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Category: Plants

  • Types Of Broccoli You Can Find

    Types Of Broccoli You Can Find

    Did you know the common crunchy, green, broccoli vegetable comes in different types? Are you even aware that there are about 20 types of broccoli vegetable varieties? Yes, that’s right! And we will be taking a look at some of these broccoli varieties. So, let’s look into: types of broccoli.

    Broccoli tops the list of one of the most loved vegetable gardens. This is vegetables are very healthy vegetables that you can grow easily in your vegetable garden in case you’re a lover of this crunchy veg.

    Broccoli is a cool-weather crop that can be sown and thrive well in early spring, late fall, or even mid-summer. And there are arrays of choices for USDA hardiness zones 1 to 11 for you to determine the variety that is most likely to flourish at different locations.

    So, let’s delve in and look into the various types of broccoli we can find.

    Types Of Broccoli Names

    As we’ve mentioned, broccoli veg has different varieties. But here are some of their other names: Brassica oleracea, Brassica oleracea italic group, Brócoli, Brocoli, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, and Calabrese.

    Types Of Broccoli Seeds

    The different types of broccoli variety have different seeds. Here are some varieties of broccoli you may want to know about.

    Types Of Broccoli Names

    1.    Destiny

    This is a unique and exception hybrid broccoli seeds or variety that has been specially bred for great heat tolerance in the USDA zone 7 to 11.

    Broccoli being a cool weathered crop, it may interest you to know that most broccoli varieties usually don’t grow well in this zone particularly zone 11. But with this destiny broccoli type, gardeners in this zone that wish to enjoy that homegrown broccoli can grow destiny variety as it will do very well in this zone.

    This variety yields small to medium-sized green heads and it has a little bit of purple color to them. Harvesting usually takes 70 to 75 days after seed sowing.

    2.    Calabrese

    This variety of broccoli is an heirloom variety native to the Italian region. Calabrese broccoli is the variety that tends to grow well in the USDA hardiness zone 3 to 10.

    Although it originated from Italy in Calabria (a southern region in Italy), you can still them in most parts of the United States.

    This broccoli variety yields are medium to large green heads. It also takes about 65 days for the seeds of Calabrese broccoli to attain maturity.

    3.  Waltham 29

    This is one of the best types of broccoli known and it is an heirloom variety. Waltham 29 gives rise to multiple thick, blue-green heads that can be from four to eight inches in diameter.

    Plant the Waltham 29 seeds around early spring and late fall. It is perfect for zone 3 to 10 and it attains its maturity around 85 days. The maturity of this broccoli variety comes in a uniform fashion for non-stop harvest all through the growing season.

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    4.   Early Sprouting Broccoli

    This sprouting broccoli is an heirloom variety that usually gives rise to the purple broccoli variety. It is cold-hardy heirloom broccoli that tends to give rise to multiple small, purplish florets on each plant rather than on a single large head.

    This sprouting purple broccoli grows well in USDA hardiness zone 2 to 11.

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    5.    Sun King

    Sun king is a broccoli variety that is a Burpee exclusive known for its tolerance to heat. It is ideal for USDA zone 1 to 11. Therefore, if you go for this variety of broccoli, it can allow you the privilege of extending your growing season into the summer.

    The seeds of Sun King broccoli attain maturity in about 70 days. It gives rise to blue-green heads of 6 to 8 inches in diameter and lots of side shoots.

    6.    Eastern Magic

    Eastern magic is ideal for growers that reside in the colder, northern part of the United States and Canada. Therefore, you can plant this variety in the spring and fall.

    Even though this variety is cold-tolerant, Eastern magic broccoli is also a heat-tolerant variety. So, you can prolong your growing season into the summer period. It is a fast-growing broccoli variety that can mature within 60 to 65 days.

    Eastern magic will grow into a massive blue-green crown with a tasty flower.

    Eastern Magic Broccoli

    7.    Di Cicco

    Di Cicco is an Italian heirloom broccoli variety and it is suitable for zone 3 to 10. This broccoli seed variety yields small to medium blue-green heads of non-uniform maturity. Hence, they grow different heads at different rates. So, this might be ideal for a commercial farmer, but it’s also a good trait for home gardeners.

    The seeds of Di Cicco usually attain maturity in as little as 50 days.

    Read More About When To Harvest Broccoli Rabe

    Health Benefits Of Broccoli

    Consuming broccoli veg offers great nutritional health benefits.

    Below are some of the health benefits of broccoli:

    1. Broccoli is loaded with sources of vitamins and minerals.
    2. It is also rich in antioxidants and these antioxidants assist with different conditions. For instance, the body gives rise to free radicals during natural activities such as the metabolic process. Environmental stress also adds to these free radicals. These free radicals tend to cause cell damage that can lead to cancer and other health conditions.
    3. Apart from these vitamins and minerals broccoli offers, it contains this wonderful sulfur compound known as sulforaphane. This sulfur compound may help with some health conditions, and they include:

      • Diabetes: some studies have shown that sulforaphane may assist in lowering blood sugar. For people with diabetes 2 or obesity, a better improvement may be noticed in your blood sugar.

      • Cancer: some natural compounds including sulforaphane contained in broccoli may help with stopping cancer from forming in the body.

