Category: Tips & Guides

  • Tomatoes High or Low Humidity: How Best to Store

    Tomatoes High or Low Humidity: How Best to Store

    Should you store tomatoes in high or low humidity in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life, or where is the right place to keep them?

    There is no joy like going to the farmers market or the grocery store and shopping for your week or months-long groceries. However, before you spend a ton of money on these expensive fruits and vegetables, be sure you know how to them fresh for the longest.

    Let’s learn the proper humidity of vegetables that will enable us to store our fresh produce in the right place in the refrigerator.

    The Refrigerator

    A refrigerator has many compartments to store different kinds of foods. The two drawers in the bottom of your refrigerator are called crisper drawers, and they preserve your vegetables. If you want your vegetables and fruits to last long, it matters where you put them.

    Most vegetables should go into the high humidity drawer, while most fruits should go into the low humidity.  Of course, there are some exceptions to this, so let’s look into it.

    The Refrigerator

    Some crisper drawers are labeled fruit and vegetable making it easy to know where to keep your supplies. You can adjust the humidity level of the drawer by moving the slider. The high setting allows the slider to close the window and hold more air and moisture inside. At the same time, a low humidity setting allows the slider to open the window, letting in more air out of the drawer.

    So Why Does it Matter: Vegetables Low or High Humidity?

    It matters because of ethylene. Ethylene is a plant hormone available in fruits and vegetables. Lots of fruits and vegetables release this hormone as a sign for fruit vegetables to ripen.

    Not all vegetables respond to Ethylene the same. For susceptible vegetables, this gas makes them get over-ripe and go bad very fast. For example, suppose you trap an ethylene-sensitive vegetable like lettuce inside a high-humidity drawer when it’s closed with an ethylene-producing fruit like an apple; in that case, the lettuce will go bad fast.

    Now you know why your veggies have been going bad too fast. It’s because you mixed them with the wrong vegetables and fruits, and kept the drawer closed.

    However, opening the little window in the drawer to make it a low-humidity drawer is enough to let the Ethylene out. The rest of the refrigerator is big enough to dilute this gas for a limited effect on the rest of the produce in the refrigerator. Ethylene is a plant hormone and does not affect people at all.

    So Do You Store Tomatoes in High or Low Humidity?

    That said, what should you store in a low-humidity-open window drawer? Fruits and vegetables that produce Ethylene should be stored there. These include apples, tomatoes, avocadoes, citrus fruit, kiwi fruit, blueberries, green onions, melons, okra, peaches, mushrooms, nectarines, plums, grapes, and pears.

    What about the high-humidity closed window drawer? In this drawer, you should store fruits and vegetables that are sensitive to the effects of ethylene. They include – zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers, leafy greens, green beans, lettuce, peppers, peas, spinach, and summer squash.

    The humidity settings on both of these drawers work best when the drawers are 2/3 full. Ensure that you do not stock up on these drawers too full.

    Now to answer the question, should you store tomatoes in high or low humidity? If you have to keep them in the refrigerator, store them in low humidity with an open window. However, the best way to store them is out at the counter.

    The Best Way to Store Your Produce 

    It is best to store your produce in the packaging you bought them in. If you need to change it, loosely wrap it in paper or perforated plastic bags. Allow your produce to breathe. This allows the ethylene gas to escape, keeping away any extra moisture from getting trapped inside. Extra moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria and can make your produce go bad fast.

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    There are plastic vented containers that you can buy to help you store your produce in better condition. They help keep your fruits and vegetables in a healthy state, away from any danger of rot. They have a tray that collects the water sitting in a puddle of water, and the lid is invented to let the Ethylene out. These two qualities keep your produce fresh.

    Is Everything Else Stored in the Refrigerator?

    Please note, not everything belongs in the refrigerator! Some fruits and veggies will do best when left on the counter. And the best thing is the more you see them, the much you are bound to eat them.

    Bananas and tomatoes are some of the food that should never go into the refrigerator. The refrigeration temperatures keep bananas from getting any riper and sweeter. Tomatoes will get a mealy texture and lose their natural flavor when refrigerated. Keeping your tomatoes out of the compressed humidity helps them last longer.

    Citrus fruits can also be stored at room temperature on the counter for 7-10 days. If they are refrigerated, they pick up some odors from the refrigerator.

    Melons, summer squash, cucumber, eggplant, and zucchini all do better on the counter at room temperature. Once melons ripen, consume them within 7 days. The vegetables can only last a couple of days on the counter, so use them as soon as you can.

    Is Everything Else Stored In The Refrigerator

    Some fruits and vegetables even ripen better if you leave them on the counter. If you are not ready to eat them when they get ripe, you can now put them in the refrigerator to extend them a few days. Fruits like avocados, apples, kiwis, peaches, nectarines, pears, and plums all fall into this category.

    Once you cut your fruit and vegetables, all the remaining pieces should be refrigerated and used within 2 to 4 days.

    Best Humidity for Vegetable Drawer

    You may be wondering what the humidity should be for your vegetable dray. Well, the truth is, the refrigerator vegetable drawer humidity setting all depends on which fruit and vegetables you’re storing. For example, some prefer high humidity, while others prefer low.

    Generally, it’s best to keep your drawer at low humidity. This is to stop the food from perishing too quickly. If your food is prone to rotting quickly, opt for low humidity. If your food is prone to wilting quickly, opt for high humidity. Let’s take a closer look at some examples.

    Some foods that should be kept in a high-humidity drawer are as follows:

    • strawberries
    • watermelon
    • asparagus
    • eggplant
    • green beans
    • okra
    • peas
    • cucumber
    • lettuce (and other leafy greens)
    • peppers
    • cauliflower
    • broccoli
    • carrots
    • Brussels
    • herbs

    Some foods that should be kept in a low-humidity drawer are as follows:

    • peaches
    • pears
    • plums
    • avocado
    • bananas
    • figs
    • mangoes
    • melons
    • apples
    • papayas
    • kiwis

    What Should the Humidity of Refrigerator Be?

    You may be curious as to what the humidity of your refrigerator should be. It may surprise you that many factors can affect the humidity of your fridge, which is why you should be careful where you store certain foods. For example, foods that are prone to wilting should be kept in a high-humidity drawer. Whereas foods that are prone to rotting quickly should be kept in a low-humidity drawer.

    The humidity can change when:

    • You open your fridge. If you leave your fridge open for more than a few seconds, warm air will enter the fridge and even when closed, the humidity will have risen dramatically.
    • Contents. This is why it’s recommended to allow food to come to room temperature before you place it in the fridge. If you place hot food into the fridge, the humidity will rise dramatically.

    All you need to know is the best places to store certain foods; at either high or low humidity. The temperature of your refrigerator often changes slightly throughout the day, so there is no set humidity in your fridge should be.

    tomatoes stored in the refrigerator

    Humidity Control in Fridge for Vegetables

    You may be curious about how to control the humidity in your fridge for foods like fruits and vegetables. The best way is to use the zones in your fridge correctly. For example, foods prone to perishing quickly such as plums and pears should be kept in low humidity. Whereas foods prone to wilting, such as asparagus, need to keep in high humidity.

    You should also only leave your fridge open for very short bursts of time, and never place hot food directly into the fridge. Both of these will help to control the humidity in the fridge.

    Should Tomatoes Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

    It is not recommended to store tomatoes in the refrigerator, but that’s not to say you can’t if you want to. It’s not recommended because it can alter both the flavor and texture – and not for the better! However, if you opened your tomatoes, or chopped them pre-emptively, you should keep them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for best results.

    Conclusion: Tomatoes High or Low Humidity?

    It is essential to learn the nitty-gritty of every sector of life, and learning about high or low humidity for veggies is part of our daily life. The last thing we want is for you to spend all the money shopping only to lose half of the stuff you bought because you stored them in the wrong place.

    Remember always to keep your refrigerator clean and well-stocked for that quick dinner when you are running late from work. Besides, appreciate your counter and pantry where you also store other types of foods. Keep your potatoes in the pantry in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question of whether it’s best to keep tomatoes in high or low humidity. If you have any tips or tricks when it comes to storing tomatoes, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    What is the best way to store tomatoes?

    The best way to store tomatoes is in a cool, dark place. Tomatoes are sensitive to light and heat. So what you should do is store them in an open window drawer that has low humidity.

    However, the answer to this question depends on your needs and goals. If you just want to store tomatoes for a few days, there are several ways that can work. I have found the easiest way is to simply put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will keep them safe and preserve their flavor. If you want to store tomatoes for longer periods of time, then you will need to use something different.

    Generally speaking, a refrigerator is not a very good place for storing tomatoes. They will shrivel and lose flavor if left at room temperature.

    The first thing I do with any produce is cut it into slices.

    Then I place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I then cover the whole thing with a plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. This helps keep the produce from drying out and keeps it fresh for longer.

    How does the ripening process work?

    When the tomato is ripe it releases a chemical into the pod. This chemical causes the pod to ripen. It also allows the fruit to be eaten. This process is called “ripening” or “de-greening.” The skin of the tomato is made up of two layers, the exocarp and the endocarp. The exocarp is the outermost layer of the fruit. The endocarp is the innermost layer. The exocarp is what you see when you pick up the tomato. It is the part that has been cut off from the stem. The endocarp is the part that is left on the stem. It is the part that is used in canning. It is important to note that both layers are edible.

    This is the best way I’ve found to keep my tomatoes from turning green. The idea is to keep them in the refrigerator. As long as they are kept cool and out of direct sunlight, they should remain fresh for a week or two.

    What’s a good alternative to canning them?

    If you don’t want to can them, your best bet is to freeze them.

    You’ll want to let them thaw out first, then place them in the fridge. This should keep them from getting moldy.

  • What Do Bluegill Eat: Best Diet to Follow & Facts

    What Do Bluegill Eat: Best Diet to Follow & Facts

    Do you have bluegill in your aquarium and you’re wondering what do bluegill eat? We will let you know in this post.

    Generally, various fish needs special care no matter the type of fish you choose to raise. It is pretty easy to care for various fish, especially the bluegill, as they require you to provide them basic care such as clean water, good space, as well as fish feed.

    Bluegill fish will feed on a whole lot of things, so read on to discover what do bluegill eat. 

    Facts About Bluegill Fish

    Bluegill fish are long-bodied freshwater sunfish. They are native to North America and they dwell mostly in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Bluegill fish are one common loving fish raised among aquarium hobbyists.

    They are quite friendly fish to have in your home aquarium and they possess some fascinating habits you would love to witness. Habits like doing hide and seek from predators by taking cover at the back of any covering or shield in your aquarium.

    Info About Bluegill Fish: What To Feed Bluegill In An Aquarium

    They can grow up to 2kg to 2.5 kg in weight. Bluegill can also grow as long as 12 inches or more. They can live up to 4 or 6 years.

    Read more about How to Raise Catfish in A Tank

    What Do Bluegill Eat?

    Bluegill fish are carnivores. This implies they are capable of feeding on other little types of fish or small animals. So, here is what you can feed your bluegill fish in your aquarium:

    1.    Minnows

    One common little fish to feed your bluefish is a minnow. Minnows are normally dropped around feeding time in the aquarium and the bluegill fish goes hunting them. You can trim the minnow’s tail and not worry about shedding blood in your aquarium. Trimming is done so they won’t be able to swim and it will be easier for your bluegill fish to catch and feed on them.

    2.    Shiner fish

    Shiner fishes are little fish you can feed your bluegill with. Their size is about 2 to 3 inches which makes them perfect for feeding matured bluegill fish. You can purchase them from bait shops and they are also used as bait for capturing bluegill fish in the wild.

    3.    Shad fish

    Shad fish are tiny and they can be fed to bluegill fish. Although they might be scarce to find, they can be added to the list of food to feed bluegill.

    4.    Baitfish

    The baitfish are primarily used in the wild for catching bluegill fish from their natural habitat. Bluegill enjoys feeding on baitfish; especially the bigger-sized bluegill fish. Most bluegill keepers prefer feeding them with baitfish because they are readily available in pet shops. They are also not so pricey.

    5.    Suckerfish

    Little fish like the sucker is also included in the food for your bluegill fish. This slender cylindrical-bodied fish is one of the bluegill favorites and they will enjoy feeding on these little fishes.

    6.    Larvae & insects

    Larvae and insects are not left out of the various kinds of food you can feed your bluegill. As we mentioned earlier, bluegill fish feast on little animals such as larvae and insects. Examples are crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms. If you wish to lure bluegill to the surface in their wild natural habitat, insects are best used as bait.

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    7.    Water insects

    Another food you can feed your bluegill is water insects they are rich in nutrients for your fish. They will feed on insect larvae, mosquito larvae, any eggs laid in water, and even water bugs.

    8.    Crustacean

    Crustaceans such as small freshwater shrimps and small crayfish are not left out of food to feed your bluegill fish. They can be purchased easily from fish or feed shops.

    9.    Zooplankton

    It is the young bluegill fish that mostly feed on zooplankton and this also supplies them with adequate nutrients to grow.

    10. Fish pellets & dried worms

    Bluegill fish will also feed on dried worms and fish pellets. They are cheap and available in fish or feed shops.

    Other bluegill foods you can also add to your fish feed are terrestrial insects and water insects.

    Stocking Density for Bluegill in an Aquarium

    Bluegill fish requires adequate spacing. Therefore, they can take up to 50 to 70 gallons of water. The required pH should fall around 6.8 to 7.2. Bluegill fish can also live along with tank mates of other species of fish. 

    Stocking Density For Bluegill In An Aquarium

    Additional Note: What to Feed Bluegill in an Aquarium

    When feeding your aquarium bluegill, you will need to monitor them. You should feed them during the day and the feeding session should be short (about 15 seconds). Also. try not to overfeed them as this could lead to your tank being polluted. Remove any leftover food and readjust the feeding portion the next time.

    What to Feed Baby Bluegill?

    You may be wondering what the best food is to feed your baby bluegills. Let’s take a closer look at what you should include in their diet. Bluegills eat both other animals and plants. You can expect them to enjoy foods such as plants, insects, and other small fish or insects.

    You may want to consider adding the following to your tank for your bluegills: bloodworms and baby brine shrimp. They’ll also enjoy fish flakes, pellets, or even frozen food such as krill. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, fish flakes are a great starting point. However, you must offer other foods to ensure they’re getting a balanced diet.

    When Do Bluegill Spawn?

    You may be curious as to when bluegill spawns. This usually takes place in June, but it can happen anytime from May to August. You should ensure that have you your gravel in the tank so that the bluegills can make a nest. It’s also important to keep the temperature of the aquarium between 68-80F.

    How Fast Does Bluegill Grow?

    How quickly bluegills grow depends on a variety of aspects. Such as the type of bluegill, how healthy and active they are, and also the size of the area they’re kept in. However, some estimations can be made. Bluegills can take up to five years before they’ve fully matured. However, if they’re in a large area of water, they may not stop growing!

    After around a year, it should be around 4-6 inches in length. After two years of age, it should be around 6-8 inches in length. After three years of age, it should be around 8-8.8 inches in length. After four years of age, it should be around 8.8-9.4 inches in length. After five years of age, it should be around 10 inches in length.

    Typically, in the wild, bluegill lives for around 5-6 years. However, their lifespan can double if they’re kept in captivity. It’s also worth noting that where the growing season is longer, due to warmer weather, bluegill will grow more quickly.

    Bluegill Temperature Range

    Bluegill fish are tolerant to many temperatures, which is why they’re a great fish to have. They can tolerate temperatures as high as 95F! However, for your bluegills to thrive and grow to a good, healthy size, the tank should be kept between 68-80F, for best results.

    blugill fish

    Do Hybrid Bluegill Reproduce?

    You may have heard that the hybrid bluegill can not reproduce. However, this is not the case! While it’s more often for them to be sterile than not, they can sometimes still reproduce. What’s most interesting about when hybrid bluegills reproduce is that the offspring will be one of two species: the bluegill, or green sunfish.

    Conclusion: What Do Bluegill Eat?

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question “what do bluegill eat?” and given you an idea of what diet is best to ensure your bluegill fish are thriving. Do you have any tips and tricks when it comes to supplying your bluegill with the best diet? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    What do Bluegill fish eat?

    The diet of a fish can be a very important part of its life. Some fish are carnivores; others are omnivores; and some are herbivores. In addition to the food they eat, the diet of each fish species is affected by the type of water it lives in and its size. The food in a fish’s diet may change throughout its life. For example, when a fish reaches sexual maturity, it may begin eating a different diet than it did before that time.

    A bluegill’s diet is based on the foods that are found in a natural environment.

    The food of choice for bluegills in an aquarium is a mix of pellets and live foods, according to the University of Michigan. Pellets are made up of ground fish meal, fish oil, corn and other ingredients that help grow the fish, while live foods include small invertebrates like shrimp, mosquito larvae and daphnia. Live foods may also be available as frozen or canned items.

    They will eat any pellet food available, and they are not picky about what kind of food they eat. Pellets are also easier to handle for the fish than flakes. Flake food is more expensive than pellets and has a longer shelf life. You can get the same nutrients in a smaller amount from pellets.

    Do they eat a lot?

    Yes they do, and you should definitely consider feeding them a pretty broad diet so the they may get all the nutrients that they need.

    They are a bit like a catfish in that they have a very strong, aggressive bite.

    If you don’t want them to die, try feeding them meat chunks (cat, dog, rabbit, etc). A popular food for them in tanks are frozen bloodworms.

    What are the best kind of pellets for them?

    The most commonly recommended food for bluegills in an aquarium is the algae-based “semi-pellet” diet, which contains protein, vitamins and minerals. Other foods include small pieces of shrimp or other crustaceans and live plants. Bluegills are bottom-feeding fish that eat primarily algae, insects and other plant material.

    Can they feed alongside other fish?

    They can be kept with other types of fish such as catfish and sunfish. Diet Bluegills feed on microalgae (sometimes called “semi-pellets”) and small organisms such as worms, insect larvae, mollusks, and detritus. These organisms are found in the water column. Bluegills also eat zooplankton, the microscopic animals that drift through the water. Bluegills are omnivorous. They will eat both plant and animal matter. The preferred food is a diet of live algae and detritus (decaying plant and animal matter) found in the bottom of an aquarium.

  • Round Cucumber: 4 Top Reasons Why This is Happening

    Round Cucumber: 4 Top Reasons Why This is Happening

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

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

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

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

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

    Round Cucumber Varieties

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

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

    Round Cucumber Varieties

    Why Are Your Cucumbers Round?

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

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

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

    1.    Shortage of nutrients

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

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

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

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

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    2.    Lack of water 

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

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

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

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

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    3.    The environment of the plants

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

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

    The Environment Of The Plants

    4.    Poor pollination – Why are my cucumbers round?

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

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

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

    Tips for Growing Better and Healthy Cucumbers

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

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

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

    Types of Round Cucumber

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

    Lemon cucumber

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

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

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

    Apple crystal cucumber 

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

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

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

    Mandurian round cucumber

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

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

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

    Mandurian round cucumber

    Maroon cucumber

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

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

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

    Cucamelon

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

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

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

    Conclusion: Round Cucumbers

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

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

    FAQs

    Are round cucumber edible

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

    What causes curved cucumber

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

    Why are my cucumbers yellow and round

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

  • How Often Should I Use Molasses on My Plants?

    How Often Should I Use Molasses on My Plants?

    As someone who’s been growing his own plants, I can say that one of the most beneficial nutrients I gave my crops is sugar. I know it might sound weird; after all, sugar is deemed unhealthy for people. However, the same can’t be said for plants. 

    For them, sugar can act as a valuable source of nutrients and energy, thereby boosting the overall quantity and quality of your harvest. In this article, we’re going to answer the question: how often should I use molasses on my plants?  

    When Should I Add Molasses to My Plants?

    When plants start to mature and bloom, they will need more carbohydrates than they can produce. While molasses can be beneficial for plants throughout their entire life cycle, it is best if you add it during your plants’ transition from their vegetative to the blooming stage. The reason is that it is during these stages that their sugar need is at their highest.

    With the extra carbohydrates found in molasses, you can give your plants a major boost and help them produce more flowers than usual.

    However, before you even grab your bottle of molasses and start pouring it on your plants, here are a few things you should know first.

    When’s the Perfect Time to Add Molasses to Your Plants?

    What is Molasses?

    Molasses is basically the by-product of sugar beets or sugar cane and is extracted from the said crops to collect a highly viscous liquid. Despite being a by-product, it is actually rich in essential vitamins and minerals. This explains why molasses can be used to provide plants with the nutrients they need as well.

    Using Molasses for Gardening

    Using molasses for growing plants is actually something that has been put into practice for quite some time already. Since it contains a lot of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and lots of micronutrients, you can use them to provide your plants with a quick source of energy. Apart from that, it can also encourage the growth of microorganisms to help your plants grow.

    The key minerals which make molasses healthy for people can be beneficial for plants as well. For instance, calcium and potassium play an important role during a plant’s budding and flowering stages. What makes it even better is the fact that molasses can act as a natural “chelating” agent, thereby binding nutrients so they can be absorbed by the plants.

    When molasses are combined with organic fertilizers, you can create food that is used by the healthy microbes found in the soil. The higher the number of healthy microbes, the healthier your plants will get.

    When’s the Perfect Time to Add Molasses to Your Plants

    Benefits of Using Molasses on Plants

    Earlier, we talked about molasses being beneficial for plants. However, how exactly is it good for them? To learn more about it, here are the benefits of molasses on plants worth noting: 

    • It comes with a high carbohydrate content

    Due to molasses being a by-product of the sugar refining process, it is packed with carbohydrates which serve as an instant food source for healthy microbes in the soil. By regularly feeding the soil, they will be able to support more beneficial microbes. This, in turn, will provide the plants with more nutrients that are essential for optimal health and growth.

    • It contains trace minerals

    Another important benefit of molasses is that it contains a good amount of trace minerals which are essential for your plant’s growth. These trace minerals come in the form of calcium, iron, potassium, and sulfur which are all helpful in keeping your plants healthy.

    • It can act as a chelating agent

    As mentioned earlier, molasses can act as a chelating agent. This is important since some nutrients are “locked” in the soil, thereby making it hard, even impossible, for plants to absorb. Molasses binds these “locked” nutrients through the process known as chelation. 

    As a result, molasses will “unlock” those nutrients, making them easy to absorb for the plants.

    How to Apply It to Your Plants

    Now that you’ve known when you should apply molasses to your plants, the next step is to apply it. Before you do so, do keep in mind that adding molasses into your plant’s feeding cycle is most effective when you combine it with an organic fertilizer. This is because adding molasses will help make all of the fertilizer’s nutrients readily absorbable by your plants.

    If you prefer a more DIY approach, you can use blackstrap molasses, particularly the unsulfured type. Once you have it, add it to your fertilizer at around 1/4 cup per gallon. Although you might have heard of some people mentioning that you should spray the solution directly on your plants, the problem is that the residue can end up attracting pests to your grow room.

    You can get the most benefits of molasses in your nutrient solution if you use a soil-based system for your plants. However, it can work on hydroponic systems as well. Just make sure to check its pH before you give it since the sugars will make it acidic

    Once your plants are nearing the end of their growing cycle (particularly two to three weeks prior), stop giving them molasses and fertilizers. Instead, you should give them water to “flush” out all those unused nutrients.

    If there are still leftover molasses, you can combine it with water at one cup per gallon and then pour it into your compost pile. This way, it can stimulate healthy microbes in there too.

    How Often Should I Use Molasses on My Plants?

    The reason you’re likely reading this article is to find out how often you should use molasses on your plants. It’s best to use a small amount on individual plants every two weeks or so. While you may be tempted to apply more often, it’s important not to do so. This is because it can even cause damage to your plants, such as causing an imbalance in the pH of the soil.

    Should You Use Molasses for Tomatoes?

    Molasses can be used for many reasons, including to help your tomatoes. As well as aiding the tomatoes in growth and energy, molasses have also been known to make your tomatoes taste even sweeter too! However, it all comes down to the gardener as to whether they think molasses are suited to their tomato plants.

    If you add molasses to your tomatoes, it’s important to add the molasses to water first. This creates a diluted mixture so that you don’t overwhelm your tomato plants. Once diluted, you can either choose to spray or pour it onto your plants. Use once every two weeks in the mornings, for best results.

