ’s

Should you stake or cage pepper plants?

Staking of peppers is not recommended for most cultivars, except for some Jalapeño and Cayenne types. It’s recommended for the early maturing cultivars like ‘Ace’ and ‘Jalapeno’. The exception to this recommendation would be if you have the room in your greenhouse and have enough space to support the plants with a stake.

Do pepper plants need support cages?

The answer to this question is dependent on the type of cultivar you choose. Early maturing cultivars like ‘Ace’ and ‘Jalapeno’ do not require any type of support or cage. For late-maturing cultivars like ‘Hungarian Hot’, ‘Cayenne Long’, ‘Hot Dawg’ and ‘Bravo’, they need some type of cage or support to keep them off the ground. These cultivars will also need support if they are getting larger, or their leaves are curling over the edges.

Do bell peppers need a trellis?

Yes! Bell peppers should be trained up a trellis. The trellis needs to be sturdy enough to keep the pepper from falling over. If you are using cages, then you can train the pepper up the sides of the cage, but it is better to use a trellis because they will grow faster if they are on a trellis.

Do bell pepper plants need support?

No, it is not a must to provide support. You just want to make sure that they are not growing too large for your space. However, if the fruits are too heavy for the plant, use support to keep them growing up until maturity.

Brian
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.
March 18, 2022
Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

Wilting tomato plants in pots are one common issue faced when growing tomatoes in containers. Wilting occurs in tomatoes for different reasons. Sometimes, it may not be something serious if you act fast to mitigate the problem. However, it may also mean something serious like infectious diseases.

Once you begin to notice wilting leaves and wilting stems on your tomato plant, it shows there’s a problem that needs to be fixed as on as possible. The most common reasons for tomato wilting can be due to hot temperatures which usually cause under-watering. Or it may be because of shock from transplanting.

Whatever the case may be regarding wilting tomatoes in pots or outdoor gardens, it may be possible to revive your plant if you do the right thing.

We will be looking into wilting tomato plants in pots and give you some possible solutions to resolving the issue. So, let’s begin.

Common Reasons For Wilting Tomato In Pots

Wilting tomato plants in pots is characterized by drooping leaves and makes the tomato plant lose its shape. Let us further look into the details of wilting tomatoes in pots. So, here are the common reasons why your tomato plant may be wilting in your containers.

1.    Lack Of Water Or Under-Watering

When your potted tomato plant isn’t watered sufficiently especially during the hot days, it can cause wilting of leaves as well as stems. This wilting can be temporary which causes the leaves and stems to lose water faster than they can replenish it.

Sometimes when this happens, they may recover in the evening and it may not require extra watering. However, if the wilted potted tomato refuses to be revived after the weather cools down in the evening, they will need watering.

Read more about When To Pick Artichokes

2.    Over-Watering

Apart from lack of water in your potted tomato plant, over-watering that leads to soggy plants can cause wilting. When the plant is soaked in excess water, the roots get drowned and cause the plant to be unable to absorb water from the soil. Hence, leading to wilting of the plant.

This is why you need to monitor your potted tomato plant, especially during the rainy season or heavy downpours. Don’t supply excess water during rainy seasons if your potted tomato is outdoors. Or you can simply take your potted tomato plant indoors to avoid over-watering from heavy downpours.

If your potted tomato is suffering from overwatering, then it’s possible for it to recover. Simply cease watering the plant and only water when you notice at least 2 inch soil into the soil is dry.

A quick guide to watering your tomato plant appropriately is to roughly provide 1 inch of water every week.

3.    Drainage Holes

Drainage holes are very crucial when it comes to potted plants generally. If the drainage holes you have for your potted tomatoes aren’t enough, it may cause your plant to get clogged due to the inadequate flow of water whenever you water your plant.

Therefore, make sure you have enough drainage holes in your potted tomato plants to allow an easy flow or passage of water.

Check Out Top 10 Best Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

4.    Transplanting To Bigger Pots

When you improperly transplant tomato plants into another pot or even into your garden, it may cause shock and damage the root of your plant. Then this can lead to the wilting of your plant.

Ensure you don’t tear or cut the tomato plant roots in the process of transplanting and ensure you don’t over-water them.

Additionally, when you are transitioning your tomato (especially the seedlings) outdoors in a sunny area, use any opaque materials during the hottest periods. This is because your plant will need to readjust to the environment so this will help harden them off.

5.    Type Of Soil Used – Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

If you’re using loose soil such as sandy soil for your potted tomato, it will require you to water more especially during hot seasons. Sandy soil loses water too quickly so they aren’t so great with water retention.

So, it is ideal you water your potted plant accordingly when using loose soil such as sandy soil.