      • Osteoarthritis: sulforaphane can prevent or even slow down the effect of osteoarthritis.

      • Schizophrenia: although there hasn’t been enough proof shown by scientists regarding this, it is believed that high levels of sulforaphane may assist people with schizophrenia symptoms.

    FAQ’s

    How many types of broccoli are there?

    There are about 20 types of broccoli varieties you can find. These varieties include broccoli rabe, broccoli raab, broccoli di rape, broccoli rosso, broccolini, Chinese broccoli, and broccoli crown. All these varieties are grown for their edible flower heads.

    What’s the healthiest type of broccoli?

    All broccoli types are healthy and have similar health benefits. However, it is their stalk that contains more fiber. Then their leaves are loaded with antioxidants that protect our cells. They are also rich in Vitamins (e.g vitamin E and K) and minerals.

    Does broccoli grow back?

    Some varieties are more likely to regrow than others. You can grow them yourself from seed. However, in general, broccoli does not grow back.

    What month do you harvest broccoli?

    The harvest season for broccoli is early summer, between June and July. This is the time of year when broccoli will be at its peak in terms of flavor and nutritional content. 

    Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is one of the most popular vegetables in the world. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, potassium, and fiber. Broccoli also contains cancer-fighting compounds called glucosinolates. When cooking, the broccoli releases these compounds, making them more bioavailable to the body.

    Does broccoli need full sun?

    Broccoli needs full sun.

    The best time to grow broccoli is in spring, before the weather turns hot and dry. The plants will grow faster and better, and the plants are more likely to survive the summer heat. For your garden, plant the broccoli in a corner of the garden that gets lots of sun.

    Types Of Broccoli: Conclusion

    We have seen the various types of broccoli you may come across. We have also discussed some of the great health benefits they offer.

    So, we hope you’ve been enlightened about the types of broccoli varieties.

     

  • A Guide on Saving and Growing Persian Cucumber Seeds

    A Guide on Saving and Growing Persian Cucumber Seeds

    Persian cucumber seeds are easily available in garden centers and online stores making them accessible to gardeners across America.

    Persian cucumbers are classified as a single crop, also known as Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceae. They are native to India but nowadays they are cultivated in many regions worldwide including Europe and North America. Persian cucumbers are also known as Beit Alpha, Middle Eastern cucumber, or Lebanese cucumbers.

    The fruit length is between five to six inches. The fruits are cylindrically shaped with wrinkled skin covering firm flesh which can be white or green colored.

    The plant growth habit is a bush type that has good resistance to pests, diseases, and drought conditions. One of the benefits of the Persian cucumber is that it requires very little space for growth since the plant size is small compared to others.

    Growing Persian Cucumber Seeds

    Growing Persian cucumber seeds is not difficult but their germination time is considered long. Persian cucumber planting requirements are different compared to other vegetable crops. These requirements include:

    Planting depth

    The seeding depth of Persian cucumbers is not recommended to be less than 1/2″ or more than 3/4″.

    Seeding rate

    The seeding rate for Persian cucumber seeds should be around four to eight lbs per acre depending on soil fertility.

    Sowing time

    The best time to sow Persian cucumber seeds is early spring after the frost danger period is over. These cucumbers are best suited to warmer areas with long summers. When sowing the soil temperature should be between 65 F to 70F for the best germination rate.

    Seed spacing

    Persian cucumbers are planted in rows with 60 cm between each row and from plant to plant should be at least 30 cm.

    Health Benefits Of Persian Cucumber Seeds

    Persian cucumbers are considered healthy, here are several health benefits they provide:

    • Good Source of Antioxidants. Persian cucumbers are a good source of antioxidants which is necessary to keep the intracellular environment healthy and free from damage by free radicals.
    • Rich in Vitamin C. Persian cucumbers is a significant source of Vitamin C which helps strengthen our immune system, improving skin health and reducing the risk for urinary tract infections.
    • Rich in Dietary Fiber. Persian cucumber seeds contain a high amount of dietary fiber that is beneficial for the digestion system by regulating bowel movements and helping control blood sugar levels.
    • Good for Skin. Persian cucumber seeds have been shown as a powerful weapon against acne, eczema, psoriasis, and sun damage due to their antibacterial properties.
    • Anti-inflammatory Properties. According to a recent Persian cucumber study, these cucumbers have been found to carry a powerful anti-inflammatory food that can fight against arthritis and heart disease by preventing the development of inflammatory compounds in the body.
    • Aids Weight Loss. Persian cucumbers are very low in calories making them ideal for weight loss diets. Many studies have shown that Persian cucumber seeds help to improve blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

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    How To Save Persian Cucumber Seeds?

    When growing Persian cucumbers, you can save your own seeds from overgrown fruits. The best time to collect Persian cucumber seeds is when the fruits become yellowish or after they fall on the ground.

    The Persian seeds should be allowed to dry at room temperature before storing them in a cool dark place. Both dried and fresh Persian cucumber seeds can be stored for a long time without losing their germinating ability.