    Should I Use Unsulfured Molasses for Plants?

    Yes. It is important to use unsulfured molasses for your plants. If it’s not labeled whether the molasses are sulfur or unsulfured, they are likely unsulfured. This simply means that it’s concentrated and pure sugarcane. However, if they’re sulfured, it means that sulfur dioxide has been added. Unsulfured molasses are then added to your plant directly or can be added to compost tea or liquid fertilizers.

    Should You Use Organic Molasses for Plants?

    You may be curious as to whether you should use organic molasses for your plants. And it’s encouraged to use organic blackstrap molasses. We’ve already established that unsulfured molasses are the best choice, and when molasses are unsulfured, they can be classed as organic. This is because they’re free from any chemicals or additives.

    Does Molasses Fatten Up Buds?

    You may be curious as to whether molasses can fatten up your buds. The answer is: absolutely! Much like a human eating sugary foods to help put weight on – the same could be said for your plant buds. Another reason is that it contains potassium. Potassium is known to encourage fast and healthy growth. If you’re looking for fat buds, molasses is the miracle ingredient you’re looking for!

    How to Apply Molasses

    Applying molasses to your plants is super easy to do. Before you begin, you should dilute your molasses, rather than directly adding it to your plants. For every gallon of water, add around one cup of molasses. Mix well and then add to a sprayer or pour onto your soil. Another method you can use for veggies is to mix around 1/4 cup of unsulfured molasses, 1 cup of milk, and 4 cups of water. Mix well and add to a sprayer.

    Whichever method you use, you should not apply it to your plants more than once every two weeks or so. Remember, using molasses too often to feed your plants can cause damage and cause a pH imbalance in the soil.

    molasses for plants

    Conclusion: How Often Should I Use Molasses on My Plants?

    Apart from giving plants a major boost, molasses is also capable of warding off pests, thereby making your garden pest-free. Based on experience, I was able to enjoy healthy plants by adding molasses to my fertilizer solution.

    If you haven’t tried doing it yet, then now is the time to do so. I personally use the organic blackstrap molasses from Plantation, and so far, the results were impressive. 

    How about you? Have you tried applying molasses to your plants? If so, what were the results so far? Please leave a comment below. As always, thanks for reading!

    FAQs

    How do you apply molasses to plants?

    ou use molasses as a mulch, spread it around your plants. The amount you put on the plants will depend on how much of a mulch you want. If you are using more than an inch or so, then you can spread it on top of the soil or mix it into the top inch or so of soil.

    When should I start planting molasses?

    Molasses is a great way to provide nutrition for your plants and is an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. I started using molasses around five years ago and planted it right after I finished my first season of growing.

    It worked well and I started using molasses for everything I grow. Now I’m on to my second season of growing and I’m thinking about planting molasses in my garden next year. Molasses contains a high amount of sugar so it’s best used in combination with other nutrients. I’ve found that it can be very effective when used as a foliar spray. It can also be used as a soil drench. I’ve found that molasses is very effective when used in combination with kelp, fish emulsion or blood meal.

    What plants benefit from molasses?

    Plants that benefit from molasses include both those that have a preference for the sugar in molasses and others that grow better with it. The best known and most commonly used of these is sugar beet. Molasses is also used to feed pigs, chickens, horses and cattle. It is also used as a fuel for heating and cooking and for making soap.

    Molasses is made by pressing or boiling the juice of sugar cane. It can be made from a mixture of sugar cane and sugar beet, but sugar cane is preferred because it has a higher sugar content than sugar beet.

    How should I use molasses on my plants?

    Molasses is a great plant food, and it has been used by gardeners for centuries. It’s been used as a feed for animals, as well as being an additive in the home for making bread and baked goods. It is rich in nutrients that are readily available to your plants, including calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, sulfur and iron.

    The only downside is that molasses is sticky and can be hard to get out of your soil after application. You can apply it directly to your plants or mix it into a water-soluble fertilizer such as Fish emulsion or Liquid Fertilizer. You can also add molasses to your compost or use it as a mulch.

    Does molasses lower pH?

    Yes, it can. Molasses is a byproduct of the sugar industry. It’s a thick, dark brown syrup that contains about 40% sucrose. Sugar cane has been around for a long time and has been refined to make many products including molasses. Molasses is acidic, but it doesn’t seem to be as acidic as vinegar or citric acid.

  • Does Salt Kill Termites: Best Way to Prevent Pests

    Does Salt Kill Termites: Best Way to Prevent Pests

    So you have a termite problem, and are wondering does salt kill termites? What can one use to treat this problem?

    Termites are such a nuisance for gardeners as they naturally occur in soils. If you find termites in the garden, it means they have found a good source of food. Termites feed on cellulose that exists in either wood or plant remains.

    Termites tend to stay hidden first before spreading especially in an outdoor setting. It’s very hard to spot termites when they are in the larvae stage. However, once they grow, they are attracted to the light and become active in your garden.

    Termites can be detrimental to wood structures, that’s why it’s best to destroy them. So does salt kill termites? Let’s learn all about it.

    Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?

    Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used in a hundred ways around your home and garden. Many gardeners swear by this inexpensive product, however, personal opinions can be mixed.

    Epsom is used in various ways and one of them is to kill termites. This falls in the category of using Epsom as an insect solution. Here are a few ways you can use Epsom salt to kill termites.

    Epsom Salt Kill Termites

    As a Mixture. Mix about 240ml of Epsom salt and 5 gallons of water and spray this where you have termites and any other destructive insects. Spray a good amount of this mixture several times in case some insects are too stubborn to die. In the case of termites, spray repeatedly so you can destroy the larvae too. This product not only kills insects but it deters them from your home and garden.

    As Dry Epsom Salt. Sprinkling dry Epsom salt in areas where you notice termites or slugs is an effective measure. Epsom salt is known for its effect on insects by drying them up to the point of death. You can use the dry Epsom salt around your young seedlings to keep insects away from them. As a bonus, your seedlings benefit from a boost of magnesium and sulfur.

    Click here to get info about:

    How Else Can You Kill Termites?

    1. By keeping the moisture levels under control

    Termites are attracted to damp places. If you are a homeowner, you need to keep watch on damp areas or wood around your yard. This can become an ideal breeding ground for termites.

    In any place where moisture collects, termites will breed there in large numbers. Be sure to remove all such breeding grounds and if it proves impossible, pour a generous amount of Epsom salts in the moist areas to eliminate termites.

    Remove every item that causes the ground to be too moist, especially if you live in areas that have a high likelihood of breeding termites. Keep an eye on areas that are pooling water across your garden and yard.

    BioLogic Scanmask Steinernema feltiae (Sf) Beneficial Nematodes for Natural Insect Pest Control, 5 Million Size

    Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites

    2. Use nematodes to kill termites

    Nematodes are naturally occurring roundworms and they can kill termites. They are an effective natural insecticide because of their gut bacterium. Once a nematode enters a termite’s body, it releases bacteria that start to slowly kill it.

    Nematodes are easy to find because they live in a variety of habitats. They do not cause any harm to plants, pets, or humans thus a very organic way to deal with termites. When you introduce nematodes to your garden, they will serve you for a lifetime because they will continue to multiply while keeping the termites at bay. They breed very fast and can start as fast as the first 24 to 48 hours after they are first released. Even if you are facing a huge termite threat, nematodes can kill a ton of termites and other household insects within a very short time.

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    3. Go for boric acid

    Boric acid is available in powder form and is one of the best ways to eliminate destructive insects. This acid once ingested, complicates termites or any other insect’s digestive system eventually leading to death. This will take about 3 to 7 days for the acid to work in the insects.

    Boric acid is also friendly and less toxic compared to other acids. To use it, prepare a simple concoction of boric acid powder, sugar, and water to attract the termites. Be sure to use a dust mask and goggles when preparing this mixture. The termites will start moving the boric acid back to their colony and start to die off. Add this mixture for 3 to 5 days until you cannot see any termites left.

    How Does Salt Kill Termites?

    You may be wondering how salt kills termites, and it’s pretty simple really. Salt works as dehydration for termites. If you’re familiar with termites, you’ll know that to thrive, they need a moist environment. With salt acting as a dehydrator, this means that they will dry out and eventually die from lack of water and moisture.

    However, depending on the type of termite, it may not be as effective as other methods. For example, if you have dry or damp wood termites, it won’t work as well, and you may need another solution.

    Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?

    Yes. The reason Epsom salt kills termites is that it has a high level of magnesium and the magnesium will destroy the termites. What’s great about Epsom salt is that it isn’t harmful to plants or humans too; which isn’t the case for other types of pesticides.

    Will Epsom Salt Kill Nematodes?

    You may be curious as to whether Epsom salt kills nematodes. And the truth is, it isn’t known whether it kills them or not. As they can survive in so many environments, and some are good, while others are bad; it is simply not known. If you are concerned about a nematode infestation, try using a product that is made to eliminate nematodes, for best results.

    Does Epsom Salt Keep Bugs Away?

    So we’ve established that Epsom salt can kill bugs, but can they keep bugs away? The answer is…absolutely! It’s thought to both kill bugs and keep them away, which is why it’s such a great solution to use. Use around a cup of Epsom salt for every 5 gallons of water. Mix well, and then add using a sprayer.

    How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Termites?

    Permanently getting rid of termites can be a challenge. However, there are many ways you can do this. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Liquid barrier. This works to keep termites away, as well as exterminate any that are already there. What’s great about this method is that you can use it inside and outside of your home.
    • Bait. If your termite problem is smaller, try using a small amount of poisoned bait. This is just as effective as the liquid method, but simply less radical.
    • Boric acid. This method works on termites, as well as other bugs. It will take around 3-7 days for your termites to be exterminated. This method is good if you’re looking for a less toxic method.
    • Diatomaceous earth. If you’re looking for a method that is 100% non-toxic and completely natural, this is the method for you. It’s a slightly slower way of killing termites, but they will eventually dry out and die.
    • Chemical treatment. We recommend only using this method outside, as it’s not ideal to have in your home. It’s also one of the easiest methods to obtain too.
    • Good nematodes. Another natural option is using good nematodes. This will only work if your termite problem is on the smaller side. These types of nematodes usually eat insects, like termites.

    What Does Salt Do to Termites?

    Salt simply dehydrates termites. They begin to dry out and then will eventually die from lack of moisture and water.

    What Scent Do Termites Hate?

    There are many scents that termites do not like. Some of these include:

    • cloves
    • tea tree oil
    • cinnamon
    • garlic
    • geranium
    • cedarwood

    salt kill termites

    Conclusion: Does Salt Kill Termites?

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question: does salt kill termites? Knowing the best way to eliminate termites will save you time and money. Avoid using over-the-counter insect spray or pine sleepers, or even relocation methods in fighting termites.

    Insect sprays are known to kill plants and not termites; some of the termites on the surface might be affected but the deeper problem is left untouched. If you have a big termite infestation, use Epsom salt or nematodes. These are some of the best methods you can trust.

    So next time someone asks you does Epsom salt kill termites, you know how to answer. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to eliminating termites? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Does Epsom salt keep bugs away?

    Epsom salt is able to keep different types of bugs away as it kills them slowly.  Epsom salt is friendly to use in the garden, in human life, and with your pets.

    What does salt do to termites?

    Epsom salt is effective on insects and termites alike.  Once fed, the insects and termites start to dry off to the point of death within a few days of ingestion.

    How do I permanently get rid of termites?

    Using Epsom salt for a good amount of time, it will eliminate even the larvae.  You can also use nematodes which is an organic way to destroy termites and other insects.

    What scent do termites hate?

    Termites love to eat a lot of plants and trees, however, it has been recorded that termites do not like the smell of cinnamon, cedarwood, geranium, tea tree oil, garlic buds, and gloves. Termites have an antenna to smell making it easy to choose their food source.

  • Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest: 8 Tasty Types

    Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest: 8 Tasty Types

    4.    Lunchbox Sweet Peppers

    Lunchbox sweet peppers plants tend to yield brightly colored miniature peppers. You can as well choose the color of fruit you want by harvesting them at different times.

    You can harvest them when they are green, yellow, or orange, or you can just wait for them to become red. They grow to an average length of 6 inches. Lunchbox sweet peppers are the perfect choice for gardens that have limited space or container gardens.

    These sweet peppers are great for making various dishes and they taste so great when they are fried.

    5.    Carmen Sweet Pepper

    Carmen sweet pepper is an elongated type of sweet pepper, about 6 inches long. It is an Italian bull’s horn pepper variety that tastes so great especially when fried. Carmen sweet pepper will also change from green to red as they mature.

    6.    Sweet Chocolate Sweet Pepper

    This type of bell pepper variety has its fruit colored like chocolate and it has a very sweet taste. During the early maturing stage of the sweet chocolate pepper, the fruit turns dark brown on the outside and deep red on the inside once they are fully matured.

    The sweet chocolate sweet pepper will work great in raw salads as well as roasted dishes.

    7.    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    The candy apple bell pepper is another great-tasting sweet pepper variety. It has a bulky mass fruit that is about 5 inches and it attains maturity in about 70 days.

    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    8.    Gourmet Sweet Pepper

    Gourmet sweet pepper is another bell pepper that is characterized by its thick wall and blocky shape. Its appearance is charming and it has bright orange skin and juicy flesh that has a sweet and fruity flavor. They are about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.

    When to Pick Carmen Italian Sweet Pepper?

    You may be curious as to when is best to pick the Carmen Italian sweet pepper. With this type of pepper, it’s best to wait until it’s a vibrant red color. The more vibrant the pepper is, the sweeter the taste will be. If you prefer your sweet peppers slightly less sweet, then you can pick them whilst they’re green and they’ll be completely safe to eat.

    Bell Pepper Cultivars

    There are many bell pepper cultivars that we haven’t yet taken a look at. Here are some other varieties of popular bell peppers, which, of course, will be sweet.

    • Antebellum. This is a type of bell pepper that is most often dark green. It takes around 73-75 days to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Bayonet. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to red. It takes a medium amount of time to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Blitz. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from light green to red. It takes around 70-75 to reach maturity, once it has been transplanted. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Garfield. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to orange in color. It grows best in the main growing season. It’s known for its bright orange color and its exceptionally large fruit. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Galileo. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from dark green to red. It takes around 70 days to reach maturity.

    Are Mini Sweet Peppers the Same as Bell Peppers?

    You may be wondering if the mini sweet peppers you see in grocery stores are the same as regular bell peppers. The simple answer is: no. The mini sweet peppers are, of course, significantly smaller in size. As well as the size difference, they are usually much sweeter and much more flavorful than bell peppers. However, just like bell peppers, they come in a range of colors and shapes.

    What Are Jingle Bell Peppers?

    You may have heard of Jingle Bell peppers, as they’re a popular cultivar for sweet bell peppers. They’re a fast grower and only take around 55 days until they reach maturity and are ready to harvest. These are small peppers that are vibrant red. They’re only around 2 inches in length and just 1.5 inches in width. You can harvest Jingle Bell peppers when they’re green, but they will not be as sweet as you’re likely wanting them to be.

    Nutrition of Red Bell Peppers

    You may be wondering what the nutrition is when it comes to the sweetest bell pepper. Each cup of chopped, raw, red bell pepper contains the following:

    • calories: 39
    • fat: 0.5g
    • sodium: 6mg
    • carbohydrates: 9g
    • fiber: 3.1g
    • sugar: 6.3g
    • protein: 1.5g
    • potassium: 315mg
    • vitamin c: 190mg

    As you can probably tell from the nutritional information, red bell peppers are bursting with both sweetness and goodness.

    bell pepper

    Final Say: Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest? 

    Bell peppers come in different colors such as green, yellow, orange, purple, red, and so on. These peppers can be picked early to derive colorful fruits. But once the majority of these bell peppers are left on the vine to mature, they tend to become red.

    So, when it comes to which bell pepper is the sweetest, we have concluded that the red bell pepper takes the lead. Do you have any other answer as to which bell pepper is the sweetest? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    How do you pick the sweetest bell pepper?

    This is a question I am often asked by friends and family when it comes to peppers. Most people are familiar with bell peppers, but not all know the difference between sweet and hot peppers. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Sweet peppers are typically available year round and can be found in most grocery stores. There are hundreds of varieties of sweet peppers available, including different colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are most commonly found in two categories: yellow and green. Yellow bell peppers are sweeter and milder than green bell peppers. They have a richer flavor and tend to be more tender. Green bell peppers, on the other hand, have a spicy flavor and tend to be crispier. They are generally more popular because they are easier to find in stores. Sweet Bell Peppers peak during the summer months. Some of my favorite sweet peppers include: Anaheims, Maui Kaimoas, Poblanos, and Serranos. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Which is sweeter yellow or orange bell pepper?

    There are so many choices: yellow, green, red, orange, purple, and striped.

    When it comes to the color of the bell pepper, people have a hard time choosing between these two. Yellow Bell Peppers are the ones that are considered to be the most sweet. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in Mexico. The flesh can be peeled easily and is usually crunchy.

    In addition to being sweet, yellow bell peppers are also high in vitamin A, C, and K. They are low in calories and fat, but have a moderate amount of sodium. Red Bell Pepper These red bell peppers are considered to be spicy. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in India.

    Which bell peppers are the best for cooking?

    When you buy bell peppers, you can find them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are round, some are long and skinny, some are shaped like stars, some have stripes, and some are heart-shaped. Some bell peppers are sweet, some are spicy, some are mild, and some are hot. The best way to figure out which bell peppers are the best for cooking is by looking at their size.

    For example, the “small green” bell peppers tend to be sweeter and milder than “large” peppers. I generally find that the smaller peppers have a longer cooking time. I’d also suggest using bell peppers that have been picked fresh from the garden – not ones that have been sitting around in the fridge for a long time.

     

    4.    Lunchbox Sweet Peppers

    Lunchbox sweet peppers plants tend to yield brightly colored miniature peppers. You can as well choose the color of fruit you want by harvesting them at different times.

    You can harvest them when they are green, yellow, or orange, or you can just wait for them to become red. They grow to an average length of 6 inches. Lunchbox sweet peppers are the perfect choice for gardens that have limited space or container gardens.

    These sweet peppers are great for making various dishes and they taste so great when they are fried.

    5.    Carmen Sweet Pepper

    Carmen sweet pepper is an elongated type of sweet pepper, about 6 inches long. It is an Italian bull’s horn pepper variety that tastes so great especially when fried. Carmen sweet pepper will also change from green to red as they mature.

    6.    Sweet Chocolate Sweet Pepper

    This type of bell pepper variety has its fruit colored like chocolate and it has a very sweet taste. During the early maturing stage of the sweet chocolate pepper, the fruit turns dark brown on the outside and deep red on the inside once they are fully matured.

    The sweet chocolate sweet pepper will work great in raw salads as well as roasted dishes.

    7.    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    The candy apple bell pepper is another great-tasting sweet pepper variety. It has a bulky mass fruit that is about 5 inches and it attains maturity in about 70 days.

    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    8.    Gourmet Sweet Pepper

    Gourmet sweet pepper is another bell pepper that is characterized by its thick wall and blocky shape. Its appearance is charming and it has bright orange skin and juicy flesh that has a sweet and fruity flavor. They are about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.

    When to Pick Carmen Italian Sweet Pepper?

    You may be curious as to when is best to pick the Carmen Italian sweet pepper. With this type of pepper, it’s best to wait until it’s a vibrant red color. The more vibrant the pepper is, the sweeter the taste will be. If you prefer your sweet peppers slightly less sweet, then you can pick them whilst they’re green and they’ll be completely safe to eat.

    Bell Pepper Cultivars

    There are many bell pepper cultivars that we haven’t yet taken a look at. Here are some other varieties of popular bell peppers, which, of course, will be sweet.

    • Antebellum. This is a type of bell pepper that is most often dark green. It takes around 73-75 days to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Bayonet. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to red. It takes a medium amount of time to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Blitz. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from light green to red. It takes around 70-75 to reach maturity, once it has been transplanted. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Garfield. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to orange in color. It grows best in the main growing season. It’s known for its bright orange color and its exceptionally large fruit. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Galileo. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from dark green to red. It takes around 70 days to reach maturity.

    Are Mini Sweet Peppers the Same as Bell Peppers?

    You may be wondering if the mini sweet peppers you see in grocery stores are the same as regular bell peppers. The simple answer is: no. The mini sweet peppers are, of course, significantly smaller in size. As well as the size difference, they are usually much sweeter and much more flavorful than bell peppers. However, just like bell peppers, they come in a range of colors and shapes.

    What Are Jingle Bell Peppers?

    You may have heard of Jingle Bell peppers, as they’re a popular cultivar for sweet bell peppers. They’re a fast grower and only take around 55 days until they reach maturity and are ready to harvest. These are small peppers that are vibrant red. They’re only around 2 inches in length and just 1.5 inches in width. You can harvest Jingle Bell peppers when they’re green, but they will not be as sweet as you’re likely wanting them to be.

    Nutrition of Red Bell Peppers

    You may be wondering what the nutrition is when it comes to the sweetest bell pepper. Each cup of chopped, raw, red bell pepper contains the following:

    • calories: 39
    • fat: 0.5g
    • sodium: 6mg
    • carbohydrates: 9g
    • fiber: 3.1g
    • sugar: 6.3g
    • protein: 1.5g
    • potassium: 315mg
    • vitamin c: 190mg

    As you can probably tell from the nutritional information, red bell peppers are bursting with both sweetness and goodness.

    bell pepper

    Final Say: Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest? 

    Bell peppers come in different colors such as green, yellow, orange, purple, red, and so on. These peppers can be picked early to derive colorful fruits. But once the majority of these bell peppers are left on the vine to mature, they tend to become red.

    So, when it comes to which bell pepper is the sweetest, we have concluded that the red bell pepper takes the lead. Do you have any other answer as to which bell pepper is the sweetest? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    How do you pick the sweetest bell pepper?

    This is a question I am often asked by friends and family when it comes to peppers. Most people are familiar with bell peppers, but not all know the difference between sweet and hot peppers. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Sweet peppers are typically available year round and can be found in most grocery stores. There are hundreds of varieties of sweet peppers available, including different colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are most commonly found in two categories: yellow and green. Yellow bell peppers are sweeter and milder than green bell peppers. They have a richer flavor and tend to be more tender. Green bell peppers, on the other hand, have a spicy flavor and tend to be crispier. They are generally more popular because they are easier to find in stores. Sweet Bell Peppers peak during the summer months. Some of my favorite sweet peppers include: Anaheims, Maui Kaimoas, Poblanos, and Serranos. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Which is sweeter yellow or orange bell pepper?

    There are so many choices: yellow, green, red, orange, purple, and striped.

    When it comes to the color of the bell pepper, people have a hard time choosing between these two. Yellow Bell Peppers are the ones that are considered to be the most sweet. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in Mexico. The flesh can be peeled easily and is usually crunchy.

    In addition to being sweet, yellow bell peppers are also high in vitamin A, C, and K. They are low in calories and fat, but have a moderate amount of sodium. Red Bell Pepper These red bell peppers are considered to be spicy. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in India.

    Which bell peppers are the best for cooking?

    When you buy bell peppers, you can find them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are round, some are long and skinny, some are shaped like stars, some have stripes, and some are heart-shaped. Some bell peppers are sweet, some are spicy, some are mild, and some are hot. The best way to figure out which bell peppers are the best for cooking is by looking at their size.

    For example, the “small green” bell peppers tend to be sweeter and milder than “large” peppers. I generally find that the smaller peppers have a longer cooking time. I’d also suggest using bell peppers that have been picked fresh from the garden – not ones that have been sitting around in the fridge for a long time.

    Some Info On Bell Peppers

    They are a kind of pepper plant that will yield different colors of fruits such as green, yellow, orange, purple, white, and red. All the structures and shapes of these different colors of peppers tend to be similar no matter their colors.

    Bell peppers are native to Central America, South America, and Mexico. However, China is the world’s biggest producer and distributor of this pepper. Summer’s peak through September is one of the best periods you can find these peppers from farmers around you.

    These sweet peppers can be enjoyed plain, without a veggie dip, or you can simply cook them in your meal. You can as well stuff bell peppers filled with ground beef, garlic, tomatoes, and onion.

    Bell peppers are as well loaded with great vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and so on.

    Read more about How To Cross Breed Pepper Plants: Helpful Guidelines

    Which Bell Peppers Are the Sweetest?

