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  • Are Green Chilies Hot? – An Overview

    Are Green Chilies Hot? – An Overview

    So are green chilies hot, or are they mild and gentle on your mouth? Can you enjoy them raw or cooked without tearing up?

    The history of green chilies goes back thousands of years. Green chilies have been used as a vegetable in Southeast Asia for more than 5,000 years. During the first millennium A.D., chili peppers were introduced to Europe.

    In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers introduced chili peppers to the rest of the world. During the second half of the 20th century, there was a huge increase in the cultivation of chili peppers. Chili peppers are now cultivated worldwide.

    Chilies Health Benefits

    Green chilies are grown due to their many health benefits that include:

    • Prevention of heart disease
    • Blood pressure reduction
    • Lowering cholesterol
    • Fighting cancer and preventing infections.

    So, Are Green Chillies Hot?

    The word “hot” is a bit of a misnomer when talking about chillies because it implies a certain level of heat that you can feel. But the real meaning of the term is much more about flavor than anything else. 

    There are many different types of chillies, but most fall into one of two categories – hot or mild.

    • Hot Chillies (aka “Spicy”). Hot chillies come from the Capsicum family, and most are in the bell pepper sub-family and include the jalapeño, poblano, and serrano. All these are available fresh or dried, and they have a very different taste to mild chillies. The amount of heat in a particular chili also varies quite much, so it’s essential to try out different peppers to find your favorite.
    • Mild Chillies (aka “Sweet”). Mild chillies belong to the C. chinense sub-family, including the cayenne, paprika, caribe, and pasilla. All are relatively mild in flavor with a hint of sweetness.

    The two categories don’t have much to do with temperature, so they aren’t suitable for comparing their heat levels. For example, the habanero is hotter than the poblano, but both are mild.

    You can also find hotter chillies than the habanero and those that are hotter than the poblano. But even then, the level of heat is not a reliable guide to how spicy they are.

    Green chillies include all green peppers that are hot, including Anaheim, jalapeno, poblano, and cayenne. While Anaheim chilies rate 500 to 2,500 units on the Scoville heat scale, jalapeno peppers rank between 2,500 and 5,000 Scoville units.

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    What’s The Difference Between Red and Green Chillies?

    Green chilies are unripe (or “green”) versions of the same type of chili as red ones. They are used mainly in salsas and stews.

    Green chillies are usually milder than red ones and have a distinctive taste and texture. Green chili peppers are available fresh, although they can be dried. The amount of heat in a particular chili also varies quite a lot, so it’s essential to try out different peppers to find your favorite.

    If you don’t know how hot a chili is, it’s always best to start with the smallest quantity, so you can easily adjust it to your liking. If you’re a beginner, it’s also important to buy fresh chillies rather than dried ones since dried ones can be extremely spicy.

    What’s The Difference Between Red And Green Chillies

    Red chillies are often used fresh, but they can also be stored for several months in the refrigerator. Once you’ve found a recipe that uses red chilies, make sure you try them out at different times of the year to find out how long they last.

    They don’t keep well for very long when they’re too hot, so it’s best to buy the hottest ones and leave them until you need them. The longer they’re left in storage, the hotter they will become, so it’s essential to use them as soon as possible.

    In Conclusion – Are Green Chilies Hot?

    To answer the question “are green chilies hot?”, it is vital to know the differences between green and red peppers as we have explained above. Green peppers are milder than red ones. Both red and green peppers can add excellent flavors to your favorite savory dishes. 

    Green chilies are used to make relishes, sauces and salsas. They are used in many dishes like Mexican food, Thai food, Italian food and Indian food.

    FAQ’s

    How hot are green chilies?

    Green chilies are not as hot as red peppers.  These are mild peppers with a milder version of a habanero (called a Scotch bonnet), they come in a range of heat from ‘very mild’ to ‘very hot’. A ‘Scotch bonnet’ is a mild green chili and can be used in curries or other dishes. Milder versions are used in sambals, dips, and sauces.

    Are green chilies hot or mild?

    They are generally considered to be mild but this depends on which variety you buy. Some are milder than others. They are usually used for dipping sauces, but some people like them as an ingredient in their food.

    Are green chilies hotter than jalapenos?

    Green chilies are not hotter than jalapenos as they are mild in taste.  Jalapenos are spicy and hot red peppers that you will find in supermarkets.  They can be added to any dish, although they are most commonly found in dishes that contain tomato sauce.

    What are green chilies?

    Green chilies are unripe mild peppers that come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and have a wide range of flavors. Most commonly they’re used as a spice for dishes like salsa, but they’re also used fresh in salsas, curries, stews, and other dishes.

  • Do Pepper Plants Need Cages When Growing?