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    Here are the steps to follow when saving Persian cucumber seeds:

    • Step 1: Pick fruits when they are overgrown or have fallen on the ground.
    • Step 2: Cut them open to reveal the seeds inside.
    • Step 3: Scoop out the seeds and discard the fleshy part of the cucumber.
    • Step 4: Spread the seeds in a dry place for several days until they are fully dried.
    • Step 5: Store them in an air-tight container and place them in a cool dark room or cupboard.

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    How To Grow Persian Cucumbers From Home Seeds

    Once you have saved your Persian cucumber seeds, it’s time to grow them again in the next season. Here are a few things to consider when growing Persian cucumbers from home seeds.

    Ensure your soil is rich. When growing Persian cucumbers, you need to start with farm soil that is rich enough with organic matter, liming materials, and well-drained. The pH level should be between 6.5 to 7.5 which can be achieved by adding limestone on-farm soil before planting your home seeds.

    Water them regularly. Persian cucumbers require a lot of water to grow healthy and produce a high yield. They should be watered regularly during the growing season every day until fruits are harvested to keep the soil moist.

    Protect them from plant enemies. Persian cucurbit seeds are vulnerable to fungal infections such as Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and bacterial wilt.

    It’s important to take preventive measures against these fungi during the growing periods by using disease-free planting material. In addition, Persian cucumber seeds can be treated with fungicides for better results.

    How To Grow Persian Cucumbers From Home Seeds

    Conclusion

    Persian cucumber seeds as described in this article are a little difficult to germinate and therefore require the best growing conditions.

    The best growing conditions for this plant include rich soil that is well-drained, enough water, protection from plant enemies, and good air circulation.

    If you choose to save your own seeds, remember to dry them completely and store them in a cool dark space. You can store your seeds long enough but you need to check them from time to time for any fungal infections that may lead to rot.

    You can incorporate these scrumptious vegetables in several recipes like salads, dips, stews, and curries.

    FAQ’s

    What variety are Persian cucumbers?

    The most common variety of Persian cucumbers is burpless. There are several other varieties including lemon, San Diego market, long green etc. The largest variety is the burpless cucumber which has a mild, sweet flavor.

    Are Persian cucumbers easy to grow?

    When compared to other cucumber types, Persian cucumbers are a little trickier to grow. They prefer warmer climates and should be planted after the soil temperature has reached at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Persian cucumbers require a moderate amount of water during the growing season so they may not survive in locations where summer rainfall is very scarce.

    How can I save Persian cucumber seeds?

    If you wish to save Persian cucumber seeds, separate the seeds from Persian cucumber flesh after harvesting them. Rinse the cucumber pulp in water to remove any dirt or debris left behind.

    Spread the Persian cucumber seeds out on a paper towel to dry for about two weeks before storing them in an airtight container placed in a cool dark room or cupboard. Persian cucumber seeds can be stored for many years without losing germination ability if properly dried and stored for future use.

    Can I grow Persian cucumber from home seeds?

    When growing Persian cucumbers from home seeds, the process is very simple and straightforward. The Persian cucumber plant needs full sun exposure in order to produce fruits. They are known as warm-season crops that prefer soil temperature of at least 65 F or higher for the best germination rate.

    Sowing Persian cucumber seeds directly into garden beds or containers should give you the same great results since both methods work well if you provide proper care to your plants.

  • A Complete Guide To Growing Lettuce From Seed

    A Complete Guide To Growing Lettuce From Seed

    Growing lettuce from seed is an easy and fun activity to do with your young ones and later enjoy its good harvest.

    Although growing lettuce is incredibly easy, there are some important factors to consider when growing it. Lettuce requires quite a lot of sunlight to grow properly, so if you live in low-light areas then growing lettuce may not be for you.

    Also, growing salad greens like this will require more nutrients than their head-forming counterparts (it takes up to 20 days for them to form heads). If you plan on growing your vegetables over the summer or winter, make sure that you prepare the soil beforehand!

    Step By Step Guide To Growing Lettuce From Seed Indoors

    As you will see below, how to start growing lettuce from seed is easy and fast.

    • Step 1: Germinate

    To germinate lettuce seeds, you will need a growing medium. Any sterile growing mix is suitable for growing lettuce from seed, although there are specific growing mixes available at your local garden center.

    • Step 2:  Give them some space!

    Fill the growing tray with the growing mix and level it out slightly before sowing your seeds evenly across the surface of the growing medium. It’s important to note that a single pickling cucumber plant requires 100 square feet of space!

    • Step 3: Keep an eye on them

    Cover them in a thin layer of fine compost or vermiculite and give them a good misting over with some water. Keep an eye on them throughout the first few weeks as young lettuce plants appreciate moist soil conditions – do not let their roots dry out.

    • Step 4:  Ready to transplant?

    During the growing period, ensure the growing conditions are right for your plants. You will find that your young plants will rapidly germinate and start growing. Within a few weeks, they will have developed their first set of leaves and be ready to transplant into another growing container or module tray for a longer growing cycle.

    You can choose to grow your seedlings indoors in this case. However, if you do not have enough space on your windowsill, it’s best to move them outside so long as the weather is starting to turn warm again.

    You may wish to cover your seedling with some shade netting overnight. This is a good idea until they get used to being outdoors if you’ve been growing them indoors for a while – particularly during cold winter.