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6.    Soil-borne Disease Caused By Wilting

Fungal diseases that are soil-borne can also cause your potted tomato to wilt. Fusarium and verticillium wilt are the two most common soil-borne diseases that can lead to wilting of tomatoes.

When your tomato plant is infected with these diseases, it begins to wilt especially during the day. Then at night, your tomato plant can recover. The fruits of your tomato plant may even yield fruit, but it usually results in smaller or fewer yields. This wilting can slowly become worse and even lead to the death of the plant.

You can further verify Fusarium and Verticillium infection if you cut the affected stem open. You should see a brown to black discoloration of the vascular system of the stem instead of a healthy stem that only has a shade of green.

The best solution is to burn or discard the infected plant. Then you should plant your tomato in a new container and soil and avoid composting the infected plant.

To further protect your potted tomato from Fusarium and Verticillium, we recommend you go for tomato varieties that are resistant to these diseases.

My Tomato Plants Are Wilting In Pots Even When Soil Is Wet: What Are The Reasons?

We have an understating that potted tomato plants need to be moist so they can thrive well. However, if your tomato plant is wilting even when your soil is wet then it may mean that you have over-watered your plant. Over-watering can cause your potted tomato to wilt.

Also, if your potted tomato plant doesn’t have good drainage holes, it can clog the flow of water when you water your plant thereby causing wilting as we have mentioned above.

Final Say On Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

Wilting tomato plants in pots can be a worrisome thing when this situation arises. But if you can determine the cause of wilting, it may be possible to revive your plant.

FAQ’s

How do you revive a wilted tomato plant?

You can revive a wilted tomato plant by first determining the cause of the wilting issue. Once, you’ve confirmed the cause, then you can now take steps to mitigate the situation. For instance, if your tomato is wilted by under-watering or over-watering, simply stop watering or water more when needed.

How often should I water my tomato plants in pots?

Some things will determine how you water your potted tomato plant. For instance, if your potted plant is in a protected place where it can’t get water from rain, then you will need to dedicate some time to water them. During hot seasons, your plant will need more watering. But always check how dry or moist your soil is to further determine when to water them.

Why are my tomato plants wilting after planting in pots?

Your tomato may be wilting after planting in pots if you just transferred them to another pot. This transfer can cause shock especially when you cut or tear part of the root before transplanting it to another pot.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.

March 18, 2022
When To Pick Artichokes
Artichokes are known for their elegant and distinctive leaves, which are veritably endearing to the eyes and aesthetic to the terrain. Artichokes are a wonder to the eyes. When to pick artichokes is what we will be discussing here.

Picking artichokes comes with relative ease as you are only required to pay attention to a few things and follow the due process. Planting and caring for the artichokes can be considered to be the hard part. Once you finish that part, picking or harvesting is relatively easy.

To pick your artichoke plant, you must be able to tell when the plant is ready for harvest. Once you can tell this, you can go ahead with the harvesting part of the task. Growing artichokes is an overall easy process that you can master if you wish to.

This article gives insight into how and things to note when planting and growing artichokes, as well as how you can pick the artichokes. Before we delve into how to pick artichokes, let’s consider a few facts about the plant to give us a background understanding.

About Artichoke Plant – When To Pick Artichokes

It is important to have background knowledge and understanding of the artichoke plant as this will give you insight into how it should be picked. The buds of the plant are picked when the plant is mature enough for harvesting.

Picking the plant at the right time is very important as a delay may allow the plant to flower. If this is allowed, the plant becomes thistle-like and turns purple.

Artichokes are mostly edible, and they should be picked when the flower bud is still not mature and very green. The plant can grow as high as three to five feet when placed in the right conditions.

When To Pick Artichokes

Artichokes usually stay green and alive for about five years. Production by the plant, however, begins about a year after planting. During the season, you will notice that about 10 or more stalks are produced by the mature plant.

The best time to pick or harvest artichokes is when the flower buds begin to form on the stalks. This usually happens in the spring. You should inspect the plant daily so that you can cut the buds before they open. When you allow the buds to open, it becomes fibrous and unpalatable.

When artichokes begin to produce, you will notice that the top bud in the stalk will ripen first, and then the buds in the lower part will follow. The bud atop is usually the biggest of the artichokes on the stalk. Now you understand when it’s the right time to pick artichokes, let’s consider how to.