    Do Pepper Plants Need Cages When Growing?

    Do pepper plants need cages or are they easy to grow in the garden or containers without needing any support?

    Growing peppers is fun and very rewarding.  Peppers are easy to grow and a lot of varieties are available for growing indoors or outside.  There are many different types of peppers, some are hot and some are sweet; there are small, medium, or large peppers.  Some varieties are for cooking while others are for eating raw.  You can grow peppers indoors in a sunny window, outdoors in a greenhouse or a patio, and even in a pot on your porch.  Peppers can be grown either from seed or by transplanting seedlings.

    Do Pepper Plants Need Cages

    So, as you can see from the above information, there are many different types of peppers. If you are asking about growing peppers indoors, then we would recommend that it is quite possible to grow them without cages.

    When growing them outdoors, pepper plants do not also need cages or staking. We do suggest that you plant them at least 18 inches apart. They will not mind if they are closer together and you can plant them at a greater distance if you wish. However, keep in mind that if you do choose to plant them at a greater distance apart then you should allow for extra growth between plants.

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    So, do pepper plants need cages, we say yes, you do need to provide some form of support for your plants if need be. This is to help the fruits not touch the ground or the soil and rot as a result. If you choose to grow your pepper plants in cages or any kind of support you protect them from the early rotting of fruits that comes as a result of touching the soil.

    Do Pepper Plants Need Cages? If you chose to grow the peppers without staking or supporting them, then mulch the plants to keep the fruits from rotting throughout their growing journey.

    Click Here to Learn:

    How To Use Cages Or Stakes On Pepper Plants

    You can use cages or stakes on your pepper plants to prevent them from falling off the trees. You can place the plants on the cages or stakes and tie them tightly around the trunk of the tree. Peppers can grow up to two meters in height and a diameter of one meter.

    If you want to have a big and healthy plant, you need to provide it with the right care and attention. Peppers are easy to grow. You can grow them in a pot on the balcony or in your garden. If you don’t have space for a large plant, you can try growing it in pots and then planting it outdoors.

    Peppers are self-pollinating plants, so they need to be planted close to each other. The distance between the two plants should not exceed 50 cm. If you want to grow pepper plants indoors, you can use pots. If you want to grow peppers on the balcony, you need to provide them with some sun. You should also keep an eye on the temperature because it influences the growth of pepper plants.

    Wherever you chose to grow your peppers, remember to use cages or stake them to protect the fruits from damage.  However, this is more common for red, yellow, and green peppers.  For the hot peppers, most of them can do well without staking.

    Final Remarks: Do Pepper Plants Need Cages?

    Do pepper plants need cages?  Yes, it is possible to grow your peppers in cages or stake them to protect their fruit from contact with soil. However, it is not a must to use them.  If you have mulched the plants, you don’t have to use cages as your fruits will rest on the mulch.

    That said, sometimes the pepper plant might have many fruits that are growing and could need some support so that the branch does not break before the fruits reach maturity.  Overall, if you notice your plant needs support in holding up its fruits, be quick to provide a cage or stake it. This will save it from damage.

    FAQ’s

    Should you stake or cage pepper plants?

    Staking of peppers is not recommended for most cultivars, except for some Jalapeño and Cayenne types. It’s recommended for the early maturing cultivars like ‘Ace’ and ‘Jalapeno’. The exception to this recommendation would be if you have the room in your greenhouse and have enough space to support the plants with a stake.

    Do pepper plants need support cages?

    The answer to this question is dependent on the type of cultivar you choose. Early maturing cultivars like ‘Ace’ and ‘Jalapeno’ do not require any type of support or cage. For late-maturing cultivars like ‘Hungarian Hot’, ‘Cayenne Long’, ‘Hot Dawg’ and ‘Bravo’, they need some type of cage or support to keep them off the ground. These cultivars will also need support if they are getting larger, or their leaves are curling over the edges.

    Do bell peppers need a trellis?

    Yes! Bell peppers should be trained up a trellis. The trellis needs to be sturdy enough to keep the pepper from falling over. If you are using cages, then you can train the pepper up the sides of the cage, but it is better to use a trellis because they will grow faster if they are on a trellis.

    Do bell pepper plants need support?

    No, it is not a must to provide support. You just want to make sure that they are not growing too large for your space.  However, if the fruits are too heavy for the plant, use support to keep them growing up until maturity.

  • What Are The Bell Pepper Plant Problems?

    What Are The Bell Pepper Plant Problems?

    Bell peppers are nightshade family fruits that are also related to tomatoes, chili peppers, and breadfruit. As easy as the bell pepper plant is to grow, there are still some common problems it faces. Bell pepper plant problems are what we will be discussing.