    Read more about Growing Romaine Lettuce In Container

    Growing Lettuce From Seed Outdoors

    You’ll need to prepare the growing area by spading and preparing the soil with some sand beforehand – don’t forget it will require a lot of nutrients!

    Hoe the surface until it has turned to fine soil and level it with your hand or rake and transplant your growing plants. Ensure that your growing containers are at least eight inches deep so that they have enough room to develop their roots.

    Growing Lettuce From Seed Outdoors

    Once planted, water them well and wait for those tender little green shoots to appear above ground. Make sure you keep an eye on them if there’s any possibility of frost as cold weather may cause them to “bolt” (run-up like a flower) rather than grow into a mature plant.

    Once the weather starts to warm up, you will have lovely green leaves growing in no time! Harvest your lettuce when it is large enough and enjoy it with some tasty dressing or dip. I like to add nuts or dried fruit for an extra taste sensation.

    Well, that’s about it – growing lettuce from seed requires very little work and attention – excellent if you’re busy but still want something productive growing on your windowsill. Enjoy!

    Check Out How To Grow Salad Bowl Lettuce In Containers

    What Is The Right Temperature For Growing Lettuce From Seed In A Greenhouse?

    When growing your lettuce inside a greenhouse, ensure your plants have the right temperatures.

    At night, when growing lettuce from seed in a greenhouse, the temperature should be at least +5°C (41°F). If the temperature goes lower than +5°C (41°F) outdoors, then you should consider bringing your growing tray with growing plants under the shelter. During the day, temperatures in the greenhouse should be at least +18°C (64.4°F).

    Overall, the temperatures in the greenhouse should range between 20-30°C (68-86°F). However, growing lettuce from seed can withstand higher temperatures up to 35°C (95°F).

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    What Type Of Fertilizer Does Growing Lettuce From Seed Require?

    When growing your lettuce indoors you don’t need any additional fertilizers for growing. However, when planting your young plants outside you should consider fertilizing them with an organic liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract plus bonemeal. When growing indoors and outdoors use only half the recommended dosage that is read on the package.

    Growing Lettuce From Seeds In Containers

    Growing lettuce from indoor starts requires very little time.  Plants will need a minimum of four hours of full sun per day outside and twelve hours per day inside.

    You will need containers that are around eight inches deep if you’re planting them outdoors or about five inches if growing them indoors. Black plastic pots are best as they absorb the maximum amount of light and heat (perfect for plants like lettuce and tomatoes).

    Plant your seeds about 1/8 inch deep into moist potting soil in either small individual pots or one large container that measures approximately eight inches deep. Keep the growing medium moist but not wet at all times to ensure your success with these fast-growing plants.

    Growing Lettuce From Seeds In Containers

    Conclusion On Growing Lettuce From Seed

    Growing lettuce indoors is nice if you don’t have the space outside or you can grow them all year round inside where it’s warm without worrying about cold temperatures (for growing plants only after they are mature enough).

    FAQ’s

    What temperature is fit for growing lettuce in the greenhouse?

    Growing lettuce in the greenhouse requires a growing temperature of +5°C (41°F) at night and a minimum growing temperature of +18°C (64.4°F) during the day.

    How do you grow lettuce seeds indoors?

    You should start growing lettuce indoors early in the growing season. Plant your growing seeds about 1/8 inch deep into moist potting soil in either small individual pots or one large container that measures approximately 5 inches deep. Keep the growing medium moist but not wet at all times to ensure your success with these fast-growing plants.

    How do you grow lettuce from seed outdoors?

    Growing lettuce outside is very easy, however, growing indoors is a little different from growing outdoors. Start by sowing the seeds indoors to transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

    Plant your seedlings in a prepared growing garden bed, spacing them 12-24 inches apart (30.5-61cm). Ensure you water your lettuce once a day in the morning when there is no chance of rain in the forecast.

    How do you grow lettuce from seed?

    Growing lettuce from growing seed requires very little effort – you don’t need any special growing techniques! Ensure to sow your seeds at the right growing season and feed them with organic liquid fertilizer if growing them outdoors. Whether you are growing lettuce indoors or outdoors, on your window sill or in the greenhouse, timely sowing of seeds is critical.

  • All About LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    All About LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    An LED grow light distance chart is essential to help every gardener determine how much light the plants receive from grow lights.

    During the winter months, many LED grow lights enthusiasts use panels closer than their usual distances for an extended period to ensure successful growth indoors under limited natural sun exposure. Although this technique does work, LED plant lights should only be used closer for limited periods and not left on plants 24/7.

    A single LED lamp tends to dissipate its energy in all directions, thus creating a sphere of light around the actual lamp itself.  Therefore, if positioned too close (over 2-3″/5-7 cm)to the top of the plant canopy, these lamps can scorch or burn leaves and flowers.

    The LED grow light distance chart is the most useful resource for finding out how far your garden lighting should be from plants.

    The LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    This is determined by various factors that include measurements, dimensions, and other variables essential for determining how far you can place light.

    Another factor that determines LED grow light distance is the wattage of each lamp you are using.  Lamps with high wattage (100 watts +) will need to be placed further away than lower wattage lamps so as not to damage sensitive the garden foliage.