How To Pick Artichokes – When To Pick Artichokes

You must note that picking artichokes is relatively the same as harvesting the plant. The following steps should be followed when you wish to pick your artichokes:
- Cut the artichoke bud from the stalk using a knife, garden pruner, or lopper. Leave about 1 to 3 inches below the bud base when cutting. Leaving some stem behind makes it easy for you to handle the thorny bud. Buds must be handled very carefully to avoid bruising.
- Repeat the above for all the buds ready for picking.
- When you pick all the buds on a particular stalk, cut the entire plant down just slightly above soil level. You should thereafter reduce irrigation. In no distant time, you will notice that new stalks bearing new buds will begin to develop.
Planting Artichokes: Tips For Growing Artichokes

The following are a few tips you should adopt when growing artichokes for the best possible result to be attained;
- Pick the Right Location: The location you choose will greatly affect your artichoke plant. Ensure you pick an area with good drainage and plenty of direct sunlight. Planting artichokes in soggy soil goes a long way to affect the plant negatively. The soil must be nutritious.
- Prepare the Soil Adequately: after you have mapped out a perfect location to grow your artichoke plant, you must prepare the soil. While artichokes can grow in moist soil, such soil must have adequate organic matter if you wish to have a bountiful harvest.
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12/16/2025 05:01 am GMT
- Plant your Artichokes: planting your artichoke seeds shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The seeds usually come with guides that should help you. Artichokes are generally planted and left to grow for about 60 days before they are brought into the garden and planted in rows at an interval of 4-6 feet apart. Spacing them about 6 to 8 feet apart provides greater room for water movement and fertilizer application.
- Water Artichokes Consistently: artichokes are a huge lover of water. This is very important to the plants as they need water to produce tender buds. The perennial power of the plant lies in its deep roots which can only be cultivated when watered regularly.
- Apply Artichoke Fertilizer: when you provide adequate fertilizer for your artichoke bed, your plant gets many of the essential nutrients needed to thrive. Applying a balanced vegetable plant food every two weeks or thereabout will give the plant a considerable boost.
- Harvesting/Pruning: harvesting should ordinarily occur when the plant is matured enough to be picked. You should harvest artichoke buds when they have swelled but are tightly closed. Pruning takes place after harvesting, and this helps to prepare the plant for the next harvest.
Storing Artichokes – When To Pick Artichokes

After the plant has been picked, the need may arise for storing it. This may be done by putting the artichokes harvested in a refrigerator immediately after harvesting occurs. The plant can be stored conveniently in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks. You may also decide to cook the plant.

Conclusion On When To Pick Artichokes

Picking artichokes as we have seen above is relatively easy. All you need do is pay attention to the plant and care for it as at when due. Picking the plant is the easy aspect of dealing with the plant. This article directs how to go about planting, caring for, and picking artichokes.

FAQ’s

How can you tell when an artichoke is ripe?

An artichoke plant will usually be good for picking within a year after planting. You can easily tell when an artichoke is ripe, and this is when it begins to flower, and the bud is still very green and immature. This is when the artichoke is ripe for picking.

When should I cut my artichoke?

You should cut your artichoke when it is ripe. You can easily determine this because the plant begins to flower, but make sure to do your cutting before the flowers turn purple. When it is still green and immature, it is the best time to cut.

When is it too late to pick artichokes?

It becomes too late to pick artichokes when you notice that it has flowered fully, and the bud has changed color. From being sharp green to being dull purple, then it is about too late to pick.

Eunice
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
March 16, 2022
Top 10 Best Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

In this article, we will look at a list of cross-pollinating vegetables that you can grow and that works best for you.

The majority of plants are not self-pollinating, which means they need to be pollinated by another plant. As well as the majority of vegetables are not self-pollinating and so require cross-pollination. This means that you will need to grow different varieties of plants together to achieve maximum yield.

We’ll cover the benefits of growing more than one variety of vegetables, cross-pollination, and how to save seeds for future generations.

What Is Cross-Pollination?

Cross-pollination is when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant. If the other plant is also self-fertile (able to produce seeds without cross-pollination), it will grow and produce fruit.

However, if the other plant is not self-fertile, then the fruit will not be viable. In this case, the fruit will be sterile.

What Are The Benefits Of Cross-Pollination?

As with many things in life, there are advantages to cross-pollination. If two plants are close together, but not exactly the same, and they have a compatible pollinator, they can still cross-pollinate and produce fruit.

This is because of a process called pollen tube guidance. The pollen tube is the tube that carries the sperm cells from the pollen to the ovules of the flower. It follows the route that the pollen tube guidance proteins have programmed it to follow.

If the pollen tube guidance proteins are compatible between the two plants, then the pollen tube will follow the correct route. It will then fertilize the egg cells inside the ovule. This is called self-fertilization.

However, if the pollen tube guidance proteins are not compatible, then the pollen tube will not be able to follow the correct route and the egg cells will remain unfertilized. This is called outcrossing. Cross-pollination can also occur when the pollen tube guidance proteins are incompatible with each other.

In this case, the pollen tube will be unable to make the correct connection with the egg cell, thus resulting in no fertilization.