    Bell peppers are pretty easy to grow so they can be a great addition to your vegetable garden. They are all native to Central America and South America. You get to enjoy pepper in your various cooking recipes as well as salads.

    However, there are some bell pepper plant problems you may face and pepper diseases are common issues associated with them.  You may also factor in some other pepper problems apart from pepper diseases. So, let’s delve into some common issues associated with growing bell peppers.

    Brief On Bell Pepper

    Bell pepper also referred to as sweet pepper is a type of fruit that belongs to the nightshade family. This sweet pepper can be eaten raw or cooked.

    Unlike other peppers that tend to produce capsaicin (a chemical responsible for that strong burning sensation when it comes in contact with our tongue): bell peppers are the only member of the pepper plant that does not produce this capsaicin chemical.

    Brief On Bell Pepper

    Capsaicin which is absent in bell pepper is due to the fact that there is a recessive gene that eliminates capsaicin. For this reason, bell peppers are usually referred to as sweet peppers.

    Bell Pepper Plants Not Growing: What Are The Reasons?

    Different issues may arise and cause your bell pepper to diminish in growth or even stop growing. Some of the reasons include:

    • Over-watering.
    • Under-watering.
    • Growing pepper with an undersized container.
    • Dry soil.

    Growing Peppers Problems

    We will be looking at the common bell pepper problems and this will be in two categories. The first part will be issues associated with pepper diseases and pests. The other bell pepper issues will be related to non-diseases. So, read below to get some knowledge on them.

    Check Out Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    A.   Bell Pepper Plant Diseases

    So, below are some of the bell pepper disease and pest problems you may face:

    1.    Mosaic Virus

    This is a type of bell pepper disease characterized by yellow spots, wrinkly leaves, stunted growth, and poor or less fruit quality.

    This disease is transmitted by aphids that transfer this virus. It is common during the periods aphids are mostly active and this is when the temperatures are around 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Bell Pepper Plant Problems - Mosaic Virus

    To adequately deal with this bell pepper problem, uproot or remove the infected plants and burn or throw them away. The virus has been said to live up to a year. Therefore, avoid composting uprooted plants but burn or discard them.

    2.    Bacterial Leaf Spot

    Bacterial leaf spot is quite common in pepper plants generally. This disease is characterized by yellowish spots on the leave of your pepper plant. These yellowish spots may end up turning brown and it causes leaf drop.

    3.    Powdery Mildew

    Powdery mildew is related to warm and humid conditions. It usually shows up on the undersides of the pepper plant leaves.

    4.    Aphids

    This is a tiny bug that sucks and feeds on pepper plants. They can eat a good portion of your pepper plant overnight.

    If you notice or suspect aphid infestation in your pepper plant, you can make use of soapy water and wash them off. Or you can use a strong force of water (e.g. hose) to displace them from your plant. the use of neem oil can also prove effective.

    5.    Hornworms

    Hornworms are another type of pest that can cause problems to your pepper plant. These worms are so large that it’s easy to just pluck or pick them off from your plant.

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    6.    Flea Beetles – Bell Pepper Plant Problems

    Flea beetles may look small in size but they can cause serious harm or problems to your bell pepper plant when you have a severe infestation. Their symptoms of an infested flea beetle pepper plant tend to show some distinct holes in the leaves of your plant.

    You can solve the problem of flea beetles by dusting your pepper plants with talcum powder as this can help repel flea beetles.

    • So, we have looked into some pests and diseases that may affect your bell pepper plants. Now here are the bell peppers that are non-diseases related:

    B.   Non-diseases Related Bell Pepper Problems

    1.    Under-watering

    This issue is common during hot seasons. So if you don’t supply the plant with adequate water during this period, you may begin to notice some issues with the growth of your bell pepper plant.

    Normally, pepper plants love full sun and require adequate watering. So, when you slack with the watering needs of bell peppers, they will not flourish appropriately so problems set in.

    To reduce the chances of facing this issue, you should endeavor to water your bell pepper plant early morning and evening. The best time to water is once the sun has gone down.

    2.    Over-watering

    Even though pepper plants generally like to be watered adequately, you should however avoid overwatering. Over-watering your pepper plant can cause problems. This is common with potted pepper plants that don’t have adequate drainage holes.

    So, if you find yourself overwatering your potted pepper plant, simply cease watering and allow the soil to dry out. It is crucial you fix this problem on time to improve the chance of the pepper plant recovering.

    3.    Sun Scalding – Bell Pepper Plant Problems

    Although pepper plants are sun-loving plants, they still need time to adjust before they can finally be moved outdoors. This is especially common with potted pepper plants. But this shouldn’t be an issue with peppers seed sown outdoors from the start.

    The seedlings of pepper started indoors need a transition to outdoor conditions are the ones usually prone to sun scalding.