    So, which bell pepper is the sweetest? As bell pepper matures on the plant, the color changes from green, yellow, orange, and then to red. Green pepper tends to be more vegetal tasting and it features a bitter flavor. Orange and yellow bell peppers are sweeter.

    However, red bell pepper is the sweetest because red bell pepper has been allowed to mature properly on the vine.

    Types of Sweet Peppers

    As we mentioned, bell peppers are also regarded as sweet peppers. There are many types of sweet pepper but let’s look into some of the types of sweet pepper varieties:

    1.    Sweet California Wonder Bell Pepper

    The California wonder pepper is a variety of sweet bell pepper. This type of pepper is one of the gardener’s most loved sweet pepper varieties. This pepper variety yields a mass of blocky 4 inches of bell pepper fruit.

    Sweet California Wonder peppers are garden standard peppers. Their seeds can be obtained in garden centers as well as gardening websites. They can be incorporated into your various dishes in many ways. They are mostly enjoyed as stuffed peppers and are perfect for salads and salsa.

    2.    Cabernet Sweet Bell Pepper

    The cabernet sweet bell pepper is elongated, about 8 inches long. As this bell pepper variety matures, it changes from a glossy green to red fruit. They have a very pleasant and sweet taste. The cabernet sweet bell pepper plant is resistant to the tobacco mosaic virus.

    3.    Cupid Sweet Pepper

    Another great-tasting bell pepper variety is the cupid sweet pepper. You can harvest these peppers in about 55 days if you prefer the green fruit. If you however prefer them red and mature, you should harvest them 75 days after planting.

    14 Sweet & Hot Peppers Seeds Variety Pack 700 Seeds Non-GMO Peppers Seeds

     

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    4.    Lunchbox Sweet Peppers

    Lunchbox sweet peppers plants tend to yield brightly colored miniature peppers. You can as well choose the color of fruit you want by harvesting them at different times.

    You can harvest them when they are green, yellow, or orange, or you can just wait for them to become red. They grow to an average length of 6 inches. Lunchbox sweet peppers are the perfect choice for gardens that have limited space or container gardens.

    These sweet peppers are great for making various dishes and they taste so great when they are fried.

    5.    Carmen Sweet Pepper

    Carmen sweet pepper is an elongated type of sweet pepper, about 6 inches long. It is an Italian bull’s horn pepper variety that tastes so great especially when fried. Carmen sweet pepper will also change from green to red as they mature.

    6.    Sweet Chocolate Sweet Pepper

    This type of bell pepper variety has its fruit colored like chocolate and it has a very sweet taste. During the early maturing stage of the sweet chocolate pepper, the fruit turns dark brown on the outside and deep red on the inside once they are fully matured.

    The sweet chocolate sweet pepper will work great in raw salads as well as roasted dishes.

    7.    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    The candy apple bell pepper is another great-tasting sweet pepper variety. It has a bulky mass fruit that is about 5 inches and it attains maturity in about 70 days.

    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    8.    Gourmet Sweet Pepper

    Gourmet sweet pepper is another bell pepper that is characterized by its thick wall and blocky shape. Its appearance is charming and it has bright orange skin and juicy flesh that has a sweet and fruity flavor. They are about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.

    When to Pick Carmen Italian Sweet Pepper?

    You may be curious as to when is best to pick the Carmen Italian sweet pepper. With this type of pepper, it’s best to wait until it’s a vibrant red color. The more vibrant the pepper is, the sweeter the taste will be. If you prefer your sweet peppers slightly less sweet, then you can pick them whilst they’re green and they’ll be completely safe to eat.

    Bell Pepper Cultivars

    There are many bell pepper cultivars that we haven’t yet taken a look at. Here are some other varieties of popular bell peppers, which, of course, will be sweet.

    • Antebellum. This is a type of bell pepper that is most often dark green. It takes around 73-75 days to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Bayonet. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to red. It takes a medium amount of time to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Blitz. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from light green to red. It takes around 70-75 to reach maturity, once it has been transplanted. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Garfield. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to orange in color. It grows best in the main growing season. It’s known for its bright orange color and its exceptionally large fruit. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Galileo. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from dark green to red. It takes around 70 days to reach maturity.

    Are Mini Sweet Peppers the Same as Bell Peppers?

    You may be wondering if the mini sweet peppers you see in grocery stores are the same as regular bell peppers. The simple answer is: no. The mini sweet peppers are, of course, significantly smaller in size. As well as the size difference, they are usually much sweeter and much more flavorful than bell peppers. However, just like bell peppers, they come in a range of colors and shapes.

    What Are Jingle Bell Peppers?

    You may have heard of Jingle Bell peppers, as they’re a popular cultivar for sweet bell peppers. They’re a fast grower and only take around 55 days until they reach maturity and are ready to harvest. These are small peppers that are vibrant red. They’re only around 2 inches in length and just 1.5 inches in width. You can harvest Jingle Bell peppers when they’re green, but they will not be as sweet as you’re likely wanting them to be.

    Nutrition of Red Bell Peppers

    You may be wondering what the nutrition is when it comes to the sweetest bell pepper. Each cup of chopped, raw, red bell pepper contains the following:

    • calories: 39
    • fat: 0.5g
    • sodium: 6mg
    • carbohydrates: 9g
    • fiber: 3.1g
    • sugar: 6.3g
    • protein: 1.5g
    • potassium: 315mg
    • vitamin c: 190mg

    As you can probably tell from the nutritional information, red bell peppers are bursting with both sweetness and goodness.

    bell pepper

    Final Say: Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest? 

    Bell peppers come in different colors such as green, yellow, orange, purple, red, and so on. These peppers can be picked early to derive colorful fruits. But once the majority of these bell peppers are left on the vine to mature, they tend to become red.

    So, when it comes to which bell pepper is the sweetest, we have concluded that the red bell pepper takes the lead. Do you have any other answer as to which bell pepper is the sweetest? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    How do you pick the sweetest bell pepper?

    This is a question I am often asked by friends and family when it comes to peppers. Most people are familiar with bell peppers, but not all know the difference between sweet and hot peppers. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Sweet peppers are typically available year round and can be found in most grocery stores. There are hundreds of varieties of sweet peppers available, including different colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are most commonly found in two categories: yellow and green. Yellow bell peppers are sweeter and milder than green bell peppers. They have a richer flavor and tend to be more tender. Green bell peppers, on the other hand, have a spicy flavor and tend to be crispier. They are generally more popular because they are easier to find in stores. Sweet Bell Peppers peak during the summer months. Some of my favorite sweet peppers include: Anaheims, Maui Kaimoas, Poblanos, and Serranos. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Which is sweeter yellow or orange bell pepper?

    There are so many choices: yellow, green, red, orange, purple, and striped.

    When it comes to the color of the bell pepper, people have a hard time choosing between these two. Yellow Bell Peppers are the ones that are considered to be the most sweet. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in Mexico. The flesh can be peeled easily and is usually crunchy.

    In addition to being sweet, yellow bell peppers are also high in vitamin A, C, and K. They are low in calories and fat, but have a moderate amount of sodium. Red Bell Pepper These red bell peppers are considered to be spicy. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in India.

    Which bell peppers are the best for cooking?

    When you buy bell peppers, you can find them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are round, some are long and skinny, some are shaped like stars, some have stripes, and some are heart-shaped. Some bell peppers are sweet, some are spicy, some are mild, and some are hot. The best way to figure out which bell peppers are the best for cooking is by looking at their size.

    For example, the “small green” bell peppers tend to be sweeter and milder than “large” peppers. I generally find that the smaller peppers have a longer cooking time. I’d also suggest using bell peppers that have been picked fresh from the garden – not ones that have been sitting around in the fridge for a long time.

    Bell peppers come in different varieties as well as colors. We have green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and red bell peppers. But which bell pepper is the sweetest? Let’s take a closer look. 

    The bell pepper comes in so many various colors, they can practically be considered a rainbow. This pepper is casually classified as a vegetable because of its versatile role in culinary relations. However, in the world of farming, peppers are generally categorized as fruits.

    Bell peppers have been incorporated into our various dishes as they make delicious and colorful additions to our different meals. But what we would like to know is which bell pepper is the sweetest among all the varieties and colors are known. So, let’s get right into this.

    Information on Bell Peppers

    Bell pepper is a type of fruit cultivar in the group of species Capsicum annuum and they belong to the nightshade family. Bell peppers are also called sweet peppers.

    Even though they are from the Capsicum species, they are the only species of Capsicum that does not produce capsaicin. Capsaicin is a chemical present in most peppers and it is responsible for their spiciness. However, bell pepper types don’t have this capsicum species. Therefore, bell peppers are regarded as sweet peppers because they tend to be sweet and not spicy.

    Some Info On Bell Peppers

    They are a kind of pepper plant that will yield different colors of fruits such as green, yellow, orange, purple, white, and red. All the structures and shapes of these different colors of peppers tend to be similar no matter their colors.

    Bell peppers are native to Central America, South America, and Mexico. However, China is the world’s biggest producer and distributor of this pepper. Summer’s peak through September is one of the best periods you can find these peppers from farmers around you.

    These sweet peppers can be enjoyed plain, without a veggie dip, or you can simply cook them in your meal. You can as well stuff bell peppers filled with ground beef, garlic, tomatoes, and onion.

    Bell peppers are as well loaded with great vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and so on.

    Read more about How To Cross Breed Pepper Plants: Helpful Guidelines

    Which Bell Peppers Are the Sweetest?

    So, which bell pepper is the sweetest? As bell pepper matures on the plant, the color changes from green, yellow, orange, and then to red. Green pepper tends to be more vegetal tasting and it features a bitter flavor. Orange and yellow bell peppers are sweeter.

    However, red bell pepper is the sweetest because red bell pepper has been allowed to mature properly on the vine.

    Types of Sweet Peppers

    As we mentioned, bell peppers are also regarded as sweet peppers. There are many types of sweet pepper but let’s look into some of the types of sweet pepper varieties:

    1.    Sweet California Wonder Bell Pepper

    The California wonder pepper is a variety of sweet bell pepper. This type of pepper is one of the gardener’s most loved sweet pepper varieties. This pepper variety yields a mass of blocky 4 inches of bell pepper fruit.

    Sweet California Wonder peppers are garden standard peppers. Their seeds can be obtained in garden centers as well as gardening websites. They can be incorporated into your various dishes in many ways. They are mostly enjoyed as stuffed peppers and are perfect for salads and salsa.

    2.    Cabernet Sweet Bell Pepper

    The cabernet sweet bell pepper is elongated, about 8 inches long. As this bell pepper variety matures, it changes from a glossy green to red fruit. They have a very pleasant and sweet taste. The cabernet sweet bell pepper plant is resistant to the tobacco mosaic virus.

    3.    Cupid Sweet Pepper

    Another great-tasting bell pepper variety is the cupid sweet pepper. You can harvest these peppers in about 55 days if you prefer the green fruit. If you however prefer them red and mature, you should harvest them 75 days after planting.

    14 Sweet & Hot Peppers Seeds Variety Pack 700 Seeds Non-GMO Peppers Seeds

     

    91OegOWXWVS. AC SY741

     

    4.    Lunchbox Sweet Peppers

    Lunchbox sweet peppers plants tend to yield brightly colored miniature peppers. You can as well choose the color of fruit you want by harvesting them at different times.

    You can harvest them when they are green, yellow, or orange, or you can just wait for them to become red. They grow to an average length of 6 inches. Lunchbox sweet peppers are the perfect choice for gardens that have limited space or container gardens.

    These sweet peppers are great for making various dishes and they taste so great when they are fried.

    5.    Carmen Sweet Pepper

    Carmen sweet pepper is an elongated type of sweet pepper, about 6 inches long. It is an Italian bull’s horn pepper variety that tastes so great especially when fried. Carmen sweet pepper will also change from green to red as they mature.

    6.    Sweet Chocolate Sweet Pepper

    This type of bell pepper variety has its fruit colored like chocolate and it has a very sweet taste. During the early maturing stage of the sweet chocolate pepper, the fruit turns dark brown on the outside and deep red on the inside once they are fully matured.

    The sweet chocolate sweet pepper will work great in raw salads as well as roasted dishes.

    7.    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    The candy apple bell pepper is another great-tasting sweet pepper variety. It has a bulky mass fruit that is about 5 inches and it attains maturity in about 70 days.

    Candy Apple Bell Pepper

    8.    Gourmet Sweet Pepper

    Gourmet sweet pepper is another bell pepper that is characterized by its thick wall and blocky shape. Its appearance is charming and it has bright orange skin and juicy flesh that has a sweet and fruity flavor. They are about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long.

    When to Pick Carmen Italian Sweet Pepper?

    You may be curious as to when is best to pick the Carmen Italian sweet pepper. With this type of pepper, it’s best to wait until it’s a vibrant red color. The more vibrant the pepper is, the sweeter the taste will be. If you prefer your sweet peppers slightly less sweet, then you can pick them whilst they’re green and they’ll be completely safe to eat.

    Bell Pepper Cultivars

    There are many bell pepper cultivars that we haven’t yet taken a look at. Here are some other varieties of popular bell peppers, which, of course, will be sweet.

    • Antebellum. This is a type of bell pepper that is most often dark green. It takes around 73-75 days to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Bayonet. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to red. It takes a medium amount of time to reach maturity. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Blitz. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from light green to red. It takes around 70-75 to reach maturity, once it has been transplanted. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Garfield. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from green to orange in color. It grows best in the main growing season. It’s known for its bright orange color and its exceptionally large fruit. It has a high resistance to the mosaic virus.
    • Galileo. This is a type of bell pepper that ranges from dark green to red. It takes around 70 days to reach maturity.

    Are Mini Sweet Peppers the Same as Bell Peppers?

    You may be wondering if the mini sweet peppers you see in grocery stores are the same as regular bell peppers. The simple answer is: no. The mini sweet peppers are, of course, significantly smaller in size. As well as the size difference, they are usually much sweeter and much more flavorful than bell peppers. However, just like bell peppers, they come in a range of colors and shapes.

    What Are Jingle Bell Peppers?

    You may have heard of Jingle Bell peppers, as they’re a popular cultivar for sweet bell peppers. They’re a fast grower and only take around 55 days until they reach maturity and are ready to harvest. These are small peppers that are vibrant red. They’re only around 2 inches in length and just 1.5 inches in width. You can harvest Jingle Bell peppers when they’re green, but they will not be as sweet as you’re likely wanting them to be.

    Nutrition of Red Bell Peppers

    You may be wondering what the nutrition is when it comes to the sweetest bell pepper. Each cup of chopped, raw, red bell pepper contains the following:

    • calories: 39
    • fat: 0.5g
    • sodium: 6mg
    • carbohydrates: 9g
    • fiber: 3.1g
    • sugar: 6.3g
    • protein: 1.5g
    • potassium: 315mg
    • vitamin c: 190mg

    As you can probably tell from the nutritional information, red bell peppers are bursting with both sweetness and goodness.

    bell pepper

    Final Say: Which Bell Pepper is the Sweetest? 

    Bell peppers come in different colors such as green, yellow, orange, purple, red, and so on. These peppers can be picked early to derive colorful fruits. But once the majority of these bell peppers are left on the vine to mature, they tend to become red.

    So, when it comes to which bell pepper is the sweetest, we have concluded that the red bell pepper takes the lead. Do you have any other answer as to which bell pepper is the sweetest? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    How do you pick the sweetest bell pepper?

    This is a question I am often asked by friends and family when it comes to peppers. Most people are familiar with bell peppers, but not all know the difference between sweet and hot peppers. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Sweet peppers are typically available year round and can be found in most grocery stores. There are hundreds of varieties of sweet peppers available, including different colors, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are most commonly found in two categories: yellow and green. Yellow bell peppers are sweeter and milder than green bell peppers. They have a richer flavor and tend to be more tender. Green bell peppers, on the other hand, have a spicy flavor and tend to be crispier. They are generally more popular because they are easier to find in stores. Sweet Bell Peppers peak during the summer months. Some of my favorite sweet peppers include: Anaheims, Maui Kaimoas, Poblanos, and Serranos. Sweet peppers are grown for their delicious flavor, not heat, so the hotter the pepper, the less sweet it will be.

    Which is sweeter yellow or orange bell pepper?

    There are so many choices: yellow, green, red, orange, purple, and striped.

    When it comes to the color of the bell pepper, people have a hard time choosing between these two. Yellow Bell Peppers are the ones that are considered to be the most sweet. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in Mexico. The flesh can be peeled easily and is usually crunchy.

    In addition to being sweet, yellow bell peppers are also high in vitamin A, C, and K. They are low in calories and fat, but have a moderate amount of sodium. Red Bell Pepper These red bell peppers are considered to be spicy. They are used to make sauces and soups, especially in India.

    Which bell peppers are the best for cooking?

    When you buy bell peppers, you can find them in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are round, some are long and skinny, some are shaped like stars, some have stripes, and some are heart-shaped. Some bell peppers are sweet, some are spicy, some are mild, and some are hot. The best way to figure out which bell peppers are the best for cooking is by looking at their size.

    For example, the “small green” bell peppers tend to be sweeter and milder than “large” peppers. I generally find that the smaller peppers have a longer cooking time. I’d also suggest using bell peppers that have been picked fresh from the garden – not ones that have been sitting around in the fridge for a long time.

  • Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering: 7 Issues

    Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering: 7 Issues

    If you notice the leaves turning yellow during the flowering of your plant life cycle it could be a warning sign. Your plants’ leaves may begin to turn yellow for a couple of reasons and we will be discussing this in this post.

    When the yellowing of leaves occurs, it is usually something mild that can be fixed easily. You must get to the root of the cause and confer solutions to fix the problem.

    This guide will assist you on how to fix the cause of leaves turning yellow during flowering and ways of preventing future occurrences. So, let’s begin.

    Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering 

    Firstly, when you notice your leave turning yellow towards the end or during their late flowering stage, you should know there’s usually no cause for alarm.

    It’s a good indicator that your plants have received adequate nutrients for blooming. Thus, your flowers will invest all their energy and resources in flower production during the final or late weeks. This process is called senescence and it means the yellowing and dying of plants leave naturally.

    When you’re certain senescence is what you have, you should refrain from doing anything such as washing off your soil or growing medium. Flushing your plant system will only make matters worse as there was no issue in the first instance. All you need do is sit back and get ready for harvest.

    Yellowing Of Leaves During Late Flowering Stage

    Reasons for Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering Stage

    Generally, when your leaves start to turn yellow, it’s usually caused by a lack or loss of chlorophyll and this is known as chlorosis. When this occurs during the plants’ early flowering phase or anytime during the vegetative phase, it may signify an underlying issue that needs to be resolved.

    Below are some of the reasons why you may have yellowing leaves during the flowering stage of your plants:

    1.    Nutrient deficiency

    When one or more nutrients are deficient (especially macronutrients), there will be yellowing of leaves during the flowering stage. Also, an excess quantity of nutrients may cause leaves to turn yellow but this is in rare cases.

    To solve the situation, ensure you provide your plants with the correct nutrient scheme and balance the pH for nutrient uptake.

    2.    Lack of nitrogen

    For instance, when you notice the lower part of leaves turns yellow, it may be due to a lack of nitrogen. However, note that in some cases, nitrogen deficiency may not mean an insufficient supply of nitrogen to your plant.

    It may signify your pH values are not correct and incorrect pH values can cause specific nutrients to unabsorbable by plant roots. Thus, this can cause nitrogen deficiency.

    To fix the issue, check your nutrient scheme to know if there is the right nitrogen amount. If the nitrogen amount is correct, ensure your pH is balanced for optimal nutrient absorption.

    3.    Temperature

    Fluctuating temperatures can cause leaves to turn yellow during flowering especially when the temperature falls out of desired range. The ideal temperature for the day cycle is 80 degrees Fahrenheit while for the night cycle is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

    These temperature ranges must not drop or exceed these values. If it drops or exceeds for more than a day, yellowing of leaves may occur.

    4.    Light burn and inadequate light

    Another culprit is growing light burns. When the grow light is too strong and emits too much heat it can burn the leaves. This in turn will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

    To fix the situation, position your grow light a little further from your plants. Also, if your grow lights are dimmable, dim them.

    On the other hand, inadequate light can predispose your leaves to turn yellow. This is because they are not receiving enough light in their growing stage. So, ensure your plants receive good light quality for optimal growth.

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    5.    Inappropriate pH range

    Inappropriate pH values can cause the leaves to turn yellow during the flowering stage. All nutrients need a particular pH range to adequately be absorbed by plant roots. If the range falls out, there will be a nutrient lockout.

    This is solved by ensuring the nutrient pH does not fall out of range. Thus, you need to always monitor the pH range with the right pH meters.

    6.    Over-watering or under watering

    Both over-watering and under-watering can cause leaves to turn yellow during flowering. Over-watering will cause root clogging thereby restricting oxygen flow around the plant roots. This can encourage bad microorganisms and pathogens.

    When you notice the dropping of leaves and yellowing of leaves, then it’s likely caused by over-watering.

    Solve this issue by watering your plant less. Also, if you have any issues with water drainage, you should resolve the problem so your plant root can breathe easily.

    Underwatering can as well cause the yellowing of leaves. If you notice wilted leaves and your plant looking stressed, that may be a sign of under-watering. Solve the issue by watering your plants adequately.

    7.    Pests

    A pest infestation can as well cause the yellowing of leaves during the flowering stage. This is why you should ensure your grow tent is sealed appropriately. Also, ensure you scrutinize any clones or new plants you bring into your indoor garden for pests.

    Pests in Plant - Yellowing Leaves

    Scrutinize your grow area and plants for any crawling or flying insects. If you notice any, implement means of getting rid of them.

    Additionally, keep a good and clean growing space. Avoid over-watering or making a mess around your grow space as this can invite pest infestations.

    Should I Remove Yellow Leaves During Flowering?

    You may be wondering if it’s best to remove the yellowing leaves during flowering. This is not recommended before you identify the cause of the problem; particularly if your plant is young. If you’ve identified the problem, then you can simply remove the yellow flowers. However, if this is happening near the final weeks of flowering, your plant is simply experiencing senescence and the yellow flowers will likely fall off on their own.

    Which Leaves to Remove During Flowering?

    If you’re unsure which leaves to remove, simply tackle your pruning the same way you would with veggies. If there are any particularly large leaves or leaves that are looking as though they’re dying, simply pinch them to remove them. However, it’s best not to do this too often; every few weeks or so is best.

    Tips of Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering: Why?

    If you’ve noticed that just the tips of your leaves are turning yellow during flowering, there may be a few reasons for this. When flowering occurs, the majority of the energy that the plants receive will be directed to the flowers, rather than the leaves. Because of this, you may notice that the first thing to turn yellow is the tips of the leaves.

    Another reason could be due to a lack of nutrients. For example, if your plant is deficient in potassium, the tips will turn yellow, while the rest of the leaf remains green. It could also mean that your plant is deficient in iron. When this happens, yellow veins will appear on the tip of your leaves.

    Top Leaves Yellowing Flowering: Why?

    If your top leaves are yellowing during flowering, this can be for a few reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons.

    • Root problems. Your plant roots can be damaged for many reasons, including root rot. When there’s a problem with your roots, this impacts the entire plant. This can then lead to a lack of nutrients and eventually, your leaves turning yellow. To check your roots, simply pull your plant out carefully and take a look. They should look white and yellow. However, if they have an off smell and are dark in color, it’s likely that it’s rotten and should be discarded.
    • Deficiency in nutrients. Depending on what your plant is deficient in, will depend on which part of the leaves are yellowing. For example, if your plant is deficient in nitrogen, it will be yellow all over, starting with the oldest leaves. If your plant is deficient in potassium, the edges of the leaves will first turn yellow, but the inside will be green. If your plant is deficient in magnesium, the yellowing will be patchy and veiny. If your plant is deficient in iron, the yellowing will affect the veins and tips of the leaves first. And finally, if your plant is deficient in sulfur, you’ll know for sure because the yellowing will happen to the new leaves first.
    • Watering. If you water your plants too much, your roots will drown and will be unable to receive what it needs to thrive, resulting in yellow leaves. If you water your plants too little, your plants can’t absorb the nutrients it needs, and the leaves will turn yellow. This is why it’s important to use well-draining soil.
    • Soil pH. Most plants do best with a pH of 6.0-7.0. However, you should always check depending on which plant you’re growing, as this can differ slightly from plant to plant. However, if the pH is off from what it should be, your plants will struggle to thrive and the leaves turning yellow will be the first sign of this.

