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Category: Plants

  • Plum Tomatoes vs Roma Tomatoes

    Plum Tomatoes vs Roma Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are great a fruit that comes in so many varieties. Plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes are two common varieties of tomatoes you can find. But is there really a difference between plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes? Let’s get some facts on this.

    With so many different varieties of tomatoes available, having some insight into some of these tomato varieties will really go a long way. Getting to know their different features can even give you a better idea regarding how best to plant them, the best preparation methods for these tomato varieties, and so on.

    In this article, we will be focusing on the differences between plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge regarding this.

    Roma vs Plum Tomato

    So, regarding plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes, different questions may come to our minds. Questions such as: are Roma tomatoes similar to plum tomatoes? Do they have any tangible differences?

    Well, the main difference between plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes is that Roma tomatoes are simply a type of plum tomato variety. Interesting right? Therefore, the plum tomato has different varieties and a Roma tomato is one of these varieties of plum tomato. This also means plum tomato has other varieties of tomatoes under which are different from Roma tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are just a popular type of plum tomato that falls under the plum tomato variety.

    Roma vs Plum Tomato

    Again, we can say Roma tomato is a type of plum tomato. However, not all plum tomatoes can be regarded as Roma tomatoes. Because Roma tomatoes are one of the most popular varieties of plum tomatoes, Roma and plum tomatoes are usually used interchangeably at grocery stores as well as the produce market.

    Now there are other types of plum tomatoes variety apart from the popular Roma tomatoes. So, some of them include Amish Paste, Big Mama, San Marzano, and Ropreco Paste. Therefore, comparing plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes isn’t necessary because Roma is simply a type of plum variety.

    To further get a better understanding of plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes, let’s look into each of these tomato varieties.

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    Some Info About Plum Tomato

    Plum tomatoes are a pretty popular type of tomatoes and a widely cultivated tomato variety in America as well as Europe. This plum tomato variety is used for specific purposes such as tomato paste or tomato sauce.

    Rather than having a round shape like every other tomato, the plum tomato has this unique oval to a cylindrical shape. The fruit size of plum tomato also differs depending on the variety.

    You can have big, medium, or large-sized plum tomatoes. However, small-sized plum tomatoes are the most commonly found in the market because of their easy usage. But you can still find large or medium-sized varieties in the market.

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    Also, the plum tomato has this very small variety that is similar to the size of a grape and it is often referred to as grape tomato.

    Other types of plum tomato apart from Roma include Amish Paste, Big Mama, San Marzano, and Ropreco Paste. Roma and San Marzano tomatoes are the most common types of plum tomato varieties.

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    How Is The Texture Of Plum Tomato?

    Plum tomato tends to be pretty soft and tender on the outside. Then the inner part of the plum tomato contains fewer seeds and fewer seed compartments (usually around 2 compartments). They also have less liquid; therefore their content tends to be more concentrated. All these features make them an excellent choice for paste.

    Again, when it comes to sauce, the concentrated content or flavor tends to improve the flavor and mouthfeel of the sauce. Because the tomato maintains and holds its shape very well, it can do well when canned to use in the future.

    Some Info About Roma Tomatoes

    Roma tomato also referred to as Italian plum tomato is a kind of plum tomato variety. The major growing parts of this tomato variety are the United States, Mexico, and Australia.

    Found in the market popularly. This tomato variety has a pear or egg shape and the plum tomato fruit can come in red and yellow colors.

    They are one plum variety that is very easy to cook with. This is because of their lower seed content, lower water content, and firm texture. These features allow this tomato to be easy to create lovely, tasty sauces and pastes.

    Just like every other tomato, Roma is canned and made into a sauce as a preservation method. This encourages the longer shelf life of tomatoes. The smaller seed size and fewer numbers of seeds also promote the canning process that offers to prolong the shelf life.

    Furthermore, some of the Roma tomatoes have been genetically enhanced to be resistant to some common diseases. These common diseases include verticillium and fusarium wilt.

    Read More About How To Get Rid Of Mealworms In The Garden?

    Are Roma Tomatoes Bigger Than Plum Tomatoes?

    The question isn’t really a straightforward answer. As we’ve mentioned, both Roma and plum tomatoes can reasonably be regarded as the same tomatoes. All Roma tomatoes are under the plum tomato variety. However, not all plum tomatoes tend to be Roma tomatoes.

    Therefore, plum tomato can come in different varieties and each of these tomato varieties has different sizes of tomatoes.

    What Is The Difference Between Plum Tomatoes And Whole Tomatoes?

    Plum tomatoes and whole tomatoes are quite similar. Plum tomatoes are basically whole tomatoes that are packed in the juice inside a can. These tomatoes have been peeled so they can remain skinless. However, all their seeds are still intact.

    What Is The Difference Between Plum Tomatoes And Whole Tomatoes

    Conclusion

    Tomatoes fruits no matter the varieties are pretty versatile and they are most loved in different recipes in so many homes. We have looked into plum tomatoes vs Roma tomatoes to know if there are any differences between these two

    We’ve discovered that Roma tomatoes are actually under the category of plum tomatoes. Hence, Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato variety.

    Roma tomatoes are one of the most popular types of plum tomato you can find. This makes these two names (Roma and plum) to be used interchangeably especially at the grocery store and produce market. But now we have a good idea about what Roma and plum tomatoes are.

  • Yellow Beans vs Green Beans

    Yellow Beans vs Green Beans

    Beans are a common staple we love to make use of in our various meals. Now there are different varieties of beans so yellow beans and green beans are part of them. In this post, we will be looking into yellow beans vs green beans.

    Both yellow beans and green beans are great-tasting beans. But what we would like to know is if there are any differences between them.

    So, let’s dive into the major differences between yellow beans ad green beans. We will hence be discussing yellow beans vs green beans, what they are known as, their applications, and so on. So. Continue reading to gain some insight on these.

    But before we delve into these two great beans, let’s touch or briefly look into each of these beans and see what they are all about.

