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Category: Tips & Guides

An In-depth Into What Ceramic Metal Halide Is All About
One excellent type of high intensity discharge (HID) grow light that can do great works on your indoor plant is ceramic metal halide. Ceramic metal halide is also regarded as light emitting ceramic (LEC) and they are one type of HID lightening that is new in the market.
As the indoor growing industry keeps evolving, there have been different competition among growers. Now, staying updated when it comes to the latest lighting technology is a good way to maintain a good edge over your garden endeavor. Ceramic metal halide can offer great benefits to your garden with only a few downsides to using them.
In this article, we will be bringing light to the things you need to know about ceramic metal halide. So, if you’re keen on getting to know more about ceramic metal halide, you’ve come to the right place. Now, let’s delve in for some good information on this.
What Exactly Is Ceramic Metal Halide Grow Lights?
Ceramic metal halide is typically a variation and a better version of metal halide (MH). The major difference between MH and CMH is the ‘C’ ceramic in the CMH. A ceramic arch tube that is similar to those used in HPS lamps is used in the CMH brand compared to the quartz used in traditional MH lamps.
So, the arc tube material in CMH is composed of ceramic material and this material is similar to what is used for HPS lamps. The material is more stable compared to the quartz glass used in MH lamps.
Additionally, the material is able to tolerate higher temperatures more and it gives more resistance to the aggressive salts. Because a higher temperature is used inside the arc tube, the color stability, efficiency, as well as overall light maintenance are adequately improved.
This ceramic arc tube operates at higher pressure compared to quartz glass tubes. Now, this allows manufacturers to generate a more accurate variation on the spectrum compared to previous technologies.
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Benefits Of Using Ceramic Metal Halide
Below is the advantage you stand to gain using ceramic metal halide grow light for your indoor plants:
·         Durability
When you use ceramic metal halide, you enjoy long lasting use. This is because CMH arc tubes tend to be more resistant to wear and tear or breakdown. Hence, they tend to last longer compared to HPS and MH lamps.
Ceramic metal halide lamps can last up to 24,000 hours or more and they can still maintain at least 80% of their original intensity at the 20,000-hour mark. Therefore, this beats the regular 10,000-hour replacement rule for metal halide and high pressure sodium bulbs.
·         Offers A Balanced Spectrum
Ceramic metal can offer you a more balanced spectrum. CM is also preferable when it comes to turning your electricity into usable light.
So, when we compare CM to MH and HSP lights, MH and HSP tend to waste a lot of energy just so they can generate light at positions or ranges that may not even be used efficiently by your plants. Ceramic metal halide corrects this by offering more efficiency in PAR compared to HSP or MH bulbs. Therefore, this makes them a more preferable single light solution.
·         Offers More Color Rendering Index
Ceramic metal halide also offers a more natural color rendering index (CRI). The color rendering index of a grow light signifies how an object appears to the eyes of humans and how well subtle variations in color shades are shown. So, when CRI is high, it tends to make things look more realistic.
The rating of the color rendering index is around 80 to 96 CR. When we compare this to the sun’s CRI, the sun tends to be rated 100 CRI.
So, this generally implies that the color rendering index allows you to see the real color of your plants without making your grow room look purple, yellow, or blue.
·         Ultra Violet Radiation
Ultraviolet rays are good for plants in a safe dose. UV rays at appropriate ranges and intensities are beneficial for plant’s growth and development.
CMH lights offer UV rays to our plants in a safe dose. Ceramic metal halides provide our plants with UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C light. However, UV-C lights are not safe to the human eye. Hence, most commercial growers make use of glass filters to block the UV-C output while leaving UV-A and UV-B untouched.
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Drawback Of Using CMH
Even though CMH offers great benefits to our growing plants, there are still some downsides to them. They are:
1. Thermal Output
The heat generated by CMH is usually high in the infrared portion of the spectrum. This is over 700 nm and this makes CMH generate a lot of heat. Notwithstanding, this is still less compared to 400 watts of other types of HID bulbs.
1. Offers Weaker Flowering Light Stage Compared To HPS
HPS lights are still one of the best when it comes to providing lights for your flowering plants. The reason being that HPS bulbs generate more light in the red spectrum compared to CMH.
1. Initial Investment
The initial cost is another drawback to using CMH grow lights. For instance, purchasing a high-quality 400 watt HPS or MH grow light kit that includes a ballast, reflector, and bulb can cost about 200 dollars. On the other hand, when you initially invest in a complete kit of 31 watt CMH grow light, it can cost around 500 dollars. But when you look at it from the angle of saving energy, CMH lights will still save you more energy.
Ceramic Metal Halide Spectrum
CMH offers a more complete PAR spectrum in a single grow light compared to other HID bulbs such as MH and HSP lights.
However, you can still pair them up with HPS for an extra boost on the red spectrum and this will benefit your flowering crops in a great way.
Final Say
As we can see, ceramic metal halides are great to be used for our indoor growing needs. If you end up going for CMH for your plants, you can be rest assured of supplying good light for your plant’s needs.
FAQ’s
Which ceramic metal halide for veg cycle?
Ceramic metal halide for veg is a type of light that is great to be used for the vegetative stage of a plant.
Ceramic metal halide which color for growing?
Ceramic metal halide offers a different color spectrum for growing plants.
What is ceramic metal halide?
Ceramic halide is a type of HID light that has only a slight variation to MH and is a better version of metal halide.
March 6, 2022
Growing English Cucumber Seeds
Cucumbers are one of the most popular plants people grow in their gardens. Growing English cucumber seeds makes a great addition to your garden. They taste delicious and can be enjoyed in many different dishes.
If you are a lover of cucumbers then English cucumbers are a great variety to try. They are flavorful and are relatively easy to grow, which makes them great no matter your experience level as a gardener. They make a great addition to any garden and will be a new favorite.
English Cucumbers Vs Common Cucumbers
There are nearly 100 types of cucumbers, however, the most common varieties are slicing, pickling and English. These types vary by size, texture, appearance, and taste, with English being a favorite among many.
English cucumbers were created to be a more desirable version of the common cucumber. They have smoother skin, smaller seeds, and a less bitter taste.
English cucumbers also go by other names including seedless cucumber, burpless cucumber, hothouse cucumber, and European cucumber. They are long, thin, and straight in appearance with dark green skin. They can be twice as long as slicing cucumbers as they can grow to be 14 inches.
Unlike pickling cucumbers, they do not have bumps on their skin. They typically have a sweeter taste than common cucumbers and due to their thinner skins, they do not need to be peeled.
Growing English Cucumber Seeds
English cucumbers are a great variety to grow in your garden. You can grow them in pots or in your garden, depending on how much space you have. Growing them from seed can be a rewarding process, as you will be able to enjoy all the work you put into them.
Before you get planting your cucumbers, you will want to aerate the soil. Cucumbers do best in soil with a pH level between 6-7 that is rich in organic matter. You will also want to choose a location where they will receive full sun.
Plant your cucumber seeds in late March or early April, once temperatures reach at least 55-60 degrees Farenheit. Place your seeds six inches apart in rows that are 12-18 inches apart. Create small mounds of soil and place six to eight seeds in each mound.
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You can also opt to grow them in a pot instead. Ideally, you will want a pot that has a depth of about one foot.
Moisten the soil after planting the seeds but do not soak it. Keep the soil moist for seven to 10 days after planting your seeds. Remove any weeds that sprout up where your seeds are planted.
Once your cucumbers begin to sprout, mulch your garden to help it maintain moisture. After around three to four weeks, the plants will begin to sprout their first set of leaves. Continue keeping the soil constantly moist until the leaves become fully developed and open up.
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Proper Care – English Cucumber Seeds
After around eight weeks of planting your seeds, the plant will likely begin to bloom. As the cucumbers begin to grow, you can use a stake, wire cage, or fence to prevent the cucumbers from being on the ground. This will help keep them away from excess moisture and insects.
As your cucumber plants begin to grow, you will only need to water them around once a week. Be sure to water them deeply and if the weather is hot you can water them more regularly.
If too many flowers appear, you can cut them off with scissors. This process is called thinning and will help the plant produce better quality cucumbers.
When your English cucumbers are around 12-14 inches long and medium green in color, they are ready to be harvested. At this point is when they will taste their best.
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What Are Burpless Cucumbers?
Burpless cucumbers are types of cucumbers that contain little to no cucurbitacin. Cucurbitacin is the compound in cucumbers that gives them a bitter taste and can cause indigestion. English cucumbers are also commonly known as burpless cucumbers.
English Cucumber Seeds Burpee
If you are looking for a good variety of English cucumber seeds, you can find them through the brand Burpee. The Burpee brand even has its own exclusive English cucumber called the Early Pride. They produce delicious cucumbers that are thick, crisp, and flavorful.
Growing Your Own English Cucumbers
English cucumbers are a great variety of cucumbers that you can grow in your own garden from seeds. You can grow them in a garden bed or a pot, depending on if you have a yard or live in an apartment. They will result in a slightly sweet, crunchy cucumber that is long and smooth.
Be sure to plant your English cucumbers somewhere where they will have full sun and soil rich in organic matter. They can benefit from having mulch and a stake, wire cage, or fence to help them grow and to keep moisture and bugs away.
Do you have any questions regarding growing English cucumber seeds? If so, please ask any questions regarding planting and growing English cucumbers in the comment section below.
FAQ’s
Can You Grow English Cucumbers from Seeds?
You can grow English cucumbers from seeds in a garden or in a pot. Plant them in late March or early April in area where they will get full sun.
The soil should be full of organic matter with a pH level of six to seven. For the first few weeks the soil will need to be moist. Once mature, cucumbers will only need to be watered approximately once a week.
What’s the Difference Between English Cucumbers and Regular Cucumbers?
English cucumbers are longer and smoother than regular cucumbers. They have a slightly sweeter taste along with smaller seeds and a crisp bite. Many people prefer them to regular cucumbers as they are less bitter.
What are English Cucumbers Good For?
English cucumbers are a versatile cucumber and are great for salads, sandwiches, soups and dips. They are also great for snacking on raw or even adding to your favorite side dishes.
March 5, 2022
Basil Companion Plants
A companion plant basically refers to those plants that can be planted closely together successfully. In determining whether plants are companions, factors like pollination, nutrient requirements, amongst others are considered. Basil companion plants are what we will be looking into.
Basil is one of the herbs that can be easily grown alongside other plants in a garden. Basil plant is known for helping neighboring plants in areas like protection from pests, attracting pollinators, and even insects prevention.
Now, let’s delve into basil companion plants.
Basil Companion Planting Herbs
Here is some of the list of plants that can do well with basil plants being planted closely together:
1.    Basil And Tomatoes
These pair do very well when planted together. Some gardeners even argue that the flavor of both plants gets greatly improved when they are grown together. Both plants also require very similar nutrients to flourish, making them even more compatible.
2. Peppers – Basil Companion Plants
These are another two highly compatible plants to grow together. They are both very good pest repellents, providing dense ground cover. Furthermore, pepper plants do very well in humidity, while basil can very easily get heat and moisture from the atmosphere. Indeed, great companions to pair.
You must however monitor watering both plants carefully so as to keep the balance. This is because too much watering may suffocate the root of the pepper but in some cases, it is good for basil.
3.    Basil And Root Vegetables
Another great companion of Basil in the garden is root vegetables. Basil can easily flourish with radishes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips.
The great scent that basil gives off helps to deter pests from coming around root vegetables. The absence of a plant-like Basil exposes the planted root vegetables to root-infesting pests.
4.    Basil And Chillies
Planting Basil and Chillies together is another great pairing that you can do in your garden. Basil can readily repel a large host of insect pests that usually interfere with the growth of chilies.
Chilies also thrive in very similar conditions as Basil, especially during summer. Plants like eggplants and capsicums, which bear very similar attributes to chilies also pair well with Basil. Planting these plants alongside Basil will to a large extent improve their individual performance.
5.    Basil And Parsley Or Chives
These plants do very well when planted together primarily because of their environmental preferences. These plants all like full sun and have very similar water and soil requirements.
Planting them together will therefore save you any extra effort that would have been expended in tendering them. You just need to care for them as you should care for your Basil plant and they will come out fine.
6. Asparagus – Basil Companion Plants
Asparagus is a perennial crop that thrives well in sunny conditions. It usually takes between 2 to years to reach full maturity. Basil and Asparagus are good companions to plant together.
This companion will attract ladybugs to your garden. The advantage of this is that ladybugs help to weed out notorious cabbage aphids. In addition, basil also repels the asparagus beetle which is a pest that disturbs asparagus growth.
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7.    Parsley And Basil Companion Plant
These two plants also do very well when planted together. The reason for this is that they basically require almost exact water and sunlight for growth. Planting them together would therefore result in a splendid yield of both plants.
