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Category: Plants

  • Plant With Purple Under Leaves: 7 Most Popular

    Plant With Purple Under Leaves: 7 Most Popular

    Many of us love to have houseplants in our various homes because they give that sweet look to our space. There are so many houseplants to choose and some of them even come in different captivating colors. A plant with purple under leaves is what we will be looking at in this post.

    These houseplants with purple underleaves give this warm texture and add a royal appeal to your indoor space. They can fit perfectly into your interiors and you can even grow them in combination with other green houseplants.

    A plant with purple under leaves will be listed here so continue reading for some insight on this.

    Plant With Purple Under Leaves: 7 Most Popular

    Below is the list of some common houseplants with purple under leaves:

    1.    Oyster plant

    A plant with purple under leaves that is quite popular is the oyster plant. The oyster plant originates from Mexico, Brazil, and Guatemala and this lovely plant is a resistant and hardy plant that can thrive well in containers. You can also grow this plant outdoors in your garden in areas with mild winters.

    The leaves of the oyster plant stand erect and have a height of up to 6 inches long with purple reverse growing densely on the stem forming spiral rosettes.

    Houseplants With Purple Leaves - Oyster Plant

    The amount of light an oyster plant receives usually determines the color intensity. So, if this plant is positioned in a deep shade spot, it can lose its purple hues. However, don’t expose oyster plants to direct bright sunlight because this can scorch the plant.

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    2.    Wandering jew – A plant with purple underleaves

    Another popular houseplant with purple under leaves is Wandering Jew which is also known as Tradescantia Zebrina. Wandering Jew is a modest and durable houseplant with this charming and enchanting colored creeper that grows naturally in woodland and open fields in Mexico.

    The plant is characterized by this oval, 3 to 4 inches long shiny leaves of silver-green stripes that are oppositely arranged. Its intensely colored leaves grow densely on watery and thick stems.

    Wandering Jew houseplant is a perfect fit for hanging baskets and you can place it on your east and west windows, forming a two to three feet long colorful cascade. This plant is quite tolerant to most temperatures except for freezing temperatures. The plant is easy to grow and maintain and it’s great for beginners.

    3.    Calathea medallion

    Calathea Medallion is also referred to as Calathea Veitchiana and this plant is one stunning plant with purple under leaves. The plant is from the Marantaceae family and it originates from the jungle of the Amazon and South America, where it grows under the shade of high tropical vegetation.

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    You need to take care of this plant because the broad leaves tend to react strongly to adverse conditions. Hence, you must pay close attention by providing the plant with increased humidity levels, temperature between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderately moist soil.

    4.    Alocasia amazonica polly

    Alocasia Amazonica Polly is a plant from the Araceae family. The plant is characterized by its large, arrow foliage with pronounced white nervation.

    This plant may not be the easiest plant to grow, but it has this captivating look that makes the extra effort worth it. It is a plant with purple underleaves grown indoors.

    However, note that the plant contains poisonous calcium oxalate and this can cause some health issues for both humans and pets.

    Provide this houseplant with bright filtered light, a humid environment, and warm conditions. So, because this is a warm-loving plant, you will need to water it during its growing season at least two times a week. Then water once every 7-14 days during winter.

    The plant doesn’t like dry air, non-permeable soil, or low temperatures. So, it’s a good idea to mist the plant often and avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight.

    Additionally, clean the shiny leather leaves regularly by using a moist cloth.

    5.    Gynura sarmentosa – Houseplants with purple underleaves

    Gynura sarmentosa is a lovely houseplant that is characterized by its nettle-like leaves covered with thick purple hairs. The plant looks so velvety and refined and it grows naturally in tropical Asia as a small shrub with shoots that rely on each other. This plant is also great for a hanging basket and its stem will spread in all directions.

    Gynura Sarmentosa thrives in warm and humid conditions. However, take note not to spray its hairy leaves.

    6.    Stromanthe sanguinea

    Stromanthe Sanguinea features this artistic white and green colored leaf surface with this intense purple reverse. This intense purple reverse is mostly pronounced at night when the plant folds its leaves.

    Care for this plant by providing it with bright but indirect sunlight, a humidity of at least 60%, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.

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    7.    Cetenanthe plant

    The cetenanthe plant is also referred to as the Never Never plant and it is from the Marantaceae family that comes from the rainforests of Northeast Brazil. The plant features this large silver-green striped oblong leaves that grow densely from the rhizome root.

    This plant grows optimally in a partially shaded spot, with well-draining soil, and a warm and humid environment that is similar to its homeland. This is why you need to provide this plant with extra moisture by spraying the leaves, using a humidifier, or simply placing them in your bathroom.

    Fuzzy Green Leaves With Purple Underneath – What is it?

    You may see a plant that has fuzzy green leaves, with purple coloring (it can sometimes look almost maroon or burgundy) underneath. If this is the case, you’re probably looking at the Velvet Calathea (otherwise known as the Calathea Rufibarba). The leaves will be long, but thin. What’s interesting is that they’re hairy underneath, which is where they get their furry nickname from.

    This particular plant is relatively easy to care for, but you need to ensure that it’s free from any pests often. And you’ll also need to ensure it receives the nutrients it requires. You should water this plant every five days or so and keep it n temperatures between 64F and 73F. While it can survive in slightly lower temperatures, it’s a tropical plant, so it does enjoy its humidity.

    Green Leaves With Purple Veins – What Does This Mean?

    Another plant that you may have seen has green leaves, that are covered in deep purple veins. If this is the case, you’re likely looking at the Fishnet Stockings Coleus. This plant gets its nickname from the veins themselves looking like stockings. However, the purple color does eventually change to green. This plant can grow up to around 2 feet in height.

    Purple Leaf Perennials: Popular Varieties

    There are many popular varieties of purple-leaf perennials. Let’s take a closer look at some of our top picks.

    • Cercis canadensis. You may know this plant better by its nickname, forest pansy. It’s a versatile plant that can last up to 20 years and can reach up to 8 meters in height if provided with the right growing conditions. This plant enjoys the sun and should be kept in well-drained soil. This plant changes colors throughout the year. Such as reddish leaves in Spring, burgundy leaves in Summer, and orange and gold in Autumn.
    • Cotinus. You may know this plant better by its nickname, royal purple. This is a shrub that has dark purple, oval-shaped, leaves. This plant enjoys the sun and will thrive in most types of soils. As long as it’s pruned often, this plant can grow up to 8 feet in height.
    • Heuchera. You may know this plant better by its nickname, the midnight rose. This plant is the perfect mixture of both purple and vibrant pink…which doesn’t sit well with some gardeners. But, I, personally, love it! However, it can be quite prone to vine weevil, so it’s best to plant outdoors, in open ground. This plant enjoys full sun or dappled shade.

    plant with purple leaves

    Purple Leaf Plant Identification

    The best way to find out what purple leaf plant you have if you’re unsure, is using an app such as Plant Net Identify. Or try to find some other obvious markers to help identify which species your plant is. Most of the time, the term “purple” is used loosely, as it’s not often that the leaf of a plant is purely purple. It often has red highlights or other colored undertones. However, in previous years, gardeners have enjoyed adding purple-leaf plants to their gardens.

    Additional Say: Plant With Purple Under Leaves

    We have listed popular houseplants with purple under leaves and some details about them. However, note that there are many other types with these features. There are many to choose from, and all are just as gorgeous as the next! Do you know of any other plant with purple under the leaves? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    What plant has purple under the leaf?

    Some of the common plants that have purple under their leaf include wandering Jew, oyster plant, calathea medallion, stromanthe sanguine, ctenanthe plant, gynura sarmentosa, and many more.

    Why are leaves purple underneath?

    Some plants naturally have purple leaves underneath. However, if your plant is not naturally purple underneath and it shows purple, then it may be a sign of phosphorous deficiency.

    How do you fix purple leaves?

    Fixing a plant that is showing purple leaves when it isn’t naturally purple means you have to deal with phosphorus deficiency. So, you will need to make pH adjustments and flush your plants with pH and nutrients containing phosphorus.

    How do I identify a plant by its leaves?