    About Green Beans

    Generally, the variety of the long and tender beans is basically referred to as green beans. These green beans refer to every type of beans variety. Therefore, green beans include wax or yellow beans, haricots verts, stringless beans, long beans, and so on.

    This green bean derived its green color from the pigment chlorophyll. Green beans can also be regarded as snap beans or string beans. So, in case you come across this bean variety labeled string or snap beans, they are the same vegetables with just different names.

    About Green Beans

    This great-tasting bean can be consumed raw or you can simply cook it.

    This bean is a great source of vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and K. It is also packed with fiber and folic acid. Green beans also offer many other health benefits that will further be discussed in this post.

    You can find green beans all through the year in the grocery store. However, the warmer months are the peak season for this green vegetable.

    About Yellow Beans

    Yellow bean is also a type of green bean variety and it is also referred to as wax beans. This yellow bean may appear physically different from the usual green beans, but trust me, their taste is remarkably similar.

    These two beans are almost identical to each other in all aspects except their color. Hence, we can refer to it as yellow-green beans.

    The color of yellow beans is pale cornflower. It is stringless and the flesh appears translucent yellow and this clings tightly to its little lime green legumes inside their shells.

    As we mentioned, yellow beans are also a green bean variety. The yellow beans have just been bred to lack the pigment chlorophyll that can make this vegetable appear green.

    About Yellow Beans

    Yellow beans are as well great to be consumed raw or you can simply cook them. You can also steam them, roast them, or simply boil them. You can also incorporate them raw into salads with cooked tuna or salmon. Or you can simply serve them with creamy herb dip.

    The tastes of these yellow wax beans are crisp especially when harvested young. It also feels succulent and tender firm, with that mellow grassy sweet and nutty flavor.

    Why Are Yellow Beans Referred To As Wax Beans?

    The name yellow wax beans are given to dozens of wax bush bean varieties. They individually have various shades of yellow in their appearance and variance in waxiness and this depends on the cultivar.

    These yellow beans or wax beans are almost identical to green beans in all areas except their color.

    Green Beans vs Yellow Beans

    Now let’s look into yellow beans vs green beans to know how they differ from each other:

      • Color: the most obvious difference is in their color. Green beans come in green color. Then yellow or wax beans come in yellow color. This color is mainly due to the presence and absence of the pigment chlorophyll.

      • Loose of Color When Cooked: green beans tend to lose some of their visible colors when cooked. Yellow beans or wax beans on the other hand will still maintain their color even after blanching them in boiling water or salted water.

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    Are There Wax In Yellow Beans?

    It is traditionally known that yellow beans are referred to as wax beans. The term ‘wax’ has become a common term that is used to refer to any yellow beans as waxy whether they are waxy or not.

    A true bean that is waxy actually possesses that waxy texture and feel.

    What Causes Green Bean To Turn Yellow?

    When you leave your green beans for a while and you notice them turning yellow, it may just be the pods turning yellow and your beans are fine. Some of these green bean varieties may fade to yellow as their pods age or mature.

    Health Benefits Of Green And Yellow Beans

    Both yellow beans and green beans are similar hence they tend to have similar health benefits. Here are some of them:

      • These beans are loaded with Vitamin A, C, and K.

      • These nutritious beans help reduce the risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity.

      • It can also reduce the risk of early mortality rate.

      • Another great benefit you enjoy from consuming this great-tasting vegetable is a healthy completion.

      • You also enjoy increased energy and overall lower weight.

      • Green beans are rich in iron and this is very beneficial to women of child-bearing age. It enhances fertility. Also, pregnant women benefit from consuming green beans as it contains folic acid which helps fight against neural tube defects in pregnancy.

      • Green bean is rich in vitamin K and this assist in enhancing the bone’s health.

      • Because green beans contain a high quantity of chlorophyll, this may help obstruct the carcinogenic effect of heterocyclic amines that are derived when meats are grilled at high temperatures.

    FAQ’s

    Do yellow and green beans taste the same?

    Yellow and green beans look different, but they taste pretty much the same. There is no difference in flavor between the two, though there are differences in texture. Green beans are slightly more tender than yellow beans.

    Yellow beans are bright and shiny, whereas green beans are dull and green.

    Both plants produce very good sized pods. I usually cut the pods in half and cook them right away.

    Are yellow beans good for you?

    A recent article from the Washington Post claims that yellow beans are healthy and can be used to make a quick meal. The article claims that they have high levels of protein, fiber, iron, calcium, folate, and zinc, but I’m not so sure. I tried this recipe myself, and it was pretty tasty. But I don’t think it would be my first choice to make if I wanted to eat healthily.

    How do you eat yellow beans?

    This is a question we ask ourselves every year when we return to the farm. I eat yellow beans year round, but in the summer they are at their best, and I eat them in many ways: with butter, in salads, on pasta, on pizza, in soups, and of course, in burritos. I like to add yellow beans to our favorite recipes.

    They are so versatile and easy to use, and they lend themselves to a wide variety of flavors.

    What types of green beans are there?

    Green beans are available in several varieties such as French beans, string beans, sugar snap beans and so on. These beans can be easily grown in a home garden or even in a pot. Beans are also available in dried form. They come in various sizes, shapes, colors and flavors. Green beans have been used as a source of protein for many generations and they have been known to have a lot of health benefits.

    Can yellow beans be eaten raw?

    I think it’s important to know that there is a difference between “cooked” and “raw”. If you want to eat them raw, then you need to soak them in water overnight.

    How do you cook dried yellow beans?

    I usually boil them until they are soft, and mash them with a potato masher. I use them in soups, stews, etc.

    How do you cook green beans?

    Green beans are such a favorite of mine. I love them fresh, steamed or sautéed.

    Green beans are very easy to prepare. You can either boil them in water until tender, or steam them. For the latter, you can simply toss them into a steamer basket and cover the top with a lid.

    Conclusion

    Regarding yellow beans vs green beans, we have seen that there aren’t so many differences between these two great-tasting beans. The major difference we can visibly see is their colors.

    In fact, green beans are also the same as yellow beans. The only difference is that green beans contain the pigment chlorophyll that is responsible for the green color. While yellow beans on the other hand have been bred to lack the chlorophyll pigment that makes them green.