8. Potatoes – Basil Companion Plants
Planting basil and potatoes do not only improve their individual taste but also brings some beautiful order to your garden. You must however be careful when applying fertilizer to the plants. While potatoes need lots of phosphorus and potassium, basil needs more nitrogen.
Both plants are however sunlight and water-loving plants. Whereas many other plants will affect the growth of potatoes if planted as a companion, the reverse is the case with basil.
Plants That Do Not Complement Basil
As we have seen that there are different plants that complement basil well, there are also plants that don’t do well with basil. These plants should not be planted close to basil as this will affect the growth of both basil and the plant.
Some of these plants that should be taken far away from basil are common rue, thyme, sage, and cucumbers. The reason why these plants do not complement basil varies widely. The reasons range from differences in the nutrient requirement to differences in sunlight and water requirement.
Benefits Of Companion Planting
Companion planting which is also referred to as inter-cropping comes with varying advantages. Some of these specific benefits of adopting the practice of companion planting are:
- Repel Insect Pests: the adoption of this practice has a major advantage of detrimental pests being repelled. Some plants naturally secrete toxins or scents that have the ability to repel these detrimental pests. Some of these pests cannot be killed by pesticides.
- Attract Beneficial Insects: just the way this practice will lead to the repelling of detrimental insects, it also attracts beneficial insects. Some beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and birds can be lured into your garden by planting the right companion like a marigolds lure.
- Improvement of Soil Nutrients: some plants have the ability to add specific nutrients to the soil. Planting such a plant in your garden relieves you of the daunting task of getting that nutrient and applying same in your garden. Nitrogen for instance can be added by Legumes.
- Provide Cover for the Ground: where some of the soil in your garden is open and not covered by any plant, the room is given to weeds to grow. Planting companion plants that spread on a low level across the ground like oregano will therefore help with this greatly.
- Provide Shade: where you wish to plant a crop that does not require direct sunlight, you may decide to plant as a companion another plant to give shade. For instance, planting a crop that grows tall and leafy like the zucchini and asparagus may be a good solution to this.
- Serve as Markers: where you wish to demarcate your farm or garden, you may decide to plant fast-growing plants that will rise and provide the necessary demarcations as quickly as possible.
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Conclusion On Basil Companion Plants
As you have seen above, companion planting comes with a lot of advantages. Basil is one of those plants that can complement other plants in the garden. Some of the plants that are well complemented by basil are discussed above.
This should be a good guide to you if you are planning to begin companion planting using basil. Ensure not to plant alongside basil those plants that don’t do well with basil mentioned above.
FAQ’s
What are companion vegetable plants to basil?
Some companion vegetable plants to basil include radishes, carrots, beets, parsnips, and turnips.
Basil and spinach companion plant?
Basil is a great companion plant to spinach. They can both thrive in the same garden. They both have very similar water and sunlight requirements.
March 4, 2022
Bell Pepper Sprouts
They are from the Grossum cultivar group of species Capsicum annumm and they are known as bell peppers. Bell pepper sprouts are what we will be looking at in this post.
Peppers generally are great ingredients to add to all kinds of dishes, either raw or cooked. You can enjoy the delightful taste of bell peppers in your different cooking experiences.
When it comes to growing bell peppers, it’s not a difficult thing to do. Just have the right knowledge and you are good to go.
Growing bell pepper from seeds especially is an important thing to look at and once we’ve planted our seeds, we definitely would want some god germination or sprouting.
So, let’s delve in and get some details about the sprouting of bell peppers.
About Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are characterized by their smooth outer skin that shields the inner crunchy flesh. This pepper is hollow with numerous seeds that tend to cluster in the center and cling to their white inner membrane along their walls.
Bell pepper is a type of fruit that their cultivars can give rise to different colors that include red, orange, yellow, green, white, and purple. The scientific name of this bell pepper is Capsicum annuum Group and they are sometimes grouped with the less pungent chili variety as sweet peppers.
Although bell peppers are majorly or botanically classified as fruits, they are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient or side dish.
So, in tropical regions, bell peppers are grown as perennial crops. In colder climates, on the other hand, they are grown as annuals. Their tolerance to cold isn’t so great.
The growing season of bell peppers tends to be a bit long. Their growing seasons can last up to 90 to even 100 days. Therefore, this implies that once you notice you have a short summer, it is crucial you begin your seeds indoors once things are warming up outdoors.
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Bell Pepper Sprouts: Tips To Seed Germination
Although growing bell pepper is an easy thing to do, you have still to put some factors into consideration to achieve that successful outcome. This is particularly important when it comes to seed sowing and germination.
Here are some tips to take note of when it comes to bell pepper sprouting and growing successfully:
- Peppers love hot environments, especially in their germination stage. Therefore, you would have to allow the outdoor environment especially tour soil to warm up before planting. However, we recommend you begin sowing your seeds indoors to have a better chance.
- Also, begin your seeding early especially if you have a short summer in your region. But ideally, you should begin your seed indoors early enough.
- You can either save seeds from organic store-bought bell peppers or you can just purchase the bell pepper seeds.
- Seeds from red pepper plants are recommended to be used. This is because they are more mature compared to the green ones so you should have a better chance of a good outcome.
- Then seeds should be set out to dry for a couple of days. After this, you can now sow these seeds or store them in a paper envelope then put them in a dry spot.
- We generally recommend seeding to be commenced 6 to 8 weeks before the last average frost date in spring. But you can still sow these seeds earlier if you can maintain a healthy and thriving plant.
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Starting Bell Pepper Seeds To Ensure Seed Sprouting
You can commence seed sowing with the help of a seed starting mix and position them in a warm sunny area. Using cell packs or covering flats with plastics can help speed up germination or sprouting of seeds.
Additionally, when you provide a constant source of heat such as a seedling heating mat or pad can also be of great help. This is because the soil needs to be around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the bell pepper seed to sprout. If your soil is warm enough, you should notice some sprouting within ten days.
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So, when your seeds have sprouted and grown about two to three leaves, you can go ahead and put them in a bigger container. This container should be filled with moist potting soil to minimize settling.
Organic fertilizer should also be added just to encourage strong and healthy growth. Then always water when needed and maintain a constantly damp soil.
Harvesting – Bell Pepper Sprouts
Determining when your bell peppers are ready to be harvested is an easy and straightforward thing. You can start harvesting your peppers once they have attained a length of around 3 to 4 inches. The bell pepper fruit must also be firm and green, red, or other colors, depending on the variety you planted.
However, if you notice they are somehow thin, then they are not ready for harvest yet. If they have this soggy feel, this implies that they’ve been left for too long.
Once the first batch of crops has been harvested, you can go ahead and fertilize the plants. this can supply them with extra energy for them to yield another crop.
Closing Remark – Bell Pepper Sprouts
Bell peppers are warm-loving crops that tend to do well in warm weather so summer is usually the best period to sow seeds or plant these crops.
So, one of the secrets to successfully sprouting and growing your bell pepper is to grow them in a temperate spot. Peppers generally thrive in warm surroundings. The seeds of bell peppers will require warmth to grow. So, it is recommended you sow your seeds indoors so you can get that ideal sprouting temperature for your bell pepper to germinate.
Once your bell pepper seeds have sprouted, you can go ahead and transplant outdoors and plant them in a sunny spot. But ensure the temperature outdoors is warm enough to encourage good growth.
Therefore, it is important you ensure the frost in your area is completely gone as frost can destroy your pepper plant or slow down its growth.
FAQ’s
What do bell pepper sprouts look like?
The sprouts of bell pepper will have about 2 to 3 leaves spouts that tend to be narrow and pointy.
How many days does red bell pepper start to sprouts?
Red bell pepper begins to sprout within 10 days.
How to plant bell pepper sprouts?
If you want to achieve more successful sprouting, your bell peppers should be planted indoors where you can supply the seeds at the ideal temperature. Then once your seeds have sprouted, you can transplant them outdoors in a sunny spot.
What do you do after bell pepper seeds sprout?
Once your bell pepper seeds have germinated, you can go ahead and transplant them outdoors that is if your seeds were sown indoors.
March 4, 2022
Planting Lettuce Seeds
Planting lettuce seeds can be easy for you if you’ve got the right knowledge. Lettuce is a great addition to one’s stock of vegetable garden at home because of its health benefits.
Hence there comes the importance of attaching them to having them in your kitchen. It’s a crop that likes the cool weather, hence it’s better to plant your lettuce seeds during spring and fall.
Growing lettuce from seeds to becoming a full crop is known to be one of the easiest. Lettuce seeds grow very fast, in fact, you can start harvesting the baby greens within a month of planting.
But on average, they take up to 40 to 50 days to mature. The types that are larger or that produce head needs more time to get to maturity. This should be between 60 to 80 days.
Growing lettuce is beneficial. That is why having them in your garden will provide you with fresh homegrown organic greens for months. So let’s take a look at the process of planting lettuce seeds.
Different Types Of Lettuce Seeds To Plant
The lettuce seeds come in varieties that you can choose from. You can find them on seed racks and catalogs, just choose the one that is suits your preference and your regional climate.
The leaf lettuce still remains the best because of how fast it grows. It also gives you the privilege of having a steady supply of luscious greens for weeks. Let’s look further into the various types of lettuce seeds.
- Oakleaf: The oakleaf lettuce can be grown as leaf lettuce and can be continuously harvested while growing. It is better to start harvesting it because the plants will produce full-sized heads when they are left to mature. Depending on the variety the leaves can be either red or green and also take the form of oak leaves.
- Looseleaf: The looseleaf is one of the types of lettuce that can be grown easily. It also grows very fast as it only takes between 5 to 6 weeks to produce large loose heads.
- Butterhead: Also called Boston or Bibb, produces beautiful heads with loose soft crisp leaves. The butterhead has varieties that can be grown in regions with high temperatures, suitably during summer. It also has varieties that can be grown in cold regions, suitable for winter.
- Iceberg: Also known as crisphead lettuce is not an easy variety to grow but you can be lucky with it.
- Romaine: The romaine lettuce produces tightly closed heads. This variety is known to be an important ingredient in making Caesar salad.
- Summer Crisp: The summer crisp type is also known as Batavia lettuces. This type looks so much like the loose-leaf type while growing. They begin to produce lovely rounded heads as they grow to maturity. The summer crisp has varieties that can be grown in regions with high temperatures, preferably during summer.
Planting Lettuce Seeds
Lettuce is a type of crop that thrives in cool weather. Hence, the best time to grow lettuce is during spring and fall. In temperatures as low as 40 F, your lettuce seeds will germinate.
But the best temperature for growing and germination is from 60 F and 65 F. To get a successful outcome at growing lettuce, start by choosing a location that gets up to six to eight hours of sunlight. You can also grow your lettuce in a shady spot but must get three to four hours of sun.
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But if there’s not enough sunlight, it will be advisable to plant looseleaf varieties. This is because they grow more quickly than the varieties that produce heads. The next thing should be to mix in one or two inches of compost in your garden bed. You may also mix in organic fertilizer with slow release.
Growing lettuce in containers is also a great idea. This is because the plant has a shallow root system. Lettuce can be grown in pots, baskets, window boxes, or fabric planters. Using any type of container that is four to six inches deep with holes for drainage is also fine.
In order to be able to harvest your crop early, get plastic or fabric-covered mini tunnels to cover your garden beds. This way, you can trap in solar energy. It can also help to protect your plants from low temperatures and frost during early spring or fall.
Methods For Planting Lettuce Seeds
Lettuce seeds can be planted in two ways. They are:
- Direct Sowing Lettuce Seeds
This involves directly planting lettuce seeds in garden beds or containers. For direct planting of varieties of seeds of lettuce that produce heads in rows, give the seeds space of two inches apart. This should depend on the varieties you’re planting though.
Endeavor not to plant the seeds deep down in the soil, remember they need the sunlight to sprout. Go ahead and pour a little amount of soil on your seeds. You can begin thinning when your seedlings are growing well.
- Transplanting Lettuce Seedlings
This on the other hand entails transplanting lettuce seedlings that were started indoors or bought from a garden center. You can start by transplanting your seedlings into your garden beds or containers in a grid form. Endeavor to give space of at least ten inches between each seedling.
If you’re transplanting multicolored varieties, you can bring creativity to play by arranging the colors to form a checkerboard pattern.
Remember to take note of the specific spacing instructions on the packet of the seeds you bought. Hence, if you’re transplanting in rows, depending on how mature in size of each variety is, give your seedlings space of ten to twelve inches each. And then space the rows by twelve to eighteen inches.