    This is why it is crucial you harden off the seedlings started from indoors by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions such as direct sunlight, wind, as well as changing temperatures. So, avoid the abrupt transition to full sunlight.

    Bell Pepper Plant Problems - Sun Scalding

    Bell Pepper Plant Problems: Final Say

    Bell pepper plant problems can arise in different ways. The problems associated with bell peppers can be in form of pests, diseases, or even other environmental factors.

    We have listed some of these issues that may arise when growing bell peppers and how to mitigate them. So, we do hope this article can be of great use to you regarding bell pepper plant problems.

    FAQ’s

    How do you revive a bell pepper plant?

    Bell pepper can be revived if the cause isn’t too serious. For instance, if you have droopy leave which is usually caused by over-watering or under-watering, it’s possible to revive your pepper plant. For over-watering, simply cease watering for some days and allow the soil to dry out before you water again, and ensure there are enough draining holes of you’re using pot. For under-watering, ensure you water adequately especially when the temperature is hot.

  • Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    Reasons For Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    Wilting tomato plants in pots are one common issue faced when growing tomatoes in containers. Wilting occurs in tomatoes for different reasons. Sometimes, it may not be something serious if you act fast to mitigate the problem. However, it may also mean something serious like infectious diseases.

    Once you begin to notice wilting leaves and wilting stems on your tomato plant, it shows there’s a problem that needs to be fixed as on as possible. The most common reasons for tomato wilting can be due to hot temperatures which usually cause under-watering. Or it may be because of shock from transplanting.

    Whatever the case may be regarding wilting tomatoes in pots or outdoor gardens, it may be possible to revive your plant if you do the right thing.

    We will be looking into wilting tomato plants in pots and give you some possible solutions to resolving the issue. So, let’s begin.

    Common Reasons For Wilting Tomato In Pots

    Wilting tomato plants in pots is characterized by drooping leaves and makes the tomato plant lose its shape. Let us further look into the details of wilting tomatoes in pots. So, here are the common reasons why your tomato plant may be wilting in your containers.

    1.    Lack Of Water Or Under-Watering

    When your potted tomato plant isn’t watered sufficiently especially during the hot days, it can cause wilting of leaves as well as stems. This wilting can be temporary which causes the leaves and stems to lose water faster than they can replenish it.

    Sometimes when this happens, they may recover in the evening and it may not require extra watering. However, if the wilted potted tomato refuses to be revived after the weather cools down in the evening, they will need watering.

    Read more about When To Pick Artichokes

    2.    Over-Watering

    Apart from lack of water in your potted tomato plant, over-watering that leads to soggy plants can cause wilting. When the plant is soaked in excess water, the roots get drowned and cause the plant to be unable to absorb water from the soil. Hence, leading to wilting of the plant.

    This is why you need to monitor your potted tomato plant, especially during the rainy season or heavy downpours. Don’t supply excess water during rainy seasons if your potted tomato is outdoors. Or you can simply take your potted tomato plant indoors to avoid over-watering from heavy downpours.

    If your potted tomato is suffering from overwatering, then it’s possible for it to recover. Simply cease watering the plant and only water when you notice at least 2 inch soil into the soil is dry.

    A quick guide to watering your tomato plant appropriately is to roughly provide 1 inch of water every week.

    Over-Watering - Wilting tomato plants in pots

    3.    Drainage Holes

    Drainage holes are very crucial when it comes to potted plants generally. If the drainage holes you have for your potted tomatoes aren’t enough, it may cause your plant to get clogged due to the inadequate flow of water whenever you water your plant.

    Therefore, make sure you have enough drainage holes in your potted tomato plants to allow an easy flow or passage of water.

    Check Out Top 10 Best Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

    4.    Transplanting To Bigger Pots

    When you improperly transplant tomato plants into another pot or even into your garden, it may cause shock and damage the root of your plant. Then this can lead to the wilting of your plant.

    Ensure you don’t tear or cut the tomato plant roots in the process of transplanting and ensure you don’t over-water them.

    Additionally, when you are transitioning your tomato (especially the seedlings) outdoors in a sunny area, use any opaque materials during the hottest periods. This is because your plant will need to readjust to the environment so this will help harden them off.

    5.    Type Of Soil Used – Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    If you’re using loose soil such as sandy soil for your potted tomato, it will require you to water more especially during hot seasons. Sandy soil loses water too quickly so they aren’t so great with water retention.

    So, it is ideal you water your potted plant accordingly when using loose soil such as sandy soil.

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    6.    Soil-borne Disease Caused By Wilting

    Fungal diseases that are soil-borne can also cause your potted tomato to wilt. Fusarium and verticillium wilt are the two most common soil-borne diseases that can lead to wilting of tomatoes.