  • Drip Irrigation For Tomatoes In Containers

    Drip Irrigation For Tomatoes In Containers

    Tomatoes being a juicy water-filled fruit indicate they will require proper watering. You can plant tomatoes in your outdoor garden, raised garden bed, or even containers. If you’re planting tomatoes in containers, one ideal way of supplying water to your container’s tomatoes is through drip irrigation.

    Watering your tomato plant is a crucial step to take to achieve that thriving and healthy crop. If your tomato plant doesn’t receive adequate watering at the appropriate times, it can lead to plant stress that puts your plant at risk.

    Growing tomato in a container is very easy and you can always enjoy a fruitful harvest. But you need to take extra measures to enjoy great results especially when it comes to watering these plants.

    Therefore, let’s dive into one great way of supplying water to your tomato plants which is drip irrigation for tomatoes in containers.

    The Need For Watering In Tomato Plants Containers

    drip irrigation tomatoes

    These juicy tomato fruits are composed of about 95% water. Hence, water is one major factor that contributes to their growth and development.

    Planting tomatoes in your traditional outdoor garden may seem a bit easier for tomatoes to obtain water. For instance, your tomatoes can receive water from rain and other factors. It will even be easier for traditional outdoor tomatoes to reach down their roots to search for water.

    However, when it comes to planting tomatoes in containers, extra effort to supply this juicy plant with water will be needed.

    Therefore, installing that automated drip irrigation for your container’s tomatoes can make things easier when it comes to the plant’s watering needs.

    Drip Irrigation Tomatoes

    Now, let’s look into the tomato drip irrigation system. Installing drip irrigation for your tomatoes in containers is a great way of providing moisture to the plant. It is also an effective way of supplying fertilizer to your crops.

    However, when it comes to making use of the drip irrigation for your container’s tomatoes, you need to ensure the installation is very efficient. You need to get the installation, maintenance, and operation right.

    A correct and effective drip irrigation system should distribute water evenly to your tomato plants. This is usually done with the right timing or scheduling of watering sessions.

    Drip Irrigation For Tomato Plants: Things To Consider For Proper Watering

    You can set the timer for the watering schedule of the drip irrigation for tomatoes plants in your containers.

    The watering needs of your tomato plant will greatly depend on things like environmental weather. The hotness of the environment, how big the tomato plant is, and how windy should be some things to consider when setting the timer for your drip irrigation. Soil type is another thing to consider because different types of soil have their characteristics of absorbing, retaining, or draining water.

    ·         Environmental temperatures

    Temperature is one major factor to consider when planning the watering schedule for your drip irrigation tomatoes in your containers. Around the middle of summer, you may need to water your tomato plants at least once or even twice daily.

    When the temperature is moderate, you can water twice or thrice weekly. During rainy seasons, if your tomato container is outdoors, you can reduce the watering needs to once weekly. Or simply water when needed.

    ·         Soil type

    Tomato plants prefer loose soil such as sandy soil with a mixture of clay texture and the addition of organic matter. However, tomatoes can still thrive in sandy clay soil.

    So, regarding the soil type, clay soil tends to hold more water while sandy soil is loose and well-draining. Therefore, you should water less in clay soil and water more in sandy soil.

    ·         Plant size

    The size or how big your tomato plant is will also determine how much to run your drip irrigation for. Run the drip irrigation system into your tomato plant for plants less than 18 inches tall for 30 minutes every 3 days. Once the tomato plant begins to grow bigger, then you should increase the watering schedule.

    Extra watering tips

    Ensure the drip emitters are set directly to the soil direction to avoid wetting the leaves of the plant. This is to prevent fungal diseases usually caused by constant wet tomato leaves.

    Additionally, ensure water gets deep into the container. If you water too little, it may just be the upper soil layers that receive moisture. Water needs to get deep into the root of the tomato plant.

    One trick to ensuring water gets to the base of your root is to water until you see drains out of the container base.

    tomato drip irrigation system

    What Happens When Tomatoes Don’t Get Adequate Water?

    In all this, note that tomatoes are sensitive to both lack of moisture as well as excess moisture of the soil. When you overwater the tomato plants, it may lead to the drowning of the plant. Then under-watering could cause blossom end rot (the bottom of the plant changes to black).

    When a tomato plant is deprived of water especially during the hot season, it can lead to plant stress thereby putting the plant at risk.

    Also, you may notice an adverse effect such as tomato splitting on the vine from water inconsistency. This usually happens when there hasn’t been a proper water supply to the tomato plants for a long time. Then you probably water the tomato plant or heavy rain falls on the plant.

    When this happens, the tomatoes tend to absorb excess water because it has been thirsty for a while. Then this causes the tomato fruit to split on the vine.

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    FAQ’s

    How much water do tomatoes need drip?

    Watering is essential for good tomato growth. Water requirements for a tomato plant are affected by the size of the plant and the amount of sun it gets. The smaller, bushier varieties need more water than the tall varieties. You can also tell by how fast the soil is drying out. If the soil dries out too quickly, the plant will be stressed and not grow as well as it would if it got more water.

    Water should be applied at least once a day in early spring and daily thereafter until fruit is ripe. Water that is applied at the rate of an inch per week is sufficient to assure adequate growth.

    What is the best watering system for tomatoes?

    Tomato plants are sensitive to wet soil, so it’s important to water regularly. There are a variety of methods to water tomatoes. You can use either drip irrigation or overhead sprinklers.
    The best tomato watering system should be one that will keep the soil moist without drowning the plants. Watering systems are used to provide a consistent water supply to your plants.
    Drip irrigation is a popular method because it uses less water than overhead sprinklers. It’s also good for small gardeners who want to conserve water. The most important thing when using a drip system is to make sure you have enough emitters to cover the area that needs to be watered. You can buy a kit that comes with everything you need. If you choose to use an overhead system, it’s best to use an automatic timer that will turn the system on and off automatically.

    Should I water tomatoes every day?