    You can identify a plant by its leaves if you closely look at the shape and size of the plant’s leaves. For instance, broad and wide leaves can signify that the plant is a tropical plant. Then pointy pine needles can signify that the plant is an evergreen species.

  • Do Pepper Plants Come Back: Improve Your Harvest

    Do Pepper Plants Come Back: Improve Your Harvest

    Do pepper plants come back every year? Let’s get the answers to that here. Pepper is both classified as a fruit and a vegetable according to botany and culinary definitions.

    It’s a great feeling to plant, grow, nurture, and then begin to harvest your vegetables. What is more tempting is wishing you could keep your healthy vegetables growing year after year. This applies to most pepper farmers, as the plant is a slow grower, which makes it desirable to want it to keep growing.

    It will be nice if pepper plants do grow back every year. If you live in a region where the winter is not so serious, you can definitely give it a thought. The thing is, in most parts of North America and any other place where the winter is really serious, pepper plants won’t be able to survive if they are left outside.

    The best thing is to bring your pepper plants indoors and provide them with the best indoor care, especially if they are the potted indoor variety.

    Keep reading to get more answers to the question: Do pepper plants come back every year? You will also get some tips for keeping your pepper growing year after year.

    Do Pepper Plants Come Back Every Year?

    Normally, all kinds of pepper are grown as annuals by most growers. Pepper is sown, grown, picked, and then thrown into the compost heap when the season ends.

    But the truth of the matter is that pepper plants are perennials, and if you grow them and give them in the appropriate conditions, they can grow every year.

    Pepper Plants Grow Back Every Year

    Ideal Conditions to Help Pepper Grow Back Every Year

    As we mentioned, pepper plants can grow every year if you provide them with good conditions. So, let’s take a look at how to be successful at growing peppers in any type of climatic condition.

    1.    The growing temperature

    Peppers are perennials that can come back in the spring after being dormant in the previous season. This will be surprising to many North American gardeners. Peppers are mostly grown as annuals in the United States and most temperate regions in other parts of the world.

    This is because the plant will die when temperatures dip low, especially during low winter temperatures and shorter days. Peppers can’t survive the cold winter let alone when it’s freezing cold.

    In fact, during a temperature as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit and below, it will be a waste of time sowing seeds directly into the soil. The seeds won’t even germinate at all. And this will also have you wondering if pepper plants really do grow back every year.

    You can, however, proffer a solution of laying down black plastic mulch or other non-treated mulch to keep the soil temperature warm with a heating pad.

    2.    Soil and fertilizer type

    The ideal soil for growing peppers successfully is slightly acidic soil with pH levels of 6.5-7. Before transplanting seedlings, endeavor to break the soil up. This will help get their roots established.

    Breaking up the soil before transplanting, will also drain well, as well as retain moisture. The best type of fertilizer for peppers is compost. You can as well conduct a soil test before adding fertilizer to the soil.

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    For example, if the test shows that the soil is lacking in phosphorus, a fertilizer with phosphorus can be added to the soil. Otherwise, if the reverse is the case, there will be no need to add phosphorus to the soil. Another thing is that you need to be cautious when adding nitrogen to the soil as too much nitrogen can make the plant produce large foliage.

    Read more about Can Compost Worms Survive Winter?

    3.    Availability of sunlight and water

    For a successfully grown pepper plant, full sunlight of about six to eight hours must be available to the plants. Or rather, provide a grow light and make sure the soil temperature is constantly around 80 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re starting your pepper seeds indoors.

    Pepper plants also need constant thorough moisture. This can be achieved by not letting the soil become dry. You can encourage healthy root development by watering deeply. Too much watering may not be required during rainy seasons.

    And if you’re growing your pepper plants in sandy soil, watering will be needed more frequently. This is because, unlike loam or clay, sand cannot retain moisture.

    4.    Prepare your plants before overwintering

    It is better to plant your pepper in pots or portable raised beds if you’re planning to save them for another year.

    You can also re-transplant mature plants that were planted directly in the ground. However, re-transplanting pepper plants may lead to damaging the plants’ roots badly if you’re not careful.

    Prepare Your Plants Before Overwintering

    5.    Move pepper plants indoors

    Peppers can’t tolerate frost; hence the temperature doesn’t need to become freezing cold before they begin to die off. When the temperature constantly dips low to around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit, move them indoors.

    It doesn’t even have to be inside the house. It could be a secluded spot or covered place that can shield the plants from the chilly temperatures.

    So, when the sunlight your plants usually receive per day doesn’t stay constant at six to eight hours anymore, it indicates that your pepper plants should be moved indoors.

    Also, when you move them indoors during frost, you can use a heating pad under your pot to provide heat.

    Check out When To Harvest Broccolini – The Best Time

    Perennial Pepper Plants: Cold-Hardy Pepper Varieties

    There are cold-resistant pepper varieties, early maturers, and those that can adapt to many conditions.

    So, choosing any of these types of varieties will also help increase your chances of being successful at overwintering and growing back every year. Gardeners in the northern region will love the idea of planting these varieties, especially in regions where they have short growing seasons.

    There are also cold-tolerant varieties that can tolerate both cold and heat. You will also get to enjoy most of the cold-tolerant varieties because they are either mild or sweet.

    So, examples of cold-tolerant pepper varieties are Ratund, Highlander, Chile peppers, Carmen, Ace, and Obriy.

    Do Capsicum Plants Regrow?

    You may be curious as to whether capsicum plants regrow, like other types of peppers. And the simple answer is: yes they do. It just requires both time and cares to ensure their regrowth. Let’s take a closer look at some top tips to ensure they make it through the winter.

    • As soon as you notice the temperatures plummeting, you should place some hay bales around your plants, and ensure the plants are the same height.
    • You’ll also need to remove any peppers from the plants too. At this point, you can cover the plants and bales with a layer of glass.
    • When the frost is predicted, you may also want to cover it with a sheet, for an extra layer of protection.
    • Check that your soil is moist enough, and water when needed.
    • Once the weather begins to warm up, you can remove the glass, and then remove the hay bales once Spring hits. At this point, your capsicum is ready to regrow!

    How Long Will a Pepper Plant Live?

    When it comes to pepper plants, a range of factors can affect how long they’ll live. However, the average life span is around 3-5 years.

    Some factors you’ll need to consider when extending the life of your pepper plant are as follows:

    • Environment. The environment is the main factor. The more consistent the environment, the more likely your pepper plant will have a longer life. In fact, pepper plants have been known to last up to ten years when cared for adequately indoors. Your plants can last many years if grown outdoors too. However, you need to ensure they’re overwintered. If not, they will likely die before the next growing season.
    • Plant species. Some species of pepper will survive longer than others, as it’s just part of their nature. For example, Rocoto and Manzano peppers are both varieties that have a long life expectancy.

    How Tall Do Pepper Plants Grow?

    Unfortunately, there is no set height that your pepper plants will grow, because it all depends on the variety of pepper that you’re growing. For example, some may grow to only 20 inches in height, whereas others can grow up to 6 feet in height. It’s important to research the type of pepper you’re choosing to grow before you plant it.

    How to Overwinter Pepper Plants

    If you’re looking for a quick guide to overwinter pepper plants, then look no further. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Add soil to your new pot; around 1-2 inches.
    • Bring your pepper plant indoors and remove any remaining peppers. You’ll also need to prune the plant.
    • Remove all leaves from your plant, as well as the root ball.
    • Use scissors to trim the roots and then place them in your fresh soil.
    • Water thoroughly and place in a warm area, where the sunlight reaches.
    • Monitor and prune weekly until the growing season comes around.

    When to Overwinter Peppers

    The best time to start overwintering peppers is before the first frost. You should never let the temperature of your pepper plants go below freezing, as they are unlikely to survive.

    Will Pepper Plants Come Back After Winter?

    Yes. As long as extra precautions and care are taken with your pepper plants, they absolutely can come back after winter. And are likely to give you peppers for years to come!

    pepper plants come back after winter

    Conclusion: Do Pepper Plants Come Back?

    To conclude answer your question; do pepper plants come back? Be rest assured that even if pepper plants are grown as annuals in most regions, you can successfully grow them as perennials.

    Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to ensuring that your pepper plants come back every year? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    How do I save pepper plants for next year?