    The LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    How To Use The LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    This is a very simple exercise that will let you know how far away your plants are from your LED lamps so that they receive the optimum amount of light without being burnt by an excess of heat.

    Simply place one or two LED garden lamps on the floor at equal distances between each other, then look up at the top interior side of your canopy, which is where the grow light fixture should be hanging.

    Then measure the distance between LED lights and your plant, but make sure you use a tape measure as this will ensure consistency of the measurements taken.

    After which you should check against the LED grow light distance chart to determine whether or not you are within range of your garden lamps.

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    The LED Grow Light Distance Calculator

    Found on most LED lighting manufacturers’ sites, they can tell you how far away from the plants your grow bulbs need to be so that they do not burn them. This is essential if you want to avoid scorching or burning of the foliage.

    To calculate how far your plants are from the LED bulb, follow these steps:

    • Measure the distance between LED grow light and plant so that you can use that as your X measurement in the grow light distance formula.
    • Next, measure the distance of the LED panel to the plant up top near the hood, which is where the garden lights should be placed according to this grow light chart.
    • Now take those amounts of inches (or cm’s) and divide them by two (in case there are two bulbs on your LED panel).

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    For example: If your LED lamp is 36 inches away from your plant..  divide 36 by 2; now you will have 18 inches. .  Then look at the LED grow light distance chart below to determine if it is too close or not.

    Don’t forget your LED grow light calculator to determine the plant distance!

    This LED grow light distance chart will ensure that your plants receive enough light, especially during winter months when there is limited sun exposure outdoors.

    Using LED lights for growing vegetation indoors does have its advantages, but only if they are positioned at the right distances away from plants to avoid scorching of the leaves and flowers.

    Check Out What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like?

    The LED Grow Light Distance Chart Seedlings

    This is one of many LED grow light distance charts that focus on the lights for young seedlings.

    One of the LED grow light distance charts helps you identify how far your grow lights are from your plants.

    There are plenty of factors that go into the correct measurements needed for each plant in your indoor garden.  This makes it essential that you have an LED grow light distance chart seedlings at all times so that you can ensure optimum growth conditions leading up to outdoor harvesting.

    The ability to utilize the LED grow light distance chart seedlings is something many grow light enthusiasts will find extremely useful.

    Full-spectrum LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    The full spectrum LED grow light distance chart provides you with detailed information on these lights so that you can place them correctly in your garden.

    If your LED grow light is too far away, your plants will not receive enough light to photosynthesize, while a light placed too close can cause the burning of leaves.

    This is why it’s important to know how far away to keep LED lamps from the plants, while at the same time receiving just enough full-spectrum lights for proper growth conditions.

    There are plenty of factors that go into measuring LED plant lights correctly, with many gardening companies making LED grow light distance charts for this purpose.

    For example, make sure you are using a tape measure when taking measurements between LED lamps and your plants, as this will ensure consistency of LED grow measurements.

    Most LED grow light distance charts focus on the lamps for garden plants specifically.  However, some of these charts provide detailed information that can be useful to anyone wanting to know the distance of the correct light between their grow lights and the plants.

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    The 600W LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    This 600W LED grow light distance chart 600w is one of many LED grow light distance charts that can be found online.

    Many gardening enthusiasts find the 600W LED grow light distance chart useful for this reason, it can provide detailed information that has been collected over time by experienced LED gardeners.

    The 600W LED Grow Light Distance Chart

    While many LED light distance charts provide grow measurements in inches, the plant height can vary quite a bit when these lights are involved. For this reason, make sure you know the exact height of the LED lamps when using the 600w grow light distance chart led to getting accurate readings.

    Most gardeners will find that their plants need less than 18 inches in distance from LED lighting within the first few weeks following germination.  During flowering and vegetation periods, most indoor plants will require over 10 inches of space between an LED lamp and a plant for best results.

    Final Thoughts

    The LED grow light distance chart is a tool that every grow light enthusiast should have available to use even as gardening becomes more popular. Knowing the correct wattage and how far away you should place LED lamps from the plants will ensure optimum conditions for your garden.

    You can take measurements either with a tape measure or ruler when using an LED grow light distance chart.  This information will be useful if you’re planning on growing indoor plants.

    FAQ’s

    How far should plants be from LED grow lights?

    Most LED light distance charts will advise you to keep the lamps at least 2-4 inches away from plants, with 18-24 inches being optimal.

    How far away should LED grow lights be from seedlings?

    Most LED grow lights distance charts Recommend that the garden plants under 2-3 inches be kept at least 3-4 inches away from the growing lights.

    How far apart should grow lights be from each other?

    On average, most growers will want to leave about 6 inches between LED lights during vegetation periods (with the exception of flowering periods, which usually require more space).

  • Do You Know How To Cut Cilantro? – Learn With Our Step-by-step Guide

    Do You Know How To Cut Cilantro? – Learn With Our Step-by-step Guide

    Do you know how to cut cilantro or a guide on how to do it correctly will help you get some tips?

    Cilantro is not only used in cooking but it is also considered a herb. Cilantro or coriander leaves are popular in many parts of the world and most especially in Asia and Europe.