    You should only need to water your tomatoes every other day. If you water them more than every other day, they’ll likely have root rot. The reason for this is because you are essentially “over watering” your plants. Over watering causes the soil to become too wet. Soil that is too wet is difficult to drain, so the plant has a hard time getting rid of excess water.

    What are the signs of over watering tomato plants?

    The first sign is the leaves. Over watering will cause the leaves to wilt and fall off. The second sign is that the stems will start to rot and the plants will become leggy. This is an indication that the plant is not getting enough water. If you see these signs in your tomato plants, stop watering. Let the soil dry out for a day or two and then water again.

    How can you tell if your tomatoes need water?

    You can tell if your tomatoes need water by watching for wilting leaves, browning stems and the development of blossom end rot. If you are growing in a greenhouse, you can also look at the soil moisture content to see if it is too wet or dry.

    Additional Say

    It really makes things easy using drip irrigation for your tomatoes in your containers. All you need do is to schedule the watering plan and factor in some things such as temperatures, size of the plant, soil type, humidity, wind, and so on.

    Make sure you don’t overwater or underwater your tomato plant. The water consistency must also be accurate. Then ensure the water circulates through the entire soil and make sure water gets to the root of the tomato plant.

    Additionally, ensure your containers have good drainage holes at the base to allow excess water to pass through.

  • Why Do Green Peppers Turn Red?

    Why Do Green Peppers Turn Red?

    Why exactly do green peppers turn red is the question we will be answering today. Peppers tend to start as green pepper before turning red on the plant vine.

    Peppers are essential cuisines of tropical Asia as well as equatorial America. The pepper plant has been widely grown in South America and Central America and they are now been grown all over the world.

    The difference between green peppers and red peppers is purely time. It is the timeframe these fruits have been left to mature on the vine.

    Let’s look into more things to note on why green peppers do turn red.

    Why Do Green Peppers Turn Red?

    do green peppers turn red

    So, will green peppers turn red? Why exactly do green peppers turn red? Usually, the colors of peppers or bell peppers are inclined to change from green to yellow, to orange, and then red. These changes depend on how long they are allowed to mature on the vine.

    Therefore, green peppers tend to change or turn to red when they are left on the vine. When peppers turn into different colors and finally turn red, this means they have reached their full maturity. Hence, green peppers are the immature fruits of red peppers.

    Ideally, almost all peppers will wind up turning red in the long run if they were left on the plant for long.

    Green Pepper Turning Red: Which Pepper Is Sweeter?

    Green pepper tends to taste slightly bitter while red pepper tastes much better. This is because as the maturity of the pepper progresses, the fruit is liable to become sweeter. Therefore, red pepper which is the last stage of pepper maturity tends to be sweeter than green pepper.

    This is one major reason why green peppers are less expensive than red pepper when you shop for them in the grocery store. Red peppers will take more time to reach maturity. But green pepper on the other hand can be derived in less time compared to red peppers.

    Helpful Tips On Ripening Or Turning Green Pepper To Red

    You may need to harvest your unripe green peppers early probably due to frost or other reasons. So, this may leave you with the unripe green pepper. If you wish to ripen these unripe green peppers to red, here are some tricks on how you can go about this:

    ·         Ripening green pepper using the paper bag method

    Once you have your green peppers, get a brown paper bag. Get the appropriate size of paper bag depending on the amount or how large the pepper is. Then put a ripe banana, apple, or tomatoes with the green pepper.

    Putting any of these ripe fruits with green pepper will hasten the ripening process. The green pepper should turn red and ripen in about a week or more.

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    ·         Ripening green pepper using windowsill method

    This method is pretty simple and easy and it’s perfect for just a few unripe green peppers. Peppers can get ripen faster in warmer temperatures indoors but will ripen slowly in cooler temperatures.

    So, leave the unripe green pepper on a sunny windowsill where the room is warm for a couple of days. This will help them turn ripe. When they are done ripening, they should be stored in the refrigerator if you aren’t using them right away. Or you can simply make use of the ripened peppers as soon as possible.

    However, once you notice they are beginning to go soft, it’s best you discard them.

    ·         Ripening green pepper using the branch method

    Another way you can ripen green peppers is to hang the peppers upside down while the pepper is still attached to the branch. Do this indoors so they can ripen.

    But generally, green unripe peppers tend to ripen or turn red on their own accord. Therefore, merely keeping them in a room temperature can make them ripen. They should turn red and ripen in around a week or two weeks or more.

    However, some may turn bad if left unattended for too long. So, ensure you always check them from time to time so most of it doesn’t go bad.

    Ripening Green Pepper On The Vine

    There may come a time when you really need to hasten up the ripening process of your peppers on the vine. Well, there are also things you can do to encourage or hasten green pepper to ripen or turn red on the vine. Here are 3 ways to go about this:

    1. Enhance the natural process of pepper ripening

    Pepper plants strictly follow the natural period it takes to mature. Therefore, there may be little or less thing you can do to change the maturation timing. However, you can always help to ensure the timing is not delayed or nothing hinders the maturation process.

    Hence, when we talk about enhancing the natural timing process for the pepper plant, we are majorly referring to what you can do to prevent delays in the maturation process.

    Some of these enhancements include choosing the appropriate plating site. Select a spot where your pepper plant can receive a good supply of sunlight. Ensure other plants don’t obstruct or cast shadows on other plants. However, if the sun is way too much for the pepper plant, provide a bit of shade probably with some cloth to give your plant some relief.

    1. Adequate nutrition supply

    You need to also supply proper nutrition to your pepper plant. Fertilize your soil bed before planting. Use fertilizer containing nitrogen, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous.

    1. Trimming

    When you trim your pepper plant properly, it ensures the plant concentrates its resources on yielding bigger fruit faster.

    Prune the bottom of the pepper plant and maintain a branch of at least 6 inches off the ground. Doing this helps focus more nutrients on the fruit-producing activity of the plant. This also helps deter potential pathogens and unwanted insects from infesting your plant.

    will green peppers turn red

    FAQ’s

    Can you eat a green pepper that turns red?