    You can save your pepper for the next year by supplying adequate growing conditions to your pepper plants. Pepper is naturally a perennial crop so it’s possible to grow them for the following year.

    How many years can pepper plants live?

    The duration pepper plant can live is between 1.5 years to 3 years. So, this shows that pepper plants are perennials if you provide them with the right growing conditions to live through another year.

    Will pepper plants come back after winter?

    If you expose your pepper plant to chilly temperatures, they may not survive. So, your pepper plant may not come back after winter. This is why you need to shelter your pepper plant if you want them to overwinter.

  • Soak Beans Before Planting: Ultimate Guide for 2023

    Soak Beans Before Planting: Ultimate Guide for 2023

    You can soak beans before planting and make the germination process faster, which can sometimes be derailed by external factors.

    Why pay more for green beans when you can grow your own? It is one of the easiest ways to save money if you have a garden. If you saved some seeds from last year’s harvest, you don’t need to buy new seeds as you can use the same ones to plant a new crop.

    One of the easiest ways to guarantee germination for your green beans is to germinate them in water. When kept moist for several days, the outer shell cracks open and begins to sprout without having to push through any soil or planting matter in the process.

    Soaking seeds in water increases your germination rate and reduces potential diseases that prevent the seeds from proper germination.

    Which Seeds Are Appropriate for Soaking?

    Seeds with hard coats are the best for soaking. They include beans, peas, pumpkins, squash, corn, etc. Smaller seeds like carrots, lettuce, radishes, and the like are hard to soak and don’t need it at all.

    But do you know you can soak your flower seeds before sowing? For example, sunflower, sweetpea, lupine, and nasturtium take to soaking very well.

    Which Seeds Are Appropriate For Soaking

    How to Soak Beans Before Planting

    This is an easy process. However, the three ways you can do it are as follows: 

    1. Option 1. Put the seeds in a shallow bowl and cover them with water. Leave them for several days, observing them daily until you see them sprouting. Once they are fully sprouted they are all ready for planting.
    2. Option 2. Soak in an acidic environment by adding a tablespoon of coffee or a few drops of kitchen vinegar. The idea is to create conditions where the seeds first get warm and dump to germinate. The acidic environment creates the warmth that the seeds need to germinate quickly.
    3. Option 3. Use a wet paper towel or napkin for germinating your green bean seeds. Wet your paper towel with water but don’t make it too wet. Lay the paper towel on a clean surface and spread a single layer of seeds, leaving enough room between them and around the edges. Fold the other half of the towel over or lay another towel on top of the seeds. Secure the borders to ensure no seed falls out and set them aside. Place the wrapped seeds into a Ziploc bag or a jar and tightly shut them to hold in moisture and keep them in a warm area out of direct sunlight. Check for sprouting after five days by opening the paper towels likely and peeking in without unwrapping all of the seeds. If they haven’t germinated yet, reseal the bag and leave them for a few more days.

    How Long to Soak Bean Seeds Before Planting?

    Soak your seeds long enough for them to swell but not too long before they begin to turn sour and rot. Overnight is a reasonable amount of time, although many sources recommend 8 to 12 hours and no more than 24 hours.

    Too much soaking will cause the seeds to start decomposing. If you use boiling water, the soaking time decreases. Most people swear by using warm water and soaking at bedtime and removing them first thing in the morning. Hard seeds like beans benefit from scarification before soaking, but be careful not to puncture the seed completely.

    Other Considerations: Soak Beans Before Planting

    Don’t soak your seeds the night before rain is expected but wait until the forecast promises a good planting season. This helps you be able to get into the garden and not compact the soil too much. You don’t want to hold onto seeds you already germinated; instead, you want to immediately get them in the ground.

    Remember, just because you soaked your seeds doesn’t mean you will not need to water them as soon as you plant them. Your seeds will only hold the right amount of moisture around the seed, not around the soil. They will need more water around the soil to necessitate their growth.

    For those who use damp paper towels for germinating the seeds, be delicate with the seeds when moving them to the garden or the pot to avoid breaking the stem or root. Don’t worry if the shoot is on its side; gravity will help it find its way down or up.

    Saving Green Bean Seeds – Step by Step

    So to be able to plant your seeds, you will need to have saved them from the previous harvest. Saving green bean seeds is easy; all you have to do is follow a few steps.

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    Step 1: Choose the best green beans

    Select a few healthy plants you would want to save the seeds from until the final harvest. Select the first plants to produce mature beans, tall and robust with dark green leaves with a high number of pods.

    Step 2: Mark the seed-grown plants and wait

    To ensure you don’t destroy your harvest early, you can try tying something around them. Let the pods grow to maturity before you harvest them.

    Step 3: Pick the dried-out pods

    Please wait until the pods turn completely brown before you harvest them. There should be no green on them at all. You will know the seeds are ripe when you shake the pods and hear the rattle of beans moving around inside. Squeeze the pods, and they should be crunchy to the touch, then you know they are ready to pick.

    Step 4: Remove the seeds from the pods

    Once you harvest the dry beans, remove them from the pods safely without damaging the seeds. Examine every seed, saving only the perfect ones. Throw away any seed eaten by insects, wrinkled, or has a different color from the rest of them.

    Place the seeds on a paper towel to air dry for several days and finally, store them in a clean, dry container that is labeled waiting for the next season to plant them.

    Remove The Seeds From The Pods

    How to Germinate Beans Fast

    You may be wondering what the quickest way to germinate beans is. While many beans can be germinated both indoors and outdoors, I find it best to do it inside, where you have control over all factors. When they’re ready to grow outdoors, they can be transplanted outside with ease.

    Some quick germination methods for beans are:

    • Method #1. Place seeds in a bowl and cover with water. Leave in a warm, dry place and check daily. After a few days, your beans should begin to sprout.
    • Method #2. Grab a seed and try to fill each hole with potting soil. Add seeds to the soil and keep on a heat mat.
    • Method #3. Grab a paper towel and soak it in water. Rinse the towel until it’s moist, but not dripping. On one side of the towel, add the seeds and then fold the other half of the paper towel over the top. Add the towel to a plastic bag and keep it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

    It’s important to keep the conditions as ideal as possible during germination, as this is the most important time of a plant’s life. Some key factors you should consider are:

    • Warm environment. Germination is sped up by a warm environment, so using grow lights, a heat mat, or even the use of a greenhouse will aid your germination.
    • Weather. It’s best to plant seeds when the soil is at its warmest, which is often during the day. Some say that it’s best to soak your seeds in warm water, and then place them in warm soil, around late morning.

    What Do Green Beans Look Like When They Sprout?

    You may be curious as to what green beans look like when they sprout. Green beans go through four stages in their life, and they look different in each one. Let’s take a closer look.

    • The first stage is the seed. This is what it starts as, and what needs to be planted for your seed to grow.
    • The second stage is germination. This stage is sometimes also known as sprouting. This means that the roots of the plant are beginning to form. At this point, they’ll be loops start to form in the soil. They’re usually firm and thick.
    • The third stage is growth. This is the stage where your beans will really start to take shape. You’ll often notice that the leaves at the bottom are the largest; this is to ensure the plant can absorb everything it needs to thrive. At this point, you should also see the beginnings of a small plant.
    • The final stage is flowering. With plants such as green beans, you can expect them to flower after around two months. At this time, you may notice that wildlife such as insects and birds are interested in your plants.

    Green Bean Seeds

    Can I Plant Fresh Green Bean Seeds?

    It’s not recommended to use fresh green bean seeds for your planting, but instead, it’s best to leave them on the plant until they start to change in color and rattle when shaken. This is likely to take a few extra weeks, but it’s the best way to do this. Once you’ve harvested them, take them out from the pods and leave them inside for a few weeks. Once ready to plant, shell them.

    Final Thoughts: Soak Beans Before Planting 

    To soak green beans before planting couldn’t be easier! You can also save yourself some good-quality seeds from your green beans. Don’t shy away from keeping your seeds, especially if you notice the variety you’re growing is excellent.

    Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to soaking beans before planting? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Do green beans need to be soaked before planting?