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Spacing Your Lettuce Plants
Start thinning your lettuce seedlings once they begin to grow well. Doing this will allow the plants enough space for them to produce good-sized heads when they mature. The ideal spacing should be ten to twelve inches but you can still check the seed packet for specific spacing instructions for each variety.
If you’re growing baby lettuce, make the spacing between each plant a bit closer at about six to eight inches because of the formation of heads. Romaine lettuce can be grown successfully with this method as this type of lettuce produces tight heads.
Conclusion On Planting Lettuce Seeds
Now that you know a lot about planting lettuce seeds, you can go ahead and enjoy several weeks of luscious, tender, and mild-tasting lettuce from your garden.
FAQ’s
How long from planting seeds to picking lettuce?
Lettuce seeds grow very fast and you can start harvesting your crops as early as possible, depending on the variety you have. The baby can be harvested within a month of planting but for them to mature they take up to 40 to 50 days. But the types that produce heads need more time to get to full maturity which is between 60 to 80 days.
When to start planting lettuce seeds?
You can start planting lettuce seeds in spring and fall. Lettuce seeds will definitely germinate in temperatures as low as 40 F. But the best temperatures for planting and growing lettuce seeds are between 60 F and 65 F.
How many planting seeds yield one lettuce?
For seed sown directly into the soil, you should have about 10 seeds per foot.
Can lettuce seeds be planted directly in the ground?
Sowing lettuce seed directly on the ground is ideal. Sometimes, transplanting lettuce seedlings might not be easy because the seedlings are quite fragile.
March 4, 2022
The High Phosphorous Fertilizer – The King Of Gardening!
A high phosphorous fertilizer is important in a plant’s growth. Phosphorus is one of the main three nutrients found in fertilizer.
Phosphorus is essential for plant growth and development, and is also known as the ‘life-giving element’. It is the second most abundant element in our body and the third most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, and it has been estimated that more than 95% of it comes from the soil.
The Work Of Phosphorus
Phosphorus plays a vital role in the growth of plants and is involved in many key metabolic processes. It can be stored in various forms within the plant, including the cell wall, storage proteins, and even as a phosphate salt.
The main form of Phosphorus that is available to plants in soil is inorganic phosphorus (Pi). This includes phosphates (HPO42-). Organic phosphorus (P2O5) can be found in the soil as a result of natural processes such as weathering and microbial activity. Phosphorus is one of the three primary nutrients required by plants: nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
The other source of Phosphorus in soils is organic phosphorus. Soil contains inorganic and organic phosphates which are the most available form of P for plants. Phosphate is found in most soils in both crystalline and amorphous forms.
In the soil, phosphorous occurs mainly in the form of insoluble mineral phosphate (orthophosphate) in acid soils. When soil pH increases, orthophosphate becomes less soluble and more available to plants. However, when soil pH decreases, orthophosphate becomes more soluble and less available.
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Phosphorus In The Soil
The total amount of phosphorus available to a crop depends on many factors, including:
- Soil type (e.g., sandy or clay)
- Soil pH
- Soil texture (i.e., particle size distribution)
- Soil organic matter content
- Soil temperature
- Soil moisture content
- Available Phosphorous in the soil
- Available N and K in the soil
- Excess P (if any) in the soil
Plants are able to take up phosphorus in three different forms:
- Inorganic Phosphate (Pi). Plant roots have the ability to uptake Pi directly from soil solution or indirectly through transporters located on the root surface.
- Organic Phosphates (e.g. phosphatides, phospholipids and nucleotides). Organic phosphates are more mobile within the plant cell than inorganic Pi.
- Polyphosphate (polyP). The phosphate inorganic ion is then absorbed by the plant via the plasma membrane in the root hair zone and subsequently transported into the root cells by a process involving symplastic phloem transport.
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The Best High Phosphorous Fertilizer For A Plant
You must know that plants need phosphorus to grow. Phosphorus is an element that is found in soil and rocks. It is a nutrient needed by plants to make their cells strong.
If a plant lacks phosphorus, its cells become weak and break easily. In order to ensure that your plants grow, they must be supplied with the right amount of phosphorus. Most annual plants will benefit from phosphorus.
You will find many types of fertilizer on the market, but which one should you use? Well, here are some tips that will help you select the right fertilizer for your garden.
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The high phosphorous fertilizer improves your garden by increasing plant size, leaf and fruit production.
It is also used to prevent soil acidity and increase plant resistance against diseases and insects.
Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients that plants need. It is the main ingredient in the enzyme system that helps plant cells absorb and store nitrogen.
Phosphorus has a vital role in the production of proteins, nucleic acids and chlorophyll.
Some phosphorus fertilizers include phosphate rock, bone meal, blood meal, superphosphate and triple superphosphate. High phosphorous fertilizer is available in both liquid and dry forms.
A phosphorus fertilizer contains phosphorus and calcium in the same molecule. However, when you use a phosphorus fertilizer, make sure you add enough lime (calcium) to neutralize the phosphorus. You can add calcium to your fertilizer by using a calcium-based fertilizer or liming the soil.
Click For A Comparison Between Thai Basil Vs Basil
Using A High Phosphorous Fertilizer
Using a high phosphorous fertilizer is a good way to boost your vegetable garden’s output. In a vegetable garden, there are many different types of fertilizers that can be used to increase the growth of vegetables. These include organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers.
Organic fertilizers are composed of nutrients that come from natural sources. These nutrients include:
- Nitrogen
- Ammonium
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
Chemical fertilizers are composed of nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium that have been synthesized in a factory. The nutrient content is regulated by the government and used to label food as organic or not.
Final Thoughts For High Phosphorus Fertilizer
High phosphorous fertilizer is very essential as it provides your plants with a major nutrient that they need throughout their growing journey. Phosphorus boosts your vegetable gardening up to 100%. But, you must use the right amount of fertilizer in order to achieve that.
FAQ’s
What fertilizer is high in phosphorus?
Phosphorus (P) is an essential plant nutrient and can be found in many different forms, including monobasic and dibasic inorganic phosphate (Pi), polyphosphate (PolyP), and organophosphate (OP). Phosphorous is involved in all aspects of plant metabolism, including photosynthesis, cell wall formation, and respiration. The fertilizer that has high levels of phosphorous include Diammonium phosphate (DAP) (18% P2O5), Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (15% P2O5), and triple superphosphate (TSP) (20% P2O5).
What is an effective fertilizer?
An effective fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients that your plants require to grow healthy and strong. An effective fertilizer also helps your plants to take up nutrients more quickly.
What organic fertilizer is high in phosphorus?
There are many different sources of phosphorus. In the soil, it is present as an organic compound called phosphatic. There are two main types of phosphatic fertilizer, phosphate, and phosphite. Phosphate fertilizers have a higher phosphorus content than phosphate fertilizers, but they are less stable. Phosphate fertilizers are usually applied in the form of phosphate rock.
What homemade fertilizer is high in phosphorus?
If you have a high concentration of phosphorous in your soil, it can be hard to grow plants. Most commercial fertilizers contain phosphorous as a component. But not all are created equal. To find out which homemade fertilizer is best for your plants and the specific needs of your garden, use our fertilizer calculator. How does organic matter affect the pH level in my garden soil?
What organic soluble fertilizer is high in phosphorus?
The most phosphorus-rich fertilizers are the slow-release granular products. These are available in a range of P2O5 levels. The higher the P2O5 level, the lower the nitrogen content of the fertilizer and the slower the release of phosphorus. If you’re looking for a product with a higher P2O5 level, choose one with lower nitrogen content.
March 3, 2022
How To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds
Tomatoes are one of the best plants to grow in your garden, no matter your experience level. Knowing how to grow tomatoes from seeds is beneficial to know when starting your garden. Though some people may buy mature tomato plants, tomato seeds are also a great option for many gardeners.
Tomatoes are generally easy to grow and produce an abundance of fruit. Fortunately, there are many great dishes you can use fresh tomatoes or you can make them into sauces as well. They can be great to grow whether you have a yard with a garden or grow them in a container on your balcony.
How To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds
Tomatoes are a great plant to grow in your garden as they grow well in most warmer climates. Though you can buy mature plants to plant right into your garden or a container, you can also grow them straight from seeds.
Though growing tomatoes from seeds can seem intimidating if you have never done it before, it is quite straightforward with the right knowledge. Growing from seeds also gives you more variety in the type of tomato you grow.
Decide On Your Seeds – How To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds
Before you get planting, you want to decide on your seeds. Some varieties of tomatoes are more ideal for certain recipes than others are.
Also, be sure you have the right room for the variety you want to grow. Determinate tomatoes grow to around three feet tall, making them the best choice for containers. On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes grow to be very large, up to six feet tall, making them a better choice for garden beds.
Plant Your Seeds In Small Containers
Once you have selected your type of tomato, you will want to plant it indoors in small containers. You can use yogurt cups or egg cartons, as long as they have holes for drainage poked in them.
Use a seed-starting mix as soil to encourage root growth. Fill your containers up with the mix and use a spray bottle to water the soil until it is moist.
Plant your seeds around 1/8-inch deep in your soil, placing two to three seeds per container. Gently firm over the seeds with soil to ensure sufficient contact with the soil. You can then cover the containers loosely with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in.
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Keep your seeds in a warm location, which is around 70-80 degrees Farenheit. You can place your containers on a heat mat to help keep them warm enough. At this point, you do not need to worry about having your plants in sunlight.
The seeds will generally start to sprout within 1-2 weeks. Once your tomato plants begin to sprout, you can move them to an area with sunlight or use artificial light. You can also remove the plastic wrap at this point.
When leaves begin to appear, you will want to transfer them to a larger pot that is around 16 ounces. You will want to make sure to keep the soil moist.
Transplant Your Plants – How To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds
As your tomatoes continue to grow, you can begin to introduce them to the outdoors. Place them outside for a few hours and bring them inside whenever temperatures fall below 50 degrees Farenheit. Repeat this process for around 10-14 degrees Fahrenheit.
Around two weeks after the last frost or when soil temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, you can transplant your tomatoes into your garden. Plant them in an area where they will get at least six to eight hours of sun a day. Allow around two to three of space between tomato plants to give them plenty of room.
Tomato Care
Before planting your tomatoes, mix compost into the soil. The soil should be loose and well-draining. Around five weeks after transplanting your tomato plants, add mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
Use organic fertilizer or tomato fertilizer every two weeks to ensure your tomatoes are getting enough nutrients. Avoid using fast-release fertilizers and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers on your tomatoes.
Water your tomato plants in the morning so they have plenty of moisture throughout the day when it gets hot. Water generously the first few days after transplanting your tomatoes. Your tomato plants will need around two inches of water a week.
Taller varieties can benefit from stakes or cages. This will help prevent fruit from developing on the ground and help the plant stay upright.
How To Grow Tomatoes From Seeds – Harvesting
Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are firm and bright red in color or the color they are supposed to be, depending on the variety. Leave them on the vine for as long as possible for the best results.
Growing Your Own Tomatoes
Growing your own tomatoes from seeds is easier than you may think. In addition, growing them from seeds gives you more options of varieties to grow.
Do you have any questions regarding how to grow tomatoes from seeds? If so, please ask any questions regarding growing tomato plants in the comment section.
FAQ’s
How to Grow Tomatoes From Seeds From Fresh Tomatoes?
To plant seeds from a fresh tomato, soak the seeds in water for 14 hours. Then, dry your fresh seeds with a paper towel and plant them within seven days of soaking.
How to Grow Cherry Tomatoes From Seeds?
Plant your cherry tomato seeds in a small container with drainage and moisten the soil well. Keep the containers in a warm spot indoors for around six to eight weeks before the last frost. When the temperature of the soil is at least 60 degrees, you can then plant your cherry tomatoes outside.
How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots from Seeds?
Start your tomato seeds out in small containers such as yogurt cups or egg cartons. Keep the soil moist and the plants warm. Once leaves begin to appear and the temperature outside is at least 60 degrees Farenheit, you can transfer your plants to a pot.
How Long Does it Take for Tomatoes to Grow from Seeds?
In general, it will take around 6-8 weeks for seeds to become seedlings. Once they become seedlings, it will take around 50-100 days for tomatoes to fully mature to harvest.
February 28, 2022
When To Plant Peppers
Peppers are one of the most popular plants people grow in their gardens. Knowing when to plant peppers is important to ensure you get the best possible crop. There are many different great varieties of peppers you can grow, each that are delicious.
No matter your experience as a gardener, you can grow peppers with the right knowledge. They are one of the easier plants to grow and they often produce a good-sized harvest. From red bell to jalapeno, there are some tasty options you can grow at home.
When To Plant Peppers
Whether you grow them in your garden or a container, peppers make great plants to grow. Though they can grow in many different areas, they do best in warm weather.