    When your tomato plant is infected with these diseases, it begins to wilt especially during the day. Then at night, your tomato plant can recover. The fruits of your tomato plant may even yield fruit, but it usually results in smaller or fewer yields. This wilting can slowly become worse and even lead to the death of the plant.

    You can further verify Fusarium and Verticillium infection if you cut the affected stem open. You should see a brown to black discoloration of the vascular system of the stem instead of a healthy stem that only has a shade of green.

    The best solution is to burn or discard the infected plant. Then you should plant your tomato in a new container and soil and avoid composting the infected plant.

    To further protect your potted tomato from Fusarium and Verticillium, we recommend you go for tomato varieties that are resistant to these diseases.

    My Tomato Plants Are Wilting In Pots Even When Soil Is Wet: What Are The Reasons?

    We have an understating that potted tomato plants need to be moist so they can thrive well. However, if your tomato plant is wilting even when your soil is wet then it may mean that you have over-watered your plant. Over-watering can cause your potted tomato to wilt.

    Also, if your potted tomato plant doesn’t have good drainage holes, it can clog the flow of water when you water your plant thereby causing wilting as we have mentioned above.

    My Tomato Plants Are Wilting In Pots Even When Soil Is Wet - What Are The Reasons

    Final Say On Wilting Tomato Plants In Pots

    Wilting tomato plants in pots can be a worrisome thing when this situation arises. But if you can determine the cause of wilting, it may be possible to revive your plant.

    FAQ’s

    How do you revive a wilted tomato plant?

    You can revive a wilted tomato plant by first determining the cause of the wilting issue. Once, you’ve confirmed the cause, then you can now take steps to mitigate the situation. For instance, if your tomato is wilted by under-watering or over-watering, simply stop watering or water more when needed.

    How often should I water my tomato plants in pots?

    Some things will determine how you water your potted tomato plant. For instance, if your potted plant is in a protected place where it can’t get water from rain, then you will need to dedicate some time to water them. During hot seasons, your plant will need more watering. But always check how dry or moist your soil is to further determine when to water them.

    Why are my tomato plants wilting after planting in pots?

    Your tomato may be wilting after planting in pots if you just transferred them to another pot. This transfer can cause shock especially when you cut or tear part of the root before transplanting it to another pot.

  • Top 10 Best Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

    Top 10 Best Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

    In this article, we will look at a list of cross-pollinating vegetables that you can grow and that works best for you.

    The majority of plants are not self-pollinating, which means they need to be pollinated by another plant. As well as the majority of vegetables are not self-pollinating and so require cross-pollination. This means that you will need to grow different varieties of plants together to achieve maximum yield.

    We’ll cover the benefits of growing more than one variety of vegetables,  cross-pollination, and how to save seeds for future generations.

    What Is Cross-Pollination?

    Cross-pollination is when pollen from one plant is transferred to another plant. If the other plant is also self-fertile (able to produce seeds without cross-pollination), it will grow and produce fruit.

    However, if the other plant is not self-fertile, then the fruit will not be viable. In this case, the fruit will be sterile.

    What Are The Benefits Of Cross-Pollination?

    As with many things in life, there are advantages to cross-pollination. If two plants are close together, but not exactly the same, and they have a compatible pollinator, they can still cross-pollinate and produce fruit.

    This is because of a process called pollen tube guidance. The pollen tube is the tube that carries the sperm cells from the pollen to the ovules of the flower. It follows the route that the pollen tube guidance proteins have programmed it to follow.

    If the pollen tube guidance proteins are compatible between the two plants, then the pollen tube will follow the correct route. It will then fertilize the egg cells inside the ovule. This is called self-fertilization.

    However, if the pollen tube guidance proteins are not compatible, then the pollen tube will not be able to follow the correct route and the egg cells will remain unfertilized. This is called outcrossing. Cross-pollination can also occur when the pollen tube guidance proteins are incompatible with each other.

    In this case, the pollen tube will be unable to make the correct connection with the egg cell, thus resulting in no fertilization.

    Check Out A Guide On How To Tell If A Squash Is Bad?

    List Of Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

    The following list shows which vegetables are cross-pollinating vegetables:

    Beans – These are self-pollinating but they cross-pollinate between the different types.

    Beets – It cross-pollinates with Beta vulgaris species such as Swiss chard, leaf beet, and spinach beet.

    Broccoli – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi,  brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, collard greens, romanesco broccoli, kale, collard greens.

    List Of Cross-Pollinating Vegetables - Broccoli

    Carrots – They cross-pollinate with other carrot species and also with parsnips and radishes.

    Cauliflower – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and collard greens.

    Celery – It cross-pollinates with other Brassica oleracea species – cabbage, cauliflower, celery, kohlrabi, collard greens, romanesco broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.