    Green beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but they do have a few quirks. They require a long growing season, but if you have a greenhouse, or can plant them early in your garden, they will produce well.

    Yes. Green beans must be soaked in a solution of water and potassium nitrate for at least 6 hours, up to 24 hours. Potassium nitrate is available at your local garden center. This step will help the bean seeds to germinate more quickly, as well as make them more resistant to disease. 

    If the instructions say to soak them for 24 hours, then they are probably just referring to an old-fashioned method of planting.

    Newer methods call for rinsing the beans to get rid of any excess dirt and sand, and then planting them right away. I don’t think soaking for 24 hours is necessary. If you soak beans in a solution of water and salt, it helps prevent bean disease. There are two diseases that can affect beans. The most common is Fusarium wilt, which occurs when the soil is too wet and cool and the roots have no air circulation. Soaking the beans in a solution of water and salt is supposed to kill off any spores that might be on the beans when they are planted. The other type of bean disease is Phythophthora root rot. This occurs when the soil is too dry and hot, with no air circulation. Soaking beans in a solution of water and salt also kills off any spores that might be on the beans when they are planted.

    How do you soak green beans?

    Soaking beans is very easy. Just place the seeds in a bowl and cover them with water. Let the seeds soak for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours depending on your beans. After they are soaked, drain the seeds and place them in a mesh bag (or paper towel) in a warm place where they will germinate. You want the temperature to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for germination is between 70-80 degrees.

    The seeds need light but not direct sunlight. If you put the seeds in direct sunlight, they may get scorched. Keep the seeds out of the fridge or freezer because this can stop the germination process.

    How do you dry green bean seeds for planting?

    Depends on how much seed and the climate you live in. It is not necessary to dry them completely. They will germinate more easily if they are moist, but not soaking wet. If your seeds are damp or wet, you can place them on a cookie sheet and put it in an oven on the lowest setting, about 200 degrees F for an hour or two. This will dry them out just enough so they will sprout.

  • Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes: Best Uses & How Much?

    How much bone meal per tomato plant? This article will help you determine how much bone meal you should give per tomato plant and how to effectively use bone meal for tomatoes. 

    Tomatoes are heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients. Bone meal is one of the easiest ways to give an extra boost to your tomato’s health and growth. Let’s take a closer look at using bone meal for tomatoes.

    Bone Meal Nutrition Facts

    Bone meal made from animal bones is rich in phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen. It can be used as fertilizer for tomato plants. Both fresh and dried bone meals are available on the market; however, make sure that you buy organic bone meals without any chemical fertilizers or fillers added.

    Fresh bone meal contains a high amount of water (moisture) which can cause problems if not removed before storage. The dried form provides more nutrient content than the fresh form because it has fewer moisture contents; thus, making it easy to store for a long time without spoiling.

    One tablespoon of bone meal provides seven grams of phosphorus and nine grams of calcium, which equals 13% of the recommended daily value (RDA) for phosphorus and 18% RDA for calcium.

    Bone meal supplies important nutrients that help encourage health in plants because it contains both phosphorus and calcium. The ratio between these two minerals can affect how each nutrient contributes to your plants’ overall health. Using too much phosphorus can cause growth problems, especially for seedlings. Excessive phosphorus can stunt a plant’s root growth and interfere with how well a plant absorbs other nutrients.

    Bone meal is an organic fertilizer that contains a high amount of calcium, an essential nutrient for promoting strong cell wall development in new blossoms and fruits. Calcium also helps fruit to mature properly after harvest.

    You should use bone meal as soon as possible after opening the package because the moisture from the soil or environment may cause it to become moldy or change color over time.

    Is Bone Meal Good for Tomatoes?

    Bone meal is good for tomato plants. It contains a high amount of calcium that helps in fruit formation. It contains nitrogen and phosphorus which are required by plants to produce chlorophyll while the growing stage and calcium during the fruiting stage.

    Please note: you can add bone meal directly to the soil without any preparation or cooking process. However, if you want it cooked before adding it to the soil, you can add it to the compost because raw bone meal contains a high amount of ammonia that can burn roots once mixed with soil.

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    How Much Bone Meal Per Tomato Plant?
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    How Much Bone Meal for Tomatoes? 

    Now that we know the benefits of this organic fertilizer to tomatoes, how much bone meal per tomato plant?

    Use 3 pounds of fresh or 1 pound of dried bone meals for 100 square feet of garden space. For example, how much bone meal per 10 tomato plants? You will need 1/2 pound of bone meal per tomato plant.

    Can You Add Too Much Bone Meal?

    It is possible to add too much bone meal and hurt your crops. Do not add too much bone meal to the soil because it will cause phytotoxicity in tomato plants. Excess amounts of nitrogen contained in it can damage leaves and slow down fruit formation or growth.

    You should avoid adding more than 0.25% nitrogen level to the soil because even if it contains plenty of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, sulfur, and other nutrients, an excess amount of nitrogen will burn the roots after absorption by the soil.

    Bone Meal for Tomatoes Benefits 

    Ways to use bone meal for tomato plants:

    • To boost the health of tomato plants, you can give it every week during the first couple of months of growth. You can also use it as transplanting fertilizer or seedling fertilizers at half the rate of how much you would give to mature plants later on. Bone meal works well for this purpose because it is rich in phosphorus which helps with root formation and healthier stem structure.
    Bone Meal Tomatoes Benefits
    • Bone meal gives a calcium source that is beneficial for both humans and soil microbes. Calcium accelerates the decomposition speed of dead materials, thus increasing nutrient availability to growing tomatoes faster than compost alone. Organic matter content also improves due to the presence of calcium in bone meal.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting?

    Bone meal can be added after planting tomatoes if it is dry. However, do not add bone meal to the soil until you are ready to transplant seedlings into them because tomato plants cannot grow properly when nitrogen levels are too high. Especially for seeds that have just emerged, adding too much bone meal will result in yellow leaves or stunted growth.

    If you want to use bone meal for tomatoes as fertilizer, it is better to mix organic fertilizers with soil before planting tomatoes.

    Bone meal can be used with other organic fertilizers. For example, blood meal, cottonseed meal, and kelp extracts. This combination will provide essential nutrients needed by growing tomatoes. If bone meal is added directly into the garden or container without mixing with other ingredients first, soil microbes may not be able to absorb them properly which can lead to loss of nutrients in time.

    Bone meal works best when mixed with compost piles because they allow microbes to break down the materials slowly over time.

    You should always water your tomato plants after adding any kind of fertilizers into the soil because soluble nitrogen releases quickly into roots which affects how well it absorbs water. Watering your plants first will allow them to take up the nutrients gradually without getting too much nitrogen.

    Can You Add Bone Meal After Planting

    Using Sugar, Epsom Salt, and Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    You may be wondering how else you can use bone meal for your tomatoes. I’ve found that the use of bone meal, along with sugar and Epsom salt works very well. These three are a good trio because the sugar adds sweetness to your tomatoes, the Epsom salts add both sulfur and magnesium and the bone meal adds phosphorus.

    To plant your tomatoes, you’ll need to make a hole larger than you usually would for your tomatoes. Then you’ll need to add a cup of bone meal and a cup of sugar, along with a reasonable amount of mulch. Mix them and place them in your hole, evenly distributing them in the soil.

    Carefully place your tomato plant into the soil; be sure to bury it reasonably deep. Once planted, add around a cup of Epsom salts on top and mix them into the top of your soil using your hands. Finally, water your tomato plants with a good amount of water – and your tomatoes are ready to go.

    Disadvantages of Bone Meal

    We’ve already looked at the benefits of using bone meal for your tomato plants, but you may be wondering if there are any disadvantages. While there aren’t too many negatives, there are a few that you may want to be aware of. Let’s take a closer look.

    You can only use bone meal in soils below 7 on the pH scale. This may not be ideal. However, a good alternative is rock phosphate, which we’ll be taking a look at later in this article.

    If you’re looking for a quick fix, then this probably isn’t the best choice for you, as it’s a fertilizing choice that releases slowly.

    If used too much, overfertilization can occur. If this happens, problems may arise for your tomato plants such as yellowing leaves. It can also lead to deficiencies in other nutrients, like zinc and iron.