    You can eat a green bell pepper that turns red. This is because the color of the pepper is caused by oxidation, which is caused by the chemical reaction between water and oxygen. The pepper starts out as a bright, fresh green color, but as it is exposed to air for long periods of time, its cells become oxidized. As a result, the pepper turns a dark red or brownish-red color.

    You can eat red bell peppers that turn black, but only after you cut off the part that turned black. The red part of the pepper will remain safe to eat.

    You can eat a green pepper that turns red. The longer you leave it in the sun, the more red it will get. They are not poisonous, and they taste great! If you are concerned about food poisoning, you might want to be cautious about eating the seeds. I

    Which color bell pepper is the healthiest?

    This is a very good question. We can’t say for sure which pepper is “healthier” since all peppers are quite healthy, but we can say that the color of the pepper has nothing to do with its healthiness. If you’re looking for the healthiest pepper for your diet, you have to look at what you like and what you can eat.

    Why are ripe peppers better?

    Ripe peppers are great to eat, and you will see why when you try them. They are very sweet, tender, juicy and have a wonderful taste that is hard to describe. Ripe peppers are also excellent for making sauces and salsas. When you get peppers that are not ripe, you will find that they are hard, bitter, and the flavor is more of a vinegar-like taste than the sweetness you expect from peppers.

    What’s the deal with green peppers turning red?

    If you’ve been growing peppers in your garden, you may have noticed that some are green and others are red. This happens when the pepper plant has reached maturity. The green peppers are called immature green peppers, and they are not yet fully mature. The red peppers are called mature red peppers, and they have reached their full potential for color.

    How do you know if bell peppers are ripe?

    The best way to tell if they are ripe is to smell them. If the peppers have a sweet aroma, they are ready. You should also be able to hear them crack when you press down on them.

    How long does it take for bell peppers to ripen?

    It depends on the type of pepper, and how ripe they are when you buy them. But generally, bell peppers will ripen in a couple days. And you can speed up the process by putting them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.

    Do bell peppers change color as they grow?

    No, peppers don’t change color as they grow. Bell peppers are just green when immature and then turn red when mature. The same is true for all other peppers. If you want to have peppers of different colors, you’ll need to start them from seeds.

    Concluding Remarks

    So, we have seen why green peppers do turn red even after harvesting. Green pepper is the immature stage of a pepper. Therefore, it is simply a natural process for green pepper to turn red because red is their final stage of maturity.

  • Growing Romaine Lettuce In Container

    Growing Romaine Lettuce In Container

    Growing romaine lettuce or any other lettuce in a container is a common practice for small space gardeners. This is usually done when gardeners do not have adequate space to grow this plant in a garden.

    Growing this plant in a container gives the plant an early start and allows for easy monitoring. The plant may easily be taken outside for sunlight and brought indoors during light freezes.

    This is a guide on the major considerations to note when growing romaine lettuce in a container as opposed to a garden. The peculiarities involved in growing this plant in a container are also discussed.

    There are a few things you must note when growing this plant in a container such as weeding, soil nutrient, water, and sunlight exposure. All of these are covered here. Now let’s get into what growing romaine lettuce in a container entails.

    What Growing Romaine Lettuce In A Container Entails

    Generally speaking, growing romaine lettuce in a container requires the right type of pot and planting medium. The following must be noted about growing this plant in a container:

    • Container Size: Romaine lettuce ordinarily requires sufficient room for roots to grow. Therefore, it is best if you use containers or pots ranging from 6 to 12 inches in width and length. Such containers should where possible, have adequate drainage holes.

    • Best Soil: the plant requires a consistent supply of water, but does not do well when water clogs the soil. The clay soil is therefore the best soil to plant as it provides a permeable surface. This soil has the ability to easily evaporate excess water and as such, prevent soggy roots.

    • Fertilizer Application: before sowing the plant, add some fertilizers to the soil to boost the soil nutrient. This will in a large way affect the growth potentials of the plant.

    • Planting: this may be done directly on the soil prepared, or there may be a transplant.

    What Growing Romaine Lettuce In A Container Entails

    Tips On How To Grow Romaine Lettuce In A container

    The following should be observed by you when planting romaine lettuce:

    ·         Container Settings

    Carefully set a 2-inch diameter seedling pot in a tray, to catch draining moisture. Alternatively, you may decide to set a 6 to10 inch diameter container on a drip tray if you intend to grow the plant to maturity.

    Ensure to fill the containers with a soilless potting mixture. You do not really need to add fertilizer to seedling pots if you are going to be sowing transplants. Where you intend to grow to maturity, mix ½ tablespoon of 10-10-10 fertilizer into the soil of a 6-to-10-inch container.

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    ·         Water

    Continuously water the soil to the point where the excess moisture begins to drip from the bottom of the pots. Allow this draining process to go on for about 30 minutes, thereafter empty the water from trays.

    ·         Seed Sowing

    Sow your romaine seeds about ¼ inch deep into the prepared soil. For a 6-to-10-inch container, plant two seeds per container.

    For larger containers, plant three seeds per pot. Since every seed will not likely germinate, you may decide to over sow and then remove the excess after germination.

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    ·         Maintain A Mist Soil

    The soil surface should be mist with water from a spray bottle. You may decide to cover the top of the container with a plastic bag so as to retain moisture, humidity, and warmth during the germination period.

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    ·         Supply With Warm Environment

    Set the container in a relatively warm spot between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to aid germination.

    Germination usually takes romaine lettuce less than seven days from sowing. When you notice that the soil has begun to dry again, remove the plastic bag and mist the soil again.

    When you notice that the plant has started to germinate, remove the plastic bag covering the container. Also, provide the romaine with full sunlight all day long and sufficient water.

    ·         Thinning

    When the plant begins to produce leaves, thin each pot to the strongest seedling. This is to ensure that you get the best possible result.

    ·         Harvesting

    From germination, baby romaine lettuce usually takes about 55-65 days to grow. Romaine lettuce however takes between 65-80 days to grow.

    When To Plant Romaine Lettuce

    The best possible time to grow romaine lettuce is usually when the temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Although some varieties of this plant have high heat tolerance, a majority of varieties hardly tolerate heat.