     

    Conclusion: Leaves Turning Yellow During Flowering 

    When it comes to leaves turning yellow during flowering, most of the time it won’t be anything too serious. However, in other cases, they may signify a serious situation. Whichever the case may be, ensure you are enlightened on determining the situation and how and when to act.

    If the leaves turning yellow during flowering happens at the later stage of flowering, it may not mean any issue at all. However, if it happens during the early flowering stage or even during the vegetative stage, it usually signifies an issue that needs to be fixed.

    Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to leaves turning yellow during flowering? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Why are the leaves yellowing during flowering?

    The first thing that you need to understand is that this can happen for a number of reasons, so you shouldn’t automatically suppose that it is because of a single factor.

    It is usually being caused by a lack of chlorophyll in the leaves. 

    I’ve seen this in a number of perennials (Iris, Vinca, Echinacea) and it’s been puzzling me for a while. The plants are usually in full flower, but the leaves are yellowing. Is this a sign of stress? I don’t think so because it happens before the plant is stressed by drought or heat or anything else. It’s just happening when the flowers are blooming.

    This is a very common problem with many plants, especially when flowering. You can try to correct the problem by using fertilizer during the summer months. It is also common for many plants to start blooming too early, or flowering too late. This may also be due to over watering, or under watering. I know that when I have a lot of blooms on my garden, I water more often than I need to. When I have few blooms, I water less often.

    You could be seeing a condition called “flower drop.” That’s what happens when the plant’s energy is used up in the production of flowers. The leaves turn yellow because they’re getting less light.

    What are questions that I can ask to determine if my plants should be happy?

    1. Is the plant getting enough light?

    2. Does the soil have enough nutrients?

    3. Are there any diseases or pests in the garden?

    4. Are there any pests or diseases on your houseplants?

    5. How often is the plant watered?

    6. How much light does the plant get?

    7. Do you fertilize? If so, how much?

    8. Do you have too much or too little water?

    9. What are you feeding your plants?

    10. Are you giving your plants enough light?

    How do I know if it’s leaf burn?

    If the leaves have been yellowing for a week or more, and there are no signs of insects or disease, the cause is probably leaf burn. It is common with many plants and can be caused by any number of things. The most common causes are too much water or fertilizer, or exposure to high temperatures (like direct sunlight). Burned leaves may show up as yellowing, wilting, or even spotting on the surface of the leaves. In some cases, it may be best to remove the plant from the affected area and repot it in fresh soil. If this is the case, you may want to use a pot that drains well. Yellowing of leaves is also sometimes seen in plants that have not received enough light. The leaves may look a little scorched, and the plant may seem to be “dying” right before your eyes. But the yellowing will only last a few days.

    What are the most obvious causes?

    The problem could be that the plant doesn’t have enough fertilizer or nutrients, or that the plant isn’t getting enough water. You might want to try fertilizing in the fall. If it doesn’t help, you can also try planting a plant that grows better in a warmer climate.

  • Grow Room Light Calculator: How Many Lights?

    Grow Room Light Calculator: How Many Lights?

    One question mostly asked by hydroponic growers is how do I calculate my grow room light? It’s really quite easy to go about this when you have access to the right knowledge. So, this is why we’re going to be giving you the actual grow room light calculator to go about this.

    Determining the appropriate light your grow light can cover is important so you can plan properly to get the best yield. Light is directly associated with production or yield; therefore, a feeble light will definitely not suit your plants’ growth.

    We will introduce you to various ways to evaluate your grow light coverage using a grow room light calculator. So, continue reading to learn about this.

    Grow Room

    A grow room is a space where different types of plants can be grown and the growing conditions can be controlled. In a grow room, plants can be grown using grow lights or sunlight, artificial nutrient solutions, soil or non-soil medium, and so on.

    Setting up your grow room will require proper planning and putting the right things in place. One of the most important things to put in place is the grow light and you must get the right to grow room light coverage.

    Grow room

    Grow Room Lights, Calculator

    Grow room light calculator will help you determine the cost of power you will be using during the period of use. There are different ways or tools you can use in evaluating your grow lights’ power consumption. The calculator can be used for most grow light fixtures such as LED CMH, MH, CFL, and HPS.

    To evaluate your grow room lights you will need to know some important parameters such as PPF (Photosynthesis Photon Flux) and actual wattage. These parameters are usually listed on the manufacturer’s info of your grow light.

    Photosynthesis Photon Flux (PPF)

    The entire amount of light in the PAR (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) zone that is emitted by a particular light system every second is known as PPF.

    What this means is that PPF calculates the photosynthetic active photons produced by a light source every second. It is measured or expressed in micromoles per second.

    Wattage                                            

    The amount of electricity or power pulled out of or consumed from the wall is known as wattage (w). When we talk about wattage, there is a difference between actual wattage and labeled wattage.

    On a grow light packing, you will likely come across the labeled wattage number that will be boldly seen. However, this may not be the actual wattage. What we need to evaluate grow room coverage is the actual wattage and this can be found if you dig through the information provided by the manufacturer’s data.

    Apart from photosynthesis photon flux and wattage values, there are other parameters you can use in calculating the grow room light coverage. So, you can always calculate the grow room light depending on the information you have.

    Using Grow Room Light Calculator

    To determine the grow room light coverage, simply input your data and use these calculators to evaluate your results:

    Note that the grow room light calculator mentioned above is just to have an estimate. Thus, the results that you will get are not the exact evaluations.

    Factors to Consider For Grow Room Coverage Calculator

    To make your evaluation further accurate, you should put these factors into consideration:

    • Determine the size space or grow room size you will be growing in.
    • You should also ensure the grow light you will be using adequately covers your grow space with adequate light. The grow light efficiency should be optimal.

    VIVOSUN 48” x 48” x 80” Hydroponic Mylar Grow Tent with Observation Window and Floor Tray

    A1EWK53gXcL. AC SX569

    Calculating LED Wattage of a Grow Room

    Let’s determine the LED grow light size you will be needing for a particular grow space so your plants can grow excellently. So, to determine this, we need the value of grow light in watts and PAR or PPFD levels.

    Even though we use wattage as one of the criteria to determine the power of light, it is not the main deciding unit. The determining factor of light will be the amount of usable light that can reach each square foot of your grow area or space.

    In general, the main objective for LED panels should be 32 wattages per square foot of a growing area. This will increase your chances of getting excellent plant growth results.

    To evaluate the actual value of wattage needed for a grow room, first determine the size of your grow room. Then go ahead and multiply the value by your desired PPFD range. Then divide the output by the PPFD per wattage of your LED grow light.

    You should however note that watts are not the only determiner of your coverage area. Wattage should generally be used for determining the appropriate light fixture size for your grow room. Only use wattage as guidance to evaluate how much power your grow light can offer per square foot of growing space.

    Calculating LED Wattage Of A Grow Room

    For this reason, PPFD (Photosynthetic Active Radiation) and DLI (Daily Light Integral) are the right units for determining the light intensity of a particular grow space. DLI which is Daily Light Integral calculates the total amount of light a plant gets per day. It is measured using the number of moles of photons per square meter daily (mol/m2/d).

    Grow Light Distance Calculator

    Many factors determine how far the distance should be between your lights. Let’s take a closer look.

    First, you’ll need to determine how far your grow light should be from your plants. Unfortunately, there is no one set answer. It all comes down to the variety of plants you’re growing, what type of light you’re using, and also how big your grow tent is.

    You may think it’s strange that the variety of plants can affect the distance your grow light should be from the plant, but it definitely does! For example, some plants can thrive in low lights; such as indoor plants. Whereas others like vegetables such as tomatoes need significantly more! Therefore the grow light would need to be much closer.

    Other factors that will affect the distance are both the wattage of your lights and the size of your lights. Some grow lights are intense and focus on just one small area, whereas others cover a much larger surface area. It’s also worth mentioning that the higher wattage of your grow lights, produces larger amounts of light, and will determine how close you place it to your plants. You definitely don’t want your plants to burn!

    Another aspect you need to consider is the growth stage of your plant. When your plants are new, like seedlings, it goes without saying that they require less light. However, the older they get, the more light they will need, so you’ll likely have to adjust the distance of the grow lights.

    You need to calculate all of these factors before you decide how far away your plants need to be from the grow light, and how intense your light needs to be.

    Grow Room Calculator Yield

    To find out the yield of your grow room, there are many websites that you can use that are fairly accurate. One of my favorites to use is Indoor Yield-O-Rama. This is because it allows you to input the light wattage, the light intensity, your level of gardening expertise, and then which, if any, hydroponic media you use.

    It then gives you the estimated crop yield, grows room size, and the amount of light you’ll need for your plants to thrive.

    How Many Grow Lights Per Plant?

    The amount of grow lights you’ll need for each plant you’re growing depends on several variables. For example, whether you’re growing high-light plants or low-light plants, what stage of growth your plants are at, the size of your grow tent, and how many watts you’ll need for your plants to thrive.

    However, the general rule of thumb suggests that for every square foot, you’ll need around 40 watts if you’re using an LED grow light. And if you’re using an HID light, for every square foot, you’ll need around 62 watts.

    Grow Lights

    Final Say on Grow Room Light Calculator

    Grow room light calculator will help you evaluate the light intensity required for a specific grow space. This will help you plan and give your plants the appropriate requirements for your plants to grow excellently.

    So, you can simply go through our post to learn about grow room light calculator. We hope with the help of our grow light coverage calculator, you can plan and determine the required grow light coverage of your space.

    FAQs

    How do you calculate grow room lighting?

    A grow room may be equipped with one or more grow lights, and the wattage of these lights should match the number of plants you have in your room. Accordingly, one pant requires from 60 to 80 watts and 6 plants from 360 to 400 watts.

    What size LED grow light do I need?

    A grow light is a lighting system that provides light to the plants in your grow room. Grow lights can be classified into two different categories: fluorescent lights and LED lights. Fluorescent lights are generally used in indoor growing setups, while LED lights are often used in outdoor setups. The most common use for grow lights is to help promote flowering of your plants, but grow lights also play an important role in the vegetative stage of growth as well.
    LED lights are becoming increasingly popular because they offer many benefits over fluorescent lights. They use less electricity, produce less heat, and can be used in any room without the need for ventilation. In addition to these advantages, LED lights are capable of producing multiple wavelengths of light, which means they can provide light in all the different colors of the spectrum. This makes them ideal for growing plants in a vegetative stage, as they can help your plants stay healthy and vibrant.

    The ideal wattage for LED is 32-50 per square foot.

    How close should light be to plants?

    The answer is different depending on the plant and the type of lighting. There are a number of factors that you should consider when deciding how close your light should be to your plants, including:
    the color temperature of the light the type of plant (light requirement) the height of the plant how much light the plant gets naturally the distance to any other lights in your room. If your plant gets less than 50% light from natural light, then it is important to keep the light as close to the plant as possible. In general, LED lights should be 6 inches over plants.

    How do I choose LED grow lights?

    LED grow lights are economical and long lasting. However, not all LED grow lights are the same. How do I know what to buy? What is the difference between an HID grow light, LED grow light and CFL? LED Grow Lights The light emitted from an LED grow light is narrow-spectrum, which means it emits a very specific wavelength of light.

    This is important because your plants absorb this specific wavelength of light. You need to be careful when choosing an LED grow light that emits the right wavelengths of light. For instance, an LED grow light with a spectrum of about 650 nanometers will grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. The reason for this is that tomatoes absorb red light. Red light is a type of visible light that plants absorb and use as a source of energy. Blue light is a type of visible light that is reflected off plants. LED grow lights are also known as LED strip lights or light emitting diodes. They’re a great option because they last a long time. In fact, some LED grow lights are rated at 20,000 hours! That’s about 5 years of continuous use.

  • Philodendron Red Moon: 10 Key Facts

    Philodendron Red Moon: 10 Key Facts

    4. The philodendron red moon can be kept in a wide variety of environments, including indoors and outdoors.  However, it does need sunlight to thrive but should be kept in areas with dappled sunlight as direct full sun can cause damage. The red moon is a popular plant in the home because of its striking appearance.

    5. The philodendron red moon can grow in well-drained, peat moss, and sphagnum moss-based soil.  The plant has an extensive root system and benefits from soil rich in organic matter. It should be watered when the top two inches of soil are dry. It also does not like sudden temperature changes, so it is best to keep it indoors during the winter months.

    6. As with most houseplants, the philodendron red moon will be affected by many pests and diseases. When infested with pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, the plant can be harmed. It is important to keep the soil moist and clean to avoid these problems. Be careful as the plant is susceptible to bacterial leaf spots and root rot.

    7. The philodendron red moon is sensitive to direct bright sunlight. Too much sun can damage the leaves of the plant. Though it grows best in dappled sunlight, it also grows well in bright, indirect sunlight and afternoon shade.

    8. The philodendron red moon does not require fertilizers. However, it can benefit from an occasional fertilizer, such as three times a year. This can help boost the plant’s growth.

    9. The philodendron red moon can be maintained using regular watering and dappled sunlight. It will need to be repotted every two to three years. This will allow the roots to grow deeper and help prevent the plant from getting too crowded.

    10. The philodendron red moon has several uses in the home and garden. They are grown for their striking appearance, beautiful foliage, and ability to keep their leaves green and healthy all year long. When grown indoors they can be used as houseplants, but when grown outdoors they make an ideal ground cover. They also make a great addition to the garden, as they add color and texture.

     

    Read more about Everything You Need To Know About Repotting A Snake Plant

    Philodendron Red Sun vs Red Moon

    Now we’ve looked at the Philodendron Red Moon, let’s take a closer look at the Philodendron Red Sun. This plant is also part of the Araceae family. It’s an ornamental plant that’s relatively easy to care for. The leaves are typically red and yellow. They should be kept away from direct sun, but indirect light is ideal. It’s important to keep the soil moist, but not overwatered.

    Philodendron Yellow Flame vs Red Moon

    Next is the Philodendron Yellow Flame. This plant is a rare find and it’s very expensive to buy. The leaves are huge and yellow. The Yellow Flame is a climber that requires little care and works great as a houseplant. They do best in warm, or at least, humid, conditions. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. The leaves need sunlight, but indirect as best, as you want to avoid scorching.

    Philodendron Fertilizer Ratio

    You may be wondering what the best fertilizer is to use for Philodendron. Typically, a 20:20:20 fertilizer works best. However, it’s always best to research the specific variety of Philodendrons that you’re growing.

    Red Philodendron Varieties

    There are many red varieties of Philodendron that we haven’t already looked at. Let’s take a closer look at some of our red favorites.

    • Philodendron Black Cardinal. While the leaves of this plant eventually turn black, they start as a light bronze color. The flowers themselves will be a deep red color. You’ll need to ensure this plant has enough CalMag as it is prone to being deficient in both. It’s important to grow in moist soil.
    • Philodendron Green Congo. While the leaves eventually turn green, as the name suggests, they do start as bright red. This plant is native to South America. It’s the perfect indoor houseplant that will blow your mind.
    • Philodendron Burle Marx. If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to look out for, then look no further. It grows between two to four feet and is an ideal houseplant. When it flowers, they’ll be small and white. The colors can be red, green, or even silver or gold.
    • Philodendron Martianum. You may know this plant better as the Flask Philodendron and it comes from Brazil. The flowers will be both white and deep red. The spikes can reach up to three feet! This plant can grow quite large so it must have ample space to grow.
    • Philodendron Red Congo. You may know this better as the Rojo Congo; a popular, exotic hybrid plant. This is a fast-growing Philodendron that has dark red leaves. It grows to around four feet in height and width and makes for the ideal houseplant. While the leaves will start as green, they will eventually turn red, and then back to green again. It should also sprout one red flower too.

    Philodendron Red Moon

    Take Home

    The philodendron red moon is a rare plant that is grown by dedicated gardeners.  It is best to start from a seedling as it will grow fast and easily. If you don’t have this plant yet, it’s time to get yourself one!

    Do you have any interesting facts about this much-loved plant? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

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

    The leaf color of the red moon philodendron varies from green to reddish with red stems. 

    How much light does a red philodendron need?

    The red moon philodendron can benefit from dappled sunlight or afternoon shade. It will do fine in the shade, too. Avoid direct sunlight in the heat of the day.

    How do you take care of a red moon philodendron?

    This philodendron does not require a lot of care. You can water it when the soil is dry, but don’t overwater. The plant also thrives in moist to moderately moist conditions.

    Is philodendron red heart rare?

    Philodendron red heart is a rare cultivar with the color of the leaves and stems making a beautiful addition to any home. 

    The philodendron red moon is a rare but loved plant that most gardeners love to grow indoors or outdoors. This is a tropical plant that grows in warm, moist rainforests. It is part of the ornamental Philodendron variety. Let’s take a closer look at the plant and some interesting facts.

    Description of the Philodendron Red Moon

    The philodendron red moon is a tropical plant that grows to be about three feet tall. It can be grown indoors or outdoors.

    This plant does best with bright, dappled sunlight and likes mildly moist soil. It should be grown in temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity levels should be kept above 60 percent for the best growth results.

    It can be grown in both indoor and outdoor pots. The plant is sensitive to frost and can be damaged by cold temperatures.

    Description Of The Philodendron Red Moon

    Appearance

    The philodendron red moon is a tropical plant that has beautiful green and red leaves with red stems.

    Propagation

    This is a tropical plant that is easy to grow from cuttings. It can be propagated by taking cuttings from the stems or by starting with a cutting and growing it in soil

    It can also be propagated from seed. Growing from seed can be difficult, however, because of its long dormancy period.

    Check Out the 11 Best West Facing Window Plants

    Facts About the Philodendron Red Moon

    1. It is a fast-growing plant that should be grown in a warm environment.

    2. The philodendron red moon is a stunning indoor houseplant. 

    3. The philodendron red moon is a tropical plant that grows best at temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In areas with colder temperatures, the philodendron red moon will not grow as well.

    Costa Farms Aglaonema Live Indoor Plant, 14-Inches Tall

     

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    4. The philodendron red moon can be kept in a wide variety of environments, including indoors and outdoors.  However, it does need sunlight to thrive but should be kept in areas with dappled sunlight as direct full sun can cause damage. The red moon is a popular plant in the home because of its striking appearance.

    5. The philodendron red moon can grow in well-drained, peat moss, and sphagnum moss-based soil.  The plant has an extensive root system and benefits from soil rich in organic matter. It should be watered when the top two inches of soil are dry. It also does not like sudden temperature changes, so it is best to keep it indoors during the winter months.

    6. As with most houseplants, the philodendron red moon will be affected by many pests and diseases. When infested with pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, the plant can be harmed. It is important to keep the soil moist and clean to avoid these problems. Be careful as the plant is susceptible to bacterial leaf spots and root rot.

    7. The philodendron red moon is sensitive to direct bright sunlight. Too much sun can damage the leaves of the plant. Though it grows best in dappled sunlight, it also grows well in bright, indirect sunlight and afternoon shade.

    8. The philodendron red moon does not require fertilizers. However, it can benefit from an occasional fertilizer, such as three times a year. This can help boost the plant’s growth.

    9. The philodendron red moon can be maintained using regular watering and dappled sunlight. It will need to be repotted every two to three years. This will allow the roots to grow deeper and help prevent the plant from getting too crowded.

    10. The philodendron red moon has several uses in the home and garden. They are grown for their striking appearance, beautiful foliage, and ability to keep their leaves green and healthy all year long. When grown indoors they can be used as houseplants, but when grown outdoors they make an ideal ground cover. They also make a great addition to the garden, as they add color and texture.

     

    Read more about Everything You Need To Know About Repotting A Snake Plant

    Philodendron Red Sun vs Red Moon

    Now we’ve looked at the Philodendron Red Moon, let’s take a closer look at the Philodendron Red Sun. This plant is also part of the Araceae family. It’s an ornamental plant that’s relatively easy to care for. The leaves are typically red and yellow. They should be kept away from direct sun, but indirect light is ideal. It’s important to keep the soil moist, but not overwatered.

    Philodendron Yellow Flame vs Red Moon

    Next is the Philodendron Yellow Flame. This plant is a rare find and it’s very expensive to buy. The leaves are huge and yellow. The Yellow Flame is a climber that requires little care and works great as a houseplant. They do best in warm, or at least, humid, conditions. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. The leaves need sunlight, but indirect as best, as you want to avoid scorching.

    Philodendron Fertilizer Ratio

    You may be wondering what the best fertilizer is to use for Philodendron. Typically, a 20:20:20 fertilizer works best. However, it’s always best to research the specific variety of Philodendrons that you’re growing.

    Red Philodendron Varieties

    There are many red varieties of Philodendron that we haven’t already looked at. Let’s take a closer look at some of our red favorites.

    • Philodendron Black Cardinal. While the leaves of this plant eventually turn black, they start as a light bronze color. The flowers themselves will be a deep red color. You’ll need to ensure this plant has enough CalMag as it is prone to being deficient in both. It’s important to grow in moist soil.
    • Philodendron Green Congo. While the leaves eventually turn green, as the name suggests, they do start as bright red. This plant is native to South America. It’s the perfect indoor houseplant that will blow your mind.
    • Philodendron Burle Marx. If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to look out for, then look no further. It grows between two to four feet and is an ideal houseplant. When it flowers, they’ll be small and white. The colors can be red, green, or even silver or gold.
    • Philodendron Martianum. You may know this plant better as the Flask Philodendron and it comes from Brazil. The flowers will be both white and deep red. The spikes can reach up to three feet! This plant can grow quite large so it must have ample space to grow.
    • Philodendron Red Congo. You may know this better as the Rojo Congo; a popular, exotic hybrid plant. This is a fast-growing Philodendron that has dark red leaves. It grows to around four feet in height and width and makes for the ideal houseplant. While the leaves will start as green, they will eventually turn red, and then back to green again. It should also sprout one red flower too.

    Philodendron Red Moon

    Take Home

    The philodendron red moon is a rare plant that is grown by dedicated gardeners.  It is best to start from a seedling as it will grow fast and easily. If you don’t have this plant yet, it’s time to get yourself one!

    Do you have any interesting facts about this much-loved plant? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

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

    The leaf color of the red moon philodendron varies from green to reddish with red stems. 

    How much light does a red philodendron need?

    The red moon philodendron can benefit from dappled sunlight or afternoon shade. It will do fine in the shade, too. Avoid direct sunlight in the heat of the day.

    How do you take care of a red moon philodendron?

    This philodendron does not require a lot of care. You can water it when the soil is dry, but don’t overwater. The plant also thrives in moist to moderately moist conditions.

    Is philodendron red heart rare?

    Philodendron red heart is a rare cultivar with the color of the leaves and stems making a beautiful addition to any home. 

  • Recirculating DWC System: Easy Way to Make

    Recirculating DWC System: Easy Way to Make

    Do you know how to make a recirculating DWC system? Well, we’ve got you covered here. Recirculating deep water culture also known as RDWC imitates the traditional deep water culture (DWC) by just adding a few modifications.

    Deepwater culture is a type of hydroponic system that ensures your plants have constant access to water, nutrient solution, and oxygen all at once. There are also measures put in place for adequate aeration for optimal plant growth.

    Setting up your recirculating deep water culture system is pretty easy when you have the right knowledge. This article will go over what you need to know about how to make a recirculating DWC system and many more. So, read on to learn about this.

    Recirculating Deep Water Culture

    Recirculating the DWC system works just like deep water culture, however, there are a couple of things that will be redesigned. Both RDWC and DWC have their plant roots immersed in nutrient solution and oxygen-filled solution.

    The main advantage and difference to recirculating the DWC system are that it’s ideal for large-scaling hydroponic farming. Therefore, several plants can be grown together with the recirculating deep water culture system.

    Recirculating deep water culture system works by tubing several buckets or containers. All these containers are connected to a central reservoir.

    Building recirculating deep water culture system is not so difficult, even for hydroponics first-time growers and we will show you how.

    The major difference between RDWC and DWC is that nutrient solution gets recirculated in recirculating deep water culture. The nutrient solution moves or circulates from one container to the other and finally the reservoir. But in the traditional DWC, the water does not move and it stays in the container.