There are many great varieties of sweet and hot peppers that you can grow. You can eat peppers raw or cooked, as they taste great both ways. They are great for stuffing, casseroles, grilling, salads, and much more.
Since peppers need warmth to grow, most people start growing them indoors before planting them outdoors. In most cases, growers will sow their pepper seeds in late winter or early spring indoors. Peppers will need about 8-10 weeks before the last frost date from sowing to transplanting until you can move them outside.
Sow the seeds into pots or trays, at least one inch apart. It is best to begin growing them with a temperature around 70 degrees Farenheit.
Once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees Farenheit at night, you can transplant your pepper plants outside. Peppers will thrive in daytime temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees Farenheit.
Plant your peppers around 16 to 24 inches apart. Be sure to plant them in areas where they get at least six to eight hours of sun as peppers do best in full sun. You can plant them in garden beds or containers that are at least are at least 1.5 gallons in size.
Pepper Care – When To Plant Peppers
Pepper plants need around one inch of water a week. You should allow the soil to almost dry up between waterings. On average, you will need to water them one to three times a week.
Pepper plants do best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. The soil should be sandy loam soil that has plenty of organic matter and drains well.
When the plants begin to produce flower buds, you can use a liquid feed high in potassium on a regular basis. Tomato fertilizer can be a great option for your pepper plants. After the first peppers grow, you can switch to using a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
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Be sure to weed carefully around your peppers, being sure not to disturb their roots. If necessary, you can use cages or stakes to support your plants.
Though pepper plants strive in warm weather, they can struggle if the temperatures get too hot. If you are experiencing a heatwave, it may be a good idea to move your peppers back inside for a bit.
Best Peppers To Grow
There are many tasty varieties of peppers you can grow. You can go with the mild taste of sweet peppers or spice it up with hot peppers.
Bell
Bell peppers are one of the most popular types of peppers to grow. They are versatile, as you can prepare them in many different ways. These large sweet peppers can be red, yellow, orange, or green.
Bell peppers are great as you can stuff, grill, saute or eat them raw. Their delicious flavor goes well in a variety of dishes.
Poblano – When To Plant Peppers
Poblanos are mild chili peppers that are green in color. They are large in size and make a great pepper for stuffing. In addition, they are also great for roasting and sauteing.
Thai – When To Plant Peppers
Thai peppers are a type of hot pepper, making them great for adding some spice to your meal. They are particularly popular in Asian cuisine. They are smaller in size and can be green or red when ripe.
Jalapeno
Jalapenos are one of the most popular types of hot peppers. They taste great on tacos, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. They tend to mature faster than most hot peppers, making them particularly great for gardeners up north.
Habanero – When To Plant Peppers
Habaneros are a spicy hot pepper with just a slightly sweet kick to them. They are orange at maturity and are relatively small in size. They are great in salsas, salads, and spicy dishes.
Banana
Banana peppers are medium-sized mild chili peppers with a mild tangy taste. They are typically bright yellow in color and are great on sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. They also taste great when they are pickled.
Growing Your Own Peppers
Peppers make great plants to grow, no matter your experience level in gardening. You can opt for sweet peppers or hot peppers, depending on your preference.
Plant your pepper seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost inside and once temperatures reach 55-60 degrees overnight, you can plant them outside. Be sure to water them one to three times a week and plant them in full sun. The soil should be sandy loam soil that is well-drained and use should use liquid feed high in potassium regularly when the flowers bloom.
Do you have any questions regarding when to plant peppers? If so, please ask any questions regarding growing peppers in the comment section.
FAQ’s
When to Plant Peppers Outside?
You should plant peppers outside when the overnight temperature has consistently been 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. You will want to plant them after the last frost as they strive in warm temperatures.
When to Plant Green Peppers?
Plant green pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Then, when overnight temperatures reach at least 55-60 degrees Farenheit, you can plant them outside. Plant green peppers 18-24 inches apart.
When to Plant Banana Peppers?
Plant your banana pepper seeds around eight weeks before that last frost. Plant them two weeks after your last frost or when overnight temperatures are around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
When to Plant Hot Peppers?
Plant hot peppers 8-12 weeks indoors before the last frost. Once the overnight temperatures have risen to 60 degrees or warmer, you can plant them outside.
February 28, 2022
How Much Water Does Basil Need? – Gardening Secret Revealed!
How much water does basil need is a question asked by most gardeners who want to grow this herb for their personal use.
Basil is a perennial herb that grows from the root system. It needs full sunlight, lots of moisture, and a warm temperature to grow. It has a long life span, which means you can grow it all year round.
You can start the seed indoors or outdoors. Basil is easy to grow and is one of the best herbs to grow in a pot. You can grow it in pots and grow it in the ground. The most important thing to know about basil is that it needs a lot of water, more than any other herb.
So How Much Water Does Basil Need?
Before you get planting, you will want to know how much water does basil need. In order to have a healthy basil plant, you need to provide adequate amounts of water.
The soil should be kept moist but not saturated. You should use a timer to make sure your basil gets enough water. You can also keep the soil dry by watering once or twice a week.
Watering frequency for basil: Watering every 3-4 days to once a week is the best way to ensure your basil stays healthy. On hot, sunny summer days, you will generally want to water your basil plant daily.
How much water does basil need? The amount of water your basil needs depends on the weather, the season, and your basil variety. In most cases, basil will need an inch of water a week.
The best time to water your basil is when it’s just starting to grow. In summer and autumn, basil grows in the shade, which means it gets less sunlight and therefore needs less water. If you live in a hot climate, you may want to water your basil in the morning or evening to prevent wilting and heat stress.
If you are worried about over-watering your basil, check the soil’s moisture content. The soil should be slightly moist, but it should not be soggy by any means.
Water your basil when it’s actively growing, but not when it’s dormant. It’s best to water your basil when it’s just started to grow, but it can be watered any time of the day.
Dangers Of Over-watering Basil – How Much Water Does Basil Need?
Over-watering is dangerous to basil as it kills it. When a basil plant is over-watered, it can develop yellow, droopy leaves.
When watering your basil, make sure to water only the base of the plant. If you have a large pot, you can fill it up to the rim and then continue to water until it runs out.
It is generally best not to water from the top, as it can be too much for this plant. It is best to water from the base and not above the leaves. Too much moisture on the leaves can potentially cause disease and fungus growth and not allow enough water to get to the roots.
The water has to travel through the leaves and get into the stem before it reaches the roots. If the leaves are dry, then the plant doesn’t need water.
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If you have a large pot, you can water it until water runs out of the drainage holes. You should only water your basil when the soil is dry to the touch.
So if you have a big pot, fill it up to the rim. If it is not full, then you need to keep watering until it is. Then let it dry out and leave it for a few days.
Over-watering will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. If you don’t water your basil often enough, it will wilt. Wilting might lead to death if you don’t save your plant early.
Check Out A Guide To Growing Cucumbers In Containers
The Best Schedule For Watering Basil
In a small amount of time, you can grow herbs that will provide your family with delicious fresh food, medicine, and even beauty. You can grow herbs indoors or out, in containers, raised beds, or on a patio.
To grow these herbs it’s important to have a watering schedule. If you water regularly your plants will grow well. When your plants are young they need more frequent watering than when they’re older.
The best time to water is just after sunrise. Watering in the evening or night can cause the leaves to get too wet and the plant will stop growing. You should water your plants every day.
If you wait until the soil gets dry, you can water the plant with a spray bottle. Herbs are very easy to grow and can be grown indoors in pots on a sunny windowsill or outside in the garden.
Summary Of How Much Water Does Basil Need
So how much water does basil need? Basil is one of those plants that will actually grow better with a good amount of water. The reason is that basil is a tropical plant and it needs lots of water. However, when it does not get enough water, it will start to wilt.
FAQ’s
How much water and sun does basil need?
Basil will grow anywhere from a minimum of 10 to 20 inches tall. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate some shade. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in most soils.
How much water does basil need per day?
The amount of water basil needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the weather and growing conditions. However, a general rule of thumb is that basil requires about one-half to one-third the amount of water that tomatoes do. To grow healthy basil plants, keep an eye out for signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing leaves and brown tips on the leaves.
How much water and sun does an indoor basil plant need?
Indoor Basil plants are very easy to grow, but they do require a lot of light. You can get a good plant by placing it in a bright window with a south-facing aspect. In cooler northern climates, you can also provide heat by using a warm room or heated mat (in summer). The ideal temperature for your indoor basil plant is around 75°F.
How much water does basil need in liters to survive?
Basil will tolerate low water conditions and will grow even better in poor drainage. It prefers slightly moist soil but will tolerate dry conditions for a limited time. What are the ideal temperatures for growing basil? Basil prefers warm weather with lots of sun, and will not tolerate cool weather. It can be grown indoors in a greenhouse or in a heated bed outdoors.
February 27, 2022
A Guide To Growing Cucumbers In Containers
Any cucumber lovers in the house? Growing cucumbers in containers is possible and easy and provides you with fresh cucumbers.
Cucumbers are very popular in Australia as a summer fruit, and there is a huge range of different types, shapes, and sizes of cucumbers. Most people grow them for eating fresh or as part of salads and sandwiches, but there are many other ways of using them.
So what if you want to grow your own cucumbers? There are several reasons why this is a good idea.
- Firstly, the price of cucumbers is increasing, so it makes sense to grow your own.
- Secondly, cucumbers are one of the easiest vegetables to grow from seed in a greenhouse.
- Thirdly, cucumbers are very easy to grow in containers. Cucumbers are also very easy to grow in pots or baskets and can be used as decorative plants or to provide shade for other plants.
Growing Cucumbers In Containers Successfully – A Step By Step Guide
There is no doubt that growing cucumber plants in containers is the most popular way to grow these vegetables. But, when it comes to growing cucumbers in containers you will need to take into account a number of things before deciding whether to go ahead with this process.
There are two ways to grow cucumbers indoors: in raised beds and in containers. Raised beds are great if you have a lot of space, but they can also be expensive and difficult to keep clean. Containers are easy to use, inexpensive, and require less space.
If you decide to grow cucumbers in containers, you’ll need a few things. You’ll need a container, a potting mix, and fertilizer.
Find A Good Container That Suit Your Needs
There are many different types of containers that can be used for growing cucumbers. The size of the container you choose depends on how much space you have available. A large container will hold more plants than a smaller one. You can choose between plastic or glass. Glass containers are easier to keep clean, but plastic is more durable and won’t break if the container is dropped. When choosing a potting mix, it’s important to pick one that has enough nutrients for your plants. You’ll also need a fertilizer that is specifically designed for your plants.
Get Your Potting Mix Ready – Growing Cucumbers In Containers
You’ll need to buy a potting mix that contains nutrients. This type of soil is specially made to grow vegetables. It’s easy to make at home using ordinary garden soil. You can also buy a commercial potting mix, which is similar to garden soil, but with added nutrients and other additives. It will cost more money than homemade potting mix. When you’re choosing a potting mix, you’ll want to look for one that is free of chemicals. If you live in an area where there is heavy rainfall, it’s best to avoid using a potting mix that contains fertilizer. This can cause your plants to rot.
Plant Your Cucumber Seeds Or Seedlings
Cucumbers are easy to grow from seed. To get started, the first plant the seeds on a sunny windowsill. You should start the seeds indoors about three weeks before you plan to transplant them into the pots or garden. Cucumbers need full sun, so keep this in mind when you decide where you want to plant your seeds. If you live in an area with a hot, humid climate, protect your cucumber plants from direct sunlight.
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Plant your seeds or seedlings. As soon as your plants have two sets of true leaves, you can begin to plant them into the ground. You can plant your cucumbers as soon as the weather is warm enough and the soil is moist. If you’re planting seeds, sow them directly into the ground. If you’re planting seedlings, be sure to choose a site that has plenty of room for them to grow. Space your plants about 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
Watering Your Plants Or Seeds
Water your seeds or seedlings daily. Water your seeds or seedlings daily. This will encourage them to grow roots. Watering daily also helps prevent the growth of fungus. When you water, don’t let your seeds or seedlings sit in water for too long. Remove any excess water with a paper towel before letting the plants dry out. Keep your cucumber plants watered. You’ll need to keep your cucumber plants watered. Don’t let the soil become dry around your cucumber plants.
When growing cucumbers in containers, you should mist your plants every other day. This will encourage them to grow strong roots. Cucumbers like moist soil, so make sure that your container is never completely dry.
To help your plants grow, apply a layer of mulch around them. Cucumbers like moist soil, so make sure that your container is never completely dry.
Fertilize Your Plants – Growing Cucumbers In Containers
Fertilize your cucumber plants when they start to flower. Cucumbers are heavy feeders. To help them grow, feed your plants with a general-purpose fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content.