    Chilies – It cross-pollinates with other Capsicum species – bell pepper, chili pepper, pimento, habanero, jalapeno, and cayenne pepper.

    Corn – It cross-pollinates with varieties such as sweet, flour, popcorn, flint, dent, and ornamental corns.

    Cucumbers – It cross-pollinates with parthenocarpic cucumber varieties.

    Ginger – It cross-pollinates with other Zingiber officinale species – ginger, turmeric, and zingiber.

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    Which Vegetables Do Not Cross-Pollinate?

    With the top best cross-pollinating vegetables listed above, there are other vegetables that do not cross-pollinate or very rarely do.  They include:

    Eggplant – It self-pollinates as it has “perfect” or “complete” flowers. It is very rare for eggplants to cross-pollinate.

    Garlic – It is self-pollinating and will not cross-pollinate.

    Pea – It is self-pollinating and does not cross-pollinate.

    Tomatoes – The tomato plant is generally a self-pollinating plant. However, in some cases, it can cross-pollinate with other tomatoes, but it is not done easily.

    Read more aboutWhen Do I Harvest Carrots – The Right Time?

    Tips For Harvesting Cross-Pollinating Vegetable Seeds

    To be able to harvest seeds from the above list of cross-pollinating vegetables, you will need to harvest the vegetables when they are fully mature.

    Pumpkins and Squash.  Harvest them once they are fully ripe. The skin should be firm and thick.  After harvesting, leave the seeds to mature for about three weeks.

    Cut the fruit open and harvest the seeds from the flesh. Dry them in readiness for the next planting season.

    Cucumbers.  Allow them to overgrown before harvesting them if you plan to use the seeds.  They will turn yellow, orange, or white depending on the cultivar you are growing. Cut them open and scoop out the seeds plus pulp. 

    Put them in a glass and add as much water then place it in a dark cool place for about 48 hours.  This will allow fermentation to take place cleaning the seeds.

    Any immature seeds and the pulp floats to the top and you can skim them off.  Rinse off the remaining seeds in a sieve and dry them as you would for pumpkin or squash.

    Tips For Harvesting Cross-Pollinating Vegetable Seeds

    Harvesting cross-pollinating seeds is a process that requires accuracy to ensure you end up with quality seeds.

    Final Thoughts On Cross-Pollinating Vegetables

    Most gardeners are not able to tell the difference between cross-pollinating vegetables and non-cross-pollinating ones.

    In fact, you can be a vegetable gardener and save up your own seeds rather than buy them every time. However, if you want to produce vegetable seeds so you don’t have to keep making grocery visits, then you will have to harvest your own seeds.

    FAQ’s

    Which crops are cross-pollinated?

    Cross-pollination occurs when pollen from a flower of one plant is deposited on the stigma of another plant. This can occur with both insect-pollinated plants and wind-pollinated plants. Cross-pollination can occur between related (self-pollinated) and unrelated (outcrossed) plants.  Crops that are cross-pollinated include Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic, Grapes, Hops, Kale, Lettuce, Limes, Mangoes, Melons, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Rhubarb, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet peppers, Zucchini, etc.

    What fruits and vegetables cross-pollinate?

    Vegetables that cross-pollinate are listed above in this article.  Some of the fruits that cross-pollinate include apples, bananas, cherries, mangoes, melons, peaches, pears, strawberries, etc. 

    Does cross-pollination affect vegetables?

    Cross-pollination does not affect the quality of vegetables. Some of these vegetables you will need to allow them to overgrow if you are harvesting the seeds but beside that cross-pollination does not affect the vegetables.

    What are the disadvantages of cross-pollination?

    The disadvantages of cross-pollination include:

    Decrease in quality of the fruits produced from the self-pollinated plants.
    Lower crop yields because some of the seeds have not been fertilized.
    Increased production costs and reduced efficiency because more resources are required for the pollination process.
    Changes in plant morphology (e.g., altered flowering time or flower structure) as a result of interplant pollination.
    Loss of genetic diversity.
    Altered gene expression.
    Possible disease transmission.
    Alteration of plant physiology.

  • A Guide On How To Tell if a Squash is Bad 

    A Guide On How To Tell if a Squash is Bad 

    Let’s look at this guide on how to tell if a squash is bad and when it is best to harvest squashes before going bad.

    Squash is one of the most popular vegetables across America. They are versatile, easy to grow, and can be stored for months with minimal care.

    Many different types of squash include:

    • Summer Squashes like zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.
    • Winter Squashes like butternut, acorn, pumpkin, and spaghetti squash.  Butternut squash is often the most popular of the winter squashes. It is a good source of vitamin A and C and it is also loaded with fiber.