    DIY Recirculating DWC System

    Here, we have outlined the process you can follow when it comes to how to make a recirculating DWC system. So let’s begin:

    Materials required

    Let’s first take a look at the materials required to build your recirculating DWC system:

    • 5-gallon dark-colored buckets with lids (with a drilled hole of about 3 inches)
    • Net cups of size 3 inches as the drilled hole
    • Grow medium (e.g. perlite, Hydroton pebbles, coco coir, and so on)
    • Tubing (PVC) for connecting each bucket
    • Central reservoir (40 to 55 gallons)
    • Air pump and air stone (for oxygenation)
    • Inline water pump
    • Seeds or seedlings
    • Hydroponics nutrient solution
    • PH meter and other kits
    • PPM meter

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    Recirculating DWC plans: Procedure

    Follow this procedure to learn how to make a recirculating DWC system:

    1. Reservoir

    Choose the reservoir where you will be storing your hydroponics nutrient. The inline pump should be set inside your reservoir. Also, an air pump and air stone should be in your reservoir.

    2. Set up your buckets or containers

    Determine the number of buckets or containers you will be using for your recirculating DWC system. The buckets should have lids where you will make a cutting for your net pot to fit in. Inside your net pots, fill them with your preferred growing medium and this is where your plant will be.

    Also, holes should be cut on each side of your bucket and connected to your pipe. This pipe will connect to other buckets and back or down to your reservoir. Each bucket or container must have its air stones.

    3. Position your plant

    You can grow your seeds indoors with net pots that contain a growing medium and transplant them into your RDWC system. You can grow about 2 or 3 plants in each container. Note that your net pot should have a wide mesh at the base so that the plant root can touch the nutrient water container.

    Position Your Plant

    4. PH balancing

    The next thing is to balance the pH. Different plants require different pH ranges to grow adequately. However, the general pH range for plants is around 5.5 to 6.5.

    So, your recirculating deep water culture system is ready to run. If later on, you decide to add extra containers or buckets, you must also add more nutrient solutions to the reservoir. This is to ensure each plant gets the appropriate amount of nutrients to grow optimally.

    We also recommend you have 3 plants maximum for each container so your plants can get a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen. Having more than 3 plants may increase the risk of nutrient and oxygen competition which can diminish each plant’s survival rate.

    How Does RDWC Works?

    Recirculating DWC systems always have their plant root submerged in water. But usually, plant roots don’t always like their roots immersed in water; especially all day as they can suffocate. But why is it different in the deep water culture system? Well, let’s find out.

    We have 3 major components and keys to the RDWC system and they are:

    • Oxygen: The most essential part of both deep water and recirculating deep water culture systems is oxygenation. This is because we have plant roots always immersed in water. Therefore, you need to provide all means of oxygenation so your plant does not choke. So, the use of air pumps and air stones solves this air circulation problem.
    • Water: We can see that water is a great factor in the structure of the RDWC system. Plants are always being fed oxygen-rich water thereby taking away the need of watering your plants constantly as you would have in traditional soil.
    How Does RDWC Works
    • Nutrients: Another great component that makes your RDWC system work perfectly is the hydroponics nutrient supplied to your plants. The nutrient originates or comes from the major reservoir and passes along the pipes to reach each connected container.

    RDWC and DWC System: Major Difference

    So, in the recirculating deep water culture system, the nutrient-filled water is reused and is not drained. However, the traditional deep water culture nutrient solution always remains in the container. Recirculating DWC also allows for large scaling, unlike the traditional deep water culture system.

    Bucket Hydroponic System: How to Make Your Own

    You may be wondering how to make your own 5-gallon hydroponic bucket system. If this is the case, then look no further! For this guide, you’ll need the following equipment:

    • 5-gallon bucket
    • net bucket lid
    • water pump (ideally, aquarium)
    • air hose
    • check valve
    • clay pebbles
    • air stones (at least 6 inches in size)

    Now all you need to do is:

    1. The first thing you need to do is cut a small amount of your air hose (around a few inches or so). To one end, attach to your pump. Now you’re going to attach your air hose to the check valve. Ensure that air can run freely through your valve before moving on to the next step.
    2. With the rest of your hose, cut a piece that is long enough to reach both the check valve and the bottom of your bucket. Try not to make the space between the two more than around 5ft. If the space between the two is too long, it won’t work as efficiently as it should.
    3. Grab your net bucket lid and drill a hole. The hole should be big enough for your hose to go through. Then add your air stone, as well as the lid, and then connect to your air hose.
    4. Now you’ll need to add your clay pebbles to the net pot, as well as whatever it is you’re planting. Then water and add nutrients. It is that simple!

    Best 2 Bucket DWC System

    When it comes to a 2 bucket DWC system, there are many options you can choose from. But the one from PA Hydroponics is my personal favorite. It comes already drilled and ready to assemble, with all the components you need. It costs around $80 and includes two buckets, 2 bucket lids, 1 bag of clay rocks, an air pump, 2 air stones, 10ft of the airline, 2 water indicator kits, and 4 starter plugs. You can also choose to drill it yourself, which will save you around $15.

    bucket hydroponic system

    Best Water Pump For Hydroponic Systems

    The water pump is very important to your hydroponic system, so you’ll need to invest in a good one. If you’re looking for a good one on a budget, I would choose the VicTsing 80 GPH Submersible Water Pump.

    It holds less than 20 gallons and weighs just under 6oz. It has an adjustable flow and a cord length of just under 6 feet. It also comes with two adapters: 1/2″ and 3/8″. It’s popular among growers because of its unbeatable price. It may be small but it definitely does the job.

    Another amazing pump is the Hydrofarm Active Aqua 400 GPH Submersible Water Pump. It can hold up to 40 gallons and weighs just under 3lb. It has an adjustable flow and comes with two tubing fittings: 1/2″ and 3/4″. This is much bigger than the first option, and also much pricier; so it may not be best if you’re a beginner to hydroponic growing.

    Additional Say on How to Make a Recirculating DWC System

    Even though you can simply purchase already made recirculating DWC online, you can also build your own as well. Just follow our outlined procedure on how to build a recirculating DWC system. Do you have any tips on tricks when it comes to making a recirculating DWC system? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    How do you build a recirculating hydroponic system?

    There are two main options when it comes to building a recirculating hydroponic system. You can either build a completely self-contained system or you can have a water system that is connected to your home’s existing plumbing. When it comes to a completely self-contained system, there are many different options when it comes to building your own hydroponic system. If you want to save some money, you can buy a pre-made hydroponic unit from a local garden supply store.

    You can use a pump to recirculate the water through the system. The water should be filtered before entering the pump, and also after leaving it (if using an air-lift pump). If the pump is attached to a drain, you’ll need to make sure the drain is not clogged with debris or any other material that would cause blockage. You could also use a sump pump with a hose to pump the water back into the tank.

    Hydroponics is a term used to describe the growing of plants in water using a nutrient rich solution. It is a form of cultivation that can be used to grow vegetables and herbs indoors in controlled environments.
    The advantages of this method are the ability to produce large quantities of high quality vegetables and herbs in an indoor environment. The major disadvantage is that it is more labour intensive than traditional methods. I’m not talking about the time it takes to clean up after harvesting, but the initial setup and maintenance of the system.

    How does a recirculating hydroponic system work?

    A recirculating hydroponic system is a method of growing plants that involves using water and nutrients to nourish plants in a closed system. It is a very efficient way of growing plants, and can be used to grow a wide variety of plants.

    The water is pumped into the grow room, and then circulated through a nutrient solution by means of a pump. The pump draws the solution from the reservoir, and pushes it through a series of filters and pumps that carry the solution to where it can be distributed evenly to the plants.

    A recirculating hydroponic system is one of the most effective methods for growing healthy plants indoors. It requires no soil, making it perfect for people who have allergies or other concerns about soil-based plants. The nutrient solution is constantly recirculated, providing a constant supply of fresh nutrients and oxygen to the roots. The only thing that goes out of the system is water. The process The key to a successful recirculating hydroponic system is the design of the system. A simple setup will not work, and will need to be modified or replaced over time. This is because the roots of the plant grow and develop differently as they grow. A large number of plants will also require a different system. As a general rule, the size of the system should be proportional to the space you have available.

  • How Often to Run Exhaust Fan in Grow Tent: Best Guide

    How Often to Run Exhaust Fan in Grow Tent: Best Guide

    So how often do run an exhaust fan in grow tent? If you are growing plants in an indoor environment, you need to use an exhaust fan to make it ideal for your plant. It is therefore important that you know how often to run an exhaust fan in grow tent, to get the best efficiency from both your exhaust fan and grow tent.

    In a perfectly designed system, an extracted fan should replace the air in your grow tent at least every three to five minutes. To be able to achieve this efficiency, you have to choose the right size fan to get the job done.

    Grow tent ventilation can actually be very simple, as long as you understand the basics. So let us get right into it.

     Does a sealed grow room need fresh air?

    How Important is an Exhaust Fan in a Grow Tent?

    So why do you need a fan in your to-grow tent? Well, there are several reasons:

    • For removing excess heat

    In an indoor growing environment, there may not be a lot of natural light that enters. In this case, you will need to use grow lights. These grow lights however emit heat which may increase the temperature of the grow tent. This may not seem like much, but a change in a few degrees of temperature can mean the difference between the success and failure of a crop.

    Of course, certain grow lights will emit more light than others. This is often not a problem with LED lights, but all of them produce enough heat to necessitate ventilation. Exhaust fans are necessary to help remove all the excess heat and keep your plants happy.

    • Humidity control

    Plants in a grow tent emit vapor throughout the day which will increase the humidity of the tent. If the humidity is left uncontrolled, it will result in poor growing conditions in the room, which will often result in the development of pests and diseases. An extractor fan will help to suck out all the extra moisture, helping maintain humidity at a minimum.

     How do you set up an exhaust fan in a grow tent?

    • CO2 control

    Because a grow tent is sealed, the level of CO2 will gradually decrease, limiting the growth of your plants. Ventilation from an exhaust fan will bring fresh CO2 from outside and boost plant growth and productivity.

    If grow tent setup is sealed, this means that the level of CO2 in the room gradually decreases, limiting your plants’ growth. Ventilation brings in the fresh air and fresh CO2 from outside and removes the old air from your grow room, boosting growth and yields.

    • Photosynthesis

    Plants need CO2 for photosynthesis. In a grow tent without adequate ventilation, the CO2 will become stale. This will become destructive to your plants if it is not solved with the addition and use of an exhaust fan.

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    How Often to Run Exhaust Fan in Grow Tent?

    Different grow tents require different amounts of ventilation. To know how often to run an exhaust fan in grow tent, you will need to first measure the volume of the grow tent in cubic feet.

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    The running unit of an exhaust fan is measured in CFM, short for cubic feet per minute. This is an indication of the total volume of air that should be exchanged in the grow tent. If you are unsure how to do this yourself, certain calculators such as this one will help you work out these values.

    Ideally, your exhaust fan should replace the total volume of the air in your grow tent every 3 minutes. Let’s suppose, for example, you have a grow tent with a CFM  of 720. You would divide this number by 3;

    • 720/3 = 240

    If you had an exhaust fan with a capacity of 240 CFM, you would need to run it continually to replace the air in your 720 CFM grow tent. But if you have a full capacity one (i.e. 720 CFM), you would only run it once every three minutes.

    Should I Turn My Fan Off at Night?

    You should always keep your extractor fans running as long as the lights are on in your grow tent. Colder nights may not need ventilation but during summer, you may put them on a schedule. You can also use sensors to detect if any parameters are off so you can know when to turn the fan on.

    Does a Sealed Grow Room Need Fresh Air?

    A sealed grow room needs excellent ventilation to cycle out the cold air and bring fresh air in. Otherwise, your plants will die.

    The total volume of the air needs to be replaced every three to five minutes. Make sure you get the right size fan to get the job done.

    How Do You Set Up an Exhaust Fan in a Grow Tent?

    The best time to install an exhaust fan in a grow tent is during the setup stage. This is so that you will not have to work around existing plants in your system, which may potentially kill them.

    Calculate the total volume of your grow tent to ensure that you get the best fan that will be able to efficiently ventilate.

    Once you have the fan specifications, choose the model and make that you want, in the price range you can afford. You can also look at reviews to help you decide on the best model and make sure you get the best fan for your money. Also, check of the fan comes with a filter, or if you need to purchase one separately.

    If you are mechanically inclined, you can install the fan yourself; otherwise, get a professional to help you install it.

     How important is an exhaust fan in a grow tent

    How Often Should Air Be Exchanged in Grow Room?

    You may be wondering how often the air should be exchanged when in the grow room. The truth is, it depends on the size of the grow tent. However, the rule of thumb is that the air should be exchanged in your grow tent every 3-5 minutes or so, for best results.

    Grow Room Exhaust System Setup

    To set up an exhaust system in your grow room, you’ll need to follow a method to ensure you get the best results. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Choose your equipment. Depending on what you’re growing, you’ll need certain-sized equipment. The first thing you’ll need is your exhaust fan and intake fan, which you should choose accordingly to the size of your room. Ideally, you should get fans of the same size, or a slightly smaller intake fan. You’ll also need a controller, circulation fan, ducting, and carbon filter.
    • Begin installing. You’ll need to install the exhaust fan first, along with the carbon filter. Decide where you think is best, this can be anywhere inside or outside of the tent; assuming it’s within reached. Ideally, it should be inside. Attach with tape and ducting and place the ducting outside.
    • Install further. Now it’s time to install your intake fan. This should be opposite your exhaust fan. Having them opposite one another will ensure you get the best results from your to grow tent. Just like before, secure with ducting and tape.
    • Circulation fan. Now it’s time to add at least one circulation fan; however, I would recommend using two for slightly larger tents. This particular fan should be kept running at all times; irrespective of whether the lights are on or not.
    • Set up the controller. Check everything you’ve already set up is working adequately, then set up the controller to match the cycle you’re following in your grow tent.

    Do I Need to Vent My Grow Tent Outside?

    The truth is, you can vent wherever you want; inside or outside. However, most people like to vent their grow tent outside to ensure no damage is caused to their houses. However, it all depends on what you’re growing. For example, for something like cannabis, you should absolutely try to exhaust it outside. Try to make a decision based on what you’re growing and what you think is best for your plants.

    How Long to Leave Fan on Plants?

    You may be wondering how long to leave your fan on your plants. And in all honesty, it all depends on which fan you’re talking about. For example, your circulation fan should be kept on at all times; regardless of whether your grow lights are on. However, for your inline and exhaust, you can reduce the speed after around 30 minutes of your grow lights being off and then reduce gradually before turning off completely after around three hours,

    However, when your plants are still seedlings, you may decide to keep them on 24 hours a day for best results, as this will ensure they thrive once they’re older. It all depends on what you’re growing.

    Conclusion: How Often to Run Exhaust Fan in Grow Tent

    We hope this article has provided you with the information you needed to make the best decision with regards to getting the best exhaust fan for your grow tent and to know how often to run it so you get the best efficiency and benefits for your plants.

    If you enjoyed reading this article or found it useful, feel free to share it with your family and friends.

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  • Hydroponic Asparagus: Best System for Growth

    Hydroponic Asparagus: Best System for Growth

    Interested in hydroponic asparagus? If yes, we will enlighten you about it in this article. The tasty asparagus vegetables can be grown hydroponically with the right knowledge and you will enjoy amazing benefits from it.

    Asparagus is a temperate zone plant, and thus requires warmth for optimal development. You can grow asparagus successfully with hydroponics if you supply them with their required growing needs. We will enlighten you on all the requirements and more so, read on to discover how to go about it.

    A Little About Asparagus

    Known to be warmth-loving plants. In fact, during the cold period, it goes into dormancy to stay alive. This shows it will be great for warm indoor hydroponic farming where you can comfortably adjust the environment to suit its growing needs.

    You can even grow them all year round in your indoor hydroponics without worrying about them going into dormancy. All you need do is to supply it with good warmth in your indoor hydroponics garden to serve you all year round.

    A Little About Asparagus

    Guidelines on Growing Asparagus Hydroponically

    To get started with asparagus hydroponically, you will need to propagate asparagus plants.

    Propagating asparagus

    Asparagus plants can be propagated in two ways, either from seed germination or from crowns.

    1. Propagation by crowns

    Asparagus propagation by the crown will give you a quick result compared to seed germination. The crowns of asparagus are simply one-year-old roots of asparagus which has been grown from seeds. Therefore, they are simply roots ready to be planted. You can purchase asparagus crowns from a garden center or nursery store near you.

    Usually, they should be sold to you as planting stock that comprises a root system and central fleshy crown. However, you should be aware that these plant stocks (crown and root system) are grown in the soil or field. Thus, they will most likely convey soil-borne diseases into your hydroponic farm.

    This is why you need to be very careful when it comes to growing the asparagus crowns gotten from the field into your hydroponics system. Ensure you also make a sterile environment for the transition into hydroponics and take other precautions.

    Purple Pacific 10 Live Asparagus Bare Root Plants -2yr-Crowns from and-Pickedd Nursery

    711gLp2RNDL. AC SL1000
    1. Propagation from seeds

    Asparagus propagation from seeds is also possible. However, it is time-consuming and requires lots of patience as it can take up to a year of growth until harvest time. The good news is that once it gets to the crown stage, asparagus can be grown continually for more than a decade. Properly take care of them and you continually enjoy spears of asparagus for a long time!

    Germination of asparagus seeds can take up to 10 to 15 days. Simply maintain a temperature of around 71 degrees to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid lower temperatures as this can make their growth process slow.

    Once you start to notice germination of about 3 to 5 inches and they have some root growth: you can transplant them into your hydroponics system.

    As they continue to develop in the hydroponic system, you can supply them with warm temperatures of around 75 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This will enhance the developmental rate of the young growing crown and foliage. You can as well introduce light with gradual intensity as the plant matures.

    Hydroponic system to use

    There are various hydroponic systems to make use of. However, we recommend a Dutch bucket system, deep water culture, or Kratky system to raise your asparagus plants.

    The ideal nutrient solution for growing asparagus hydroponically

    A well-balanced nutrient solution suited for the vegetative stage is ideal for it. Use this for the entire active growing stage of hydroponic asparagus.

    Harvesting

    Now to the harvesting period which is our most anticipated period: you can begin harvesting the first year after planting. Just make sure you harvest a few spears from each plant. Don’t do this all in one go, do it for about 2 weeks and stop till the next harvest.

    This way, you can give them a chance for the fronds to unfold and continue to develop a strong root system. It will also encourage them to conserve the energy required to generate plentiful spears the next season. In the next harvesting period, you can increase the harvesting time to 3 weeks and stop till the next season.

    Harvesting Asparagus

    Harvest spears when they are 5 to 7 inches long. Harvest spears by using sharp tools to cut or simply snap them off.

    How to Grow Asparagus From Cuttings

    Growing asparagus from cuttings couldn’t be easier. You can do it either one of two ways: using the soil method or the water method. Let’s take a closer look at both options.

    Soil method

    If you’re a beginner, this is probably the best method to use, as it is the easiest. All you need to do is:

    • Prepare your cuttings. Cut from a fresh plant, and do not use old asparagus cuttings, for best results.
    • Clean your cuttings. Run under cool water and remove any dirt or insects that may be on your cuttings.
    • Cut. Remove any roots on your cuttings. However, you need to leave at least 6 inches, for best results.
    • Prepare your soil. Prepare the soil by making it moist with water.
    • Plant. Place your cuttings into your soil; around 2-3 inches below surface level.
    • Mist. Mist your cuttings now, rather than pouring water o them, for best results.
    • Check regularly. After a week or two, you should see your asparagus beginning to grow.

    Water method

    This method is a little tricky, but better if you want to watch your asparagus as they grow.

    • Prepare your cuttings. Much like above, cut from a fresh plant and wash them under cool water to ensure they’re clean.
    • Place in water. Fill a clear container with water.
    • Add cuttings. Place around 75% of the cutting into water, so the top is sticking out. Over time, you’ll notice your water may change color or become slimy. If this happens, be sure to change the water.
    • Check regularly. After a week or two, you should see your asparagus beginning to grow. Hand-Picked Nursery Asparagus Planting Instructions

    The asparagus from Hand Picked Nursery is infamous in the gardening world and you may be wondering how to plant them. Let’s take a closer look.

    Buy your asparagus and then remove it from the bag once ready to plant. You may want to rinse them before use and then leave them to air dry. For the soil, you’ll need well-draining. You should ensure there’s ample space and depth for your asparagus. For example, each row should be at least a few feet apart.

    pH For Asparagus – What Should it Be?

    As mentioned above, asparagus must be grown in well a drained soil. As for the type of soil, sandy or medium is best. The pH should be anywhere between 6.5-7, which is only just slightly acidic. Any more acidic and your asparagus will not thrive. You can test your soil if you’d prefer,r and add fertilizer according. However, be sure not to use a herbicide fertilizer, as this can cause more harm than good.

    hydroponic asparagus

    Asparagus Water Needs: How Much Do They Need?

    You may be wondering how often you need to water your asparagus. Typically, they are around an inch or two per week, up until they’re around two years old. At this point, they have reached full maturity and will only need around an inch of water per week. These are the best rules to follow when deciding how often to water your asparagus.

    Conclusion on Hydroponic Asparagus 

    Now, we have seen that hydroponic asparagus is possible with the right comprehension. Make sure to follow our guidelines and we wish you successful asparagus growing. Do you have any tips when it comes to hydroponic asparagus? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Can asparagus be grown hydroponically?

    Yes, it can. You will need to fertilize it with a fertilizer that is specifically designed for hydroponic growing. Hydroponic growing is much easier than potting up seedlings, and there are several advantages to using hydroponics instead of soil.

    There are many different ways to grow asparagus in a hydroponic system. The simplest way is to use a plastic tub and place the asparagus spears in it. The water will be pulled up through the bottom of the tub. If you have a shallow tub, then the spears may be planted close together. Otherwise, you can plant them several inches apart. Asparagus is a heavy feeder.

    It loves nitrogen. So, if your growing space is limited, consider using some fish emulsion or blood meal (available at most nurseries) as a fertilizer. The second method is to place asparagus in a floating container. This allows the roots to grow directly down into the water. Floating containers are available from many online retailers, but be careful to avoid the ones that are too large or too small. There are also a variety of hydroponic systems on the market. Many are designed for the home gardener. They come in all shapes and sizes. One of the more popular hydroponic systems on the market today is the NutriWave. These systems allow you to grow your own vegetables with very little effort. It has a vertical growing chamber that holds the nutrients and water. The plant roots go directly into the nutrient solution. This is a great way to start if you are new to growing.

    The best time to harvest asparagus is when it is just beginning to flower. When the stalks are about six inches tall, pick them and enjoy.

    What’s the best nutrient solution to grow asparagus hydroponically?

    There is no best nutrient solution for growing asparagus. The answer depends on what you mean by “best”. What will work best in your particular situation will depend on a lot of factors.

    Asparagus is one of those crops that you can grow very well in a hydroponic system. However, it takes some trial and error to find the right combination of nutrients for your plants. In this case, I’ve had good luck using the following nutrient solution: 2-1-1 Solution (Soltan) Soltan is an all-purpose fertilizer.

    The only thing that I have changed from the package directions is that I add 0.2 grams of Sequestrene per gallon of water. This is because I use more than 1 gallon of water per gallon of soil and Sequestrene is a slow release fertilizer. Soltan’s website says that it is safe for use in a hydroponic system, but I prefer to be extra careful when dealing with fertilizer. If you’re concerned about using a fertilizer that is not specifically designed for use in a hydroponic system, then you could also try mixing Soltan with your regular garden fertilizer. The amount of nutrients that you need depends on what type of asparagus you are growing.

    What type of irrigation system can I use?

    You can use a drip irrigation system with a 4-inch tube running from the water tank to my pots. I have found that it is best to set the timer on the drip system to run for about 15 minutes before setting it to turn off. I do this because I don’t want to waste water by having the drip system run all day. I have also found that the drip tubing needs to be replaced every six months or so. I use PVC tubing that comes in 2-, 3-, and 4-inch sections. I use a hose bib to connect the tubing to my water tank and then to my drip irrigation system. I have attached my drip system to a PVC tee and then connected the other end of the tee to the bottom of my pots. I have also attached an extension piece to the top of the pot. The extension piece allows me to easily remove the pots and move them around. This way, if I want to rotate the plants, I can move them without having to take them out of the water.

