Category: Tips & Guides

  • Is a Mushroom a Producer or What Can It Be Called? 

    Is a Mushroom a Producer or What Can It Be Called? 

    Is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer?  What class would you classify mushrooms especially if you want to start growing them?

    Have you ever grown mushrooms? Mushrooms are fungi and they have a very unique appearance. 

    Fungi can be single-celled or very complex multicellular organisms that often grow on dead organic matter, such as wood, plant material, and decaying matter.  There are millions of species of fungus, including many edible ones.

    Is a Mushroom a Producer?

    Fungi can be saprobic, parasitic, or mutualistic. Saprobes eat organic material and are decomposers. Decomposers play an essential part in the survival of the ecosystem.

    Mushrooms are decomposers and they only eat dead organisms. They break down the nutrients in the dead
    organisms they consume, then return them to the food web. Mushrooms will eat dead producers or
    consumers. 

    Defining a producer and decomposer:

    Is a mushroom a producer? A producer is an organism that produces food for itself and other organisms. Producers, which are plants, use energy and simple inorganic molecules to create organic compounds.

    In the case of mushrooms, they are decomposers. Mushrooms break down dead plants and animals and then release simple inorganic molecules back into the environment. 

    The decomposers are those organisms that eat dead organic matter, such as insects, to get its energy. For example, earthworms eat the soil and convert the organic matter to new soil for plants to grow in.  So, the earthworm is a decomposer and not a producer.

    Growing Mushrooms

    Growing mushrooms is not for the fainthearted.  If you have never grown mushrooms before, it is important to start with compost and a tray. The more you grow, the more you will learn about the various species.

    For beginners, we recommend starting with the most common species of mushroom: the shiitake. The shiitake is easy to grow, and it’s a good beginner’s mushroom because they are quite forgiving.

    We also recommend growing oyster mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms are delicious when they are young, but they can grow to be very large. If you like oyster mushrooms, you will be pleased with the variety of sizes and flavors available in your garden.

    For growing mushrooms you will need:

    • For best results, use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep.
    • Mushroom compost material.
    • A spade or garden fork.
    • A mushroom spawn bag. The most common mushroom spawn bags are made from polypropylene. The advantage of using a mushroom spawn bag is that it keeps your mushrooms from getting waterlogged.
    • Heating pad.
    • Potting soil.
    • Spray bottle.

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    Step-by-step directions:

    Step 1. Preparing the mushroom tray

    Use a 14×16-inch tray about six inches deep. The tray should resemble seed flats. Fill your trays with mushroom compost material and then sprinkle spawn on top. 

    Step 2. Growing the mushrooms

    For the first three weeks, use a heating pad to keep the soil temperature at 70 degrees Farenheit. Once white, rootlike growths called mycelium appear lower the temperature to 55 to 60 degrees Farenheit. Cover the mycelium with about an inch of potting soil.

    Be sure to always keep your soil moist during the growing period. Also, be sure to keep your growing tray out of direct sunlight. 

    Step 3. Harvesting the mushrooms

    After three to four weeks, the mushrooms will be ready to harvest. You know that they are ready to harvest when the caps open fully and separate from the stems. 

    Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the mushroom at the stem, do not pull it out. Wrap the mushrooms in paper towels then place them in open plastic bags or paper bags and keep them in the fridge. You can now use the mushrooms in recipes or freeze them for later use.

    Are all Autotrophs producers

    In Conclusion – Is A Mushroom A Producer?

    So is a mushroom a producer or a decomposer?  As we have seen in the above article, a mushroom is a decomposer and not a producer. 

    Read more about Best Oyster Mushroom Substrate.

    FAQs

    What is a mushroom classified as?

    A mushroom is a fungus that forms fruiting bodies and spores. Fruiting bodies are the reproductive structures of the mushroom.

    The most common form is a spore-producing structure called a cap. Caps can be single or multiple and can be attached to the substrate or free-standing.

    A spore-producing structure called a stalk grows from the base of the cap. Mushroom stalks can also be free-standing or attached to the substrate.

    Does mushroom belong to Basidiomycetes?

    Yes. Mushrooms are basidiomycetes which are a diverse and abundant group of fungi. They comprise of around 1/3 of all known fungal species.