    If not used correctly, the smell can attract unwanted wildlife. However, as long as it’s adequately mixed in, this should not be a problem.

    Bone meal is only a good source of phosphorus, so you’ll need to use other fertilizers too, to ensure your tomato plants are receiving all of the nutrients they need.

    Rock Phosphate vs Bone Meal

    Earlier, we mentioned rock phosphate, which is a great alternative to bone meal, if you’d prefer. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. Let’s take an in-depth look at the two.

    They’re similar in that they both contain phosphorus. However, that is where the similarities start and end. The differences between the two are that for the short supply of phosphorus, bone meal is best, whereas, for a long-term supply, phosphorus is best, as it’s slower.

    Another main difference between the two is the price. Bone meal starts at around $13 per lb, whereas rock phosphate starts at around $30 per lb. So if you’re looking for a more affordable option, it’s best to use bone meal.

    Rock phosphate works best on flowers and other leafy plants, whereas bone meal works best on rooted plants, such as carrots and onions. However, you can choose to use both together, if you’d prefer – and reap the benefits of both.

    Rock Phosphate vs meal bone

    Final Thoughts: Bone Meal for Tomatoes

    Bone meal for tomatoes is beneficial in most cases. Adding too much nitrogen to the soil will hurt plants, although you can add it if your plants are mature enough. You should only use bone meal after preparing the soil with compost or manure and not mix it directly into planting holes.

    It s evident that bone meal provides your tomatoes with plenty of benefits like boosting up the nutrient content of the soil, by adding calcium source which creates healthier stem structure and roots.

    FAQs

    How should you mix bone meals for best results?

    You should not mix it directly with planting holes because adding too much phosphorus can affect how healthy tomatoes grow even if they are combined with other organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is better to prepare compost piles or manure before mixing into the soil or using as transplant fertilizer after seeds have germinated and grown some roots.  

    When should I start fertilizing my tomato plants?

    Bone meal should be added to the soil when the first set of tomatoes starts growing. Wait until your plant is about 6 – 8 inches tall before adding bone meal fertilizer. If you add it too early, it will affect how healthy or how tall they grow. 

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  • Disease Resistant Tomatoes: Top List of Varieties

    Disease Resistant Tomatoes: Top List of Varieties

    Tomato plants can be prone to a bunch of unimaginable problems or diseases capable of taking a toll on the entire crop. The good news is that you can avoid the various problems or diseases that tomato plants tend to be susceptible to. This is why we will be looking into disease resistant tomatoes.

    There are over 60 different diseases tomato plants are inclined to catch. With so many unpleasant diseases tomatoes tend to be prone to, it is only right you select the best varieties that can be resistant to most of these various tomato-related diseases.

    Diseases-resistant tomatoes have been selected and bred for years to resist some common diseases they tend to be vulnerable to. So, let’s look into the list of disease-resistant tomatoes we can go for when planning on growing our juicy tomatoes.

    Selecting Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    Even though you can take some measures to manage these diseases such as crop rotations, drip irrigation, sterilization of garden tools, and so on, all these will only control these issues to a limited range. The key to decreasing the issue of tomato disease relies mainly on choosing disease-resistant tomatoes. 

    The selection of disease-resistant tomatoes has helped a lot in reducing the risk of tomatoes being vulnerable to different diseases. However, this does not guarantee the total immunity of tomatoes to all kinds of diseases. Of all these diseases resistant varieties, no single tomato variety resistant to all diseases has been developed yet. For this reason, when choosing tomato disease-resistant varieties, we recommend you select the ones applicable to your garden.

    Selecting Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    For instance, a particular tomato breed may thrive or flourish in your garden. On the other hand, this same tomato variety may end up catching a tomato-related disease from another gardener two states away. Therefore, if verticillium wilt or tobacco mosaic virus was once a problem in your garden region in the past years, it is only ideal to choose the tomato variety resistant to this disease.

    Disease Resistant Tomatoes 

    Each variety of tomato resistance is mainly resistant to some or most tomato diseases. However, they aren’t resistant to all types of tomato-related diseases.

    When you purchase your disease-resistant tomato seeds varieties, the seed packets or seed labeling often has some abbreviations. These abbreviations or letters mark the disease-resistant variety for that specific tomato breed. Therefore, it’s important to read these abbreviations right so you can know which varieties you are purchasing.

    Understanding codes for disease resistant tomatoes 

    Here is a list of some of the most common disease-resistant tomato variety codes you may find and their meaning:

    1. AB – Alternarium Blight
    2. EB – Early Blight
    3. F – Fusarium wilt
    4. FF – Fusarium races 1 and 2
    5. FFF – Fusarium races 1, 2, and 3
    6. N – Nematode
    7. PM – Powdery Mildew
    8. T or TMV –Tobacco Mosaic Virus
    9. TSWV – Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
    10. V – Verticillium wilt

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    Apart from these codes, other codes such as HR or IR may as well be written next to the codes. HR means High Resistance and IR means Intermediate Resistance.

    Multiple letters seen in a tomato disease-resistant variety name means the tomato is resistant to more than one disease.

    • So now that we have an idea of some codes you may come across, let’s look at an example. If you come across a seed labeled VFNT, it simply means that the seed has been bred to resist verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, nematode, and tobacco mosaic virus.

    In all this, keep in mind that the label you find on the seed package is simply an indicator. The performance of a specific tomato variety will depend on various factors such as rainfall, soil content, environment, and plant care.

    Choosing the Right Tomato Breed for Your Garden

    A type of tomato variety may thrive well in your garden and this same variety may not do well for someone else in another state.

    This is majorly due to different climates and different soil that produce different patterns for the same tomato variety. Even those regions with slight variations in climate (temperature, rainfall, and air quality) can still cause the same tomato variety to flourish differently for different regions.

    For instance, Septoria leaf spot and early blight are tomato-related diseases that tend to progress or thrive in humid regions such as the eastern United States. Therefore, if you live in these regions, it would be wise to select tomato varieties that are resistant to early blight and Septoria leaf spots.

    Guidelines for Choosing Tomato Breed

    The guidelines below will assist you further on how to find out and select which tomato variety best suits your region:

    1. Recognize the vulnerability your region tends to face – The first important step is to discern which tomato diseases are common in your region. You can do some findings by asking your local nursery owner or having a chat with your local gardeners. You can also put a call through to your local extension office to know which tomato diseases are frequently recorded by local gardeners.

    1. Understand resistant code on the seed package – It’s also important you learn what codes are written on the seed package. We’ve given you some tips above to understand codes you may find on the seed package.

    2. Choose the best that suits your region – At the end of it all, ensure you choose the best tomato variety that suits your region.

    Which Tomato Breed is the Hardiest?

    Here is a list of some of the best tomato varieties resistant you can go for:

    • Bush big boy
    • Bush early girl
    • Sweet tangerine
    • Fourth of July
    • Big beef
    • Celebrity
    • Umamin
    • Super tasty
    • Big daddy
    • Summer girl
    Choose The Best That Suits Your Region

    All of these varieties will resist the most common tomato diseases. That includes nematode, verticillium, fusarium, and tobacco mosaic virus.

    Additional Say on Disease Resistant Tomatoes

    Knowing a great list of tomato-resistant varieties isn’t just enough. Even after you’ve purchased a hardy tomato breed that can sufficiently avoid these diseases, you need to also imbibe some measures so your plant can flourish.

    Here are some preventive measures to take:

    • Crop rotation.
    • If you’ve worked on any diseased plant, ensure you disinfect your gardening tools.
    • Water at the base of the plant.
    • Maintain moisture conditions and avoid wet and humid conditions that may entertain diseases.
    • Mulch your soil.

    Tomato Seeds Resistant to Blight

    Before we look at varieties that are resistant to blight, we must first identify what blight is. You may know blight better as late blight, tomato blight, or potato blight. It unfortunately can cause catastrophic problems for your tomatoes. It’s a fungal disease that will quickly lead tomatoes to rot and die. The more humid the environment, the more likely this is to happen.