    Is it a hardy plant?

    Asparagus is a hardy plant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, so you should be able to grow it indoors year-round without a problem.

  • Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural?

    Tomatos or Tomatoes – Which is the Correct Plural?

    Tomatos or tomatoes? What should more than one tomato be called? You may sometimes find it not so easy to remember how to spell some words because pluralization in English can at times be complicated. But you can still find an easy way to remember how to spell most of these words.

    Tomatoes are one delicious fruit that contains a good amount of essential nutrients for human development. It is often believed that tomato is a type of vegetable. But technically speaking, it is a fruit that is derived from the tomato plant.

    Most people often get the spelling of the delicious red food that goes by the name tomato wrong, especially when it comes to the plural spellings. When it comes to the spelling of some words in English, there are different rules to be followed, especially when it has to do with the construction of plural words.

    In this post, we will compare tomatos and tomatoes and find out which is the correct spelling. So, let’s delve into this.

    Some Info About Tomato – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    The big, round, pulpy, tomato berry is from the genus Solanum of the nightshade family. There are more than ten thousand tomato varieties you can find.

    The tomato is mostly red. However, some varieties can be yellow, orange, pink, black, green, or purple. But what we mostly see is usually red tomatoes.

    If you wish to see or find a multiple-color variety of tomato, you can just head to your local farm shop or greengrocer.

    Some Info About Tomato

    As we mentioned earlier, tomato is a type of fruit but sometimes it can be regarded as a type of vegetable. So, it is an edible fruit that can be eaten raw and integrated into foods like salads, or you can cook them in different meals.

    This tomato fruit is loaded with many great nutritional benefits. This includes being a great source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. They are also rich in antioxidants that can help get rid of toxins.

    This great-tasting fruit is also rich in lycopene which is available to us naturally. This lycopene is a very strong antioxidant that is crucial for the health of the prostate gland that is found in men. Also, some reports have claimed that lycopene can minimize and protect against certain types of cancer.

    Tomatos or Tomatoes: Which is the Correct Plural Form?

    It’s general knowledge to always add –s to noun words when you’re referring to the word in the plural. However, this may not be the case for some words.

    Generally, when it comes to spelling nouns in English words that end with –o, the plural form of the word often ends with –s added to the words. For example, we have words like -zoos, patios, radios, studios, embryos, avocados, tacos, videos, and so on that end with –s. However, this is not the case for words like a tomato that ends with –s.

    Correct Plural Form - Tomatoes Or Tomatos

    Some people usually make the mistake of adding –s to tomato when it comes to using tomato in the plural. But this is wrong. This is mostly because the singular word for ‘tomato’ doesn’t contain –e at the end of the word. So, it can be understandable when some people get the plural spelling wrong by just adding –s to the end of the word.

    However, the ideal or correct way of spelling tomato in the plural form is to add –es. Hence, the correct spelling for the plural of tomato is tomatoes.

    Other words ending with –o, just like a tomato, also fall into this same category of adding –es to form plural words. Below is a list of other words apart from tomato that also ends with –o that needs –us to be added to the end of their words to form the plural word:

    • Potatoes
    • Heroes
    • Torpedoes
    • Mosquitoes
    • Echoes
    • Vetoes
    • Buffaloes

    Tomato or Tomatoe: Which is the Correct Singular Form?

    It’s understandable if some people get the spelling of tomato confused. This is why we need to know what the right spelling is.

    The correct singular spelling is “tomato.” The singular form or spelling of tomato doesn’t require the addition of ‘e’ to it.

    Sow Right Seeds – Tomato Seed Collection for Planting – 10 Varieties

    Tomatoes Or Tomatos

    Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are wonderful food that can offer us great nutritional benefits that can aid in proper body functioning. Some of these benefits include:

    • Tomatoes are a wonderful source of vitamin C and vitamin K. It is also rich in potassium and folate (or vitamin B9).
    • Tomato can be beneficial to your blood pressure control and it can serve as a protection against heart disease. So, regular consumption of tomatoes can help reduce or protect against heart disease; which includes heart attacks and strokes.
    • They are a great source of fiber that can provide around 1.5 grams per average-sized tomato.
    • These fruits are great antioxidants that can help flush out toxic radicals from your system.
    • The lycopene found in tomatoes can help reduce the risk of cancer as well as give some protection against cancer.
    • Your skin can also benefit from tomato use. For instance, food that is based on tomatoes is rich in lycopene as well as other plant compounds that may protect against sunburn. Some studies have even shown that individuals that consume 1.3 ounces (i.e. 40 grams) of tomato paste get about 16 grams of lycopene. Now, when this is combined with olive oil every day for 10 weeks, it can cause 40% fewer sunburns.

    Nutritional Value of Tomatoes

    You may be wondering what the nutritional value is when it comes to tomatoes. Let’s take a closer look. Every 100g of tomatoes contains the following:

    • calories: 18
    • fat: less than 1g
    • cholesterol: 0mg
    • sodium: 5mg
    • carbohydrates: 3.9g
    • fiber: 1.2g
    • protein: less than 1g

    Popular Varieties of Tomatoes

    There are hundreds of varieties of tomatoes; big and small, ranging in color and flavor. But some varieties are more popular than others. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Roma Tomatoes. You may know Roma tomatoes better than plum tomatoes. These types of tomatoes are usually somewhere between small and medium in size. They’re usually sweet, plump, and flavorful. Perfect for soups and salads.
    • Cherry Tomatoes. They’re small tomatoes that tend to explode with flavor as you eat them. I find that these tomatoes work well as a snack, or in sauces.
    • Beefsteak Tomatoes. These are large and plump in size. These work great for when you’re looking for tomato slices to add to your burgers. They’re often mild in flavor, but very juicy.
    • Heirloom Tomatoes. These tomatoes aren’t typically uniform, coming in a selection of sizes and colors. These tomatoes are usually sweet and rich in flavor. These tomatoes work well in any dish and are known as the “purest” tomatoes.
    • Vine Tomatoes. As the name suggests, they grow on the vine and are then sold that way. This means that they’ll be as fresh as possible when you pick them off the vine. They’re versatile and can be used in many dishes.
    • Green Tomatoes. Green tomatoes can either be ripened or unripened; depending on the variety. Green tomatoes are surprisingly common in the US. They have a different taste from usual tomatoes and they can even be quite sour. They’re typically firm, but not as juicy as other varieties.
    • Grape Tomatoes. These are the smallest cherries. They aren’t particularly juicy, but because of their size, you may not want to use them in cooking and they may be best suited as a snack.

    Tomatoes Tomatos Saying

    You may have weird the expression, “tomato, tomahto”, or, “potayto, potahto”; both of which are used interchangeably. It simply means that you have differences, but you’ll have to agree to disagree.

    As well as this, it was also made famous in a popular song by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, called Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off. The lyrics are, “you like potayto, I like potahto, you like tomayto, and I like tomahto, potayto, potahto, tomayto, tomahto, let’s call the whole thing off”. This is essentially saying that we have our differences, but let’s settle this now and stop.

    It is also a cultural difference. British people tend to see “tomahto”, whereas Americans tend to say “tomayto”. Either way is correct!

    Do You Say: Some Tomato or Some Tomatoes?

    If you have more than one tomato, you should say some tomatoes, rather than some tomato. Some tomato does not make grammatical sense and should not be used when you have more than one tomato.

    Tomato Plural Dictionary – What Does the Dictionary Say?

    If you take a look at dictionary.com, tomato is described as a noun, and the plural for a tomato is to·ma·toes.

    tomatoes tomatos saying

    Final Say – Tomatos or Tomatoes

    Even though there may be different ways of tomato pronunciations, the right spelling must be followed. So, when it comes to spelling tomato, there is only one way to spell this word. The word tomato is often misspelled and this is common when it comes to their plural spellings.  But ‘tomato’ is the correct singular spelling, while ‘tomatoes’ is the correct plural spelling.

    Do you know of any other words that end in -o, that are then added with an -es plural? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Which is correct tomatos or tomatoes?

    People often misuse or misspell the word ‘tomato particularly when it has to do with the plural spelling. Even though most words that ends with -o usually have s added to their back when it comes to their plural spelling, this isn’t the case for tomato. So,’Tomatoes is the correct spelling for the plural of the word tomato.

    How to spell tomatoes or tomatos?

    The singular spelling for tomato is ‘tomato’ then the plural is spelled ‘tomatoes.’ So, take note not to get these confused.

    Do you say tomatoes or tomatos?

    Often times words that ends with -o have -s added to them when we want to spell them in their plural form. For example, videos, radios, tacos, and so on. But for the case of tomato that also ends with -o, the plural form is totally different. The correct plural word is tomatoes.

    Why is tomatoes spelled with an E?

    Tomatoes is spelled with E because this is the way the plural of tomato is spelled. Instead of adding -s to the back of the ‘tomato’ word, -es is added to form the plural word for tomato.

  • How to Cool Grow Tent: 6 Best Tips

    How to Cool Grow Tent: 6 Best Tips

    One common issue indoor growers wrestle with heat. Ensuring your grow tents remain cool is of great importance so your plants can successfully make it to harvest time. So, we will be giving you the best tips on how to cool grow tents.

    Fortunately, there are various things you can do to manage heat and ensure your grow tent is kept cool. So, by the end of this article, you should be able to know how to maintain a cool grow tent for the optimal growth of your plant.

    Tips on How to Cool Grow Tent 

    You must keep your grow tent cool and prevent building up excess heat. Too much heat can cause your plant to burn or even damage some of your growing equipment.

    Depending on the extent of heat you’re managing or the size of grow tent you have, you may require one or several methods to keep your grow tent cool. Therefore, ensure you take into account the extent of heat you’re handling to know the approach to take in solving the situation.

    However, even if the heat issue you have is not so big, we recommend you integrate more than one method for effective results.

    So, below are some of the best tips on how to cool grow tent:

    1. Use an air conditioner

    One easy and fast way to cool your grow tent is to use an air conditioner. If you’re using a small tent, you can use one small air conditioner. It can be placed outside, close to your small grow tent in the same room you placed your tent. However, if you’re using a bigger tent, you will require a bigger air conditioner.

    The only downside to this is that an air conditioner may cost you more electricity usage especially if your growing on a large scale. But all in all, using an air conditioner to cool your grow tent is one of the best and most effective methods you can go for.

    2. Inline and exhaust fans

    Another great method of cooling grow room tent is by making use of a combination of inline and exhaust fans. This will cycle in and out of the air in your tent. These fans work by bringing in fresh air into the grow tent and this is done by an inline fan. While the exhaust fan moves the inside air, which is usually hot, outside the grow tent.

    3. Change your grow light to LED

    If you continue to have heat problems in your grow tent, you may want to check the type of grow light you’re using. Some grow lights such as household CFL, HID, HPS, etc, produce more heat. Switching to grow light that will produce heat lesser heat (such as LED, fluorescent grow light, etc) may be required.

    These grow lights will even save you energy as they consume less power and are more effective for growing plants.

    However, if you plan to stick with other types of grow light that emits more heat, you will have to put in extra work to manage the excess heat.

    led grow lights lumens

    4. Use oscillating fans

    Ensure you set up fans inside your grow tent. If you’re using a small tent, one or two portable oscillating fans are enough. If you however have a bigger tent, you will require several oscillating fans to cool down your grow tents.

    As you’re planning to purchase your grow light, always add fans to these plans. The wattage of your grow light will determine how many fans to use. Higher grow light wattage will require more fans and vice versa.

    5. Proper ventilation of tents

    Generally, your grow tent should have proper ventilation such as inlet and outlet vents. Not just that, your grow tent should also have regular vents which may have layers of mesh covering that allow airflow. The combination of inlet and exhaust fans with these vents makes it more effective.

    6. Proper ventilation for grow lights

    Grow light with proper vent allows cool air to be passed across the grow light during operation. We recommend you always go for grow light that has vents on all sides. Set up the necessary fans towards your grow light vent to allow the passage of cool air across the grow light.

    How to Heat Up Grow Tent

    As well as cooling down your grow tent, you may also want to know how to heat your grow tent. Here are some easy ways to ensure your grow tent remains warm enough during the colder seasons.

    • Location. Try moving your grow tent inside to another room, or changing the ventilation. Doing one of these options will instantly provide warmth for your grow tent.
    • Use More Light. An easy way to get warmth is to add more light. As long as the light is evenly spread throughout your grow tent, this is a sensible option.
    • Heater. Heaters are only effective in smaller rooms as they don’t release too much heat. But if you have a small grow tent, this would be ideal.
    • Lower Your Fans. If you use your fans less often than usual, it’ll be warmer than usual. You could also install a thermostat in your grow tent, but this isn’t often recommended.
    • Air Diffuser. Create your own air diffuser by using ducting and running it around your grow tent.

    How to Add AC to Grow Tent

    The easiest way to add AC to your grow tent is to use a portable or small air conditioning unit. If you use one of these, you can simply wheel it into your grow tent. This is ideal if you don’t want to spend time installing AC units.

    Best Small AC for Grow Tent

    There’s a huge selection of portable AC units to use for your grow tent. However, I’ve found that some work far better than others in grow tents. Here are two of my favorites.

    The first is the Serene Life SLPAC10 Portable Air Conditioner. It can be used as an AC unit, fan, or dehumidifier. It can cover around 500 feet and has a voltage capacity of 120V. It works best in a 5×9 grow tent. It is known for being quite a noisy AC unit, so if you’re sleeping or working near your grow tent, this unit may not be ideal. However, it’s great at reducing humidity and controlling the temperature in the tent.

    The second is the Black & Decker BPACT12WT Portable Air Conditioner. It can be used as an AC unit, fan, or dehumidifier. It can cover around 500 feet and has a voltage capacity of 110V. It works best in an 8×8 grow tent. Much like the first, it is known for being noisy; but unfortunately, I’ve found this the case with most AC units. However, it’s easy to use and maintain; as well as great at controlling humidity.

    DIY AC for Grow Tent

    You can even make your own AC for your grow tent. To do this, you’ll need to put in time and effort and have varying equipment. For this, you’ll need the following equipment:

    • ducting
    • drill
    • hose
    • fan
    • bucket
    • cooling pads
    • water pump

    Now all you need to do is:

    1. Drilling. Grab your 5-gallon bucket and fill it with 2 gallons of water. Make a mark where the water reaches and drill holes just above the line you’ve marked. Only make as many holes as you can without damaging the bucket.
    2. Cooling Pads. Cut your cooling pads to size. Around 33″x13″ is ideal. Glue together.
    3. Hose. Connect your house by using tubing to fit the size of your pump. Make holes every 1-2 inches.
    4. Water Pump. Use a 12V water pump and connect the hose to check it works adequately. Cover your 5-gallon bucket with a lid.
    5. Fan. Use a 12V fan; the lower the better, as this continually be running. You can place the fan beneath the lid.
    6. Add Ducting. Place your DIY AC unit outside the tent and add ducting to insert into the entrance of your tent.

    how to heat up grow tent

    Final Thoughts: How to Cool Grow Tent

    With that said, we do hope you have learned some tips on how to keep your grow tent cool. Remember, for an effective result; ensure you go for more than one option or technique we listed above. Do you have any tips or tricks for cooling down a grow tent? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!

    FAQs

    How hot is too hot in grow tent?

    The question of whether or not there’s a limit to how hot a grow tent should be has been discussed on this site many times. The problem is that the answer is different for everyone, depending on their tolerance level and what kind of grow they’re doing. I’ve seen some grow tents that are so hot that you can barely walk into them.

    I’ve read that the heat should be between 55-65 degrees, but there are other sources that say that the heat should be around 50-55 degrees.

    How do I keep my grow tent cool?

    If you were growing outside you wouldn’t have to worry about keeping your plants cool. If your plants were outside they would naturally cool the air down in their leaves. 

    However, in a growe tent you do need to take precautions. There are a couple of ways you can keep your grow tent cool. You can use an AC unit to cool the room, or you can use fans to circulate the air in the room. The best way to keep your grow tent cool is to use an AC unit. A properly sized AC unit will keep your grow room cool enough for you to be comfortable in the room and keep it cool enough for your plants to thrive.

    It is not always easy to find the right grow tent that will suit your needs, and this affects the way that heat is dispersed throughout the inside. Many growers end up with a grow tent that does not fit their needs or they end up having to spend money on something that is not a good investment. When selecting a grow tent you should consider the following: Size You want to make sure that you purchase a grow tent that is the correct size for your needs. It is a good idea to get a grow tent that is the same size as your current grow tent.

    How do I know if my plants are too cold?

    Cold temperatures can cause damage to some plants. Plants that are too cold are less likely to bloom, grow and develop healthy buds and leaves. You can tell if your plant is too cold by the way it looks, whether or not its leaves are wilting and the color of the soil. 

  • Best Fertilizer for Green Beans: Updated for 2023

    Best Fertilizer for Green Beans: Updated for 2023

    Using the best fertilizer for green beans when growing the plant will no doubt greatly improve the yield.

    The importance of fertilizers in the place of plant growth cannot be emphasized enough. These supplemental nutrients help plant yield. This is why we would be looking into some fertilizers needed by your green bean to thrive.

    Green beans are one loved vegetable amongst other plants. They are very nutritious and easy to grow if you gain the right knowledge about them.

    In this post, we will be looking at some of the best fertilizers for green beans. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge about this.

    Brief About Green Beans Vegetable

    Before we delve into fertilizers for green beans, let’s discuss some things that you should know about green beans and the nutrient requirement of green beans.

    Green beans which are also known as string beans or snap beans are green vegetables with huge nutritional benefits. There are over 130 varieties of green beans in the world presently.

    Green beans are of two varieties namely bush bean and pole bean. This variety majorly distinguishes them based on their growing styles.

    Brief About Green Beans Vegetable

    Bush beans are inclined to grow compactly and usually don’t require support. They are therefore perfect to be grown in raised beds as well as in a garden with little space. Their growth height is usually around 12 to 24 inches tall.

    Pole beans on the other hand are inclined to grow in a vining manner and will usually require support such as a trellis or cage. The growing height of pole beans can be as tall as 6 feet or more.

    Green beans are also loaded with great nutrients. It has a high amount of Chlorophyll, which can greatly help reduce the chances of having cancer. For women of childbearing age, green beans are a great method of improving fertility.

    Apart from the above, green beans have some other wonderful health benefits such as reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mortality generally. Green beans contain calories, fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein, calcium, iron, etc.

    Fertilizer for Beans

    Generally, bean plants are not so demanding when it comes to fertilization requirements. This is because they are legumes and they basically fix nutrients such as nitrogen. Therefore, they are capable of supplying some of their nitrogen usually. So, all you need may just be a 3 to 4 inches layer of work in compost.

    However, if you have less fertile soil or they lack just one crucial nutrient, your green bean plant may not flourish well.

    Do a soil test to determine the status so you can know if there are any deficiencies in essential nutrients.

    Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Test Kit for Soil pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potash, 1 Pack

    81lMIyoIrfL. AC SL1500

    Homemade fertilizer for green beans

    Homemade fertilization of green beans can be derived using organic materials such as fish emulsion, compost tea, as well as other organic fertilizers.

    Bean Fertilizer

    Here are some major fertilizers that tend to increase the growth rate of beans:

    Phosphorous – Best fertilizer for green beans

    Phosphorus is one essential nutrient bean plants need to majorly develop a good root system. But as we have mentioned earlier, beans are not heavily nutrient-requiring. Therefore, you can simply use a 3 inches layer of compost to enhance the growth of your green bean plant.

    But in the case where your garden soil test result shows that phosphorous is insufficient or lacking, you can use a 5-10-10 fertilizer. You can optionally make use of 1 pound of bone meal per 100 square feet to achieve moderate nutrient feeding.

    Potassium

    Potassium is another nutrient that can help green beans to grow efficiently. It is like a supporting nutrient in the growth of beans.

    Although potassium doesn’t really offer a major effect on the stem or growth like nitrogen and phosphorus would, potassium will still help in keeping beans healthy. This will therefore encourage or support the growth of the green beans.

    Potassium - Green Beans Vegetable

    A moderate supply or feeding of compost is fine to supply the needed potassium for green beans.

    However, if the soil tests in your garden show very low or infertile potassium, you should make use of 5-10-10 fertilizers. Alternatively, you can make use of 10 pounds of ground granite or 10 pounds of greensand per square foot.

    Is nitrogen needed in beans?

    The very first fertilizers any gardener would think of when it comes to the growth of the plant is nitrogen fertilizers. However, when it comes to legumes such as beans, these plants are nitrogen fixers.

    Hence, they are capable of fixing nitrogen into the soil and this nitrogen is gotten from the air.

    Therefore, avoid supplying your green beans with fertilizer rich in nitrogen because this can hurt your plant. Excess nitrogen can result in excess stem and leaf growth and offer you little or small beans.

    Growing Green Beans

    Green beans are very easy to grow. They are warm-loving crops that should be planted when the danger of frost has elapsed in your zone.

    The ideal growing temperatures for green beans range from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. For that successful seed germination, the temperature of your soil should be around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

    So, once you’ve planted your green beans, monitor your beans to notice any signs of nutrient deficiencies.

    One sign of low nitrogen level is expressed by slow growth and pale green or yellow leaves. You can help the plant by spraying a balanced liquid spray on the green bean plant. This will supply direct nutrients to the plants rather than the soil first.

    Best Branded Fertilizers for Green Beans

    There are many branded fertilizers you can use for your green beans, but I’ve found that some are far better than others. Let’s take a closer look at some of our personal favorites.

    • Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. This is usually the most popular fertilizer to use on your green beans. It’s an all-around favorite and Miracle-Gro is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to gardening. You can use this fertilizer every few weeks on your green beans and you’ll quickly see the effect. This fertilizer is 24-8-16.
    • Old Farmer’s Almanac Fertilizer. This fertilizer is completely organic and made just for veggies, such as green beans. It helps both growth and root structure. This fertilizer is 8-4-8.
    • Osmocote Vegetable Plant Food. Easy to use and can be used for both perennials and veggies, such as green beans. It helps both root structure and plant growth. This fertilizer is 15-9-12.
    • Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n’ Feed. As mentioned, you can’t go wrong with Miracle-Gro, as it’s such a well-trusted and loved brand. It contains a range of micronutrients, as well as calcium. This fertilizer is 8-2-12.
    • Jobe’s Organic Vegetable Fertilizer. This product is absolutely ideal for green beans. It has a range of benefits besides producing tasty green beans, such as helping the soil and warding away any unwanted pests and diseases. As well as this, it’s also organic. This fertilizer is 2-7-4.
    • Dr. Earth Organic Fertilizer. Another great choice for any green bean enthusiast. It’s non-GMO, bursting with goodness and microbes, and even pro-biotics. This fertilizer is 4-6-3.

    Best Fertilizer Without Nitrogen

    Low nitrogen or nitrogen-free options are important when working with green beans. Some of the best options to use are:

    • bone meal
    • wood chips
    • potash
    • wood ash
    • cow manure
    • kelp meal
    • seaweed fertilizer

    Best Liquid Fertilizer for Beans

    The best liquid fertilizer for green beans is without a doubt Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food. It’s a 24-8-16 fertilizer and is a multi-use fertilizer that can be used for any of your gardening needs. Just simply use your liquid fertilizer every few weeks to start seeing top results.

    pH for Green Beans

    The soil pH when growing green beans is very important. It should be kept anywhere from 6-6.5. This means that the soil should just be a little acidic. If this need isn’t met, it’s unlikely that your green beans will thrive and will likely have stunted growth.

    If you test your soil and notice your soil is too acidic, you’ll need to add something alkaline, such as powdered lime to neutralize the soil. The more acidic your soil is, the more powdered lime you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.

    If you test your soil and notice your soil is too alkaline, you’ll need to add something acidic, such as sulfur. The more alkaline your soil is, the more sulfur you’ll have to add to reach the correct pH of 6-6.5.

    fertilizer without nitrogen

    Conclusion on Best Fertilizer for Green Beans

    The basis of what you need to know about the best fertilizer for growing green beans has been covered in this guide. To attain the best possible result, ensure you first test your soil to determine any nutrient deficiency. Then supply your green beans plant with the appropriate fertilizer.

    So, anytime you need to grow green beans, consider any of the above fertilizers mentioned to help boost your plant yield. Be careful when applying to make sure you are applying the proper way.