Use A Trellis To Support Your Cucumber Plants
Trellis are great for growing cucumbers in containers vertically. Trellis allows you to train the vines to grow straight up. The trellis also helps the vines stay strong. To help prevent weeds, cover the bottom of the trellis with a piece of plastic.
Summary Of Growing Cucumbers In Containers
Growing cucumbers in containers as we have seen takes some work but the rewards are great. For cucumber lovers, you know how it feels to have that fresh crunchy cucumber for your salad. Cucumbers are a type of summer vegetable and they are a very easy crop to grow in containers.
FAQ’s
Do cucumbers grow well in pots?
Yes, they can. Cucumbers are easy to grow and the fruit should not need a lot of water as they grow in the soil.
How deep should a container be for cucumbers?
The ideal depth is 1.5 times the width of the cucumber, or about 2 cm (1 inch). This will allow the cucumber to breathe and not sit too deep in the water and cause it to rot. If you are growing your own cucumbers in soil or sand, you can place them at a depth that is deeper than this.
Do container cucumbers need a trellis?
Container cucumbers are usually grown in the open, but if you have room for a small trellis, it is possible to grow them in cages on this. The trellis is used to keep the plants upright and to provide additional support for the plant.
February 27, 2022
A Guide On Growing Bell Peppers in Pots
Growing bell peppers in pots is easy and produce an attractive harvest of a good crop. in addition, it will encourage you as a gardener to grow more peppers.
Bell peppers are the most common and most popular of all the different types of peppers, especially among adults. The reason for this popularity is because they are versatile. You can use them in many different ways in salads, soups, appetizers, as a side dish, and even as a topping for meat.
A well-kept secret about growing bell peppers in pots is that they can be grown in the same way as other vegetables such as tomatoes. So if you are looking for a good harvest of this fruit, but don’t have a garden, then you might want to consider growing bell peppers in pots. This guide will help you grow bell peppers in pots successfully.
How To Grow Bell Peppers in Pots Successfully
The first step to growing bell peppers in pots is to select the right variety. There are many different kinds of bell peppers, each with its own unique flavor and color. If you are growing your bell peppers from seed, you should select a variety that produces small, round, and smooth fruit.
You can also choose a variety that is mild in taste, like the “Sweet Banana”, or you can choose one that is spicy, like the “Crimson Cayenne”. You can even choose a variety that is both sweet and spicy, like the “Thai Hot”.
If you are new to growing peppers in pots, then you will want to start with some general information first. The first thing you will need to do is decide whether you want to grow hot or sweet peppers.
Hot peppers are more pungent, while sweet peppers are milder and sweeter. Both types can be used for a variety of different purposes. For example, you can use hot peppers to make salsa, as a topping for meat, or even as a salad dressing.
Sweet peppers are best when they are used for making sauces, jams, and jellies. You can use the seeds of the pepper you are growing to make your own salsa, or you can also save the seeds and plant them next year.
The same method applies to growing bell peppers in pots. You can grow them in either a hot or sweet pepper variety.
Once you have selected the right variety, you should start planting your seeds at least two weeks before your last frost date. In fact, if you have a greenhouse, then you should start your seeds indoors a month before your last frost date. This will give your plants a head start on growing.
Check Out A Guide On Pepper Plant Spacing
Choose a Good-sized Pot and Potting Soil
The pot size should be at least six inches high, and preferably taller than the tallest plant you plan on growing in it. The best way to do it is to choose a pot that has a wide bottom and is shallow enough so that the water can drain easily.
Another important consideration when choosing a pot is what soil you will be using. If you are using a potting mix, then you should only use one type of soil.
If you are using organic soil, then you can mix a couple of different types of soils together. You may even want to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for growing peppers.
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Once you have chosen the right sized pot and soil, then you need to decide how big your plants will get. Once your bell pepper plant is mature, you want to make sure to use a pot that is 10 to 12 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches tall.
You should also make sure that the soil in the pot is loose and rich. If the soil is too dense, it will be difficult for the roots to grow.
In order to grow bell peppers in pots successfully, you need to keep the soil moist at all times. This is especially important during the first few weeks of the plant growing.
Set a Watering Schedule
Once the plant has grown a little bit, you can gradually reduce the watering schedule. The most common mistake that beginners tend to make when growing bell peppers is to give them too much water. By doing so, they often end up with weak, spindly stems.
When this happens, the pepper cannot get enough nutrition from the soil and the plant will eventually die. When the soil dries out, it will be difficult for the pepper to grow.
To prevent this, keep your pepper plant in a spot where it receives ample sunlight. Water it every two or three days. After about three months, you should notice the stem of the pepper starting to get stronger.
At this point, you can start reducing the frequency of watering. You should water your plant with about one to two inches of water every week. This will prevent the stem from getting too dry and allow the plant to continue growing properly.
Growing Bell Peppers in Pots – Harvesting
When the pepper is ripe, it will start to look a little bit like a small tomato. You may notice a few black spots on the pepper’s skin.
The pepper should be firm and have good color. If the pepper is too young, it will still be green and the pepper will be hard. It is best to harvest when the pepper is mature and the pepper has a good color.
Final Thoughts On Growing Peppers in Pots
Growing bell peppers in pots indoors or growing bell peppers in pots outside can be a great way to grow peppers for your use. The plants will grow fast and you won’t have to worry about watering them. You can also plant different varieties of peppers in your pots and give each one its own space.
Growing peppers in pots will help you save space in your garden. Go on and start your bell pepper potted garden. And while at it have some mad fun!
FAQ’s
Do bell peppers grow well in pots?
Yes, bell peppers will grow in almost any pot. They are a very forgiving plant and will even grow in a pot if the bottom is slightly wet. You can also put bell pepper on a window sill or on the ground.
Do bell peppers need sun or shade?
Bell peppers like most vegetables will do better in a bright, well-lit position. They also do best if they get a good amount of sunlight. If you have a shady area, place the pepper plants in the shadier part of that area to help them grow and avoid sunburn.
February 27, 2022
A Guide On Pepper Plant Spacing
Pepper plant spacing is highly important as it directly affects the yield of your pepper plants causing them to either produce much or little.
Pepper plant spacing in greenhouse or pepper plant spacing in pots is very important. There are many methods of plant spacing. But we have narrowed down my research to 3 methods and will show you how to space your plants.
Pepper Plant Spacing By Row- 1st Method
Spacing your plants by row is done by simply planting your plants in a row and then using spacers to space them apart. The spacers can be purchased from the garden center or you can make your own. You can use anything that fits between your rows, from bricks to small rocks, as long as they are between the plants. This is also the method used in organic gardens.
Plant your seeds and cover them with a thin layer of soil (or compost) and water well. Once the seeds sprout, remove the spacers. When the plants are about 2-3 inches tall, remove the spacer and water well again. Spacing your plants by the square foot is done by simply planting your plants in a square or rectangle and then using spacers to space them apart. The spacers can be purchased from the garden center or you can make your own.
Pepper Plant Spacing In Blocks – 2nd Method
Planting your pepper plants in blocks. This is the most popular method of spacing peppers. It also gives you the opportunity to get a close look at how much space each plant will occupy in the garden. The spacing between the rows should be based on the size of the plant, not the distance from the previous row. For example, if your plant is 2 feet tall and you want it to grow 3 feet wide, then space each plant 4 feet apart.
You can plant peppers anywhere you like, but we recommend planting them in blocks. A block is simply a rectangular area of ground. You can make the block any size you want. Make it big enough for your pepper plants to grow to maturity. Planting them in blocks allows you to make sure they don’t overlap or touch. If you plant them individually, you will have to figure out a way to keep them apart.
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Pepper Plant Spacing – 3rd method
Planting your pepper plants in rows and then using spacers. The first method is easiest to do, but not the best as it limits your plants to one row. If you want more than one row of peppers, then this method is the way to go. There are two ways you can do this:
- Method 1: Planting in Rows. Soak the seed in water for 3 hours before planting. After that, plant in rows. The rows should be spaced 2 inches apart. Plant each seed 2 inches deep. Water the seeds when they sprout, but make sure the soil is dry between plants. You may also use a spacer between the plants to keep them apart.
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- Method 2: Planting in Rows Soak the seed in water for 3 hours before planting. When you plant your seeds, space them 6 inches apart in rows. If you are planting in a small garden, make sure to space the rows at least 12 inches apart. If you are planting in a large garden, make sure to space the rows at least 24 inches apart.
Why Is Pepper Plant Spacing Important
Spacing pepper plants is important because pepper plants grow very fast. If the plants are too close together, they will compete for sunlight and space. This can cause pepper plants to be stunted or have other problems. Some varieties of pepper plants like ‘Big Jim’ and ‘Big Bertha’ grow extremely large. They can reach heights of 50 feet or more. When you grow these types of peppers, you may need to leave about 25-35 inches between plants.
Spacing peppers is also important because if peppers are planted too close together, the plants can block each other’s airflow. This can cause them to grow weak stems and leaves. Pepper plants need a lot of air circulation to keep their leaves healthy and strong.
If you plant peppers too close together, they may not get enough airflow and could become stunted. If you grow peppers on a trellis, you should space them about 1/4 of an inch apart. When you plant peppers, you want to space them at least a few inches apart so that they will have room to grow.
If you grow peppers too close together, they may compete for sunlight, and this can cause problems such as stunted growth or even death. They may also block each other’s airflow, which can cause them to become weak and spindly.
Pepper plants also need a lot of air circulation to keep their leaves healthy and strong. If you plant them too close together, they may not receive enough air and could become stunted.
Final Words On Pepper Plant Spacing
Pepper plant spacing is important as we have seen above if you would like to get a good harvest. How far apart should the pepper plant spacing be? We suggest planting at least two pepper plants about 2-3 feet apart.
This is enough distance to make sure the pepper plants are spaced out enough. If you plant more than two pepper plants, you might want to space them further apart. We recommend planting at least two pepper plants about two feet apart. This is enough distance to make sure the pepper plants are spaced out enough.
FAQ’s
How close together can I plant peppers?
Plant your peppers as soon as you buy them, and leave them in a warm place until they sprout. They should be ready to transplant about 3 weeks after planting. You can plant the seedlings at any time, but wait until the weather is warmer than 60° F. before you start the process.
How many peppers can you put in a 5-gallon bucket?
We have found that the best way to pack peppers is to first place them in a large mixing bowl, and then place a second mixing bowl on top of the first bowl. The top bowl should be approximately 1/4 inch lower than the bottom bowl so that the pepper juices don’t spill out when they are packed into the bucket.
February 27, 2022
Quantum Board LED- What Are They?
Quantum board LED: what exactly are they and how do they work? The market is full of various types of grow light. Light-emitting diodes (LED) are one efficient and popular type of grow light.
Quantum board LED is one latest tech that has been getting the LED growing users to begin to ask questions about this type of technology. The fact that it is one of the latest LED techs makes it easy for people to want to jump on it as people like to indulge in new trends.
But do you know exactly what quantum boards for LEDs are? Do you know if they are as good as they claim? If these questions have been troubling your mind about the quantum board, not too worry.
By the time you’re almost done reading this page, you should be able to have a good clue on what quantum board LED is all about and its advantages and disadvantages.
LED Lights
LED lights have been popularly used amongst indoor growers and they have been widely accepted by many growers over these past few years. This is because they have been offering wonderful lightning capacity to our indoor plants.
Also, LED lights have now been widely adopted because of economic, energy, as well as environmental reason. However, there is an increasing demand for high-power and high brightness LED lights.
So, designers came up with a common solution which is to make use of the chip on board (COB) LED style. But now there is this new technology that is known as the quantum boards.
Quantum Board LED Grow Light: What Exactly Is It?
The people who designed or came about the term quantum board are the Horticulture Lighting Group (HLG). This implies that they were the very first group to make the first quantum boards. They were typically the new supplier for LED grow lights.
So, when we talk about quantum board it refers to a large circuit board that comprises hundreds of mid-power in which LEDs are mounted to it. Then these LEDs are connected are arranged and connected together in series to form strings.
Now, these strings are joined together in a parallel configuration. This is done just to ensure they are compactable with common high-powered constant current drivers such as HLC 80-H-C, 240-H-C, OR 320-H-C series.
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Configuration Of The Boards
As of now, there are two models available namely QB304 and QB288 where the number in the model numbers represents the number of diodes.
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Advantages Of Using Quantum Board LED
There are good benefits when it comes to choosing quantum boards type of grow light compared to other types of regular grow light. So, here are the benefits you stand to gain when using quantum board LED:
·         Efficiency
Quantum board can offer you a better output and will only consume little wattage.
·         Spectrum
There is a generation of full-spectrum white light by the Samsung diodes and this has every visible wavelength of light. These are available in many different color temperatures and they can mimic the natural sunlight making it a great spectrum for plants.