    Coriander is often seen in Asian dishes such as Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and Chinese meals because this herb brings out the best flavors when combined with other ingredients.

    Since cilantro grows fast and can easily be propagated by breaking apart clumps into smaller sections that contain one stem and several leaves, it can be grown in a home garden.

    Both the leaves and stems of the cilantro plant are edible. The leaves are soft and tender, whereas the stems are fibrous and more flavorful.

    How To Cut Cilantro From Plants?

    If you want to know how to cut cilantro without killing the plant, here’s how:

    Step 1: Select a stem on the periphery of the clump and cut it off using sharp kitchen shears. Cutting at this stage will remove only the stem and some leaves but not all. This method helps you harvest cilantro several times.

    Step 2: After removing one stem, use your fingers to separate the remaining stems so you can find how to cut cilantro from a plant with ease. If there are no other stems visible anywhere in your garden, be sure to check again as they might still be hidden underneath larger leaves.

    How To Cut Cilantro From The Garden?

    Now that you know how to cut cilantro from plants, let’s learn how to correctly cut your cilantro leaves from the garden. Here is a step-by-step guide:

    Step 1: Hold a stem firmly in one hand and a clean pair of scissors in the other.

    Step 2: Cut cilantro stems right above a leaf node to retain most of your plants. A leaf node is where leaves are attached to the stem. Removing leaves below this area will seriously affect how to cut cilantro from the garden because it can disturb its growth pattern plus you’re left with shortened stems that won’t be as strong. 

    Step 3: Cut off your cilantro stems with a single clean cut to ensure you don’t damage the plant. Whatever you do, never cut your cilantro in a zigzag manner because this will tear the stem open and expose it to air which encourages its tissue to dry up.

    Follow this how-to cut cilantro guide correctly and your garden will always be full of culinary delights!

    Click here for A Guide To Growing Black Beauty Zucchini

    How To Cut Cilantro Leaves In The Kitchen

    Once you have harvested your cilantro, it’s time to learn how to cut cilantro leaves in the kitchen. Follow these steps to get it done easily:

    Step 1: Start by washing your hands. Always handle your food with clean hands.

    Step 2: Start pulling off the large outer leaves from the stems. Be sure to tear the leaves off instead of cutting with a knife.

    Step 3: Once you have enough leaves pulled off, wash them with clean water to get off dirt and insects if any.

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    Step 4. Roll these leaves upholding them between your first three fingers. Place them flat on your cutting board and hold them firmly so they won’t move. Hold your knife with a comfortable grip, keeping it in one position. Slowly slice the how-to-cut cilantro leaves length.

    Step 5: Cut these leaves into thin strips by holding your knife at an angle, about 30 degrees against the leafy pile. The thicker part of the cilantro leaves should be placed on top while the narrow end should be facing down towards your cutting board for stability.

    Now you know how to cut your cilantro and get them ready to garnish your food.

    Read more about How Does An Artichoke Grow?

    How Long Does Cilantro Last After Harvesting?

    Now that you know how to cut cilantro, you need to know that proper storage is important after harvesting.

    Store your cut cilantro in a glass of water by covering it with a plastic bag and placing it on your refrigerator’s top shelf. Remember that cilantro tends to wilt fast so it’s best you only harvest what you need currently. If you want them to stay longer, you can also freeze the cilantro leaves inside baggies for up to six months.

    If you’re cutting fresh cilantro leaves from your garden, don’t leave it out at room temperature even if it’s only one stem – never leave any food uncovered especially with how long cilantro lasts.

    How Long Does Cilantro Last After Harvesting

    Conclusion – How To Cut Cilantro

    After harvesting cilantro from your garden, always store them properly in the fridge. Cut the cilantro stems or leaves with a single clean cut to ensure you get perfect results every time.

    Cilantro is a companion to every chef, as it has both health and medicinal properties that most people use. It can be used fresh or dry.

    When used fresh, it has a very different taste than when it is dried. Fresh coriander leaves are an essential ingredient in many Asian dishes and American foods as well as Middle Eastern dishes.

    Coriander has many health benefits which include its ability in helping to control diabetes. It also helps ease muscle pain and detoxifies the body when used topically or orally. In addition, it also lowers blood cholesterol levels, boosts good bacteria in your gut, and helps with digestion.

    Happy gardening everyone!

    FAQ’s

    What part of cilantro do you cut?

    There are many parts of cilantro you can cut. Different parts of how to cut cilantro can be used for different recipes.
    Shallot – the white part that grows below the green leaves.

    Green onion – the longest green stalk minus roots.

    Root – it’s actually how to cut cilantro from the plant so you have to dig up the plant first before harvesting this part.

    Do you use the stems of cilantro?

    Yes, cilantro stems are edible too. However, how to cut cilantro stems is not always efficient because it takes a lot of time and effort before you can make all those leaves come out.

  • Growing Black Beauty Zucchini – Important Facts

    Growing Black Beauty Zucchini – Important Facts

    A guide to growing black beauty zucchini is essential to gardeners who would love to grow this scrumptious vegetable.

    Black Beauty zucchini is the classic dark green, straight, thin-necked summer squash. It was introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1902 and quickly became popular because of its productivity, good flavor, smooth texture, and long shelf life. This vegetable produces well even under less-than-perfect growing conditions.