    This means that when it gets too hot, the plant will not survive. For the best result to be attained, it is best to start growing romaine lettuce two weeks before the last frost date.

    You can also begin to grow romaine lettuce in the fall as well. However, you must ensure that this is done about eight weeks before the first frost gets to your area.

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    Why You Should Be Growing Romaine Lettuce

    There are quite a lot of reasons why you should be growing romaine lettuce. One of the foremost reasons for doing so is that it is a great source of nutritious vegetables for the body. No doubt, vegetables are of utmost necessity for proper body growth.

    Romaine lettuce is favored by other species for various reasons. One of them is that the plant usually grows as tall as 8 to 10 inches above the soil, unlike other species. This makes it cleaner and reduces the extent it picks dirt.

    Also, the romaine lettuce is slower to bolt and turn bitter when heated than any other lettuce. So although romaine lettuce prefers the cooler temperature, it is still able to do well despite the heat.

    Why You Should Be Growing Romaine Lettuce

    Harvesting Romaine Lettuce Gown In Container

    To harvest romaine lettuce grown in a container is relatively easy. All you need to do is to cut the outside leaves of loose lettuce when the leaves are still tender. After cutting, the leaves will very likely grow back.

    It is always best to cut lettuce when the leaves are still tender. This is to ensure you get more yield as the plant grows very quickly and to avoid bolting.

    FAQ’s

    How big a container do you need for romaine lettuce?

    It’s not just the amount of space, but the amount of water and nutrients that it needs to grow. I know that it needs about 1 gallon per bunch (3 bunches per 10 inches) and that it requires a lot of water, but I don’t know what that is relative to the size of the container.

    A 2 gallon bag will work well for lettuce. You could even get away with a 1 gallon bag, but it will be more difficult to keep the soil moist without some kind of sponges or something in there. Lettuce will also grow better in a larger container, so if you have room for a bigger one, go for it! If you are using a plastic container, the bag will not hold water. You need to add enough to the bag so that the soil gets wetted. If you use a plastic container, you will need to keep it in a tub, because it won’t hold water.

    We love to grow our own romaine lettuce, and we grow it in an 18-inch container. We just put the seeds into the bottom of the pot and water them up until they sprout. Then we transplant the seedlings into a larger pot, and we’re ready to go.

    It depends on a few factors, including the amount of sunlight your plants will get.

    How deep do containers need to be for lettuce?

    Lettuce needs about 2-3″ of soil to be healthy. If you’re growing in a greenhouse, you can use whatever kind of containers you like.

    How do you harvest potted romaine lettuce?

    It’s very simple. Remove the outer leaves from the head, trim the root end and cut the base of the head into quarters, then separate the leaves and cut them into small pieces. Rinse and dry thoroughly. The outer leaves are generally tougher than the inner ones, but they’re also the most bitter. The leaves on the bottom are the least bitter and they’re also quite small.

    Can you start romaine lettuce indoors?

    Yes, it is possible to grow romaine lettuce indoors. You can plant romaine lettuce seeds directly in soil or seed starting mix and expect some success. Romaine lettuce is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in the spring or fall. It does best when planted in soil temperatures of 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C).

     It will grow slowly but will produce well.

    Conclusion on Growing Romaine Lettuce In A Container

    Romaine lettuce as we have seen above is one of the species of lettuce that can do well in containers. They however require some special care when grown in containers and this has been discussed above.

    When selecting the lettuce seed to plant, do well to choose the romaine lettuce as you are guaranteed a wonderful experience.

  • A list Of Vegetables That Grow In Hot Weather

    A list Of Vegetables That Grow In Hot Weather

    It is possible to grow vegetables that grow in hot weather as long as you know when to plant them and the exact vegetables to go for.

    Most gardeners are afraid that the summer heat will destroy their crops. But this is only possible if you do not plant the right crop at the right time.

    If you experience the hot summer season, it is critical to plant suitable hot weather vegetables that thrive in hot weather. Failure to do so you will lose your group and your precious seeds to the sun.

    Here are some top choices of summer vegetables to plant that will give you a harvest through the summer and fall seasons.

    Vegetables That Grow In Hot Weather

    Sweet potatoes

    Sweet potatoes love the hot weather -hot days and warm nights. Once you plant your sweet potatoes, keep an eye on the seedlings until their well-established. And sure that you water them adequately to keep the soil moist until they form into vines and begin to spread across the ground.

    Sweet potatoes need little to no attention, especially once they get established. Within 90 days, you can start harvesting your sweet potatoes and enjoy some fantastic recipes. Sweet potatoes need no weeding and can be easily preserved by storing in a root cellar throughout summer and fall.

    Bell peppers

    These papers are easy to grow and thrive during the warm summer months, full stop the slightly sweet and not all spicy and can be enjoyed in salads stews, and sandwiches. Gardeners in the south need to look for nematode-resistant varieties when growing. You can grow yellow, orange, red, or green bell peppers.

    Okra

    Okra is a self-sufficient plant that adapts well in dry, hot conditions. It is widely considered heat and drought-tolerant in most climates worldwide. Whether you plan to enjoy it fried or pickled or toss it into a soup, it is a beautiful plant to grow in your summer garden.

    Okra has a deeper root system suitable for hot weather conditions and is less susceptible to nematode problems.

    Hot peppers

    Hot peppers thrive during the summer months. They start producing from spring to fall with no problems in most hot climates. Some hot pepper varieties slow down the production slightly during the warmer months but increase flavor and heat intensity. The hotter peppers do not slow down in production during the summer at all. Hot peppers grow all around the world during the hot climate.

    Eggplant

    Eggplant takes the crown for being the best summer crop in all the members of the solanaceous family. The globe-shaped Mediterranean eggplants or the elongated Asian varieties are the best for the hot season.

    Growing an heirloom plant is never a bad idea. The more popular black beauty is suitable for Southern America and has a high success rate. It can endure the most intensely hot and humid climates in the world.

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    Cucumber

    Who would think that cucumbers can thrive in the summer? Cucumbers require nutritious and moist soil and a whole lot of sun to give you good produce. A few plants can provide you with plenty of cucumbers to enjoy the whole season. You will likely have more than enough for the summer season which you can always make pickles or enjoy salads throughout the year.