Check Out A Guide On How To Tell If A Squash Is Bad?

List Of Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

The following list shows which vegetables are cross-pollinating vegetables:

Beans – These are self-pollinating but they cross-pollinate between the different types.

Beets – It cross-pollinates with Beta vulgaris species such as Swiss chard, leaf beet, and spinach beet.

Broccoli – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, collard greens, romanesco broccoli, kale, collard greens.

Carrots – They cross-pollinate with other carrot species and also with parsnips and radishes.

Cauliflower – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and collard greens.

Celery – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – cabbage, cauliflower, celery, kohlrabi, collard greens, romanesco broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.

Chilies – It cross-pollinates with other Capsicum species – bell pepper, chili pepper, pimento, habanero, jalapeno, and cayenne pepper.

Corn – It cross-pollinates with varieties such as sweet, flour, popcorn, flint, dent, and ornamental corns.

Cucumbers – It cross-pollinates with parthenocarpic cucumber varieties.

Ginger – It cross-pollinates with other Zingiber officinale species – ginger, turmeric, and zingiber.

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Which Vegetables Do Not Cross-Pollinate?

With the top best cross-pollinating vegetables listed above, there are other vegetables that do not cross-pollinate or very rarely do. They include:

Eggplant – It self-pollinates as it has “perfect” or “complete” flowers. It is very rare for eggplants to cross-pollinate.

Garlic – It is self-pollinating and will not cross-pollinate.

Pea – It is self-pollinating and does not cross-pollinate.

Tomatoes – The tomato plant is generally a self-pollinating plant. However, in some cases, it can cross-pollinate with other tomatoes, but it is not done easily.

Read more aboutWhen Do I Harvest Carrots – The Right Time?

Tips For Harvesting Cross-Pollinating Vegetable Seeds

To be able to harvest seeds from the above list of cross-pollinating vegetables, you will need to harvest the vegetables when they are fully mature.

Pumpkins and Squash. Harvest them once they are fully ripe. The skin should be firm and thick. After harvesting, leave the seeds to mature for about three weeks.

Cut the fruit open and harvest the seeds from the flesh. Dry them in readiness for the next planting season.

Cucumbers. Allow them to overgrown before harvesting them if you plan to use the seeds. They will turn yellow, orange, or white depending on the cultivar you are growing. Cut them open and scoop out the seeds plus pulp.

Put them in a glass and add as much water then place it in a dark cool place for about 48 hours. This will allow fermentation to take place cleaning the seeds.

Any immature seeds and the pulp floats to the top and you can skim them off. Rinse off the remaining seeds in a sieve and dry them as you would for pumpkin or squash.

Harvesting cross-pollinating seeds is a process that requires accuracy to ensure you end up with quality seeds.

Final Thoughts On Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

Most gardeners are not able to tell the difference between cross-pollinating vegetables and non-cross-pollinating ones.

In fact, you can be a vegetable gardener and save up your own seeds rather than buy them every time. However, if you want to produce vegetable seeds so you don’t have to keep making grocery visits, then you will have to harvest your own seeds.

FAQ’s

Which crops are cross-pollinated?

Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from a flower of one plant is deposited on the stigma of another plant. This can occur with both insect-pollinated plants and wind-pollinated plants. Cross-pollination can occur between related (self-pollinated) and unrelated (outcrossed) plants. Crops that are cross-pollinated include Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Grapes, Hops, Kale, Lettuce, Limes, Mangoes, Melons, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Rhubarb, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet peppers, Zucchini, etc.

What fruits and vegetables cross-pollinate?

Vegetables that cross-pollinate are listed above in this article. Some of the fruits that cross-pollinate include apples, bananas, cherries, mangoes, melons, peaches, pears, strawberries, etc.

Does cross-pollination affect vegetables?

Cross-pollination does not affect the quality of vegetables. Some of these vegetables you will need to allow them to overgrow if you are harvesting the seeds but beside that cross-pollination does not affect the vegetables.

What are the disadvantages of cross-pollination?

The disadvantages of cross-pollination include:

Decrease in quality of the fruits produced from the self-pollinated plants.
Lower crop yields because some of the seeds have not been fertilized.
Increased production costs and reduced efficiency because more resources are required for the pollination process.
Changes in plant morphology (e.g., altered flowering time or flower structure) as a result of interplant pollination.
Loss of genetic diversity.
Altered gene expression.
Possible disease transmission.
Alteration of plant physiology.

Brian
Brian believes the best days are spent outside with soil on your hands. He finds his rhythm in the details of the garden—from carefully tending to established plants to the excitement of propagating new varieties. A true outdoor enthusiast, Brian is here to swap stories, share advice, and celebrate the rewarding work of growing.

March 16, 2022