    How To Tell if a Squash is Bad

    To help you learn how to tell if squash is bad, you can follow this guide.

    1. The first thing you should do when buying a squash is to make sure that is firm and full of color. The squash should not have any damaged areas or brown spots.
    2. When you buy the squash, you should also be aware of the sell-by date.  Summer squash usually doesn’t last very long and they start going bad at the end of their shelf life.  Squash that is past the sell-by date should be thrown out as they are no longer safe to eat.
    3. Look for a rotten smell. If you find any, it’s likely the squash has mold and needs to be thrown out. Squash that has been rotting for a while may have worms or insects.
    4. If the squash has an overly rough skin texture this could be a sign that it is bad. This may indicate an infection from pests or a nutrient deficiency.

    How Long Does it Take To Grow Squash?

    To ensure that you save your squash from going bad, the best thing to do is to harvest it in good time. The harvest time for winter squash is between late September and early October and all season long for summer squash.

    From planting seeds to harvesting, it takes approximately 80-110 days for winter squash and about 60 days for summer squash.

    Check Out All About Brown Vs Green Compost

    Growing Conditions For Squash

    • The right temperature. Planting squash requires a warm-weather environment to grow well.  Summer squash prefers temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Farenheit. If it is not grown under such conditions, then the plant can grow slowly or even die. Soil temperature should be around 70 degrees Farenheit.
    • Water.  In addition to these, a good amount of water must be available at all times. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Squash seedlings are very sensitive to dampness.
    • Rich Fertile Soil.  Squash plants grow best in soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should be fertile and well-drained. They grow best in soil with a pH between 6 and 6.8. The soil should be well-drained, but it should also be moist enough to allow the roots to breathe.
    • Sunlight. They require lots of sunlight, at least six hours a day.

    FoxFarm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula: Big Bloom, Grow Big, Tiger Bloom

    How To Tell If A Squash Is Bad
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    • Growing Squash. The squash should be planted in rows or in a single bed. Squash plants grow best when they are spaced at least three to six feet apart.
    • Season. The best time to plant squash seeds is during the spring after the last frost.

    When To Harvest

    Squash is harvested when it reaches maturity, which is usually between 80 to 110 days for winter varieties and 60 days for summer varieties. Before you harvest, you’ll want to remove the squash from the vine.

    It can be stored for several weeks in the refrigerator if you don’t plan on eating it right away. Squash will keep in your refrigerator for about a week and can be frozen for up to three months.

    How To Cook

    Squash is a delicious vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. You can use it in soups, stews, casseroles, and other recipes that call for pumpkin or winter squash. Sautéing is the best way to prepare squash, as it adds a nice caramelized flavor. You can also bake the squash in the oven or roast it on a grill.

    How To Cook Squash

    Final Thoughts – How To Tell if a Squash is Bad

    How to tell if a squash is bad is just by trying it, smelling it, or looking at it.  You can tell by the smell, the color, or the taste.  In some cases, the squash is already gone bad and you can tell just by looking at it.

    The flesh is firm and dense, not mushy or watery.  Squash is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and potassium.

    To prepare the squash you should peel it, cut it into pieces, and then steam or bake it.  If you are baking it, add a little bit of butter or oil.  Add some salt and pepper if you want to.  There are many kinds of squash available.

    You have to be careful when buying squash to make sure they are still good.  Enjoy your squash when it’s still good!

    FAQ

    What happens if you eat bad squash?

    If you eat bad squash, you may develop a type of food poisoning known as toxic squash syndrome. Sypmtoms will include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

    What does a bad squash look like inside?

    A good squash is firm and healthy-looking on the inside with the flesh still intact and does not have a bad smell.

    How to know if squash is bad?

    A “bad” squash will have a hard rind or no rind at all. The color will likely have brown spots. There may be mold on the skin or seeds. You may notice a strong odor when you open it.

    What does bad squash taste like?

    The flavor of bad squash can range from mild to very bitter or even sour. If you notice the squash you are eating has a bad taste, you should stop eating it.

  • A Guide To Planting Cilantro In A Pot

    A Guide To Planting Cilantro In A Pot

    Planting cilantro in a pot provides you with an opportunity to grow your herbs even if you don’t have a garden.

    Cilantro is a herb that belongs to the family of cumin, coriander and parsley. The leaves of this plant are used in cooking different dishes like salads and soups. It has a sweet, yet slightly bitter taste.

    You can also use it in Mexican food dishes and curries. This plant can be planted in a garden or in a pot. You can also plant cilantro in a greenhouse.

    This article will show you how to plant cilantro in a pot. It will help you learn how to grow your herbs from seed indoors and outdoors.