    Some of the most common seeds resistant to blight are as follows:

    • Blush beefsteak F1. It’s sweet and juicy, which is unusual for a beefsteak tomato. This tomato usually fruits between July and October, and the best thing about it is that it’s incredibly resistant to blight.
    • Crimson cherry F1. A sweet but tangy tomato that’s small in size. It’s best at preventing late and early blight. It has an outstanding yield and will continue to fruit until the first frost begins.
    • Crimson plum F1. If you’re looking to make an incredible Bolognese or ragu, this is the tomato choice for you. It doesn’t contain many seeds and has a rich flavor. This tomato usually fruits between July and October.
    • Crimson crush F1. Flavorful and fantastic tasting. Even if other plants have blight, the Crimson Crush is hardy enough to not be affected.

    Fusarium Wilt Resistant Tomato Varieties

    If you’re looking for tomato varieties that are resistant to fusarium wilt, then look no further! You should try one of the following options:

    • Porterhouse
    • Sungold
    • Yellow Pear
    • Big Daddy
    • Rutgers
    • Summer Girl
    • Super Sauce

    Bacterial Wilt Resistant Tomato Varieties

    If you’re looking for tomato varieties that are resistant to bacterial wilt, then look no further! You should try one of the following options:

    • Tropic Bay
    • Venus
    • Neptune
    • Saturn
    • Kewalo

    Tomato varieties

    Disease Resistant Heirloom Tomatoes

    If you’re looking for heirloom tomato varieties that are disease resistant, there are many to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best.

    • Cherokee Purple: resistant to bacterial speck, fusarium wilt 1, 2, and 3, tomato spotted wilt virus, verticillium wilt, and root-knot nematode
    • Black Velvet F1: disorder resistant
    • Caiman F1: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2, tobacco mosaic virus, verticillium wilt, tomato spotted wilt virus, tomato leaf mold, and root-knot nematode
    • Fargo Yellow Pear: disorder resistant
    • Delicious: disorder resistant
    • Damsel F1: resistant to root-knot nematode, late blight, and verticillium wilt
    • Aosta Valley: resistant to early and late blight
    • Green Zebra: resistant to Septoria leaf spot and late blight
    • Legend: resistant to late blight
    • Chocolate Sprinkles: resistant to fusarium wilt 1, fusarium crown rot, tobacco mosaic virus, and root-knot nematode
    • Garden Peach: resistant to late blight
    • Cauralina F1: resistant to fusarium wilt, fusarium crown root, and tomato mosaic virus
    • Italian Heirloom: resistant to late blight
    • Marglobe: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2
    • Chiapas: resistant to early and late blight, and Septoria leaf spot
    • Mt. Gold: resistant to fusarium wilt 1 and 2
    • Grandma’s Pick F1: resistant to verticillium wilt, root-knot nematode, and fusarium wilt 1
    • New Yorker: resistant to verticillium wilt
    • Mt. Rouge: resistant to root-knot nematode and late blight
    • Marbonne F1: resistant to tomato mosaic virus and fusarium wilt

    Conclusion

    I hope this post has helped you to identify the best disease-resistant tomatoes, as well as how best to find the right variety for you. It’s getting easier and easier to grow disease-resistant tomatoes; just be sure to check the abbreviations on any tomato seeds that you buy. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to disease-resistant tomatoes? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    Which tomato variety is resistant to blight?

    Mountain Magic F1 (Medium) is resistant to blight.

    If you see symptoms of bacterial blight on your tomato plants, remove them by cutting the stems at the base of the plant. Make sure to wash your hands after removing the infected parts so you don’t spread the bacteria around. If you see the bacteria on the leaves, you can spray them with a mixture of water and bleach to kill the bacteria.

    Which tomato variety is resistant to bacterial wilt?

    The best known varieties are “Green Zebras” and “Roma”. There are also a number of hybrids that have been bred for this resistance.

    If you see any signs of Verticillium wilt, you should remove the plants from the soil as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you are unable to remove the plants from the ground, you can treat the soil with a fungicide such as copper or sulfur to prevent the disease from spreading.

    Are cherry tomatoes disease resistant?

    Cherry tomatoes are a great choice for any gardener looking to add a little variety to their vegetable garden. Liike most other types of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are susceptible to various diseases.

    However, they are resistant to a wide variety of diseases, and in some cases the resistance is due to the plant’s own immune system.

    Are heirloom tomatoes disease-resistant?

    Heirloom tomatoes are not resistant to the major diseases that affect tomato crops, but they can be used as a food source when combined with other plants and insects that provide natural pest control. The best way to prevent diseases is by growing tomatoes in a healthy garden environment that includes annuals and perennials, mulching, regular watering and harvesting regularly.

    How do you know if bacteria is wilting of tomatoes?

    The first thing to check is whether or not the plant has any signs of disease.
    There are a number of ways to tell. One of the most reliable is the color of the tomato. If it’s dark green, it’s probably ok. If it’s light green, it may be starting to decay. If it’s yellow or brown, it’s most likely too far gone. Another way is to press your thumb on the stem of the tomato and see how it feels. If it’s waxy, it’s ok. If it’s dry and hard, it’s dead.
    You can look at the underside of the leaves. If the leaves have turned yellow, this is a sign of bacterial wilt.

    What is the hardiest tomato plant?

    A tomato plant can be grown in almost any location, but it’s important to choose a site that offers the proper amount of sunlight. Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop, so they need lots of sun. They also like plenty of water, so make sure that you water regularly and give the leaves a good soaking once or twice a week. If you have a big enough garden space, tomatoes are the perfect addition to any vegetable garden.
    There are many varieties of tomatoes, and many are very different in hardiness. We have found that the most hardy tomato is

  • Do Tomato Hornworms Bite: Best Ways to Control

    Do Tomato Hornworms Bite: Best Ways to Control

    Tomato worms are one common pest that bothers tomato plants and they can ruin your plants. They may look fierce and dangerous, but do tomato hornworms bite?

    The huge green tomato worm can grow up to 4 or 5 inches long and they are one of the longest types of caterpillar. There is nothing more devastating than finding tomato worms in your garden feeding on your sweet tomato fruits.

    The fact that the tomato worm has a stinger-like horn shape, some may be scared of them. So, if you’ve got tomato worms in your garden and you’re wondering if they bite then you should read on to know the answer to this. We will also discuss what you can do to get rid of these troubling worms.

    What Are Tomato Worms?

    Tomato worms, also known as hornworms are huge caterpillars that have a tail that looks like a horn. They love to chew on tomatoes, meaning tomato is their favorite food. They not only enjoy fruits, but they can also feed on plant leaves as well as their stems. These worms will eat plant leaves and can render your plant leafless.

    Tomato worms will as well feast on other plant’s fruits such as eggplant, pepper, potato, and tobacco plants.

    Do Tomato Hornworms Bite?

    Even though these worms may look scary and savage, they are not stingers. Therefore tomato worms do not bite. They are harmless to humans and you can even pick them up off your plants anytime you sight them.

    What Are Tomato Worms

    Where Do Tomato Worms Come From?

    Tomato worms come from eggs laid by the adult moth. These moths are huge heavy-bodied insects that have narrow front wings. They are gray-brown and can have yellow spots on their abdomen.

    Life cycle

    The tomato worm life cycle begins as eggs are laid by the adult moths. These eggs are laid by the female after mating around summer and the eggs are laid on the host such as tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc. The eggs are oval and smooth with a light green color.

    Next, the eggs hatch into caterpillars and the caterpillars are the worms that begin to feed and grow. The caterpillars can feed up until late summer or early fall.

    Once they begin to feed and grow, in about 3 to 4 weeks, they become matured green caterpillars. This matured caterpillar will drop from the plants they are feeding into the soil and burrow into the soil. In the soil, they will change or transform into pupae. The pupae will stay in the soil and thrive through winter.

    After surviving through winter, the pupae will emerge as adult moths during spring. Then the moths start another generation around mid-summer by depositing their eggs on their host plant.

    Identifying Caterpillar on Tomato Plant

    The tomato worm caterpillars may be hard to notice because they are green and can blend with your green plants. But once you notice any caterpillar of about 4 to 5 inches of green color and horn-like shape on your plant, then that’s a sign of tomato worm infestation. You need to act fast. If you delay any longer, they will continue to spread causing even bigger problems.