    Do you have any tips or tricks for choosing the best fertilizer for green beans? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    Read more about Discover Types Of String Beans You Can Grow

    FAQs

    What is a good fertilizer for green beans?

    I’ve grown green beans successfully in the past using the following mix: 20-30% Nitrogen (N) 40-50% Phosphorus (P) 10-15% Potassium (K) The only thing I can think of that would help is to add some sulfur. If you have any, use it, as sulfur is an essential nutrient for plants. The best time to plant green beans is from mid-May to early June. You can start seeds indoors or buy plants ready to be transplanted.

    How often do you fertilize green beans?

    You should fertilize your green beans when they are 4 to 6 inches tall, because that’s when they start to produce seeds. Use a fertilizer that has a low phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio. This will allow your plants to focus on making seeds instead of growing roots. You should also try to keep the phosphorus-to-nitrogen ratio around 1:3 or 1:5. If you live in an area where your soil is acidic, then you should fertilize your green beans with a compound called lime. Lime is a form of limestone that has been treated with sulfur.
    In general, fertilize our beans once a week.

    What nutrients do green beans need to grow?

    Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the three main nutrients for growth of plants.
    Green beans are easy to grow, and they grow well even in average soil. They prefer full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.
    They can be grown year-round in most climates, but if you live in a cold climate, it is best to start them indoors in late winter or early spring.

    How do I grow green beans?

    Seeding green beans is easy. They like to be planted about one inch deep and three inches apart. They also like to be fertilized at planting time with compost, manure or a general purpose fertilizer. As soon as they have sprouted, thin the plants to two inches apart. Water them frequently, especially during the first few weeks. If you are growing green beans in containers, keep them watered until they are tall enough to handle their own weight. In the fall, you can harvest your beans and store them for winter eating.

    How can I increase the yield of my green beans?

    The yield of your green bean crop is directly related to the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant during its growth period. During the early stages of growth, the plant needs to grow quickly, and therefore must be able to capture as much light as possible. The more light it can capture, the bigger it will get. As a result, your plants will be larger and the yields will be greater.
    Also, the quality of your green bean crop is directly related to the soil conditions in which the plants are growing. The more nutrients that are available to the plant, the better the quality will be.

  • Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    Ever wondered: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? Let’s look into this. The bulky meaty beefsteak tomato fruit is one loved tomato variety that can be a great addition to your home garden.

    One common classification you may come across on the label of a tomato plant or a tomato seed packet is indeterminate or determinate. What these two terms are majorly talking about is the growing style of the tomato plant.

    So, regarding the beefsteak tomato, most people would like to know if this tomato variety is determinate or indeterminate so they can select the appropriate tomato for their garden. Not to worry because we will be enlightening you by looking more into this.

    About Beefsteak Tomato Plant

    Beefsteak tomatoes are huge, bulky, meaty, and juicy tomato variety and it is botanically named Solanum Lycopersicum.

    They are one of the largest types of tomato in terms of weight. They can weigh up to a pound or even more. Their color ranges from vibrant red to pink, and then orange. The majority of beefsteak tomatoes have a smooth shape but we can also have ribbed varieties such as Coustralee and Red Ponderosa.

    Beefsteak has this classic tomato flavor and with their different varieties, they can offer a different sweet taste.

    About Beefsteak Tomato Plant

    This tomato plant tends to grow up to 6 feet tall and their late-maturing plant will yield an abundant harvest around 85 days after planting. The size of the beefsteak tomato variety makes it a perfect choice for summer sandwiches or sliced snacks with a sprinkle of sea salt.

    Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    So the question we would like to know is: are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate? The answer is beefsteak tomato variety is primarily indeterminate.

    But let’s further look into what determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are to understand their characteristics.

    Determinate tomato

    Determinate tomato growth is mostly fixed. They will grow and mature to a fixed size and their growth will cease once and they will produce their fruits all at once. But they are still highly productive.

    Therefore, they have a limited growth pattern. This makes them perfect for container gardening or for planting in areas with limited growing space.

    The majority of determinate tomato varieties tend to grow about 4 to 5 feet long. They are also regarded as a bush-type variety because of their small and compact size. Hence, they usually do not require support or staking, or a cage.

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    Indeterminate tomato: Is beefsteak tomato determinate or indeterminate?

    Beefsteak tomatoes are indeterminate. Indeterminate tomatoes on the other hand tend to grow in a vining manner. They will continue to grow and yield fruits throughout their growing season. So their growth won’t cease until frost kills them.

    This tomato plant variety can also grow in a bulky shrub manner. Therefore, indeterminate tomatoes usually need staking or caging.

    They really don’t have a particular growing length. But we can roughly say they can grow up to 3 feet long in a place that has a short growing season. They can also grow more than 6 feet long in an area with a long growing season.

    You can grow indeterminate comfortably in places where this tomato variety can have the chance to grow upwards and as long as a trellis. Indeterminate tomato variety is also ideal for farmers who wish to have smaller batches of tomatoes spread across their growing season.

    Growing Beefsteak Tomato

    The majority of beefsteak tomato variety often takes up to 85 days to attain maturity and harvest. This is usually unachievable in most parts of the United States. Therefore, we recommend you begin your seedlings indoors.

    Seedlings should be commenced indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before your region’s first frost of spring. They should be ready for transplanting by this time. Around March is usually the best time to plant beefsteak tomatoes indoors.

    Seeds should be sown in flats and you should continue to care for them until they attain a height of at least 8 inches. Make sure you harden off the seedlings before you transplant them.

    Once it’s time to transplant, select a sunny spot and a properly draining garden bed. Supply beefsteak tomato plants with direct sunlight of at least 8 hours or even more daily. Also, ensure no shadows are cast from any nearby trees or buildings.

    Remember before planting, you should work in compost or other organic amendments into the soil. You should also integrate a starter fertilizer just to get your little plants off to a good start.

    There should be adequate spacing to encourage good air circulation. Spacing should be around 19 to 36 inches apart. Beefsteak tomato usually requires lots of spacing as well as training and support.

    Caring For Beefsteak Tomato

      • One major part of caring for beefsteak tomatoes as they grow is staking. Staking is important to train your plant the right way or else they will begin to bend towards the ground.

      • Ensure you minimize weed growth by removing unwanted weeds and mulch between the rows. You will also be conserving moisture by doing this.

      • Apply fertilizer every 3 weeks.

      • Water is about 1 to 2 inches deep per week.

      • You should know that all beefsteak tomato varieties are susceptible to pests and diseases. Therefore, we encourage you to always monitor your plant so you can identify and solve the problems as soon as you notice them.

      • Prune your plants appropriately once they begin to grow. Ensure you trim off any sucker, leaves, as well as stems just below the first branch that has fruits or clusters. This will keep leaves off the ground and doing this can reduce the chances of disease and pests. This should be done weekly all through their growing season and make sure the plant doesn’t grow more than one or two main stems. Doing this will make the plant grow easier with a trellis and will encourage better branching.

    Caring For Beefsteak Tomato

    Why Are My Beefsteak Tomatoes Small?

    Unfortunately, beefsteak tomatoes growing on the small side is one of the most common problems that occur when growing them. This can happen for a range of reasons, including lack of water, pests, disease – and so much more! These reasons can then cause stunted growth. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Wrong variety. It may be that you’ve done nothing wrong at all and that you have simply purchased the wrong seeds. If this is the case, they’ll definitely be on the smaller side if they’re not beefsteak tomatoes!
    • Lack of water. Tomatoes are very thirsty plants and they need plenty of water to keep them moist and juicy. So much so, that the top 4-6 inches of water need to be kept moist at all times. It’s also best to water in the morning.
    • Root problems. When transplanting your tomatoes to a garden, root problems can occur if you do not do this gently enough. The roots of beefsteak tomatoes are very prone to breaking, so as long as you’re careful, this shouldn’t happen.
    • Not enough sunlight. Tomatoes need lots of direct sunlight, to thrive. If you plant them in shade, or somewhere that doesn’t receive much light, this is sure to stunt the growth and end with smaller tomatoes.
    • Too much fertilizer. While small amounts of fertilizer will help your tomatoes to thrive, too much can have the complete opposite effect. Not only can it stunt growth, but it can also change the flavor too! Using a low-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal.
    • Suckers. Too many suckers can cause the growth of your tomatoes to slow down rapidly. This is why it’s best to remove as many as you can from your tomato plant to encourage plump tomatoes.
    • Heat. The temperature of your environment is very important when it comes to beefsteak tomatoes. The hotter it is, the less likely they are to survive. If it is particularly hot, just ensure your tomatoes are kept watered and offer them adequate shade.

    Beefsteak Tomato Sprouts – How Long Does It Take?

    You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to sprout from a seedling. If cared for correctly, you’ll notice signs of sprouting from around 5-10 days after planting.

    Beefsteak Tomato Plant Flowering – How Long Does It Take?

    You may be wondering how long it will take for your beefsteak tomatoes to flower. The truth is, it all comes down to the variety that you’re growing. However, it can be anywhere from 20-60 days. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the variety, the longer they’ll take to flower.

    Beefsteak Tomato Varieties

    There are over 50 different varieties of beefsteak tomatoes. Ranging from orange in color, to pink, to deep red. However, some are tastier than others. Let’s take a look at my top 6.

    • Orange Wellington Hybrid. This type of beefsteak tomato is medium in size and doesn’t have many seeds at all. They’re bright in color but have a sweet flavor profile. What I love about this type is that they can last all season, in all types of weather; when cared for correctly.
    • Delicious. Bursting with flavor, but it has quite a traditional taste. It’s not too sweet and it’s not too acidic. Perfect for slicing and it should go without saying – absolutely delicious!
    • Cherokee Purple. The perfect combination of sweet, yet smoky. As the name suggests, this tomato is extremely dark in color. They are large and extremely tasty.
    • Big Pink Hybrid. This type of tomato is medium in size and as the name suggests, is a blush pink color. It’s slightly sweet in flavor.
    • Darkstar Hybrid. These can come in a range of colors but are on the smaller side of beefsteak tomatoes. It’s a rich tomato flavor but doesn’t have much acidity.
    • Brandywine Pink. If you’re a fan of sweet tomatoes, this is the variety for you. This is known as one of the sweetest, if not the sweetest, beefsteak tomatoes.

    Beefsteak Tomato

    Conclusion: Are Beefsteak Tomatoes Determinate or Indeterminate?

    So, we have concluded that the beefsteak tomato is an indeterminate plant variety and not a determinate variety. Indeterminate tomato variety tends to grow in a vining manner and they will keep growing and yielding fruits all through their growing season.

    Do you have any other useful facts about beefsteak tomatoes? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    How do I know if I have determinate or indeterminate tomatoes?

    Tomatoes are an easy-to-grow plant that can be grown indoors or out. Some varieties are determinate, which means they grow to a certain size, while others are indeterminate, which means they continue growing until the plants are harvested.

    A determinate tomato is a small, round tomato. Indeterminate tomatoes are larger, and they keep growing for many years. Indeterminate tomatoes tend to be more popular in warm climates. They are also more prone to fungal diseases than determinate tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes need to be transplanted at least twice a year. Determinate tomatoes are generally considered to have fewer diseases than indeterminate tomatoes.

    Determinate tomatoes are usually less expensive than indeterminate tomatoes.

    Can you tell which kind a tomato is by looking at it?

    You can’t tell by looking at a tomato plant if it is determinate or indeterminate. It is determined by the number of nodes on the stem. Indeterminate means that the plant will keep growing, producing more leaves, until it reaches a certain size. Determinate means that the plant will stop growing once it reaches a certain size. The main difference between the two types of tomatoes is the time to maturity. Indeterminate tomatoes will take longer to mature than determinate ones, so they are more productive over the long run. Beefsteaks are determinate, so they don’t keep growing. Indeterminate tomatoes will produce for several weeks and then stop producing. Determinate tomatoes will only produce for a few days.

    Are beefsteak tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?

    The answer is that they are indeterminate, and there are many reasons for this. First of all, the tomato plant does not have a single determinate fruit in the usual sense of the word. Instead, it produces a variable number of fruit, which can be anywhere from 1 to about 20 or 30 depending on the variety.

    Are beefsteak tomatoes easy to grow?

    Beefsteak tomatoes are easy to grow and can be harvested at the end of summer. They are a good choice for beginners because they are hardy, long-lasting and have a compact growing season. In addition, they are easy to grow and maintain, and they are available at most grocery stores.

    Beefsteak tomatoes are the largest tomato that can be grown in the home garden, and they have a compact growing season. Their fruits are usually harvested when they are ripe and red, and they do not require much care to produce large amounts of fruit. They are a good choice for beginning gardeners because they are relatively easy to grow, and they are available at most grocery stores.

    In general, you can plant beefsteak tomatoes in late spring or early fall. You can also plant them in the fall if your soil is still cool enough. If your soil is too warm, you may get more heat stress.

  • Green Spaghetti Squash: What This Means

    Green Spaghetti Squash: What This Means

    Why do I have green spaghetti squash inside, is it supposed to be this color when ripe, and is it safe to eat?

    Spaghetti squash is one of the most popularly grown vegetables that most people love to eat. It’s like pasta but it’s not pasta.

    Sometimes people notice that the spaghetti squash is green inside instead of its usual yellow or golden color. “Why do I have green spaghetti squash”, this question is typed all over the internet meaning so many people want to find out the answer.

    To demystify this question, let us look at all the information about spaghetti squash.

    Why Do I Have Green Spaghetti Squash Inside?

    When you are at the store buying a spaghetti squash, look for those that have a nice lemon yellow color. If you notice a squash is green inside, it means it isn’t ripe and will have to stay longer before you can use it.

    If a spaghetti squash is green and soft, it is more likely to rot than ripen when off the vine. If it has hints of yellow and the squash appears to be full-sized and sounds solid when tapped, it could be mature and ready for eating.

    So Why Is My Spaghetti Squash Green Inside

    If you are growing spaghetti squash in your garden, look for those that have smooth skin and feel heavier than others. Those are signs of a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash ready to be harvested off the vine.

    However, if the fruit is too mature it may already be rotting inside, so it’s hard to tell what stage it is at by just looking at it. Go ahead and try to cut into the fruit by gently prying open the rind just enough to see inside then softly pressing back together. If you notice any green spots or dark discoloration on the seeds, that is an indication that it has begun to rot.

    How Do You Know if Spaghetti Squash is Bad Inside?

    There are several signs to tell if your spaghetti squash is bad inside. They include:

    • Check to See if it is Green Inside. The first rule of thumb is to not eat or cook spaghetti squash if it is green or almost completely green. The easiest way to know if it’s ready for eating is by looking at its color. A fully ripe one should have a bright yellowish-orange tone.
    • Check the Rind for Any Discoloration. Any discoloration on the rind means the spaghetti could be rotten on the inside. If the rind appears to be saggy or has a dark spot, do not cook it.
    • Check for Any Soft Spots on the Exterior of the Fruit. Any small soft spot can turn into a large dark patch very quickly so if you notice anything with discoloration toss them immediately.
    • Are the Seeds Brown? When you are cooking spaghetti squash at home, do not eat those that have already begun to turn brown on the seeds as this may indicate the presence of harmful molds that can cause foodborne illnesses.
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    How to Ripen Spaghetti Squash

    If you happen to harvest or buy your spaghetti squash when it is not fully ripe, you can ripen it indoors. Here are several ways you can ripen your spaghetti squash

    • Store it in a cool dry place, away from any direct sunlight for about ten to twelve weeks. Simply put, store spaghetti squash as if you store bananas because they both ripen faster when kept at room temperature instead of cold storage area.
    • Keep it on top of your counter. Ripen spaghetti squash at home by keeping it on top of your counter or kitchen table to allow the fruit to breathe well and avoid overly moist conditions.
    • You can also ripen this winter gourd off the vine but make sure to leave 1/2 inch space between each other so there is enough air circulation around them.
    • To know if your spaghetti squash is ripe, check the bottom for any indentations. Mature spaghetti squash will have roots on the bottom while immature ones do not.

    Check Out The Top 5 Cherry Tomato Varieties Chart

    Spaghetti Squash’s Shelf Life

    How long does spaghetti squash stay outside after picking? Spaghetti squash has a short storage life and should be kept indoors at room temperature for no longer than ten days, so it’s best to use them as soon as possible after harvesting or purchasing from the grocery store!

    Leaving winter squashes out can cause faster deterioration due to moisture loss and rotting because of a quicker oxidation process happening inside the fruit.

    What Color Spaghetti Squash Should I Pick? 

    The skin of your spaghetti squash should be a yellowish-golden hue. It will start as creamy and then transition to bright. If the squash has an even yellow color, it’s ready for harvest. If you notice green-yellow spots, leave it to grow a little more. But be careful. Once your spaghetti squash reaches an orange hue, you will only be able to preserve it for a short time. 

    You can use other methods besides color to determine if your spaghetti squash is ready for harvesting. Just relying on the color can leave you unsure. Here are two other ways to determine ripeness:

    Check the Skin: Ripe spaghetti squash will have almost flawless skin. There won’t be any bruising or indentations. If these are present, your squash is damaged or overripe. 

    The Fingernail Method: You can try pushing your fingernail into the squash skin. Mature fruit will be tough and challenging to penetrate. If you can puncture the squash skin, it needs more time to grow. 

    Spaghetti squash starts as a small fruit with white or green skin. It takes up to 110 days for it to mature. You can use this timeline as another indicator for ripeness if you’re unsure about the color of your squash. 

    Can You Plant Spaghetti Squash in August?

    Spaghetti squash can be grown for a summer or fall harvest. If you’d like a fall harvest, you can plant your spaghetti squash in August. 

    You should choose a spot that gets full sun for at least 8 hours daily. Starting your seedlings indoors can help you yield healthier plants. They’ll be ready to transplant outdoors in August if you start them in June or July. Dig a hole that’s a little bit larger than the plant root. Carefully place the plant inside and fill it with organic soil

    If you want to sow your seeds directly outside, ensure they’re 1 inch deep. You should leave approximately 12 inches between each seed, so your plants have enough space to grow. Spaghetti squash needs watering directly after you’ve planted them. 

    You’ll start seeing fruit form about 8 weeks after you’ve sowed your seeds. The squash will be ready to harvest in another 7 or 8 weeks, ensuring that you have fall squash. 

    When to Harvest Spaghetti Squash?

    The best time is just before the first winter frost has made its way. This is usually around early fall time. One of the easiest ways to tell when your spaghetti squash is ready to harvest is to make a note of when your spaghetti squash has bloomed. Then anywhere from 40-50 days after that, your spaghetti squash is likely to be ripe and ready to harvest.

    When is Spaghetti Squash Ripe?

    As soon as the spaghetti squash turns yellow, either golden or dark yellow; this usually means it’s ripe and ready to pick! This can happen anytime from around 40-50 days after your spaghetti squash has bloomed. Your ripe spaghetti squash should be firm, not soft, or brown.

    How to Tell if Spaghetti Squash is Ripe

    If you’re wondering what the best way is to tell whether your spaghetti squash is ripe, there are actually a few easy methods to ensure you pick your spaghetti squash at just the right time. Let’s take a closer look.

    • Color. If you have green spaghetti squash, it is simply not ready to be picked and it should be left longer. And if you have light orange spaghetti squash, you’ve likely waited too long and it’s now over-ripe. The ideal color for ripened spaghetti squash is golden yellow.
    • Clear Skin. If your spaghetti squash shows any markings, bruising, or indentations, it’s likely too late to save your spaghetti squash. It should have clear skin.
    • Use Your Finger. Gently press your finger onto the spaghetti squash skin. When you press down, it should be firm and not go straight through. However, if it does, then you should discard the spaghetti squash, as it’s now too ripe.
    • Use Your Fingernail. You can also try this with your fingernail. Gently press your fingernail into the spaghetti squash skin. If your fingernail doesn’t go through, it’s a sure sign your spaghetti squash is firm enough to harvest, and enjoy.

    Spaghetti Squash When to Pick: The Ideal Time

    You may wonder when the ideal harvesting time is for your spaghetti squash. The best time to harvest is either in late summer or early fall, before the first winter frost hits. You’ll know when they’re ready because the squash will have turned a golden yellow or a dark yellowish color.

    Nutrition of Spaghetti Squash

    Many people choose spaghetti squash over carbohydrates such as pasta. So, you may be curious as to what the nutrition is when it comes to spaghetti squash. Each cup of spaghetti squash contains the following:

    • calories: 31
    • fat: 0.6g
    • saturated fat: 0.1g
    • carbohydrates: 7g
    • dietary fiber: 1.5g
    • sugar: 2.8g
    • protein: 0.6g
    • cholesterol: 0g
    • sodium: 17.2mg
    • potassium: 109mg

    As you can probably tell from the nutrition, spaghetti squash is much healthier than traditional pasta, so it’s a great substitute if you’re on a low-carb diet, or simply trying to be healthier.

    Spaghetti Squash harvesting

    Conclusion: Green Spaghetti Squash 

    Spaghetti squash, also known as vegetable noodles, has a delicious taste and texture. The flesh of the spaghetti squash has a very mild flavor which makes it a good choice for pairing with almost any sauce or side dish.

    Slice your spaghetti squash thin and use it in place of regular pasta; just be sure to cook it first before you serve. If you’re not planning on using your spaghetti squash right away after cooking you can freeze the remaining half and then thaw it out for later use.

    To freeze cooked spaghetti squash, just cool the leftovers of your spaghetti squash to room temperature then transfer them to an airtight container and place the container in the freezer.

    Why do I have green spaghetti squash? Hopefully, after reading this post you are wiser and can enjoy your spaghetti squash before it goes bad. How about you try new recipes as accompaniments for your spaghetti squash to consume it more often without getting bored?

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

    FAQs

    Is it safe to eat green spaghetti squash?

    Yes, but do not eat them if they are too mature. Spaghetti squash turns green on the inside when it becomes overripe.

    Why is spaghetti squash turning yellow before its time to be harvested?

    Spaghetti squash starts turning yellowish orange or dark greenish color once reaching optimal maturation stage of harvest.

    How do you know if spaghetti squash is bad inside?

    There are several signs to tell if your spaghetti squash is bad inside, they include rind discoloration, green flesh, or soft spots on the exterior of the fruit.

  • Carrots pH Level: The Ideal Soil pH For Carrots

    Carrots pH Level: The Ideal Soil pH For Carrots

    It is critical to offer the ideal carrots pH level to help build a good carrot soil profile that will necessitate an excellent harvest.

    Carrots are among the most universally grown vegetables loved by many gardeners. Because of their radiant colors, diverse shapes, and sizes, the nutritional value demand for carrots is always high.

    Mastering the right carrot culture is well worth the effort as a grower. You will grow more carrots for your consumption and the market at large.

    Best Soil pH For Carrots

    Among other root crops, carrots are best planted directly into the garden in a prepared seedbed. To prepare the seedbed, ensure that your soil is soft enough to work by tilling and adding organic compost amendments.

    They thrive in soil that is moderate, neither too acidic, nor too alkaline, with a pH level of between 5.8 and 6.5. This atmosphere provides the best soil for growing carrots.

    Best Soil pH For Carrots

    Carrots require adequately moist soil that eliminates the growth of tiny hairy roots that destroy the texture of the overall carrot.

    The best soil for carrots should have temperatures ranging between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be loose, free of debris, and either sandy or loamy.

    How to Fix Your Soil pH: Carrots pH Level

    To build a good profile for your soil, it is essential to carry out a soil test to test the carrot’s pH level. Carrots do not do well when the soil is acidic; if you need to amend your soil in any way do so the year before growing carrots.

    Use garden lime to change the carrot pH level to a more alkaline level. Use a garden fork or a tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches. Remove any rock debris and break up any large pieces of the soil, ensuring it is soft and uniform.

    While working your soil, add at least 2 to 4 inches of compost manure to help loosen the soil and add the proper nutrients. Add 2 to 4 cups of all-purpose fertilizer per 100 feet and work all that down into the bottom of the bed. Rake out the bed smoothly after removing all the large chunks of soil.

    Why is Carrots’ pH Level Important?

    The pH level affects how carrot plants receive nutrients from the soil. The pH level also impacts how much nutrients are made available in the soil by the bacteria that break down organic matter.