·         Light Spread
The light quantum board generates tends to spread out from many points across a large board. Quantum board type of grow light has a more direct path to the canopy of the coverage area. Compare this to other light that can come from a smaller fixture and emanates further outwards.
Therefore, you can have a more evenly spread light because there will be less intensity in the middle of the coverage area and more intensity around the outside.
·         Affordability
Compared to the other traditional LEDs or COBs that usually give similar outputs, quantum boards cost less.
·         The Option For DIY
Manufacturers including HLG sell kits that make it easy to set up your own light. Therefore, this can help you save some money.
·         Heat Management
A thin piece of aluminum or sometimes a heatsink is where the quantum board is usually mounted to. This helps pass cool air to the diodes. Therefore, you don’t really need fan for cooling. However, quantum board fixtures still tend to get hot.
Drawbacks To Quantum Board LED
Quantum board lights may offer good advantages. However, there are a few downsides to using them.
- Penetration Of Canopy
Although, quantum board white lights tend to penetrate better into the canopy of your plant due to the presence of green wavelength. This gives quantum grow lights more advantage over blurple LEDs.
However, more powerful LEDs, such as COBs, tend to give deeper penetration compared to quantum lights.
- Heat Misconception
When it comes to thermal management, you need to understand how the quantum board works. Just as LED lights tend to give rise to a huge amount of heat even though they run cooler compared to other types of grow lights, quantum board lights are no exception.
Just because it’s been said that quantum light runs cool and doesn’t require a fan does not mean they are free from heat. The diodes of quantum boards still tend to heat up a lot.
But generally, you can expect lesser heat of around 30% when we compare them to HID grow lights.
- Open Built Components
Quantum boards are built in a simpler way. LED on the other hand is fixed directly to a board.
The diodes of quantum boards are often exposed and even their wires may be exposed. However, a couple of the manufacturers of quantum boards have started adding plastic covers to the exposed wires. However, you may still find a lot of them with open-wire.
This simply implies that the components of quantum boards are less protected but this helps to reduce their cost.
FAQ’s
What is a quantum board led?
Quantum board LED is a type of LED light that has small pieces of boards that are lined up with their LED chips.
How to build a quantum board led for growing weed?
You can make a quantum board led for growing your weed by making use of the components used in HLG. You can easily purchase components from HLG as well as some other manufacturers that sell DIY kits.
Why quantum board led?
Quantum board LED has low energy consumption, they are efficient, and they have a reliable light spectrum and other advantages you stand to gain from using them.
Conclusion
So, from the information we’ve listed above, we do hope you’ve had good knowledge of what quantum board LEDs are.
February 26, 2022
Growing Acorn Squash – Tips And Tricks
Growing acorn squash is rewarding as you get to harvest a large crop of about five fruits per plant from some varieties.
Acorn squash is a type of winter squash that is similar to pumpkins. Keep reading to learn the differences between both fruits and to know how to grow acorn squash.
Differences Between Acorn Squash And Pumpkin
The major differences between these two fruits are:
- Acorn squash and pumpkins vary by the shape of the fruit, the size of the fruit, and the seeds. Acorn squash is round in shape and has about 4-6 seeds in each fruit. Pumpkins have a different shape and have a hard shell with one seed inside.
- When you pick acorn squash, the skin is should be tough and green, with the flesh being tender and delicious. When harvesting pumpkins, they will also have tough skin and should be fully colored with firm flesh.
- As for the nutrition values, the acorn squash has about 115 calories per cup while the pumpkin has about 137 calories per cup. Acorn squash also has more fiber and less fat than pumpkin. However, if you want to make the best-tasting pumpkin pie, then it’s better to buy canned pumpkin instead of acorn squash.
- After cooking, pumpkins will have a crunchy texture while acorn squash will have a softer texture.
- Pumpkins are larger than acorn squash. Pumpkins are large, orange-fleshed gourds that are grown as a fruit. Acorn squash is a small, yellow-fleshed gourd that is grown as a fruit.
- Acorn squash and pumpkin can be eaten raw, though pumpkins taste better when cooked.
Growing Acorn Squash – Step By Step Guide
Growing acorn squash from seed is easy and fun. It’s the best way to start your own garden. Growing acorn squash from seed takes about 80-100 days and is a great learning experience.
The seeds are inexpensive and can be planted directly into the ground without first having to be soaked. Acorn squash seeds take about six weeks to germinate, so you will have a baby acorn squash in about two months. It’s a wonderful winter squash that grows large and tastes delicious.
Let’s see how we can grow acorn squash from seeds:
- Step 1: Preparing seeds
First of all, you need to get good quality seeds. The best way is to buy it from a specialized shop. If you don’t have one near you, you can try to find it online. When buying the seeds, make sure they are healthy and fresh. It’s better to get them in a shop where they keep them in cool, dry conditions.
- Step 2: Germinate
Place the seeds on a damp paper towel to help them germinate. However, this is not necessary if the growing medium is moist and warm. The germination period will last around 6 to 12 days.
- Step 3: Plant
Once germinated, plant them in a pot with a little soil. Plant the seeds in a sunny spot, but not in direct sunlight. When the seeds sprout, keep an eye on them. Make sure that they don’t dry out.
- Step 4: Harvest
When the squash is ready to be harvested, it should have a nice shape and size. You can start picking them when they are small, but it’s better to wait until they are big enough to eat. It will take between 10 to 12 weeks to grow the acorn squash.
- Step 6: Ready to eat!
Once the acorn squash is ready to eat, you can cut off the stem and peel off the skin. If you want, you can wash the squash, but it’s not necessary. It’s also possible to eat it raw. The acorn squash is an easy and healthy food to add to your diet.
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Requirements For Growing Acorn Squash
The following are some of the things you should know about growing acorn squash.
- Acorn squash is winter squash. It can be grown during the summer if it is protected from freezing temperatures.
- The ideal soil temperature for growing acorn squash is 70°F to 75°F. If you live in a colder area, you may want to grow it indoors.
- You should plant your squash seeds no more than one inch deep and at least two inches apart in full sun. The direct sun makes them sweeter.
- Water your squash plants thoroughly when they are small. Don’t let your squash sit in water; allow it to dry out before watering again.
- Fertilize your squash plants with a slow-release fertilizer every two weeks until the plants start producing fruit.
Take-Home – Growing Acorn Squash
Growing acorn squash is easy and fast and you can expect a big harvest from a few plants. As long as you provide them with the right growing conditions, acorn squash will be good to go.
You can grow them in a container on a deck or patio. You can also plant them in the garden. However, be sure to provide a trellis so that they don’t fall over. When growing squash in a container, add a few small stones to help the roots establish themselves.
FAQ’s
What does acorn squash look like when growing?
Acorn squash is a round, oblong, or pear-shaped fruit with green skin and tan flesh. It grows in a bunch of 5 to 8 fruits on a long stem called a “pistil.” The stem is about 2 feet long.
What is the growing season for acorn squash?
The growing season for acorn squash is between March and November.
How long is the growing cycle of acorn squash?
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) publication, “Agricultural Statistics,” from the USDA’s Crop Production and Agronomy Statistics, Acorn Squash (Cucurbita maxima) has a “days to harvest” of 155. This is the number of days from seeding to harvesting.
Do acorn squash need a trellis?
Yes. It is best to grow these on a trellis because the vine can become very long and difficult to manage. It is possible to grow them on a wall but they are prone to slugs and snails which can cause damage.
February 26, 2022
Simple Steps On How To Cut Broccoli Like a Pro
Let’s learn how to cut broccoli the right way to avoid wasting too much good stuff from these precious vegetables.
Broccoli is a member of the Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard family or cabbage family, and is related to cauliflower, kale, collard greens, kohlrabi, and bok choy. If you are looking to add more greens to your diet, you should try broccoli. It’s a very nutritious vegetable and full of vitamins A, C, K, and Folic Acid.
The leaves of broccoli can be eaten raw as a salad or added to stir-fries. They also make a great addition to soups, especially when combined with other veggies like carrots.
If you want to try adding broccoli to your diet, start with a small amount. Start with a few cups of chopped broccoli and see how it goes. You may find that you enjoy it and can eat it regularly.
Broccoli is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that needs to be prepared with care. It can be very hard to cut or chop if you do not know the correct method. The most important thing is that we do not waste anything.
Why is it Important To Cut Broccoli Properly?
It’s easy to eat raw broccoli, but you can get a lot of vitamins and nutrients from it if you cook it. However, broccoli is one of the vegetables that are very easy to overcook.
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which also includes kale, cabbage, and cauliflower. We love broccoli. In fact, we love it so much that we can eat it raw with no problem at all. There are times, though, when we want to make a salad out of our broccoli and we find it hard to decide what to do with it once we’ve prepared it.
Is it better to chop it up and put it in a salad bowl? Or is it better to leave it whole and put it on a plate? Cooking broccoli is an easy way to get a lot of nutrients from this vegetable.
The best thing to do with raw broccoli is to eat it raw in salads or by itself. But for cooking, there are several ways you can go about it.
You can either cut the broccoli into small pieces and cook them separately or you can chop the broccoli into smaller pieces and cook the broccoli as one piece. The choice is yours.
Broccoli is easy to overcook. That’s why we usually choose to cut the broccoli into smaller pieces before cooking it.
How To Cut Broccoli Like a Pro
Step #1: Wash off your broccoli plant.
Step #2: Take a sharp chef’s knife and slice off the broccoli floret right where it meets the larger stalk. If you cut off the florets right where they each attach, you will end up with stubby-looking florets.
Step #3: Cut the large broccoli florets in half.
Step #4: Start by cutting the base of the stem of any large floret in half, pulling it apart using your fingers. Try to cut them in similar sizes making them perfect and beautiful even when cooked.
Step #5: Cut the stalks if you wish to, slicing them into 1/4-inch-sized pieces.
Step #6: The stalks are edible too, so you don’t have to throw them away. Slice them up and use them as you would the florets.
And that is how to cut broccoli florets ready for cooking.
Please note: You can cut your broccoli into tiny bits if you would like to use them for broccoli soup, or if you like to just have them in smaller bits.
How To Cut Broccoli From Your Garden
Once your broccoli heads are ready for harvest, you can go ahead and cut them off the plants. But how exactly do you do that? Well, it’s actually quite easy to cut broccoli from your garden.
What you will need to cut broccoli (and store it)
- A sharp knife or scissors
- A container or basket to carry your broccoli home
Step #1: Cut the broccoli off by slicing it at the stem. You’ll notice that there are leaves attached to the bottom of the stem. Leave 2-3 inches of the main stem on the broccoli plant when you harvest it. Cut with sharp scissors or a knife to avoid damaging the stem of the plant.
Step #2: Place the cut broccoli in a large bowl or basket for easier storage and transportation.
Step #3: Store your broccoli in the fridge for up to two days.
Do not wash your broccoli before storage as it attracts mold due to high levels of moisture trapped inside it. This mold leads to rotting even when refrigerated.
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Summary Of How To Cut Broccoli
Cutting vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, is a skill that all cooks need to master. This skill comes in handy when you want to cook broccoli or cabbage in a way that the vegetable retains its bright green color and fresh flavor.
Broccoli and cabbage have a tendency to turn brown when cooked. The browning of broccoli and cabbage is caused by the Maillard reaction, which occurs when amino acids are heated with sugars. To avoid this, ensure that you cook them lightly so you don’t destroy the vitamins in these foods.
FAQ
How to cut broccoli florets?
In a nutshell, you need to cut the stems first. Then cut the florets in half lengthwise, and then cut each half into smaller pieces.
How to cut broccoli from plants?
Cut your broccoli using a sharp knife that will cut the broccoli head from the stem at the level where the head joins the stem.
How to cut broccoli from the garden?
Cutting broccoli from the garden is simple. Check to see that broccoli is ready for harvesting before you cut it off. Once you ensure it’s ready, cut the broccoli head off from its stem, leaving two to three inches of the stem, using a sharp knife or scissors.
How to clean and cut broccoli?
Broccoli should be washed with water before cutting. It is also recommended to use a sharp knife when cutting so you get a clean cut.
February 26, 2022
A Guide On Planting Carrot Seeds – Important Soil Requirements
Planting carrot seeds requires tons of patience as they take a long time to germinate which could make one think they died.
Carrots are biennial plants that need at least two seasons to produce any vegetable. Carrots are usually planted after the last frost date of spring. They should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds or holes.
Planting Carrot Seeds
Sowing Method
Carrot seeds can be planted in either direct or indirect planting methods. Direct planting means that the seeds are planted directly into the soil, without a growing medium. Indirect planting means that the seeds are first grown in a growing medium such as vermiculite or peat moss, then planted into the soil.