    Zucchini

    Squash is the summer and winter crop, best in hot weather environments. If you live in a region where the squash bugs or vine borers are an issue, avoid them by starting your seeds indoors and transplanting the seedlings outside in late June or early July. Use row covers to protect your plants until they begin to bloom; then, you will have escaped the problems these pests bring. You can also cover their stems with soil to protect against the vine borer as your plants mature.

    Corn

    Corn is one of the most popular summer vegetables that you can grow quickly. This mild-tasting vegetable can be grown with little maintenance making it a common choice among many gardeners during summer. Corn tastes excellent on anything salads, soups, wraps, pizza, chili, and anything else you can think of.

    Ensure that your corn plants are well-watered; keep an eye out for worms that love to munch on the ears of your plants. If you notice any, remove them and put them in your compost pile, where they will work to the benefit of your garden.

    Southern peas

    Cowpeas or Southern peas are easy to grow and very versatile. When the pods are young, you can munch on them in the same way you do with snap beans. When mature, the green snap peas make an excellent side dish or a salad topping. You may dry them and store them to cook and eat anytime you wish.

    Spinach

    Malabar and New Zealand spinach are the best to grow in the warm season. Malabar spinach is a vining plant producing tasty nutrient-rich foliage that you can use for salad green or cook into a delicious side dish. It thrives in climates that have over 90° temperatures throughout the summer.

    The New Zealand spinach is not an actual type of spinach. However, it produces lots of leaves during hot weather and can be used as a spinach replacement.

    hot weather vegetables

    Beans

    Green beans and yard-long beans will do well in hot weather. Yard-long beans have a nutty, sweet flavor, also known as asparagus beans. They can be grown on teepees and provide shade for me buying plants that do not love direct sunlight

    Green beans are an excellent choice for the summer veggie garden. Choose pole beans so that they can give you a long steady season of production or bush beans for a quick crop.

    Tomatoes

    Tomatillos and other southern species are excellent for sauces, salsas, and dressing pasta and thrive during the hot weather. These heat-loving fruits grow prolifically in the wild and the garden.

    Tomatoes are an excellent choice for summer gardens, with the best varieties being tropic VFN, Neptune, and Ozark pink VF.

    FAQs

    What vegetable grows best in the heat?

    If you’re in a region of the country that has a hot climate, you might be wondering what vegetable grows best in the heat. The answer is cucumbers. Cucumbers are a crop that can grow well in almost any climate. They don’t like cold weather, but they’ll do just fine if the temperatures are in the 70s or higher. The hotter the better

    How hot is too hot for vegetables?

    Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, carrots, lettuce, and herbs all do well in the heat. However over 90 degrees Farenheit might be too much heat for them

    Too hot soil will kill the roots of your plants, making them susceptible to disease. The best way to gauge your soil’s temperature is with a digital thermometer. However, you can also use your hand as a gauge to determine whether or not your soil is too hot.

    Can lettuce be grown in hot weather?

    If you are going to grow lettuce in your garden, I would recommend planting it when the soil is cool (60-70 degrees F) and then transplanting it into a garden bed at the time you want it to mature.

    How do you garden in hot weather?

    There are things you can do to help yourself and your plants.

    Watering with a hose or sprinkler works great in a well-drained area. But if you live in an area where the soil is clay or sandy, water your plants from the top down using a soaker hose, which will allow water to soak into the soil for a longer period of time. If you have a drip irrigation system, use it! It uses less water than a sprinkler, and it gives the plants a constant flow of water.

    You should also consider growing your plants in pots or trays instead of directly in the ground. This way you can move them around if they get too hot or cold. How do you garden in the winter? If you live in a place where winters are cold, you may want to consider growing plants indoors. Cover the pots with plastic or with straw. Straw is a great insulator, and it doesn’t need to be kept warm.

    How do you protect plants from heatwave?

    Heatwave is a hot, dry and sunny period which usually lasts for a few days. Heatwave can cause a lot of damage to plants. Plants are sensitive to high temperatures. 

    The best way to protect your plants from heatwave is to use a sprinkler system, which can provide plants with regular water. You should also take steps to prevent the soil from becoming too dry. If the soil is too dry, it will not be able to hold any more moisture. This could make the plants very thirsty and weak. It could also lead to problems like fungal diseases. You could use a watering can or hose to wet the soil around your plants, but do not leave them standing in water for long periods of time. When using a sprinkler system, you should keep the nozzle at a height that gives your plants enough water. The nozzle should be about 3 feet above the ground. You should turn on the sprinkler system when the temperature outside rises above 25°C. The water flow rate should be set to about 50-100 drops per minute. This will give your plants enough water to survive. You should also turn off the system if the temperature falls below 20°C.

    Final Thoughts

    All the above listed are vegetables that grow in hot weather and give you plenty of options to choose from when gardening in the summer months.

    Remember to keep your vegetables well-watered because the summer sun dries out the soil quickly. Ensure that you enrich your soil with organic compost manure that helps the plants get the proper nutrients. You can also mulch to protect your soil from direct sunlight.

    Enjoy summer gardening, won’t you?

  • How Long Does It Take To Grow Artichoke

    How Long Does It Take To Grow Artichoke

    How long does it really take to grow artichoke? A good understanding of the answer to this question gives you insight into the steps to take when growing artichokes. Also, the key consideration to note when growing this plant is also brought to the fore.

    Adorned with long leaves with very elegant attractive blooms, artichokes are a great addition to your vegetable garden. The process of growing artichokes is not difficult. With proper planting and timing, watering and pruning, your artichokes harvest is bound to be bountiful.

    This is a complete guide on how long it takes to grow artichokes and the key considerations to have when growing this plant. Although thistles are not always a great addition to a garden, the reason why artichokes are will be is explained here.

    Before we delve into how long does it really take to grow artichoke, we will consider what the artichoke plant is. Now let us get into it.