    They are capable of devouring your plant leaves and causing serious damage a night. Once they grow bigger and older, they consume more and more. Those fully matured tomato caterpillars can consume a lot at that stage.

    So, because of their green camouflaging color, you may not notice them on time. However, you should look closely and also look for droppings and follow the trail.

    You can as well identify these worms with black lights. Once it gets dark, scrutinize your plant with the black lights. Tomato worms usually come out in the dark to feed and they will glow in the dark.

    Let’s take a look at some control measures we can take to mitigate the situation.

    Controlling Tomato Worms

    There are various methods of getting rid of tomato worms and they include:

    • Handpicking

    Tomato worms will not bite you so you can simply handpick them when you notice them in your garden. This process may take a while, but it’s totally worth it as you will be saving your plants.

    After handpicking them, you can simply drop them in hot soapy water to kill them. You can as well feed them to your chicken or any birds if you raise them.

    • Spray the plant with soap and water

    Another natural way to get rid of these worms is to spray them with liquid dish soap mixed with water. Spray your entire plant and worms until they are all covered. Doing this should eliminate them without causing any havoc to your plants.

    • Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)

    If the two natural methods we mentioned above don’t work, you can go for natural pesticides. It is safe to use on your plant and also safe for humans. Bacillus thuringiensis is a natural bacteria found in soil. The worm consumes these bacteria and its digestive system becomes paralyzed and it will eventually die.

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    • Beneficial insects

    Beneficial insects can as well be used to control tomato worms. However, they can only work for a small population. Examples of these beneficial insects are ladybugs, lacewings, paper wasps, and so on. You can obtain these beneficial insects online or from your local garden stores.

    • Chemical insecticides

    Chemical insecticides can be used to control these worms. However, they may not be safe for your organic garden. Notwithstanding, there are good options such as sevin insecticides which are non-systematic. This means they will not penetrate plant tissues and you can simply wash them off after their job is done.

    Signs of Tomato Worms Infestation

    When you begin to notice your plant leaves having holes or becoming wilted, then you need to have a close inspection of your plant.

    You may also notice droppings of these worms on your tomato leaves or the ground. Also, if there are any green caterpillars around your plants, that may be a sign of tomato worm infestation.

    Signs Of Tomato Worms Infestation

    Are Tomato Worms Poisonous?

    Now that we know that tomato worms do not bite humans, you may be wondering if they are poisonous. You can safely touch tomato hornworms without being concerned about them biting, stinging, or being poisonous. However, you should never ingest these worms. If they are ingested, they may be toxic as tomatoes are part of the nightshade family and these worms remove the toxins from the plant. It’s important to seek medical advice if this happens.

    What is the Best Tomato Worm Killer?

    When killing tomato hornworms, it’s best to use a low-risk pesticide. There are many low-risk pesticides you can use. But some of my personal favorites are Spinosad, insecticidal soap, or Bacillus thuringiensis. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

    • Spinosad. It’s derived from a natural microorganism. Can kill tomato hornworms through contact, or ingestion. However, ingestion is the most effective. You’ll notice the effects within one to two weeks. Be sure you keep a watchful eye on it until it’s dried, as it can be harmful to bees.
    • Insecticidal soap. This doesn’t need to be ingested; contact is enough, but it must be direct. It’s effective against hornworms and what’s great about this is that it isn’t harmful to good insects.
    • Bacillus Thuringiensis. A bacteria that derive from the soil. Contact is not enough for this pesticide, it must be consumed by the tomato hornworms. The younger the caterpillars, the more effective this method will be. This method is ideal if you’re looking to protect bees and insects.

    Can a Tomato Hornworm Sting?

    If you take a close look at the tomato hornworm, they are quite terrifying. They look as though they could be dangerous, but as well as not being poisonous, and not being able to bite, they also can not sting you. Apart from being harmful to your garden, they can’t cause any damage to humans whatsoever! They’re nowhere near as scary as they first appear.

    Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms?

    Bearded dragons have a very versatile diet, and you may be wondering if you can feed them hornworms. And the answer is, absolutely. However, it’s best to buy the hornworms from a reputable store. Hornworms are used as food for many reptiles besides bearded dragons, such as geckos and chameleons.

    Hornworms are easy for your bearded dragons to digest, as well as being a great source of calcium and hydration.Where Do Tomato Worms Come From

    Are Tomato Hornworms Poisonous to Dogs?

    We’ve mentioned that tomato hornworms can cause problems if ingested by humans, and the same can be said if ingested by your pets. Tomato hornworms can be poisonous to your dogs, so it’s important to seek veterinary advice if you think your dog has swallowed any.

    Conclusion: Do Tomato Hornworms Bite?

    Tomato worms may look fierce and dangerous but they do not bite humans. However, the damage they will do to your plants can be very serious. Ensure you monitor your plants closely, especially their favorite plants which are tomato, pepper, eggplants, and tobacco plants.

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question: “do tomato hornworms bite?” and given you an idea of how to prevent and control them if you do manage to get an infestation. While they can be a nuisance to your garden, it’s a super easy problem to resolve. Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to removing hornworms? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    Do hornworms bite humans?

    Hornworms are not harmful to humans. However, they can cause damage to plants. The eggs and larvae are very destructive. They eat grass, soil, and roots. They can also kill plants.

    A hornworm may bite if it feels threatened or cornered. They also may bite if they are hungry. If they are hungry, they may be trying to feed on the roots of a plant.

    The most common cause of a hornworm bite is in the spring. The adults are out looking for food and the young ones are out looking for mates.

    Are green hornworms poisonous?

    Some people think that the green hornworm is poisonous because it tastes bad, and they won’t eat it. Others think that the green hornworm is poisonous because it has a very hard exoskeleton which doesn’t easily break down in the stomach.
    But, they are not.

    Where do tomato hornworms go during the day?

    Tomato hornworm caterpillars are active during the day, and they may be feeding on leaves or other parts of plants. If you find a large number of them, try to see where they are hiding. Look for places where they might have access to foliage and leaves. You can also check under shrubs and trees for signs of feeding. Hornworms will leave a silken web on their food source. You can also look for frass, or insect droppings.

    Tomato hornworms (Manduca sexta) are large, dark-colored caterpillars with a horn on their head and antennae. They feed on the leaves of tomatoes and other nightshade plants like eggplant and peppers. Hornworm larvae chew holes in plant leaves to feed on sap and then pupate. When they emerge as adults, they’ll feed on foliage until they reach maturity.

    How do you prevent tomato worms?

    Tomato worms are not a problem for everyone. I can’t say that I have ever had problems with them, but when I did, I didn’t know what to do about it. So I want to share some tips on how to get rid of tomato worms in your garden. Tomato Worms – What are they? A common pest for tomatoes, the tomato worm is a small insect, which can be up to 2 inches long.
    They are most often seen in the garden when the temperatures are warm and humid. You may see them crawling around the base of plants, or laying eggs in the soil. How do you get rid of them? The best way to prevent tomato worm damage is to pick off any infested leaves, and destroy the eggs in the soil. Another good method is to grow plants in containers, so that you can take them out of the garden if they begin to appear. If you do need to control these pests, the easiest solution is to use a systemic pesticide. These products work by killing the pest from the roots down, which will help reduce any future problems. This is one of the best ways to prevent tomato worms, and many other plant pests.

  • Round Cucumber: 4 Top Reasons Why This is Happening

    Round Cucumber: 4 Top Reasons Why This is Happening

    Unusual things may occur with your cucumber plants such as them turning round. Then you begin to wonder: Why do I have a round cucumber? 

    This is due to them noticing an unusual growth pattern of cucumbers. Instead of the familiar long protruding shape of a cucumber, the cucumbers turn out to be deformed and round in shape.

    Most times, it could be due to external influences such as water, light, heat, nutrients, pests, and diseases, as well as pollination. And sometimes, it might be the type of variety that was planted.

    Although, cucumbers are a very fast-growing plant, such that, they can start producing fruits and can be harvested within six weeks after planting, with all things being equal. If you put the right things into practice, getting a successful result of long green juicy cucumbers is possible.

    Let’s get more answers to your question: why do I have a round cucumber? 