    Why is a mushroom not a plant?

    Plants are the dominant life forms on Earth. Plants have a root system, photosynthetic leaves, and reproductive structures. Mushrooms are not plants. They do not have roots, they do not produce chlorophyll, and they do not photosynthesize. Mushrooms are fungi that form fruiting bodies and spores.

    Are all Autotrophs producers?

    An autotroph is a type of organism that can produce its own food using inorganic substances. So, autotrphos are producers.

  • The Unique Snake Plant Flower

    The Unique Snake Plant Flower

    Have you ever seen a snake plant flower?  If yes, what is the color of its flowers, and at what stage does it bloom? We will learn all about it in this article.

    The snake plant is a succulent plant native to tropical Western Africa.  It is also called the mother-in-law’s tongue and it belongs to the family Asparagaceae. 

    It prefers sandy, well-drained soil and is great for growing in pots.  It can grow up to eight feet, but more commonly it will be around two to four feet tall.

    The snake plant is easy to grow and maintain as it requires little care. It is a great plant to grow indoors and is beginner-friendly. 

    Description

    The snake plant is a stemless evergreen perennial that can vary in color though most commonly they have green-banded leaves and a yellow border.  It grows in full sun, partial sun, and shade. Let the soil dry out between waterings and avoid over watering as this can be harmful.

    Snake plants do best in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH values. It can be propagated easily from cuttings or seeds.

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    Reproduction –  Snake Plant Flower

    The snake plant rarely blooms when grown indoors. However, it does flower annually when its water, sun, and humidity needs are meant. Flowers appear on mature plants during the springtime. 

    When it does bloom, greenish-white flower clusters appear on tall spikes. The flowers have a lovely fragrant smell. 

    Like other plants in the family, snake plants bloom at night. The tubular flowers have thin petals and share a resemblance to honeysuckle. 

    Though the snake plant is native to the tropical areas of Western Africa, it is grown throughout the world. It is one of the most popular house plants to grow. 

    The snake plant adds a beautiful touch to any home.  However, it is important to note that it is toxic to dogs and cats. 

    The snake plant is suitable for growing in a range of different light conditions.  It prefers temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  It does not require a lot of water.

    The snake plant does not require fertilization and it does not tolerate frost well. The snake plant is cultivated for its ornamental value.  It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant, as it is used to add interest to the garden.  It can be grown as a potted plant.

    What Can You Do With The Snake Plant Flower?

    Once your snake plant blooms, the flower is beautiful and you cannot just leave it that way. There are many things that you can do with the snake plant flower.  The following are some of the best things that you can do with the snake plant flower.

    • Use the snake plant flower for decoration.  You can put it at the center of the table or anywhere in the house.
    • You can give a flowering snake plant to your friend as a present. It will be very nice if you give it to someone.
    • You can add a flowering snake plant to a gift basket. You can make a nice gift basket. You can put some fruits and the snake plant in it.
    • You can use the snake plant flower as a centerpiece. They will make beautiful centerpieces for kitchen tables, weddings, and special events. 

    When Does A Snake Plant Flower?

    The snake plant is a pretty and unusual-looking houseplant. It has been around for a long time, but in recent years it has become very popular.

    It is possible to grow this plant from seed, but this requires a lot of patience and skill. A snake plant can flower when it is fully mature.  Snake plants can be planted outdoors in full sun where they will be more likely to flower.

    If you live in an area where winter temperatures get below freezing, make sure you place the pot in a warmer spot during the winter months.

    In Conclusion

    A snake plant may flower in the spring, but it does not happen often when grown indoors. It needs certain water, sun, and humidity needs in order to flower. 

    Do snake plants smell

    Read more about How To Repot A Snake Plant.

    FAQs

    Is snake plant supposed to flower?

    Snake plants will rarely flower when they are grown indoors. If they do flower, it will happen to mature plants during spring.

    What do I do when my snake plant flowers?

    Flowering is a sign that the plant is healthy. Once you notice flowers, you should water it regularly as the flowers will wilt if not given enough water.

    How do I get my snake plant to flower?

    The first thing to do is to provide the right amount of water for your snake plant. It will also need the right amount if humidity and light in order to bloom.

    Do snake plants smell?