    However, you do not have to stick to tradition if you don’t want to. The bright yellow or gold flowers are edible as well as the young leaves which are added to salads.

    Growing Black Beauty Zucchini

    This plant is easy to grow if you know some tips and tricks. Here are several tricks that should be able to help you grow it.

    • Starting Seeds. You may start black beauties indoors before transplanting them outside after all danger of frost has passed. If you transplant them in the fall, black beauty zucchini will provide a steady supply of tender, dark green squash in your home garden until frost.
    • Ideal Planting Location. Black beauty zucchini thrives in the warm weather, so you should plant it in a location that is exposed to full sunlight and is sheltered from cold winds.
    • Mulching. You should also use black plastic mulches around young plants to help them grow well by retaining more of the soil‘s warmth and moisture.
    Growing Black Beauty Zucchini
    • Watering. Water black beauties regularly during the growing season because summer squash needs regular watering especially after it starts flowering or fruiting. You can check whether your black beauty zucchini needs watering by sticking your finger in the soil up to your first knuckle and feeling whether the soil feels dry.
    • Fertilizing. You should use black beauty zucchini fertilizer when planting black beauties and once every two weeks until it starts fruiting. While black beauties do not need much nitrogen, they still require nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus to grow well.

    For the best flavor, harvest black beauty zucchinis when they are young. They can be enjoyed raw or cooked and they will also freeze well.

    Read more about How Does An Artichoke Grow?

    How Often To Feed Black Beauty Zucchini?

    Black beauties are heavy feeders so make certain that they receive regular applications of liquid fertilizer throughout their growing season.

    Black beauty zucchinis need ample nitrogen to develop their dark green foliage. Organic vegetable gardeners may want to plant black beauty zucchini along with green beans or peas because they fix nitrogen in the soil.

    You can also nourish black beauties by mulching around them with compost or aged animal manure. The best fertilizer to use on these plants is the one providing nitrogen and potassium in low amounts. Organic fertilizer is also good for black beauty zucchini. Feed your plants at least once every two weeks with black beauty zucchini fertilizer.

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    How Long Does It Take Black Beauty Zucchini To Grow?

    Black beauties are very fast-growing summer squash.  Their maturity time depends on how often you water them and fertilize them as black beauties need more moisture than most vegetables.

    They can be harvested in about 55-60 days after planting black beauty zucchini seeds or transplants. If you start black beauties indoors early enough and give them ideal growing conditions, they will be ready for harvest 50-55 days after planting.

    Check Out The Differences Between Greensand Vs Azomite

    When To Harvest Black Beauty Zucchini

    Black beauty zucchini is ready when it reaches six to eight inches long and two inches in diameter. It is best to harvest them when they are under eight inches as this is when they have the best flavor.

    Harvest them when the skin is glossy black with white stripes or solid black. Use them within two or three days after picking for the best flavor and texture, before they become seedy and coarse.

    Once black beauty zucchini starts producing fruit, you should harvest them several times a week. Black beauties produce abundant crops of high-quality summer squash over a long period.

    When To Harvest Black Beauty Zucchini

    When picking black beauties, cut them off with a sharp knife or pruning shears while leaving 1/2 inch of stem attached. Alternatively, just twist off black beauties while supporting their weight in your hand – similar to handling a ripe melon. Harvesting these fruits carefully will keep them fresh longer which is essential if you want to use them for longer.

    How Big of a Pot Do You Need For Black Beauty Zucchini?

    Did you know you can also grow your black beauty zucchini in pots? Ideally, you should use a container that measures at least eight inches deep. Black beauty zucchini is a very productive black summer squash that doesn’t need much space and can be grown in large pots.

    You can grow black beauties in small pots 3-4 feet wide. These vegetables are extremely easy to grow and produce lots of nutritious black summer squash.

    Fill the pot with a good quality soil or cactus mix, mixed with 30 percent fine sand and 10 percent composted manure to ensure optimum drainage.

    Start fertilizing these plants every two weeks from planting until you start seeing the fruit forming. Use black plastic mulch to help them retain soil moisture and warm the plants up earlier. Water black beauties regularly during the growing season to provide adequate moisture.

    Conclusion On Black Beauty Zucchini

    If you are interested in growing black beauty zucchini, we hope you find the guide above useful. Have you grown this plant before and have tricks up your sleeve you would like to share with us? If so, please share any tricks for growing black beauty zucchini in the comments.

    FAQ’s

    Is Black Beauty zucchini a bush or vine?

    Black summer squash is an annual, warm-season vegetable grown for its tender black fruit. They are vining black zucchini plants that can grow up to 6 feet tall x 3 feet wide black zucchini bush. Vines are not very suitable for container growing black beauty zucchini, but this one can still get decent production in pots.

    How much space does Black Beauty zucchini need?

    Black zucchini squash plants are vines that can spread up to 6 feet – meaning it’s not too big. You can also successfully grow them in pots.

    How much water does black beauty zucchini need?

    Black beauties need regular watering to help them fruit well because their fruits are particularly sensitive to drought. Water black beauty zucchini deeply, soaking them until the top 8 inches or so of soil are quite moist.  However, don’t let them sit in wet soil black winter squash because this will rot them.