    A Complete Guide To Planting Cilantro In A Pot

    Before you start planting cilantro, make sure that you have all the materials needed. These materials include:

    • Pot
    • Seeds
    • Soil
    • A source of light

    2 Types of Cilantro Seeds – 250 Calypso & 250 Santo Cilantro Seeds for Planting Indoors

    Planting Cilantro In A Pot
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    Step By Step – Planting Cilantro In A Pot 

    1. Find a pot that will hold about one liter of water. The pot should be shallow with a drainage hole at the bottom.
    2. The soil should be loose and well-drained.
    3. Cilantro requires a good amount of sun, so choose a spot where it can get plenty of sunlight. You may also want to consider planting it in a container, as this allows you to move it around if you feel like it is not growing well.
    4. Choose a seed that has already sprouted. Cilantro is a biennial plant and will only sprout once every two years. It should be planted in spring or fall, depending on where you live. If you have seeds already sprouted, make sure that they are in a warm place where there is air movement. Remove any old leaves and dirt from the seedlings. You do not want the cilantro to be dirty.
    5. When you are ready to plant your cilantro, take the pot outside and fill it with the soil and water. You should keep the soil moist, but not so wet that it will start to rot.
    6. As the cilantro grows, it will begin to produce new leaves. Your cilantro will be ready for harvest in about two weeks.
    7. Harvest your cilantro by cutting the leaves at 1 1/2 inches long. When you have cut all of the cilantro, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects. You can dry your cilantro by hanging it up to dry and it will be ready to use after three weeks.
    8. Cilantro is a great addition to soups, salads, tacos, and rice dishes. Cilantro is also used as a herb for tea. You can make a cilantro tea by adding one tablespoon of cilantro leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let the leaves steep for 10 minutes, then strain the leaves out of the water.

    Why Grow Cilantro In A Pot?

    There are a number of ways for planting cilantro in a pot.  Cilantro is a member of the mint family. Some people grow it in pots, others on trellises or on stakes, and some grow it in a hanging basket. We decided to grow cilantro in a pot because it provides a safer place to grow compared to growing in the garden.

    Tips For Growing Healthy Cilantro In A Pot

    • If you want to grow cilantro indoors, you will need a pot with drainage holes.
    • You can add fish fertilizer or use water-soluble fertilizer to feed your plants.
    • You can plant seeds directly in the soil or you can transplant seedlings from a nursery.
    • When you’re ready to plant seeds, put them in a small dish of water and let them sit until they are germinated. This could take anywhere from 1-2 days.
    • Once you have a few seedlings, transfer them into the soil. Be sure to keep the soil damp as you do this.
    • To make sure your plants stay healthy, water them regularly. Water every day, but only when the soil feels dry, and keep an eye out for pests.
    • Cilantro is a herb and is not fussy about temperature. You can grow it inside or outside in the summer months.
    • Keep your cilantro well away from other plants. If you have a greenhouse, keep your cilantro on the top shelf.

    To harvest your cilantro, pull the leaves from the stem and store them in a glass jar with a lid. It’s best to use fresh cilantro right away.

    Tips To Growing Healthy Cilantro In A Pot

    In Summary Of Planting Cilantro In A Pot

    Planting cilantro in a pot should be easy and quick. It is recommended to plant cilantro seeds in small pots. You may want to choose small pots with a diameter of eight cm or more. The height of the pot should be at least 18-20 cm.

    The pot should contain enough soil for cilantro to grow well. Water the pot well before you plant it. When planting cilantro, you can use most types of soil.

    Cilantro seedlings will grow very fast. You can plant cilantro seeds at the beginning of April, as long as the last frost has already occurred.

    Cilantro plants need a lot of water for the first two weeks. However, after that, they only need to be watered 1-2 times per week. Cilantro plants need fertilizers in the beginning and middle of their growth period.

    When planting cilantro in a pot, you should use ¼ cup of nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) for every 25 square feet of growing area. Cilantro plants should be fertilized one to two times per growing season.

    FAQ’s

    Does cilantro grow well in pots?

    Yes, it grows very well and will do best in a larger pot with ample water.  Remember, too much water will cause it to rot and die. 

    How many cilantro plants can I grow in a pot?

    You can plant as many as you want depending on the size of your pot.  The larger the pot, the more cilantro plants you can grow. 

    Does cilantro need sun or shade?

    Cilantro does not need sun but it needs good light.  It will grow well in a bright window sill if you are careful about keeping the soil moist.  When growing it outdoors, select a site hat does not receive direct sun rather choose one that has partial sun and shade. 

    How to grow cilantro in a pot?

    Cilantro is a tropical herb. It needs a warm temperature and lots of water.  You can grow it indoors or outside in pots.  It is easy to grow. You only need to water once or twice a week and it is ready for harvest after six weeks.