    The snake plant does not have a particular smell itself. However, its flowers are fragrant and have a lovely smell.

  • The Ultimate Plant Care Guide For Red Moon Philodendron

    The Ultimate Plant Care Guide For Red Moon Philodendron

    Red moon philodendron is one lovely plant that is characterized by its radiant lime green foliage. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this beauty, then it’s only logical for you to know how to properly care for this charming plant.

    The red moon philodendron, due to its pale lime foliage, is a popular ornamental Philodendron. You can find it growing as a climber beneath large trees where it can get access to bright but stippled sunlight, in the rainforests.

    The foliage of red moon philodendron can grow in a red full manner sometimes featured with these glowing splotches. Alternatively, they can appear like half moon varieties where one of their leaves displays equal red and yellow coloring.

    However, if you have a matured red moon philodendron, you should notice a lovely red stem that is darker on some of the leaves.

    Red moon philodendron plant care is not so difficult to figure out if you get the right knowledge. So, you can get the knowledge of how to care for the red moon philodendron.

    Red Moon Philodendron: Plant Care Guide

    Red moon philodendron naturally grows and thrives in a dense and tropical forest. If you wish to provide good care for red moon philodendron, the best thing is to mimic the natural conditions where this lovely plant is been grown.

    So, let’s look into how to properly take care of red moon philodendron:

    1.    Light Requirements

    Red moon philodendron prefers bright and indirect sunlight. The plant can also cope with lower light conditions.

    So, when it comes to lightning, for you to achieve that natural growing condition filtered sunlight is what should be provided to the red moon philodendron.

    You can also refer to filtered sunlight as dappled light and this implies that the plant hardly gets direct rays of sunlight.

    In their natural habitat, these filtered sunshine rays are achieved by the presence of open-canopied where light is always filtered.

    You can replicate these filtered sun rays indoors with the help of a thin curtain or a net that is near a window. So, this means red moon philodendron is great for indoors.

    2.    Soil

    The type of soil red moon philodendron do well in is a damp aroid potting mix and this type of soil needs to be well-draining. The organic content of the soil must be high quality as well.

    An example of this type of soil mix is a mixture of perlite, coco coir, orchid bark, and horticultural charcoal and this should be combined with a top-notch quality potting soil. Be sure to avoid soils that are too wet or too dry and avoid sandy soil.

    To further improve the soil quality, you may top the soil with some worm casting. This serves as a natural fertilizer and good soil enrichment.

    Furthermore, the pot or container used should have adequate drainage for easy flow of water.

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    3.    Temperature

    Red moon philodendron thrives well in fairly warm conditions. Preferably, the temperatures should be around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Also, ensure the temperature doesn’t go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this, your red moon philodendron can go into shock and it can result in slow and improper growth of your plant.

    4.    Humidity

    Provide medium to high humidity for your red moon philodendron plant so it can flourish. If you can supply higher humidity to this plant, then you can enjoy broader, thicker, and bigger leaves.

    To help increase the humidity level of your red moon philodendron, you can use a humidifier.

    You can also use line a tray of water and add pebbles then put the plant pot on the pebbles and not in the water. Doing this can naturally increase the level of humidity around your plant through transpiration.

    5.    Fertilization

    This plant requires fertilization three times every year and fertilization should preferably be done during the spring and summer growing months.

    Different fertilizers are available for you and some examples are balanced liquid, granular, and slow release.

    The Ideal Watering Requirement For Red Moon Philodendron

    Being a tropical plant, red moon philodendron thrives in moist soil. However, it dislikes soggy soil, so you just have to get the right watering plan.

    A guide test is before you water, try to check for the soil moisture with your hand. Dip your finger into about one inch of the soil and if it feels dry, then it’s time to water your red moon philodendron. But if there is still a bit of moisture, hold off watering the plant for a little while. Always wait and allow the upper soil layer to dry out before you water again. You can also tell when red moon philodendron requires watering with the help of a humidifier.

    The Ideal Watering Requirement For Red Moon Philodendron

    When you are watering your red moon philodendron, take note not to splash water on the leaves because wet leaves can predispose the plant to diseases. The ideal thing to do is aim to water the roots of the soil.