    The ideal pH level suitable for carrots is between 6 to 6.8. However, carrots can do well in pH levels ranging between 5.5 to 7.0 allowing faster nutrient uptake and healthy growth.

    A pH level below 5.5 is too acidic, and anything over 7.0 is too alkaline for carrots to grow. We encourage you to test the pH of your soil with a pH meter before adjusting or sowing your carrot seeds.

    If your soil is too acidic below 5.5, you can add wood ashes or dolomitic lime. If your soil is too alkaline above 7.0, organic matter such as compost peat moss or elemental sulfur can be added.

    Learn more about Which Bell Peppers Are The Sweetest?

    Growing Healthy Carrots

    After adjusting your soil‘s pH level, it’s time to plant your carrot seeds.

    Space your seeds at least 2 to 4 inches apart, planting them under a quarter to half an inch deep. Carrot seeds are very tiny, and this kind of spacing can be achieved by using a seed injector or thinning them after germinating.

    Keep the soil surface moist after sowing your seeds so that it does not dry and crack. Carrot seeds have difficulty germinating if the soil is dry and crusty.

    Side dress the rows using ammonium nitrate fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per 100 ft of row once your plants are 4 inches tall. Your soft, loose soil for carrots is also favorable to weeds so that they will grow as fast as your carrot seedlings. Pull out as many weeds as you can but avoid deep cultivation near your carrot plants as you can easily damage the roots.

    Harvest your carrots for at least 65 to 75 days from the day of planting or when they reach your desired size.

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    Soil Management Tasks to Ensure You Get the Best Carrots

    Preparing the seedbed

    Depending on the variety of carrots you’re growing, dig down at least 7 to 8 inches deep into the soil. For straight uniform roots, a deeper seedbed is required. Carrots thrive in loose soil and tilt to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches. Remember to remove any rocks or debris from the soil.

    Fertilizer soil with phosphorus

    Like most root crops, carrots require a good amount of phosphorus to perform their best. Because they have a single thick taproot rather than many fibrous roots, the area they absorb phosphorus is relatively small. Unlike other nutrients, phosphorus is not absorbed by a plant through water absorption. 

    Instead, it is fascinated by a process called diffusion, naturally moving from a high concentration area in the soil to a lower concentration inside the root. The soil area from which phosphorus is absorbed is a very small area around the root itself. If your soil test indicates a need for adding more phosphorus, you can go ahead and add organic phosphorus fertilizer, like rock phosphate or bone meal to the planting area a few weeks before sowing the seeds.

    Balance the soil pH

    Use a soil tester to determine the pH of your garden soil before sowing your seeds. Just like many other vegetables, the carrot soil pH should be between 6 and 6.8. Keep in mind that a pH test should be performed every 2 to 3 years. The effects of sulfur or lime eventually dwindle and the soil returns to its native range.

    Water your carrots properly

    Keep your soil well-watered throughout the growing season but don’t overdo it. Once your carrots are up and going, they will require an ample amount of water to reach their full potential. Carrots are not drought-tolerant plants, and if not provided with enough water, they will gnarl, fork, or turn pithy.

    However, if the soil gets too wet in the later stages of carrot development, it will split open and show signs of rot. Irrigate at ground level to avoid causing fungal diseases like crown rot, powdery mildew, and leaf blight when watering.

    Water Your Carrots Properly

    Keep the carrots covered with soil

    As the carrots grow, the top part next to the leaves may get exposed. If this happens, mound the soil or mulch the exposed places. Exposure to sunlight can cause the exposed parts to turn green and bitter.

    What is the Ideal pH of Carrots?

    You may be wondering what the ideal pH of carrots should be. For the best results when it comes to growing carrots, the soil pH should be around 6-7. This means that the soil should only be slightly acidic, or almost neutral. You should also ensure the soil is well drained; loamy soil is best for growing carrots. You may notice your carrot plants sprouting weeds, but it’s important to not use a weed killer. This is because it may cause damage to the carrot plants themselves.

    Are Carrots Acidic or Alkaline?

    So we know the soil needs to be slightly acidic, but what does this mean for the carrots themselves? Are they acidic or alkaline? The truth is carrot pH levels usually sit between 5.9-6.5. This means that they’re typically slightly acidic. However, it’s very close to being neutral! Anything under 7.0 on the pH scale is considered acidic, so it only just cuts!

    However, carrot pH levels can differ depending on the type of carrots you’re eating. For example, chopped carrots range from 5.3-5.5 on the pH scale, whereas cooked carrots range from 5.6-6 on the pH scale. And canned carrots can range from 5.18-5.22 on the pH scale, whereas pureed carrots range from 4.5-5.2 on the pH scale. One thing is for sure, whichever form they come in, carrots are acidic.

    Best Potting Soil For Carrots

    You may be curious as to what the best potting soil is when it comes to carrots. The main factors are that it should be well-drained and loose. As well as this, it should be packed full of micronutrients. A loamy soil often works best. And the pH level should be between 6-6.5.

    Best Compost For Carrots

    You also may be curious as to what the best compost is when it comes to carrots. As we know, carrots like an environment of 6-6.5 on the pH scale. Using compost that’s full of organic matter and is rich in micronutrients is ideal for your carrots to thrive.

    How to Make a pH Indicator With Carrot

    There are two ways to make a pH indicator with carrots, and this will also work with other fruits and vegetables too, such as eggplant, blueberry, cherry, oranges, etc. To see the color change, your carrots simply need to be made more alkaline or more acidic.

    For the first method, just place your carrot into a blender, then push through a strainer until you have liquid remaining. Pour the liquid into a container and add a small amount of water, if desired (this shouldn’t change the color). Now simply add your acid or alkaline! If you want your carrot neutralized in color, just add a sprinkle of baking soda.

    Another method is simply boiling some water and then pouring it into a bowl. Add grated pieces of carrot to your bowl and leave for around five minutes, stirring often throughout. Leave to cool and your pH indicator from a carrot is ready!

    carrots ph

    Conclusion: Carrots’ pH Level 

    Knowing the right carrots’ pH level is the first step in growing a healthy crop. Gardening is a beautiful experience; especially the joy of putting one seed in the ground and harvesting a large crop of healthy vegetables. Enjoy your gardening journey!

    Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to growing and harvesting carrots? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

    FAQs

    Do carrots like acidic or alkaline?

    I have read that carrots prefer an acidic soil, and that this is why they are so good at removing iron from your body. I have a carrot patch in my garden, and I don’t fertilize it with anything. The soil is clayey, but also has a lot of sand mixed in.

    The pH of the soil has some effect on how many carrots a plant will produce. Carrots prefer a pH that’s somewhere between 6 and 7.

    However, it is also true that carrots are very sensitive to changes in soil pH.

    What is the best soil mix for carrots?

    Perhaps the best is organic compost. This is a mixture of organic material (composted manure, grass clippings, etc.) mixed with an equal amount of peat moss. This is usually mixed into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil, and it should be added at least once every three years. Potting soil — This is usually a mix of sand and peat moss. It is used for growing vegetables in small containers, such as pots or trays. 

    I have read that the soil mix should be well-drained and loose.

    This is what I use:

    1/2 to 1 cup of composted manure 1 cup of vermiculite 1 cup of peat moss 4 cups of sand This is a pretty good mix, but if you don’t have access to these materials, try making your own. I start my seeds indoors in a seed starting mix (usually a peat moss potting mix). I start them in a dark place and make sure they get at least 12 hours of light a day. After 3 weeks, I transplant them to my garden and let them grow for about 2 months before harvesting.

    How do you determine your soil’s pH?

    You can easily test your carrot’s soil with a simple pH test kit. These kits are inexpensive and easy to use. You should test at least three different spots in your carrot bed and average them out. If you do not have the proper pH test kit, you can purchase one online or at your local garden store. Using the pH test kit, you will take a small amount of soil and water it into a cup. Using the provided water, mix the soil thoroughly until it forms a paste.

    Now add an equal amount of water to the cup. This will let you know.

    Where is the best place to plant carrots?

    The best place to plant carrots is in a spot with a deep, fertile, and well-drained soil. This includes areas that have a lot of compost, manure, or mulch. If you do not have these materials, it is better to add them to the soil before planting. For example, if you have a lot of manure, mix it in with your soil. This will help the soil to retain moisture and nutrients. You can also mix in some compost, which will also improve the soil. Carrots also like to be planted in a spot with a lot of sun. Sunlight will help the roots to grow long and strong. Carrots also prefer a location with plenty of water, but they can also survive without water for a while.

  • Simple Super Soil Recipe: Updated for 2023

    Simple Super Soil Recipe: Updated for 2023

    Learn what a simple super soil recipe is and grow your plants like a pro with super soil. A simple super soil recipe is the combination of soil in addition to some amendments used to supply optimal nutrients throughout the entire life cycle of a plant.

    There are great benefits of using simple super soil such as long-lasting, nutrient availability, it can be recycled, and so on. We will teach you how to make this amazing simple super soil recipe.

    Know What a Super Soil Recipe Is

    A super soil recipe is a mixture of various soil and amendments that contains adequate nutrients for all the life cycles of a plant. The mixture of super soil requires composting or a cooking process that can last around 1 to 3 months.

    The cooking process breaks down minerals and amends the soil from the beneficial bacteria this process produces. These beneficial bacteria create an ecosystem that will coexist with the root of your plant root system.

    How to Make Simple Super Soil Recipe

    Making simple super soil recipes is pretty easy. Just follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil.

    Ingredients

    Below are the recipes required for making a simple super soil recipe for a 90-gallon soil:

    • 6 by 8 tarp to hold soil
    • 5-gallon bucket
    • Shovel
    • Grow green filter water
    • 2 bags of base soil, root organic which contains lots of beneficial ingredients
    • Half a cup of dolomite
    • A quarter cup of azomite for trace elements
    • Half a cup of Epsom salt
    • 1 bag of coco coir
    • 5lbs bone meal or fish meal for phosphorous
    • 3 cups of kelp meal for feeding the microbes
    • 15 to 20lbs of organic earthworm castings
    • 2 bags of regular potting soil
    • 1 bag of perlite to help with soil aeration

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    Steps to making a simple super soil recipe

    Go ahead and set up all your ingredients and let’s begin.

    Step 1

    Get your 5-gallon bucket and pour in the bone or fish meal, azomite, Epsom salt, dolomite, and kelp meal and mix them all up. Set the mixture aside. Now, get your tarp and spread it on the floor and pour out your organic base soil and add the earthworm casting. Add some perlite to help with soil aeration and mix them nicely and evenly.

    Step 2

    Get the mixed ingredients in the 5-gallon bucket and spread them on top of the mixture of earthworm casting and root organic. Add the regular potting soil and coco coir. Next, go ahead and mix with a shovel.

    Step 3

    Grab your hose and sprinkle about 2 gallons of water. Make sure not to saturate the mixture, just wet it. Grab your shovel and mix.

    Cooking process

    Once you’re done mixing, you can transfer the mixture into 3 different 30 gallons buckets and allow it to cook. In this cooking process, the bacteria and fungi start breaking down amendments of the super soil. This process allows the nutrients in the soil to mix readily available for your plants.

    Super Soil - Cooking Process

    Depending on how long you wish to grow your super soil, the cooking process can take around 1 to 3 months.

    If you’re looking at growing just flowers, you can simply cook your soil for about a month. However, if you want to grow an entire seasonal crop, we recommend composting or cooking your super soil recipe for the full 3 months.

    When the process is completed, the final product is available to be used for outdoor or indoor cultivation.

    Benefits of Using Super Soil

    The benefits of using super soil include:

    1. No extra maintenance, all you need do is water your plant weekly.
    2. No stress of continually adding nutrients because super soil already contains all growing nutrients required throughout the life cycle of your plant.
    3. Super soil is great for both indoor and outdoor growing use.
    4. Super soil can be reused and reconditioned every season. Thus it saves you the cost of buying or building new soil from the scratch.
    5. You will enjoy a long-lasting garden effect.
    Know What A Super Soil Recipe Is

    Organic Super Soil Recipe

    If you’re looking to make your own organic super soil, then look no further. It doesn’t require too many ingredients and it’s super easy to make. For this organic super soil, you’ll need the following products:

    • 8 bags of organic potting soil
    • 3lbs rock phosphate
    • 3/4 cup of Epsom salts
    • 25-50lbs of organic worm castings
    • 5lbs of bone meal
    • 5lbs of bat guano
    • 5 lbs blood meal
    • 1/2 cup azomite
    • 1/2 cup dolomite
    • 2 tablespoons of humic acid

    Then all you need to do is add all the ingredients together and leave it for at least a month, for the best results. Once you’re ready to use, be sure to use this soil at the bottom. And watch the magic happen to your plants.

    How to Make Your Own Living Soil

    Making your own living soil doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re unsure what living soil is, it’s simply soil that’s full of life. For example, you’ll usually find earthworms, fungi, arthropods, and many more within the soil and they make the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive. So how do you go about making it? Let’s take a closer look.

    The first thing you need to do is have a solid starting base. The best way to do this is with 1/3 aeration, 1/3 peat, and 1/3 compost. Once you have your base mix, you can begin adding the nutrients that will help your plants to thrive, these are very important.

    You should use around 1/2 per cubic foot of soil of whatever nutrients you’d like to add. I find that either a fish meal or crustacean meal works best, or you can use a mixture of both. As well as this, you may want to add micronutrients too; such as worm castings and kelp meal.

    Taking a look deeper into your living soil, you’ll also need to provide a calcium-rich environment. While it’ll already contain some calcium, I’ve found that it simply isn’t enough. Adding ingredients such as lime and rock phosphate can be really beneficial to your soil.

    For your living soil, that’s all you really need. However, for the most important part, you’ll need to leave your soil to sit for at least a month. It should be kept moist during this time. This gives the soil time to optimize and will allow for best results.

    The best thing about this soil is that you can use it again and again. However, every time you harvest, be sure to add extra compost of worm castings. This is so the soil can be renourished and will be just as effective as it once was.

    It’s also worth mentioning that minerals are important to add to your soil, I typically use equal parts rock dust, basalt, and gypsum for best results.

    There are many recipes you can follow, but this is one of my personal favorites:

    • 1/3 peat
    • 1/3 aeration
    • 1/3 compost

    And then for every cubic feet of your soil, you’ll need the following:

    • 1/2 cup of kelp meal
    • 1/2 cup of crustacean meal
    • 1/2 cup of neem meal
    • 4 cups of minerals, using the guide above

    Bottom Line: Simple Super Soil Recipe 

    The bottom line is making a simple super soil recipe is a great thing if you want long-lasting nutrient availability for your plants. Your plants will enjoy a lifetime nutrient supply and you won’t have to worry about adding extra nutrients.

    Follow our guidelines and make yourself an amazing super soil recipe. We hope you found our post on the simple super soil recipe helpful. Happy growing! Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to making your own simple super soil? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring! 

  • Can You Compost Shrimp Shells: Best Wastage Uses

    Can You Compost Shrimp Shells: Best Wastage Uses

    Today, we’re going to be answering the question: can you compost shrimp shells? There is a standard procedure for composting shrimp shells. Shrimp shells are fully compostable. This means that shrimp shells can be turned to compost whether they are raw or cooked.

    The shells will ordinarily decompose when they are allowed to be broken down by microorganisms into organic compost.

    Composting shrimp shells is important as the compounds got from this process are highly beneficial to the soil. This article gives you an idea of what to do when composting shrimp shells.

    How to go about the composting process and the best temperature for this are also discussed herein. Before we go into the composting process for shrimp shells, let’s understand what composting means.

    Thereafter, this question will be answered: can you compost shrimp shells?

    Meaning of Composting

    Composting is the process of collecting and storing plant material so it can decay. This decayed substance is known as compost. When added to the soil, it helps to greatly improve soil quality.

    Composting is therefore a process of utilizing plant material that ordinarily would have been considered waste.

    Items Required to Compost Shrimp Shells

    For the composting process to be successfully carried out, the following items are required: shrimp shells, compost piles, compost bucket, shovel, green yard waste, brown yard waste, and kitchen scraps. All of these items can be turned into compost and added to the soil to improve the quality.

    Shrimp shells are useful when making compost because they contain relevant compounds to the composting process. These compounds feed bacteria and fungi in the soil, which in turn, helps break down the soil.

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    Steps on Composting Shrimp Shells

    If you are interested in making compost from shrimp shells, you must endeavor to follow the following steps:

    Step 1. Collect shrimp shells

    If you are interested in making compost from shrimp shells, then do the following. Shrimp shells can be collected from peeled shrimp in a compost bucket or bowl. You can include the tails and heads of the shells collected. This bucket should have an air-tight lid. Shrimp shells should be simmered in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes and oven-dried to remove fat from the shells. Too much fat will result in a serious smell of the compost.

    Step 2. Digging

    The second step in the process involves digging a 12-inch hole in your existing compost pile. A shovel should be used when doing this to ensure that the hole is deep as possible to contain the shells.

    Step 3. Put the shrimp shells in a hole

    After digging the required hole, you should place the collected shrimp shells in the hole. After doing this, the hole should be covered with some of the compost you removed while making the hole.

    Put The Shrimp Shells In Hole

    Step 4. Continuous addition of green and brown waste

    You should continue to add both green and brown waste alongside kitchen waste to the pile.

    Step 5. Turning of compost

    For the best possible result to be achieved, the shrimp compost should be turned every month with a shovel. This should be done to allow for sufficient oxygen to the microbes.

    The decomposition usually produces heat and turning will help reduce this. You can use a compost thermometer to measure the internal temperature and regulate the same. It should be from 140 to 160 degrees.

    Step 6. Add water to compost

    Microbes usually need water to survive. Failure to add sufficient water to the pile may lead to the death of microbes. This will ultimately result in the compost pile heating up. Be careful however not to add too much water. This will likely turn your compost into a slimy mess and decomposition will halt. It shouldn’t thus be too wet or too dry.

    Step 7. Allow the compost to season

    You should allow the shrimp compost to remain in the hole for at least a year. After a year has elapsed, you may then use the compost in your garden or farm.

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    Reasons for Composting Shrimp Shells

    You already understand that composting is the method of adding organic material to a compost pile. Composting, therefore, is one way of saving organic waste from reaching landfills.

    Asides from this, composting is a method of creating rich organic materials which are useful to your farm or garden.

    One advantage of using shrimp shells for composting is that they break down fast. This is so because they are very thin, unlike other shell animals.

    Material to Exclude From Your Compost

    There are a few materials that should not be added to your compost pile. These items should be excluded as they can easily attract unwanted pests and animals to the pile. These items may also be very toxic. Some toxic materials that should not be included include wood chips coated with paint, ink, chemicals, and fecal matter.

    Also, you should not include plants that were likely infected with pests or diseases in the pile. Furthermore, weeds pulled out from the ground should not be included in the compost pile. These infected plants and weeds may be very toxic to the composting process. It is, therefore, best for you to avoid including them.

    Using Shrimp Shells Compost as Fertilizers

    Because shrimp shells are good for preparing compost, you may wonder if they can be used as fertilizers. The answer is in the affirmative.

    Shrimp shells can be used as fertilizers because they contain chitin compounds. This compound slowly adds nitrogen to your soil in a very non-toxic method.

    So if you are interested in growing a plant that has a huge nitrogen requirement, shrimp shells may be used as fertilizers.

    In addition, shrimp shells usually contain a sufficient amount of calcium carbonate. They can therefore be a good source of calcium for the soil. This means that plants like pear, citrus, lettuce, apple, etc. will benefit from this.

    When shrimp shells are used as fertilizers, they get grounded or crushed before being applied to the soil. By doing so, the nutrients contained in the shell are easily absorbed by the soil.

    How to Stop Your Shrimp Shells From Smelling?

    One thing’s for sure – shrimp shells can smell. And it’s not the kind of smell that you want lingering in your garden, so it’s understanding why you’re worrying about the smell of decomposing shrimp in your garden! This is why you must manage the smell before you even start to compost it. Let’s take a closer look at some tips to stop that awful odor.

    While it’s tempting to just add the shrimp shells as they are, we would highly recommend not doing this. When you’re ready to compost your shells, simply place them in boiling water. Boil for around 20 minutes. Then remove them from the water, strain them, and leave them to dry until ready to use.

    Another method you can use is to bake your shrimp shells in the oven. After time in the oven, it’ll be easy to grind down your shrimp shells in a blender or food processor (or simply in a bag with a rolling pin!). Once your ground shrimp shells are ready, you can add them to your compost and they’ll definitely be no lingering odor from this method!

    Using Shrimp Shells Compost As Fertilizers

    Shrimp Shell Nutrition

    Shrimp shells are often overlooked and underrated. While they may not seem appealing, they can be full of protein and minerals. You may be wondering what the nutrition is of a shell on shrimp. One serving of shell-on shrimp contains the following:

    • calories: 80
    • protein: 16g
    • fat: 1.5g
    • cholesterol: 165mg
    • iron: 0.4mg
    • calcium: 100mg
    • sodium: 840mg

    Shrimp Shell Waste Uses

    There are many uses for your shrimp shell waste. In fact, in recent years, shrimp waste has been used for several reasons. This is because shrimp shell waste contains many compounds which are useful to many aspects of our lives. The compounds include chitin and pigments. Such compounds are used in a range of areas, such as medical, cosmetics, biotech, and even textiles!

    While you’ll be unable to do any of those things from the comfort of your home, you can obviously also use your shrimp shell waste for compost, or one of my other favorite uses is making shrimp stock. They’re typically full of flavor and whatever seafood course you’re making, the shrimp shell waste will complement.

    To make a shrimp shell stock, all you need to do is add the shells to a pan of cold water and add some seasoning of your choice, if preferred; such as herbs or peppercorns. Heat over medium heat and leave to boil uncovered for around 15 minutes. At this point, the stock should have changed color and you can simply strain the shells away and add the stock, as needed, to your seafood dishes.

    There are many uses of shrimp shell waste in everyday life; even in your kitchen and garden!

    Final Note: Can You Compost Shrimp Shells?

    I hope this post has helped to answer the question: can you compost shrimp shells? Shrimp shells as we have seen above are great for preparing compost. The right procedure must however be followed by you in composting shrimp shells. Following the above will definitely help you attain your desired goal of preparing shrimp compost.

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

    Read more about Growing Hatch Chiles

    FAQs

    Can I put shrimp shells in my compost pile?

    Shrimp shells are a valuable resource. They’re an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which are both needed for plant growth. You can use them to fertilize your garden or plant them in a flower bed. But if you’re adding them to your compost bin, you’ll need to do a little pre-composting first. The first step is to remove the hard outer shell. You can do this with a hammer and chisel, but a more convenient method is to use an electric grinder. This method will make sure you get every last bit of the shell out of the shrimp. Next, shred the soft parts of the shrimp by hand. You don’t have to be too careful here, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t forget to save the shells for the next step! You can now put the shrimp shells into a compost bin or pile, where they will decompose over time. Make sure to check on the progress regularly, as the process can take up to 6 months to complete. 1. Mix the Shrimp Shells with the Other Ingredients You’ll want to add the shrimp shells to your soil at a rate of about 25% of the total amount of other ingredients. If you don’t have any extra, you can also buy a bag of pre-mixed organic compost. 2. Add the Compost to Your Garden Once you have the shrimp shells mixed in with the other ingredients, you’ll want to start adding them to your garden. You can start by spreading them out on a flat surface, then adding more to the center of your garden. This is because the bacteria in the compost will quickly work to break down the shell particles, which will help it be easier for you to add it to your garden. 3. Monitor Your Garden When it comes to composting, it’s important to keep an eye on it to make sure the process continues to run smoothly. The best way to do this is to check on it regularly, as you’ll want to see if there’s any noticeable change in color or smell. If there is, you may want to take a closer look at the reason why. For example, if the compost has become very dark or wet, this could mean that the worms have died or that the process has stopped altogether. Either way, you’ll want to take steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

    How long does shrimp shell take to decompose?

    The answer depends on the amount of calcium carbonate present in the shell, as well as the temperature. If there is little calcium carbonate in the shell, then it can be broken down within a few weeks. However, if there is more calcium carbonate in the shell, then it takes much longer.

    Is it OK to put prawn shells in compost?

    Yes, this is fine.

    You can use them in your compost bin. They will not harm your plants, but will break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. It will take longer than other materials such as straw or wood chips.