  • How Does An Artichoke Grow?

    How Does An Artichoke Grow?

    Artichokes are a popular and versatile vegetable.  However, due to their unusual appearance, you may wonder, how does an artichoke grow? Though they may take some experience, they are great vegetables to grow in your garden.

    Artichokes are packed full of health benefits. There are many different tasty ways you can prepare them to enjoy. They are a great vegetable that you can grow in your own home garden with the right experience.

    How To Grow Artichokes

    Artichoke plants are a type of herbaceous perennials that are part of the Asteraceae family. This group of plants includes thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers.

    Artichokes are short-lived perennials when grown in warmer climates but in cooler regions, they are grown as annuals. They are grown for their unique edible flower buds, which people harvest before the flowers open.

    How To Grow Artichokes

    Originally, artichokes are from the Mediterranian area. They are still mainly grown here today, but they are also grown commercially in other areas too such as California.

    Though commercially they are mainly grown in California, home gardeners grow them all over. However, they’re very large plants so you will need to have plenty of space.

    How Does An Artichoke Grow?

    Artichokes are commonly described as architectural plants, due to their tall, branching build. They have big, silvery-green leaves that can be prickly and thick stems large flower buds. The buds are the part of the plant we eat and a healthy plant will produce around six to nine buds.

    You can grow them without the worry of animals eating them, because very few do. They can be harvested at will, but the unique plants and textural leaves will add an interesting look throughout the season. Despite not being grown commercially in many areas, they can grow well in most regions.

    At maturity, artichokes can be three to six feet tall and four to five feet wide. If you grow them at home, you need to have a large garden with plenty of space. Place them four to six feet apart in rows and place the rows six to eight feet apart to make growing and watering easier.

    Proper Growing Conditions – How Does An Artichoke Grow

    Depending on the climate, artichokes will be planted at different times of the year. If grown in cooler climates as annuals, they should be planted in the spring. In warmer climates, they can grow as perennials and can be planted as seeds in late spring or as young plants in mid-fall.

    Artichokes can grow in zones 7-11. They need soil that is well-drained, light, and fertile. You should be certain to plant your artichokes in an area where they can receive full sun.

    Ideally, the pH level of the soil should be slightly alkaline. Artichokes prefer warmer, drier weather, which is why they thrive in California and the Mediterranean. If you grow them as a perennial, you will want mild winters and cool, moist summers.

    Watering And Fertilizer

    Artichokes do best with a balanced vegetable plant food fertilizer that is applied every two weeks during the growing season. They should be watered one to three times a week. This will allow the plant to develop a strong root system while keeping the buds fleshy and tender.

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    Varieties

    There are a few different varieties of artichokes. Some of the most common varieties include Big Heart, Green Globe, Imperial Star, Purple of Romagna, and Violetto. Green Globe tends to be one of the most popular varieties.

    How To Trim An Artichoke

    Though it can be tricky at first, trimming an artichoke is a pretty straightforward process once you get the hang of it. After harvesting, it requires a few steps to get them to the point where you can eat them.

    To begin, cut off the top third of the artichoke bud using a serrated knife. Next, remove the outer two layers of leaves that are around the stem. Then, you will use kitchen scissors to trim off any sharp tips remaining on the outer leaf.

    Peel the stem off the artichoke. If you don’t plan on using the artichoke right away, you can place it in a bowl with lemon water to keep it fresh until you are ready to use it.

    Common Ways To Prepare Artichokes

    You can cook artichokes in many different ways including steaming, baking, grilling, braising, or stuffing. Steaming is often the most popular way to cook artichokes as it is the easiest.

    Artichokes also taste great in dips, salads, soups, stew, and hash. They come with many health benefits including being low in fat and rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

    Common Ways To Prepare Artichokes

    Growing Your Own Artichokes

    Artichokes are a versatile and healthy vegetable that you can grow in your own garden with the proper room and knowledge. They can grow in zones 7-11 and need full sun along with well-drained, light, fertile soil.

    Do you have any questions regarding how does an artichoke grow? If so, please ask any questions relating to growing artichokes in the comment section below.

    FAQ’s

    How Long Does it Take to Grow an Artichoke?

    Most artichokes take around 85-100 days to reach harvest once planted. The center of the bud matures the fastest, followed by the sides of the bud.

    How Much Water Does it Take to Grow an Artichoke?

    Artichokes should be watered thoroughly one to three times a week. This will allow the roots to grow strong and allow the buds to become tender and fleshy. During production season, they will need about 15 inches of water in order to be healthy.

    Are Artichokes Easy to Grow?

    Artichokes are not particularly hard to grow, but most importantly you need plenty of space to grow them. Most intermediate and advanced gardeners have no problem growing them with the right knowledge. In order to enjoy a bountiful harvest, you need proper planting, watering and pruning.

    How Tall Does an Artichoke Plant Grow?

    Artichoke plants can grow to be as tall as three to six tall. They can be as wide as four to five feet.

    Due to their large size, you need to have plenty of room in your garden to grow artichokes. You should plant them four to six feet apart in rows and the rows should be six to eight feet apart to make growing and watering easier.