    The root balls need to be totally soaked and the water should drain out from the pot when watering. You don’t have to worry about over-watering so far you’re using well-draining soil and good drainage holes. The water should drain well and flow out of the pot.

    During winter, the red moon philodendron should be watered lesser. Then from spring through summer, you should water red moon philodendron more frequently because this is when they are actively growing.

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    Conclusion

    Red moon philodendron is a nice and lovely plant to have especially as a house plant. Taking care of this lovely plant shouldn’t be so hard if you can follow the right care guide.

    FAQ’s

    Is philodendron red Moon rare?

    Yes, red moon philodendron is indeed a rare type of plant. This stunning plant is native to warm and damp forests and the plant is usually canopied by taller plants because it thrives on filtered light (indirect sunlight).

    How can you tell if a philodendron is a red moon?

    The appearance of the leaves of philodendron should help you identify if it is a red moon species. The red moon philodendron is characterized by pale green with red streaks running on each leaf.

    How much light does a red philodendron need?

    Ideally, you can provide red moon philodendron with an hour or two hours of direct sun in the morning. The ideal sunlight you should provide red moon philodendron is bright and indirect light.

  • Get To Know The Different Types Of Arugula

    Get To Know The Different Types Of Arugula

    Arugula, which is also known as Eruca sativa, will get you hooked from the first peppery bite. You will be amazed to know that there are so many different types of arugula. Types of arugula are what will be listed here.

    This leafy green will have you falling in love with its peppery deliciousness except, you’re yet to have a taste of one of its varieties that you will like. Or it might be that it’s the bagged one sold at the grocery store that you’ve eaten.

    The Arugula plant is an annual leafy vegetable that grows very fast such that you can begin to harvest the leaves in just a few weeks. It belongs to the mustard family grown as a salad green that is flavorful.

    Its flavor is kind of tart and peppery. The leaves are usually 3 to 6 inches in length and are deeply lobed. Arugula usually grows in rosettes. Since it’s a cold season vegetable, arugula should be planted at the beginning of spring or late summer.

    Let’s take a look at some of the types of arugula varieties that you can grow in your vegetable garden.

    Types Of Arugula: Some Of The Best Varieties

    Below are some deliciously zippy varieties that you can consider growing in your garden.

    1.    Italian Cress

    Italian Cress is a good addition to sandwiches and salads, with its lettuce-like leaves that are large. Unlike other skinnier varieties, each leaf of the Italian cress is packed with lots of greens that are edible which makes.

    This makes this variety perfect for those who will be impatient with the skinnier varieties. This way, you don’t have to pick so many leaves at once for your salads. This variety is as well perfect for gardeners with limited space and indoor planting of greens over the winter. In just 30 days, Italian Cress will reach maturity.

    Types Of Arugula - Italian Cress

    These large leaves will taste so well in soups and stews or sautéed like spinach.

    2.    Astro

    The Astro cultivar’s mild but peppery flavor may be a perfect recommendation for those who like arugula but are not the too spicy type. You can harvest the baby greens around 3 weeks or better still be patient till the 38th day for tender leaves that are mature.

    You can also brighten up your salads with edible white flowers. But once the plant starts producing flowers, the leaves will somehow taste a bit sharper.

    3.    Slow bolt

    The arugula plant can grow more quickly and bolt during hot weather. A confirmation that it can set flowers and go to seed a bit faster than harvesting it.

    For gardeners living in zones 8 and above in the USDA that are hardy, the heirloom ‘Slow Bolt’ is a win-win. Compared to some other non-slow-bolting varieties, the ‘Slow bolt’ variety matures in 43 days.

    And you get to have more time to harvest the mild baby leaves. These larger mature leaves can be added in your salads and sandwiches and also in stews and soups to get a mild peppery flavor.

    4.    Garden Tangy

    Garden tangy is a cultivar from Italy and as well can be used to garnish all Italian-style dishes perfectly. It has frilly leaf edges reminiscent of kale and a spicy flavor. It also has this ‘Garden Tangy’ flavor in pasta dishes, salads, and many more and it matures very fast.

    You can sure pluck 10-12 inches leaves from the plant of this variety in just 30 to 35 days. The Garden Tangy thrives in cool weather and sunshine just like all other arugula varieties.