If carrots are to be planted in direct soil, it is best to sow in a shallow container and transplant them into the soil later. Sow carrot seeds in rows, 10” apart and 2-3″ deep. The seedlings will grow about 3-4 inches tall before they are transplanted.
If starting seeds indoors, use a germination tray to cover the seeds. The seeds should be sown after the last frost date of spring, which is usually in mid-May. Thin your seedlings to at least 3-4 inches apart to allow air to circulate.
Germination
Carrots seeds take a long time to germinate, 14-21 days. During the germination time, the soil should be kept moist.
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Thin The Seedlings Once They Germinate
It is advisable to thin the seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart. The seedlings need to be thinned every two weeks until the plants have reached a length of 8-10”, after which time it is not necessary to thin anymore. A few weeks before planting, thin the seedlings so that only the strongest plants remain.
Keep The Plants Moist
Irrigate with water whenever the soil dries out. Carrot is a cool-season crop and requires cool weather for optimum production.
The plants can be harvested from late fall through early spring. Carrots are very popular vegetables and there are many different varieties available.
Read more about Low Nitrogen Fertilizer
Seedling Care
Seeds are best planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings have emerged from the ground.
Once the seedlings emerge, they should be watered every day until they are large enough to be transplanted into their permanent home. The plants should be transplanted into a well-drained, but not too dry, soil as soon as possible after they reach two inches in height.
Carrots should receive at least one inch of water a week during the growing season. When grown in dry soil, carrots may become misshapen, or develop a bitter taste.
Carrot Varieties
Some of the popular varieties commonly grown are:
- Cortland – This variety has long taproots and high yield potential.
- Early Burpee – Early maturing and high yielding variety.
- Excel – This variety is hardy and productive and is best grown in cooler climates.
- Giant Winter – The largest carrot variety available.
Requirements For Planting Carrot Seeds
Carrots need to have a frost-free period of at least six weeks to produce good-quality roots.
- Soil Temperature. Soil should be kept warm enough so that the soil is moist when the seeds are planted, and that the temperature does not drop below freezing. Ideal soil temperatures for germination are between 60 to 70 degrees, with little or no germination happening below 40 degrees.
- Soil Moisture. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Watering can be done by overhead sprinkler or by hand.
- Sunlight. Carrot seeds need light to germinate and to help them grow.
- Spacing. Carrots seedlings need 6-8 inches of space to grow and should be thinned out once they are large enough to handle.
- Soil Fertility. When planting carrots, it is important to provide a good balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Carrots need an abundance of nitrogen to produce a strong root system and healthy plants. Phosphorus and potassium are also important for healthy growth.
Summary For Planting Carrot Seeds
Planting carrot seeds requires enough preparation before putting those seeds on the soil or germinating trays. You must also provide them with proper nutrients to ensure they grow healthy and strong.
FAQ’s
How to germinate carrot seeds before planting?
Carrot seeds are the most popular seed type, but they are often difficult to start. It is not necessary to soak your seeds for a long time.
What month do you plant carrot seeds?
Carrot seeds can be planted from late March to early April. When the temperature reaches 10°C (50°F) the soil should be moist, and then you need to water the seeds.
Should I soak carrot seeds before planting?
Seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours to soften and make them easier to handle. If you soak the seeds for too long they will begin to rot. After soaking, drain the seeds and then place them on a clean surface to dry out. After 2-3 days the seeds should be ready to plant.
How long does it take to grow carrots from seed?
Carrots can be grown from seed in about two months, though it is not necessary to start seeds indoors. The time from planting seeds to eating fresh-picked carrots will vary depending on the season and the variety of carrots.
February 26, 2022
UV Light For Plants: Can They Be Beneficial?
It is a general knowledge that it is necessary for grow lights to give off a certain wavelength for plants to flourish adequately and grow. But apart from these light wavelengths, some growers have come to terms that UV can benefit plant growth. UV light for plants is one wavelength that has been highly contested.
Most of our knowledge about ultraviolet light has been non-appealing because we’ve been mostly told to avoid it in our day-to-day activities. However, a minimal dose of ultraviolet light can still be safe to be exposed to.
You can even assimilate a safe dose of UV light as it can give you a great tan without actually causing any damage to your skin.
So, if you’ve ever wondered about the importance of UV light to your plants then you can get some information about this here.
About UV Light
UV light also referred to as ultraviolet light is a type of light wavelength and also it’s a type of electromagnetic radiation. UV is a light that is invisible to the naked eye of humans and the light is measured in nanometers (nm).
Although humans can’t see UV light with their naked eyes, many other creatures including plants use it to survive.
Between 400 nm to 700 nm is where the visible spectrum of light falls under. Then the wavelength of UV light sits between 10 nm to 400 nm.
The 3 primary types of UV lights include UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
UV Light For Plants
Generally, grow lights need to generate a certain wavelength of light for plants to thrive well and develop.
Grow lights can generate red wavelengths which are necessary for the flowering stage of a plant. Then we have the blue light for the vegetative stage of the plant. And there are other colors or wavelengths of light that can enhance our plant perform photosynthesis and other necessary processes.
UV light for plants is also a type of wavelength that your plant can benefit from when supplied in a safe dose. Even though some have claimed they didn’t notice a difference in the usage of UV light for their plants: others have however claimed that UV rays can bring out the natural flavor and scent of a plant better than when UV isn’t used.
But the truth of the matter is that UV lights can be helpful to indoor grow room plants. However, you need to have a good knowledge of how to use these UV lights for your plants.
Let’s look into the types of UV lights and see how they can benefit our plants.
Read more about Low Nitrogen Fertilizer
The Types Of UV Light And Their Benefits To Plants
1.    UV-A
UV-A is the most common or abundant type of ultraviolet light on earth that reaches or gets to us here from the sun. This type of UV makes up about 98.7 percent of all types of ultraviolet light that get down to earth. The electromagnetic wavelength of UV-B is between 400 nm to 315 nm.
Plants are generally exposed to some level of UV light in their natural environment. Hence, UV-A can’t cause harm to your indoor plants if it is included in the grow light you’re using for your plants.
UV-A light exposure to plants in a safe dose has been shown to enhance the production of CBD and THC.
2.    UV-B – UV Light For Plants
UV-B is the second most common type of ultraviolet light to get to us here from the sun. The wavelength is between 314 to 280 nm. This type of ultraviolet ray makes up about 1.3 percent of what’s reaching the earth’s surface.
When you expose your indoor plants to UV-B in the appropriate dosage, it can benefit your plants this UV-B light spectrum encourages plants to manufacture their own sunscreen.
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3.    UV-C – UV Light For Plants
UV-C light wavelength ranges between 280 nm to 0 nm. This type of ultraviolet light ray is absent in the light rays that reach the earth’s atmosphere. The ozone layer usually absorbs this light wavelength. Therefore, no UV-C wavelength usually penetrates the earth’s surface.
UV-C light rays can be pretty damaging to both plants and humans. This is why it is prevented by the ozone layers and it does not get to the earth’s atmosphere.
So, because UV-C wavelengths are not naturally present in the earth’s atmosphere, they are therefore not suitable to be exposed to plants. UV-C can be one pretty damaging light ray to plants if they are exposed to it.
Can You Use UV Light In Your Grow Room?
Even with the different drawbacks that we have heard UV light causes, there are still some good to them, especially to our plants.
UV light for plants can help enhance the quality of your plant’s yield. And you can use UV lights for a large, commercial operation or for smaller, private use.
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The Ideal UV Light For Plants
We can therefore see from the above that both UV-A and UV-B are the most ideal type of ultraviolet light to use for plants. No benefits whatsoever are seen from using UV-C light wavelengths.
Additional Say – UV Light For Plants
We have seen that some ultraviolet rays can be quite beneficial to plants. It can even encourage or improve canopy penetration. Thus, it encourages plants to produce more.
There are primarily three types of ultraviolet light you can find and they are UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. However, only two of them (UV-A and UV-B) are suitable for plant use.
Also, ultraviolet light has also been known to encourage different photomorphogenic responses in plants. Plants that are supplied with the appropriate dose of ultraviolet light tend to create a higher level of natural sunscreen compounds that include THC, CBD, antioxidants, flavonoids, terpenes, and vitamins.
Trichomes are another natural mechanism that can be used to supply protection from UV light. Therefore, plants tend to produce more trichomes that helps manufacture natural sunscreen compound when they are exposed to UV light rays.
You should also note that some grow lights can naturally emit UV-A light through the means of chemical exchange. Then other grow lights like LED can be built with specialized UV-B bulbs.
FAQ’s
Can you use a UV light to grow plants?
Yes, UV can offer some beneficial properties to your plants. But you need to use them in the correct dose so they don’t cause harm to your plants.
How to use uv light for plants?
UV light can be used to speed up germination process when it comes to starting seeds indoors.
How to make uv light for plants?
UV lights can be made by passing an electric current through a gas (usually vaporized mercury).
How long should plants be under UV light?
The duration of leaving UV lights under your plants will depend on the type of plants been grown and their needs.
February 20, 2022
Low Nitrogen Fertilizer
Sometimes, gardeners prefer not to use fertilizers with high nitrogen if their garden soil already contains a high level of nitrogen. Low nitrogen fertilizer is what you need if your soil already contains nitrogen.
So, before adding fertilizer to your garden, you should consider doing a soil test. This will help in knowing if what your soil needs are low or high nitrogen fertilizer.
There are plants that do not require a high level of nitrogen such as plants that produce vegetables, fruits, and flowers. But for some other types of plants, the reverse is the case. These are plants that produce large foliage like lawn grass.
When the level of nitrogen in the soil is high, the plants produce abundant foliage instead of much of the expected crops. But fertilizers with low levels of nitrogen, plants will be able to produce much of their fruits than leaves.
Therefore, let’s take a look at how to identify and also know the benefits of low nitrogen fertilizer.
Low Nitrogen Fertilizers: How To Know Fertilizers That Are Low In Nitrogen
To identify a package of fertilizer that is low in nitrogen, take note of the three numbers on the package. Every fertilizer has three numbers indicated on it and these numbers signify the levels of the three nutrients in the fertilizer. The available nutrients in the fertilizer are represented by these three numbers.
You will see the nutrients indication as N-P-K. “N” stands for nitrogen, “P” stands for phosphorus while “K” stands for potassium. A fertilizer with low nitrogen will have a low or zero the first number. This means that it’s either the nitrogen in the fertilizer is minimal or there’s none.
Let’s take for example a package with the indication “5-10-10”. This simply means Nitrogen is 5, Phosphorusis 10 while Potassium is 10. This package contains low nitrogen. But any package with an indication such as “0-10-10” means it contains no nitrogen.
So, take note that apart from these three nutrient figures which are NPK, choose the one that suits your plant needs.
Factors To Consider Before Using Fertilizer
Before adding any type of fertilizer to your soil, be it low or high nitrogen fertilizer, there are factors you need to put into consideration.
·         Test The Soil
Get your soil tested first in order to know the soil pH and nutrient levels. This will help in knowing the decision to make regarding any amendments in your garden. It helps in knowing what will be good to use to make your soil healthy and ready for planting.
You can get your soil tested yourself by buying a do-it-yourself soil test kit. This can be bought online or from a garden center.
Another way to get your soil tested is by taking a soil sample and sending it to the agricultural extension lab close to you. The lab will be able to advise you and give you some recommendations, on keeping your soil healthy, based on what you want to plant.
·         Stick To The Fertilizer Label Instructions
Check for the instructions labeled on the fertilizer and follow them when you want to add fertilizer to your soil.
Don’t add too much fertilizer to the soil early. It can cause fertilizer burn, thereby causing serious irreversible damage to your plants. Adding fertilizer to your soil should be a gradual process.
·         Overall Soil Health Is Important
Look to achieve and maintain good overall soil health first. And then, every other thing like using fertilizer, compost, manure, and mulch can follow.
Keeping your soil in good condition in regards to its texture, water retention, and microorganisms, is very important.
Manure With Low Nitrogen
Apart from using commercial fertilizers with a minimal level of nitrogen, there are natural types of soil nutrients that contain low nitrogen.
A way to add organic material and other necessary nutrients to your garden soil without burning your plants is with low-nitrogen manure. But have it in mind that, it is not all manure that is being made in an equal manner. You should remember that every type of manure has a different level of nitrogen in it.
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The level of nitrogen in manure is determined by the type of animal the manure is gotten from. And also, its water content.
For example, chicken manure contains more nitrogen. For this reason, it will be hotter than that of a cow which can burn the plant. Typically, the nitrogen in chicken manure is 6% by weight and this also depends on the amount of water in it.