    About Artichoke Plant

    Before you can get into artichokes growing and the process involved in growing artichokes, you must have a base knowledge of artichokes. Artichoke is a variety of thistles that are usually accepted in the garden.

    Artichokes are mostly edible, but the portion of the plant usually eaten is the immature flower bud. This is found at the center of the plant, formed before the artichokes blooms. The artichoke plant although not an indigenous American plant, can grow in virtually every state in the United States. It usually grows in the range Zones 3-11.

    About Artichoke Plant

    Growing Duration For Artichokes:  How Long Does It Take To Grow Artichoke

    Artichokes can generally begin to produce from about 90 days after transplant. The exact time frame is however dependent on the variety. The artichokes are however required to be started about 8 to 12 weeks before they are transplanted.

    The overall artichokes growing time considering the pre-transplant and after-transplant is therefore about 180 days.

    Growing Artichoke From Seed: How Long Does It Take To Grow Artichoke

    While artichokes may be grown and transplanted, they may also be grown from seed. Starting artichokes from seed is however more difficult and requires more attention. If you are however residing in an area where the artichokes can’t overwinter, you can grow them all year.

    The seeds usually stay indoors between 8 to 12 weeks. If you do not aid artichokes, they may not blossom until the second year.

    Artichoke seed may be planted anytime between January and mid-March. If you are however interested in planting in warmer climates, the timing may differ. The seedlings must be ready for planting immediately after the last frost date. This is usually before spring temperatures rise too high.

    Transplant should be done when the plants are about 8 to 10 inches tall. At this point in time, the risk of frost must have passed. At this stage, the soil temperature has reached 60 Fahrenheit or higher.

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    How To Grow Artichokes: Germination Of Artichokes

    Artichokes growing are usually very slow starters after they are planted. Plant the seeds two to three seeds in each 3 to 4-inch pot.

    The time it takes for artichoke to sprout is dependent on a few factors. These include the quality of light the plant receives, the nature of the soil, and the general temperature. At the starting stage, the temperature should be around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

    At this temperature, it will take about two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. After germination, water the young plant with a fertilizer solution weekly.

    Artichokes usually require a lot of available resources to grow and soil nutrients. So, after about a month after germination, remove the small seedlings leaving only one in a pot. This will allow for the one left to grow optimally, utilizing the available nutrients.

    When your indoor-grown seedlings have grown to about eight to ten inches, they are ready to be transplanted. Hardened them off and plant them outdoors. Plant them about 1.5 and 2 feet apart.

    Harvesting And Storage Of Artichokes

    Artichokes are usually ready to be harvested when you notice that the edible flower buds are tightly closed and slightly squeak when squeezed. Allowing the plant to open before harvesting will make them too hard to open and difficult to eat.

    It usually will take you no less than 110 to 150 days for the plant to reach maturity when planted from seed. transplanting takes no less than 100 days. Most artichokes however will not flower until about the second year after planting.

    Cut the plant back to about 1-2 inches from the ground. This is once the plant has matured and is ready for harvest. This allows for new sprouting to take place for the second year. New plants will begin to form at the base of the plant.

    If you desire to get the best possible flavor, ensure you pick in the early hours of the morning, rinse thoroughly and eat fresh.

    For proper storage, artichokes can be stored in the produce drawer of your refrigerator for up to about two weeks after harvesting.

    Varieties Of Artichoke

    Artichokes usually come in different varieties. Some of these are:

      • Green Globe: grown commercial variety. For this variety to adapt well, the growing condition must be ideal.

      • Big Heart: this is a thornless variety that has the ability to withstand some heat. It can survive some harsh weather conditions.

      • Imperial Star: this variety is adaptable to a wide variety of conditions. They can easily survive when grown from seeds. Grown annually.

      • Purple of Romagna: favored by chefs is this variety which is an Italian heirloom.

      • Violetto: this variety is notorious for its production of dozens of small side shoots.

    Varieties Of Artichoke

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take for artichokes to grow from seed?

    Artichokes grow slowly, taking about three months from planting the seed until they are ready to harvest. In fact, they can take up to two years to reach maturity. The first year is the most critical, and you should be able to see signs of growth in late spring or early summer. It’s then that you’ll start to see the first leaves emerge. As the plant gets older, it will produce more leaves and flowers.

    After the first year, the plant begins to produce buds that eventually turn into artichokes. Each bud is a flower-producing structure, but it takes time for these buds to mature into artichokes. You may not see any artichoke buds for another year or two, so don’t be discouraged if your first year is disappointing.

    Is it difficult to grow artichokes from seed?

    Artichoke is a perennial plant that can be grown from seed. It grows well in sandy soil and does not require much water or fertilizer. You can start your seeds indoors in a pot or directly in the garden. If you choose to sow them in the garden, it is recommended that you choose a sunny spot with good air circulation.

    They are hardy in Zones 6-9 (Zone 5 is a bit marginal) and will survive in colder climates. You will need to start your seeds indoors in mid-summer, or plant them outside when the soil has warmed up a bit. You can use the same method as for starting sweet potatoes, using a peat pot with a perforated lid and a clear plastic bag inside to keep out pests and rain. Be sure to keep the soil moist until you see sprouts. When the sprouts are about 2″ tall, you can transplant the plants into a garden bed, or you can plant directly in the garden. Keep the plants well watered and fertilized, and they will be fine.

    How long do artichokes take to bloom?

    It can take as long as 120 days for artichokes to produce flowers. It is a slow process, but when they do bloom they can look quite beautiful.

    When do I plant artichokes?

    The best time to plant is late fall or early winter. Fall is the optimal time because it’s cool enough to keep the plants from getting too warm but not too cold. Winter is also ideal because you’ll have less competition from weeds. In a garden with lots of rain, you may want to wait until spring, when the ground is warm enough to help plants grow more quickly.

    Conclusion: How Long Does It Take To Grow Artichoke

    This guide gives direction on the key things you must note if you are interested in growing Artichokes.

    Plant good variety as this will affect the outcome of the plant. As such, this article also includes a brief review of some varieties. You have no worries about how to grow artichokes if you understand the answer to this question: How long does it take to grow artichokes.