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    5.    Red Dragon

    This variety, out of the types of arugula, has serrated leaves like the shape of an oak leaf. The difference is that the ‘Red Dragon’ cultivar leaves have a red vein branch at the center, unlike the oak tree leaves.

    This variety will be perfect for a nice salad. Due to its not-so-peppery flavor, it can be served to guests that have not eaten arugula before for a full flavor of the vegetable but not with an imposed trial impression.

    This variety grows slowly. It matures in 45 days with a mature height of 5 to 6 inches.

    The Ideal Period To Plant Arugula

    Generally, it takes 40 days from seeding for arugula to be ready for harvesting. Well, it is possible to have two arugula seasons if you time it right. The first can be during spring to the beginning of summer and then another at the end of summer into fall.

    However, the midsummer is not really a good time because it won’t grow well in the high heat. As soon as the soil is workable during spring, you can begin planting.

    If you want to harvest continuously, you should plant more additional seeds every two to three weeks till the weather becomes hot in summer or frosty during fall. Arugula is also tolerant of frost and light freezing cold too.

    Check Out How To Repot A Snake Plant

    Planting Arugula

    Here is a brief on planting arugula:

    • When planning arugula, sow seeds about quarter-inch deep then one inch apart in rows 10 inches apart.
    •  You should begin to notice seeds sprouting in about a week. A bonus tip for speeding up germination is soaking seeds in water for a few hours before you plant.
    • Then new seeds can be sown every 2 or 3 weeks so you can enjoy non-stop harvest later.

    Conclusion On Types Of Arugula

    Arugula tends to grow faster and it has a bolder flavor compared to other greens. There are different types of arugula that you can always enjoy. Types of arugula have been listed in this post.

    FAQ’s

    What is the spiciest arugula?

    One spicy arugula variety is Arugula Coltivata and this variety tends to become spicier when the weather is hot.

    Are rockets and arugula the same?

    Arugula leaves can as well be referred to as rocket and they are tender and bite-sized that offers that tangy flavor.

    Is there purple arugula?

    Purple stemmed rockette is a variety of arugula that gives rise to a lovely purple tint that is quite attractive.

    Is arugula like cilantro?

    Arugula and cilantro are not related and they both come from two different plant families. The family cilantro comes from is Apiaceae, while the family arugula comes from is brassicaceae.

  • Causes Of Snake Plant Brown Tips

    Causes Of Snake Plant Brown Tips

    Why does it seem like one of the toughest and durable plants to nurture also comes with a whole lot of issues? What are the most common snake plant problems and how can we deal with them? Snake plant brown tips problem and many more are what we shall be diving into in this article.

    You might wake up one day and discover the tip of your plant has turned brown and the question in your mind will be why is the tip of my snake plant turning brown? The tip of the snake plant doesn’t just turn brown without reason. So, let’s find out the causes of this issue.

    About Snake Plant

    Snake plant (sansevieria trifasciata) is well known for its toughness and durability. It is popularly referred to as the mother-in-law’s tongue obviously because of its strong upright shape and it is a plant-filled with so many health benefits.

    It serves as an oxygen purifier because of its ability to remove toxins from the air which makes your home free from airborne pollutants and toxic elements. It can tolerate quite a neglect, wide range of lighting conditions.

    About Snake Plant

    This is a well sought-after plant because of its easy growth and grooming pattern. It is a fantastic low-pressure nature characteristic is great as well as its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, the toughest humans or creature have their breaking point. The same goes for the snake plant and one of its problems is the brown tips.

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    Why Does My Snake Plant Have Brown Tips?

    These indestructible plants are expected to be easy to care for but they won’t flourish unless they are being accorded suitable conditions.

    When those needed conditions are lacking, the leaves of the snake plant will take a different color and it will become an issue of serious concern because if proper care and attention aren’t given, it may lead to the end of the plant.

    Factors causing the tips of your snake plant to turn brown include the following:

    1.    Unstable Or Improper Watering Pattern – Snake Plant Brown Tips

    The snake plants’ leaves are thick and succulent so they can store a lot of water. This is why the plant can withstand a little bit of nonchalance and spend some time without a drink. However, the health condition of the plant will suffer a serious blow if not correctly watered.