Compost With Low Nitrogen
Before you begin planting in your garden soil, it is a great idea to first prepare the soil by adding compost.
This helps to provide nutrients and organic materials to your soil. When looking at the nitrogen content in compost, know that the level of nitrogen in the compost depends on all that is being added to the pile.
Pile components such as grass clippings or cuttings from pruned plants are “greens” are high in nitrogen. But pile components like sawdust and straw or any other components are “browns” are high in carbon.
All these components that are contained in the compost decompose gradually with the help of microorganisms. E.g worms and bacteria in the soil. This way, there will be a gradual release of nutrients to your soil in a small dose.
Bone Meal
Bone meal contains is a soil additive that contains a low amount of nitrogen, but lots of calcium and phosphorus. If you want to add calcium or phosphorus to your soil without adding much nitrogen, you can opt for a bone meal.
Reasons For The Use Of A Low Nitrogen Fertilizer
Sometimes, a garden soil may contain a high level of nitrogen which can be as a result of adding high-nitrogen fertilizers to the soil improperly in time past. For this reason, it will be advisable to carry out a soil test. Also, get recommendations on the amount of nutrients to add to your soil.
Too much nitrogen in the soil can lead to plants not producing as many flowers and fruits as they should. Hence, adding fertilizer with less amount of nitrogen can help encourage the plants to produce more flowers and fruits than leaves.
Low Nitrogen Fertilizer: Conclusion
With the help of this article, it’s certain you now understand the benefits, as well as everything about a low nitrogen fertilizer. You should have also learned about where and how to get them.
FAQ’s
What is a low nitrogen fertilizer?
Low nitrogen fertilizer is any fertilizer package where the first number amongst the three nutrient numbers is low. For example, a package that has 5-10-10 on it which stands for NPK means that the amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer is low.
Why is fertilizer with low nitrogen hard to find?
This may be because most farmers may find it a bit hard to get all the necessary things they need to make low nitrogen fertilizer.
Which fertilizer is low in nitrogen?
A fertilizer that is low in nitrogen is the type that the first number in the ratio is low. All fertilizers come with 3 numbers as the ratio of the percentage of each of the nutrients available in them. The first number stands for nitrogen.
To get a fertilizer with low nitrogen, look out for a package with a low first number.
What is low nitrogen fertilizer good for?
Low nitrogen fertilizer is good for encouraging plants to produce more flowers as well as fruits.
February 20, 2022
Purple Green Beans
Purple Green Beans are a particularly unique species of green beans. Just like the name indicates, these beans are purple as opposed to the common green colored green beans. Surprisingly, although they are purple when fresh, their color turns red when they are cooked.
This article is a brief guide into how to grow purple green beans, the steps to follow when preparing the soil and harvesting. This article also briefly discusses how these unique beans can be utilized after harvesting.
Purple green beans are also commonly known as the Royal Burgundy.
Health Benefits Of Purple Green Beans
Now, before we delve into planting purple green beans, let’s consider some of their nutritional and health benefits.
If you were not previously knowledgeable about purple green beans, you may be in wonder as to their nutritional benefits. Let us briefly consider some of its nutritional benefits:
- Healthy Weight: Green beans contain very low calories and virtually no fat and a very low amount of sugar. This means that if you are interested in watching your weight, you are very likely to benefit from green beans.
- Support Heart Health: Another key benefit of consuming green beans is that it provides huge support for your heart health. Green beans contain fiber which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of heart inflammation. The low sodium content of purple green beans makes it even more ideal for heart support.
- High Protein Content: Green beans are renowned for containing very high protein. Protein generally helps to maintain healthy bones, hair, organs, and muscles in the body. A balanced protein intake is also essential to a healthy immune system.
- Vitamins and Minerals: In addition to the above, this plant is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and Vitamin E are all contained in green beans. Similarly, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium are contained in green beans.
- Other Benefits: There is a wide variety of other benefits to be derived from consuming purple green beans. These include cancer prevention; improved chances of pregnancy and fertility, healthy bones, amongst other benefits are attained.
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Growing Purple Green Beans
You should make sure to observe the following tips when growing purple green beans so as to achieve the best possible result:
- Warm Sunny Location: Very importantly, purple green beans like other varieties of green beans require a warm sunny location. The soil temperature should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Best Type of Soil: The best type of soil for growing purple green beans is organically rich loamy soil. The soil should be one with good water drainage. Ensure you prepare the soil by providing required nutrients, removing weeds, and moisturizing before planting your beans.
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- Preparing the Beans for Planting: Purple green beans must be prepared adequately before planting takes place. This is done by soaking the beans overnight in a bucket of cool or slightly warm water. Make sure to stir sufficient inoculant into beans before planting.
- Fertilizer Application: Since purple green beans are legumes, they usually fix the nitrogen content in the soil. As such, you should avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. It is best to use a 10-20-10 fertilizer when growing purple green beans.
- Time for Planting: The best time to plant purple green beans is usually any time after the last spring frost date. At this time, the temperature of the soil has improved significantly.
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Planting Purple Green Beans
When planting purple green beans, make sure to do the following:
- Prepare Seed Beds: You should dig rows of about 18 to 36 inches apart on which the seeds will be planted.
- Dig Trench Down the Middle of Each Row: After making the rows upon which the seeds are to be planted, you should dig a trench right in the middle of each row. The prepared bean seeds should be placed 2 inches apart in the trench and thereafter the seeds covered with soil.
- Succession Planting: If you wish your harvest to be sustained for the duration of a long period of time, you should adopt succession planting. This means that all available rows should not be planted at the same time. You should spread your planting may be over a month.
- Water Consistently: Green beans require some moisture if it is to flourish. You should therefore water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet. A total water supply of about 1 inch is required weekly by green beans for the duration of the growing season.
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Harvesting Purple Green Beans
Royal Burgundy beans also known as Purple green beans are usually ready for harvesting between 50 to 69 days. Knowing when to harvest and how to go about the harvesting process is key to getting the best possible nutrition from the beans.
You can harvest the tender young beans when they have grown to about 3 to 4 inches in length. At this time, they usually give out the best possible flavor.
The harvesting period usually takes between two to three weeks, thereafter, the plant stops producing the beans. There is no need to wait after time for more harvest. This is because continued care of the plant will only benefit the leaves, but will not yield any other harvest.
How To Store/Preserve Purple Green Beans
Eating Purple green beans after it is freshly harvested is no doubt the best way to enjoy most of the nutritional value.
To preserve the beans, you may decide to cook. This however is very likely to cause a reduction in nutrients like vitamin C. You may also decide to store purple green beans in a refrigerator after putting them in a plastic bag. You can preserve green beans this way for up to a week after harvesting.
Purple Green Beans: Final Say
So, what we have seen above are purple green beans which are one of the varieties of green beans. Although it has a purple color when fresh, it turns green when cooked. It has a lot of nutritional benefits when consumed also.
FAQ’s
Why do purple beans turn green when cooked?
You will notice a change of coloration as you cook your purple green beans. This is because the cells begin to rupture and lose water. When this happens, the acid around the anthocyanins is diluted allowing the green chlorophyll to show.
Do all purple beans turn green when cooked?
As a result of the heat involved in cooking, all purple green beans turn green when being cooked. This is because the heat causes the anthocyanins to deteriorate.
What do purple green beans taste like?
The flavor of purple green beans can be likened to a French green bean with grassy notes and a sweet finish.
How To Cook Purple Hull Green Beans?
You can cook your purple hull green beans by following the following steps:
• Wash your beans and cut off the end of the beans. Heat your water and oil and add the green beans when the oil is hot. Stir to coat and allow to boil for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot and check if they are done. You should note that the longer they are cooked, the less crispy they become. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve warm and enjoy.
February 19, 2022
The Types Of HID Grow Lights
When we make use of grow light in our indoor garden, it is an artificial way of providing light to our plants. HID grow lights are lights that are used for indoor gardens and it mimics the work done by sunlight.
When it comes to indoor gardening, growers need to choose suitable grow lights that will help boost plant growth and yield. As a grower, you need to know the appropriate type of grow light to use for your indoor garden.
Although, LED and fluorescent grow lights are still one of the leading types of grow light. HID grow lights are still great lights you can use apart from other types of grow lights. So, let’s look into some things you need to know about using HID grow lights in our indoor gardens.
What Are HID Grow Lights?
First, HID stands for high-intensity discharge lights. Hence, this type of grow light is used to grow plants that need a higher intensity of light compared to other types of low intensifying lights. HID grow lights are also fairly affordable compared to other types of grow lights such as LED lights.
To put it in an easy way, HID is a type of light bulb and it is usually a big light bulb about the size of your forearm. HID light is a sealed tube filled with gas and it generates gas once the gas is ignited.
The regular household bulb is a bit similar to HID bulb. For the regular household bulb, it has this small metal filament inside that lights up. The bulb in HID on the other hand has two electrodes that arc electric current between them and this lights up the gas.
Also, HID bulbs are usually defined by the type of gas used in the bulb. The major types of HID used for plant cultivation are:
- Metal halide (MH) and
- High-pressure sodium (HPS)
The Main Components Of HID Grow Lights
There are 3 major components of HID lighting system. They include:
- A bulb
- A ballast used to power the high-intensity discharge (HID)
- Then a reflector or a hood is used to maximize the efficiency of the bulb (and this is done by directing the light over the surface of the plant).
The Two Types Of HID Grow Light
As we’ve mentioned, there are two types of HID grow light that can be used for indoor cultivation. They include:
1. Metal Halide (MH)
So, metal halide grow is a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. The lamp of this metal halide contains a quartz tube filled with a noble gas.
The bulb off MH comprises metal halide and the gas burns with a cool white light that has a huge amount of light in the blue wavelengths.
Metal halide bulbs can last for long hours (up to 20,000 hours). However, they tend to degrade long before this period and become less effective as grow lights.
All in all, metal halide bulbs are quite efficient, but they aren’t as efficient as high-pressure sodium or ceramic metal halide bulbs. Metal halide grow light can be used by any indoor grower of all skill levels.
Metal halide grow lights are used for the vegetative stage of a plant. But they are known to generate lots of heat so caution needs to be taken when using them so they don’t burn our plants.
2. High Pressure sodium (HPS)
HPS tends to produce red light spectrum and they are easy to use and they are affordable. HPS are great to be used by any indoor grower of all skill levels.
Normally, once your plants have entered their flowering stage, HPS grow lights are used to replace metal halide bulbs to boost flowering.
When you’ve decided to use high-pressure sodium for your indoor gardening, you should use the wattage to figure out the grow room size the HPS lamp can cover. This is to ensure you get optimal results.
For instance, 150-watt HPS grow lights are ideal small room sizes of around 4 square feet. This 150-watt HPS grow light can be used to grow lettuce, herbs, as well as other small plants. Then 400 watts of HPS grow lights can cover up to 16 square feet and thus they are able to produce high yield.
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We also have up to 1000 watts of HPS grow light and these are the most powerful ones that can cover a wider area of about 49 square feet.
However, the downside to these lights is that they tend to emit heat especially the ones with higher wattage. Hence, they should be positioned a bit far away from your plants to avoid plant burns.
More About HID Grow Lights
You should know that both metal halide and high-pressure sodium emit heat. So the right distance to mount these grow lights should be noted.
For instance, HPS grow lights can be positioned between 6 to 34 inches and this distance will also depend on the type of plant you’re growing. Therefore, it is crucial you fully research the type of plant you will be growing when using this type of grow light and get to know the ideal distance to mount your grow light.
Although most HPS grow lights are meant to be used in combination with MH bulbs, there are still a few cases where you can still use these bulbs as a stand-alone grow light.
For instance, some HPS grow lights have been designed to have a higher blue light spectrum. Now, this allows your plant benefits from the vegetative stage which in turn removes the need to use metal halide grow lights.
Led Grow Light Strips
LED strips can help boost the growth of our indoor plants. However, using them alone won’t be bright enough to help most seedlings to develop. So, LED lights are usually used alongside other brighter and bigger bulbs.
Conclusion
High-intensity grow lights are great to be used for our various indoor gardening for all kinds of skill level growers. HID grow lights may not be the best of the best grow lights, but they can still do good work for our indoor plants.
There are two types of HID grow lights namely metal halide and high-pressure sodium and these two lights are usually used in combination to produce a nice yield.
FAQ’s
How long do hid grow lights last?
The bulbs of HID grow lights can last for about 10,000 hours for MH, then 18,000 hours for HPS.
What kinds of plants grow under hid lights?
Different plants can be grown under HID light, Some of them includes lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and so on.
How much hid grow lights increase production?
A higher wattage of HID grow light tends to increase production. But you need to match the right type of plants for a particular grow light wattage.
February 18, 2022