    Round Cucumber Varieties

    Different varieties of cucumbers come in different shapes and sizes. Apart from the regular long thin green cucumbers, which can be up to 8 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter, there are other types.

    There is the fat and dwarf type of cucumbers. Their lengths are usually about 5 to 6 inches. And there are also round types of cucumbers too. So it happens that cucumbers can take different types of forms due to their variety.

    Round Cucumber Varieties

    Why Are Your Cucumbers Round?

    Sometimes, you get to your garden or even at the grocery store and you see cucumbers with unusual shapes, unlike the regular long thin ones.

    This keeps you bothered because you’ve put in the work to grow your cucumber plants. You are also in the expectation of harvesting the type of cucumbers you want.

    Let’s take a look at the reasons why cucumbers become round and deformed.

    1.    Shortage of nutrients

    A situation whereby there’s a shortage of nutrients available to cucumbers can be unpleasant to the plants. This can lead to the cucumber becoming round, stout, or short. And then you keep wondering and asking; why do I have a round cucumber? 

    Cucumbers require lots of nutrients while growing. Before planting your cucumber, prepare the soil first by mixing compost and organic mulch in the soil. Do this a few weeks ahead of planting your cucumbers.

    This will help in making the necessary nutrients available for the plants. However, you can first add little or no fertilizer to the soil if it’s fertile. Once you notice a kind of abnormal growth or unusual changes in your cucumbers, like yellowing, get a fertilizer with an NPK of 5-5-10.

    The plants need lots of phosphorus, potassium, and even more, nitrogen to be healthy again.

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    2.    Lack of water 

    Water in the right proportion is a necessity for cucumber plants for healthy growth. This means not watering your cucumber plants well can affect the growth of the cucumbers. This will result in a low harvest and deformed cucumbers.

    Lack of water also leads to wilting of the plants in the sun due to dehydration. The solution is for you to water your plants once or twice every week, depending on the condition of the soil, if it’s wet or not.

    Make sure you always check for soil dryness to know when it needs watering.

    Water the plants more if it is dry. This way, they get to have enough water for themselves but endeavor not to over-water the plants.

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    3.    The environment of the plants

    Another factor that can affect the looks of cucumbers is the environment where they are being planted. The soil for growing cucumbers must be well-draining. This helps to foster the aeration, draining, and circulation of water in the soil.

    Another factor to look out for is the temperature. If the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and no form of light is available to the plants, their growth will be stunted. Furthermore, a high temperature of around 95 degrees Fahrenheit and above is a no-no for these plants. This will reduce pollination, thereby resulting in lower plant yield, fruit size, shape, and quality.

    The Environment Of The Plants

    4.    Poor pollination – Why are my cucumbers round?

    The main cause that can be attributed to underdeveloped or deformed cucumbers is pollination. The cucumbers won’t develop well or will have stunted growth if the flowers are not pollinated fully. On the same plant, there are cucumber cultivars with male and female flowers.

    To transfer the pollen in them, they need pollinators. Hence, the lack of pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, in the garden, may lead to the ineffectiveness of the pollination process. To have more pollinators come to your cucumber garden, grow plants that have much pollen and nectar.

    Furthermore, adopt more natural and eco-friendly methods of preventing the rampaging of pests in your garden. Like handpicking, shielding, and setting traps. Do this instead of the use of pesticides. This is because pesticides will kill the pollinating insects also.

    Tips for Growing Better and Healthy Cucumbers

    The following cucumber growing tips will help you in growing healthy cucumbers and harvesting quality cucumbers in your garden:

    • You can start your cucumbers with seeds indoors. Start them indoors three to four weeks ahead of the time you will be transplanting them into the ground.
    • Make sure the temperature of the soil is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit before you transplant the seedlings directly or plant the seeds in the ground.
    • If you’re planting the seeds directly, plant the seeds with a space of at least 36 inches apart.
    • Cucumber plants prefer loose well-draining soil. Hence, don’t choose a location with hard soil and small planting space.

    • The best soil to plant your cucumbers in is light and lovely sandy soil.
    • For clay soil, mix peat or compost in the soil for better soil.
    • Add more compost to the soil once you notice the appearance of new shoots. This helps the buds to grow more.
    • The habitat where your cucumber plants are grown must have good drainage. This will help the plants not to get rotten because the surrounding won’t get waterlogged. Hence, water gets to drain quickly.

    Types of Round Cucumber

    Many cucumbers actually grow round, so if you’re growing these varieties and notice that they’re growing round in shape – it simply means you’re looking after them as they should be, and they’re thriving! Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular varieties.

    Lemon cucumber

    You may be wondering what does a lemon cucumber look like? And these cucumbers get their name because they simply look like lemons! Their scientific name is Cucumis sativus and they’re a fast-growing cucumber. When full-sized, they’re around 2-3 inches in length. While they are small, they are absolutely delicious! They are mild in taste and work well in a salad. What’s great about lemon cucumbers is that not only are they lemon shaped, but they’re also yellow too!

    It’s important to plant your lemon cucumbers in a place where they have full sun. They need full sun to thrive. They do best in temperatures between 60-90F. As well as this, they’ll need around an inch of water per week to keep the soil moist. It’s important to keep the routine of watering your plants, so as not to stress your cucumbers.

    The pH of the soil should be between 6.5-7.0 and if cared for, will reach maturity in around 60 days.

    Apple crystal cucumber 

    The scientific name for this cucumber is Cucumis sativus and they’re a fast-growing cucumber. When full-sized, they’re around 3 inches in length. It gets its name because once grown, it looks just like a green apple; in shape and color. It’s a sweet variety that works well in dishes such as salads.

    This cucumber needs around 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. They do best in temperatures above 60F. They’ll need watering 2-3 times a week.

    The pH of the soil should be around 6.5-7.0, and if cared for, will reach maturity in around 60-70 days.

    Mandurian round cucumber

    The scientific name for this cucumber is Cucumis melo and they’re a fast-growing cucumber. When full-sized, they’re around 2 inches in length. It is often mistaken for a small watermelon! And this variety is another great addition to salad dishes.

    This cucumber needs around 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. They do best in temperatures around 85F. They’ll need watering around once a week. However, you’ll need to increase this in hotter months.

    The pH of the soil should be around 5.6-7, and if cared for, will reach maturity in around 65-80 days.

    Mandurian round cucumber

    Maroon cucumber

    The scientific name for this cucumber is Cucumis anguria and they’re a fast-growing cucumber. When full-sized, they’re around 2 inches in length. It’s usually pale green, is mild in flavor, and works well in dishes such as salad.

    This cucumber needs full sun to thrive and soil should be kept moist at all times. The temperature should be kept between 60-90F.

    The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, and if cared for, will reach maturity in around 60-65 days.

    Cucamelon

    The scientific name for this cucumber is Melothria scabra and they’re a fast-growing cucumber. When full-sized, they’re around an inch in length. They’re quite bitter, which is quite unusual for a cucumber!

    This cucumber needs full sun to thrive and be sure to give at least one inch of water per week. The temperature should be around 78F.

    The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, and if cared for, will reach maturity in 65-75 days.

    Conclusion: Round Cucumbers

    At this point, it is certain that you already have an answer to the question: why do I have a round cucumber? 

    With the tips mentioned above on how to improve the unpleasant state of cucumbers, you should now be able to get the best results out of your quest of planting cucumbers. Do you have any of your tips and tricks when it comes to round cucumbers? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Are round cucumber edible

    If the cucumber is not the variety that is round in shape, then it is not edible. When cucumbers grow into a round deformed shape, it means they are not healthy and they are low in quality. Hence may not be a good idea to eat them.

    What causes curved cucumber

    Deformity in the development of cucumbers is a result of factors like ineffective pollination process, shortage of nutrients, lack of water, and many others.

    Why are my cucumbers yellow and round

    A number of factors can lead to your cucumbers being yellow and round but the main cause for it is poor pollination. This is when there are not many pollinators in your cucumber garden. Pollinators help to affect the process of pollination and fertilization of the pollen in the male and female flowers. Other factors like overwatering, lack of nutrients available to the plants, and others can lead to cucumbers becoming yellow and round.