    Waterlogged conditions affect and reduce the chances of the snake plant’s root absorbing the needed nutrients for proper growth and development. This can cause snake plants to begin to show brown tips.

    This can also lead to root rot and fungal infection and to avoid this, don’t allow the plant sit in water especially during winter because, during this season, the plant enters its dormant state where it needs little water.

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    Snake Plant Brown Tips

    2.    Cold Sensitivity

    The snake plant’s most preferred temperature shouldn’t be colder than 550F. Although they can withstand harsh weather conditions, they are liable to sudden climatic and lighting changes so any weather below this temperature can lead to stress in the plant and cause your resilient snake plant to develop brown tips.

    3.    Potting System – Snake Plant Brown Tips

    It is crucial for the pot size to be just the right size because a huge pot gives room for fungi and bacteria breeding while a small-sized pot causes root-bound (a situation where the plant roots are bounded together thereby affecting the nutrient and water intake).

    4.    Slow Growth

    A major problem with snake plants is that they have a minimal growth level when grown indoors and also at a certain time of the year. Also, the size of the pot used in growing the plant plays a major role in how fast and big it’s going to grow and how far its root will spread.

    Slow growing pace in the snake plant can also be caused by incessant breaking, trimming, and cutting off the tip of the plant. This affects how high the plant can grow. It has been discovered that growing the plant outside (in front of a window that has 2-3 hours of direct sunlight) can help it grow taller and of course, make use of a larger variety of the plant.

    5.    Pest Invasion – Snake Plant Brown Tips

    The presence of bugs such as mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats can cause brown tips on the leaves of your snake plant. These bugs suck out the sap in your plant and leave them dehydrated which leads to stress on the part of the plant, resulting in snake plant brown tips.

    Once you discover there’s a pest invasion on your plant, try to eradicate it as fast as you can using either a natural pest control method and when that doesn’t work out, you can resort to the chemical pest control method.

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    6.    Poor Drainage System

    Since it’s been known that the snake plant gets waterlogged quickly, an improper drainage system for the plant pot can cause it to be overwater thereby denying it of the nutrients needed for proper growth. Also, using the common garden soil to replant the snake plant can reduce the soil drainage pattern thereby causing hurt to the plant.

    7.    Excess Fertilization – Snake Plant Brown Tips

    Snake plants are naturally known for their tough and succulent nature so their nutrient requirement is not so much. When you feed it with excess fertilizer or you fertilize it too often, it can cause serious damage to the roots which is another main cause of brown tips in them.

    Snake Plant - Excess Fertilization

    Conclusion On Snake Plant Brown Tips

    Snake plant brown tips can happen to any gardener and to fix this problem, the cause must be identified. Once the problems of your snake plants have been identified, sorting out the problems will be easy.

    Note that even after all the plant issues have been sorted, the brown tips won’t go away but not to worry. As long as the plants get the care they need, they will grow more healthy leaves and with time, the impact of the brown tip will be less apparent. You also can choose to trim off the affected leaves.

    FAQ’s

    Will snake plant tips grow back?

    It is usually rare for the plant tips of snake plants that have turned brown to grow back. But you can trim of that part just to encourage new growth.

    Should I remove dead leaves from snake plant?

    Yes, you should remove dead leaves from the snake plant. The right thing to do is to take out damaged and dead leaves so that the appearance of your snake plant can be palatable.

    How often should I water my snake plant?

    Ideally, you should water your snake plant every 2 or 3 days. Also, you can do a simple test by touching the soil it is dry or moist to determine if you should water it.

    How do I make my snake plant grow straight?

    Make sure your snake plant gets light in all directions of the plant otherwise the part that isn’t receiving light can start to bend over in search of light.

  • The Ideal Blueberry Soil PH Requirement

    The Ideal Blueberry Soil PH Requirement

    It is necessary to maintain an ideal pH for the blueberry soil so the plant can flourish. Blueberry soil pH can range from 4.2 to 5.5 so this implies that they need acidic soil to thrive and yield fruits.

    The pH of the soil is one of the most important things to put in place when planting blueberries. For you to properly plan your blueberry planting, you need to know the status of your soil and do the appropriate amendments necessary for your plant to flourish.

    The information we will be provided in this article will outline more about blueberry soil requirements.

    Blueberry Soil PH: The Ideal PH Requirement

    So, the correct pH level you should provide for the soil for growing your blueberry is between 4.2 to 5.5 and this shows that acidic soil is the best pH for the plant.

    This pH range for blueberry is pretty unique given the fact that most vegetables and fruit plants thrive well in a soil pH range between 6.5 to 7.5.

    But when it comes to blueberry plants, if you want to follow the usual pH range for most fruits and vegetables (which is around 6.5 to 7.5), the plant’s growth can slow down, show yellowish leaves, and even produce only a few fruits or no fruit at all. This is why you need to test your soil and lower the pH when necessary.

    Blueberry Soil PH: The Ideal PH Requirement

    To reduce the pH of your soil, you can simply amend it by adding sulfur to the soil. This sulfur can be in form of elemental sulfur, sphagnum peat moss, or you can simply use a widely available sulfur amendment gotten from your local garden stores.

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    How You Can Test The Soil To Determine Soil PH

    When you plan to grow blueberry, it is very important to determine the status of your soil pH. Once you’re able to determine the soil pH, you can know the right amendments to do. The appropriate pH status required to grow blueberry ranges from 4.2 to 5.5

    You can determine the soil pH by simply obtaining some soil samples in the area of the plant site you will be planting your blueberries and submit this sample to a lab.

    Now, once you’ve identified the status of your soil, you can now decide on the appropriate soil amendments for your soil. If the soil is high in pH, this means you should amend the soil by lowering the pH and if the soil level pH is low, you can leave it but make sure the level is between 4 to 5 pH levels.

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    Way Of Amending Soil PH To Suit Blueberry

    So, below are some great ways you can amend the soil pH:

    1.    Sulfur – Blueberry Soil PH

    Sulfur should be applied to the planting site. But if you would be making use of sulfur to amend your soil to plant blueberry, it is recommended to amend your soil pH the fall before you plant. It is suggested you do this because it can take several months for the pH to be amended after sulfur application.

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    Blueberry Soil PH

    2.    Sphagnum Peat Moss – Blueberry Soil PH

    Sphagnum peat moss is also great to be used to amend the soil. This is particularly if your soil has not been amended yet and you wish to plant your blueberries this spring. So, the addition of an acidic growing medium such as sphagnum peat moss can be added to the planting site to help amend the soil.

    This method will even be more ideal if the originally the soil pH is around 5.5 to 7.0. So, just add about 4 to 6 inches of sphagnum peat moss to the upper layer of about 6 to 8 inches of the soil.

    We recommend you go further by amending the whole planting site for your blueberries. This is because the roots of blueberries are inclined to expand and outwards. Hence, it is better to amend a soil area of about 2 to 3 feet wide just to ensure the roots of the blueberries plant have access to acidic soil.

    3.    Fertilize With An Acidic Fertilizer – Blueberry Soil PH

    Blueberry soil pH planting site can as well be amended using acidic fertilizer. Some of these acidic fertilizers include ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, or sulfur-coated urea.

    Guidelines For Planning Out A Blueberry Planting Site

    Let’s further look into some guidelines to put you through planning out a blueberry planting site:

    1. You should begin soil amendments by planning ahead because the soil can need several months to adjust once it has been amended. If possible, you can amend the soil in the fall before you plant
    2. At your planting site, you need to plant blueberries 5 feet apart. It may seem like this distance looks far, but the plant is capable of growing out and filling the space. Just make sure you don’t plant too close because it can create competition amongst the plants and it can even increase the chances of insect and disease damage.
    3. Make sure the blueberry variety you’re purchasing is from a reliable or reputable store.
    4. Preferably, don’t plant against a wall because the wall may generate extra heat that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant.
    5. You can expect 6 to 8 pounds of fruits each year for each plant and begin 3 to 4 years after planting.

    Final Note On Blueberry Soil PH

    Blueberry soil pH needs to be in the right range which is around 4.2 to 5.5 because this pH range will ensure blueberry plant thrives well and produce.

    Soil testing should be the first factor to consider when planning your garden site for your blueberry and once you’ve determined the pH level, just amend the soil accordingly to suit blueberry growth.

    FAQ’s

    How do I make my soil acidic for blueberries?

    You can make your soil acidic for blueberries planting by simply adding sulfur to your soil, amending it with sphagnum peat moss, or fertilize the soil using acidic fertilizer.

    Should you put lime on blueberry bushes?

    The addition of lime to soil usually neutralizes the soil pH to a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.0. However, blueberry needs an acidic soil of lower pH (which is between 4.2 to 5.5) to flourish. So, lime may not be so great in helping blueberry plant amend their soil to the right pH range.

    Can I put coffee grounds on my blueberry plants?

    You may decide to put coffee grounds on your blueberry plants because they are highly acidic. However, if your soil is already high in nitrogen and you apply coffee ground, it may stunt the growth of flowers and fruit production.

    How do you add sulfur to blueberries?

    Sulfur helps amend blueberry soil by lowering their pH, so if you want to reduce the pH range of sandy soil, you need to add ¾ pound of sulfur per 100 square feet of the garden planting site.

  • Tips When Growing The Pink Spider Lily From Seed

    Tips When Growing The Pink Spider Lily From Seed

    In this article, we will learn how to grow the pink spider lily and the perfect conditions to provide this plant so that it thrives.

    The Pink Spider Lily also known as the Resurrection lily or “surprise lily,”  is a popular plant among gardeners. It is a bulbous plant with large flowers. The flowers have an amazing fragrance and are bright pink.

    These flowers are also known for their longevity. They bloom just when many other blossoms are fading, adding a late-season pop of beautiful color. These flowers have unique trumpet-shaped blooms.

    This makes them very appealing to gardeners. They do not require a lot of space and are low maintenance. They require moderate water during the summer.

    How To Grow The Pink Spider Lily

    What does the pink spider lily symbolize

    Tip #1: Bulb germination

    Bulbs are usually the best way to start your Pink Spider Lily. This will ensure that you get a healthy plant with no problems. Plant the bulbs with 1/4 inch exposed above the soil. The soil should be organically rich and well-drained. 

    Plant the bulbs about six to nine inches apart. At maturity, they will grow to be 18 to 24 inches tall. In addition to planting in gardens, you can also grow them in pots.

    Tip #2: Sun and watering needs

    Your Pink Spider Lily should be planted in an area where it will get full sun to partial shade. They have moderate watering requirements, no more than one inch of water a week.

    Tip #3: Blooming

    The flowers will bloom from late summer to fall. They have a beautiful pink color with a very fragrant smell. The flowers will cluster atop tall stems.

    Tip #4: Feeding your pink spider lily:

    Pink Spider Lillies do not need fertilizer. Some people may choose to supplement the soil with organic fertilizer before planting, but it is not necessary in most cases.

    Handheld Fertilizer/Grass Seed Spreader

    81Yz4oz7sKL. AC SL1500

    Tip #5: Transplanting

    You can transplant your lilies the first thing in spring or fall when the flowers begin to die back. Be sure to move them to an area where they will get full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.

    Use a trowel to carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs. Then, carefully slide the trowel underneath the bulbs and gently lift them from the soil. Separate the bulbs and remove any that are rotten.

    Carefully move the bulbs to their new location and plant them at the same depth they were before. The bulbs can be sensitive when they are moved so they make take some time before they begin growing again.

    Summary

    The Pink Spider Lily is one of the lilies that are commonly grown by gardeners.  They are easy to grow and bloom easily when provided with the right growing conditions. As you try to grow your own, have a happy time!

    FAQs

    What does the pink spider lily symbolize?

    The pink spider lily symbolizes the purity of a woman and the innocence of a child. The flower is associated with the goddess Diana, who was worshipped in ancient times as the patroness of women and children. The flower’s name comes from the Latin word for “spider,” which is associated with the goddess.

    Are pink spider lilies poisonous?

    Pink Spider Lilies are poisonous if eaten. Their poison severity is low and can cause abdominal pain, salivation, shivering, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    Is spider lily an indoor plant?

    Yes, spider lily is both an indoor and outdoor plant. It benefits from full sun and should be placed in a sunny spot. However, it will still grow in semi-shade if given enough light.

    Do spider lilies spread?

    Spider lilies are perennial plants and do not spread. It is native toand Asia. It has an upright growth habit and grows to around 18-24 inches tall.