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Category: Tips & Guides

The Differences Between Greensand Vs Azomite
If you are an avid gardener, you might have looked into the benefits of using Greensand vs Azomite for your plants. As they are both naturally occurring substances, they are used to amend the soil, improving the conditions. They are both particularly popular to use with indoor plants.
Both Greensand and Azomite have advantages and disadvantages for using for your garden. It is important to understand the differences between the two along with the pros and cons so you can decide which one is best for your gardening needs. Both substances can be great options to improve your plants as long as you know how to use them right.
Greensand Vs Azomite
Both Greensand and Azomite are substances that are used in potting mix, primarily for indoor plants though you can use them in outdoor gardens too. They help benefit the soil to help your plants grow strong and healthy.
Greensand is a type of sand also known as sandstone that is greenish in color. It is rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, and Silica and is a popular choice among organic gardeners. It offers great drainage and works well as a fertilizer.
The main ingredient in Greensand is Glauconite, which gives it its green appearance. It is mined in New Jersey from oceanic sedimentary deposits. It has been used by gardeners for decades as a reliable fertilizer
Azomite comes from dust rocked that is mined in Utah. It is the most popular type of rock dust used in gardening. It is extracted from ancient volcanic ashes and it is one of the rarest minerals.
Azomite contains a distinct combination and quality of crystalline minerals unlike any other mineral deposit in the world. It is mainly Silica, but it also contains Boron, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Potassium, and Zinc. Known as the “A to Z of Minerals” it contains an excellent source of micronutrients plants can benefit from.
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Benefits Of Greensand Vs Azomite
There are many benefits that come with using Greensand for your plants. Since it is natural, it is safer to use than artificial fertilizer.
Greensand works as a natural fertilizer for your plants and since it contains potash, it increases disease resistance in plants. It also adds a free-draining texture and the green color can look great with your plants. Greensand is also non-toxic, so it is safe to use around pets and children.
Greensand is particularly great to use with clay and sandy soils. It can help loosen up clay while helping sandy soil better retain water. It can also enhance soil structure, increase root growth and improve the overall health of your plant.
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Greensand is neutral on the pH scale and is great for providing your soil with essential nutrients. You can use it as a potting mix for indoor plants or for your outdoor garden as well. You can even use it on your lawn as well to improve grass growth and it is safe to use on sensitive plants.
Cons Of Greensand Vs Azomite
If you use too much Greensand, it will end up releasing the nutrients too slowly, not giving them the benefits that they need. Depending on where you live, Greensand can be hard to find and it can get a bit expensive.
Benefits Of Azomite
Azomite is packed full of many beneficial nutrients that plants need. It is natural, so it is safe to use for indoor and outdoor plants.
Azomite can produce larger fruits and vegetables while also improving their taste. It promotes root growth while also improving depleted soil.
Azomite provides 70 micronutrients, many more than traditional fertilizer does and it is safer to use. Though its pH is alkaline, it is safe to use on all types of soil.
Though you can use Azomite with just about any plant, it is particularly great to use with vegetables and fruits. It increases the concentration of sugars and can produce healthier fruits and vegetables. Since it is nontoxic, it is safe to use around pets and children in your household.
Cons Of Azomite Vs Greensand
Since Azomite is rock dust, overexposure from excessive inhalation can lead to problems with your lungs. This, however, is true for all forms of dust. Depending on where you live, it may be hard to find at local garden centers and it can be pricey as well.
Excellent Choices For Your Gardening Needs – Greensand Vs Azomite
Both Greensand and Azomite come with many benefits that outweigh the negatives. Both can be very beneficial fertilizers for your garden and they are both natural and non-toxic, making them safe to use. Your gardens will see many benefits from using either of these natural fertilizers.
Do you have any questions regarding Greensand vs Azomite? If so, please ask any questions in the comment section below regarding these two natural fertilizers for your plants.
FAQ’S
What is Greensand?
Greensand is a type of sandstone that is greenish in appearance. It contains mainly Glauconite and is also full of many beneficial nutrients for your plants. It comes from oceanic sedimentary deposits and is mined in New Jersey.
Greensand is non-toxic and is a great fertilizer to use for clay and sandy soil. You can use it for your indoor plants, outdoor garden and even your lawn.
What Does Azomite Do for Plants?
Azomite provides plants with 70 micronutrients that are beneficial for growth. It can help increase the yields of fruits and vegetables while also making them taste better.
Azomite also promotes root growth while enhancing depleted soil. It is non-toxic and it is safe to use for all soil types.
Greensand or Azomite, Which is Better?
Greensand and Azomite both come with many benefits and can both be used as fertilizers for your plants. They are both safe to use and provide your plants with important nutrients to help them grow.
Azomite releases its nutrients faster and contains more minerals than Greensand, making it the better option for some. It is especially great to use for growing fruits and vegetables. Greensand is still an excellent choice and it is particularly great for clay or sandy soil.
February 7, 2022
Can You Eat Cross Pollinated Squash? Yes Or No?
Can you eat cross-pollinated squash? This is one common question that some growers would like to know and we will answer this in this post. We have different types of squash and they come from the family of Cucurbitaceae plants. Squash examples include zucchini, pumpkins, guard, and the like.
Squash is a type of fruit that has seeds in its internal part and they are derived from a flowering plant of plants.
Cross-pollination happens when two separate plants exchange their pollen grains and pistil to give rise to a new variety that has the characteristic of the two parent plants. Now cross-pollination can occur between different types of squash variety.
It is possible for different squash varieties that are planted close to each other to cross-pollinate even when that is not our intention in the first place. Can you eat cross-pollinated squash? Is cross-pollinated edible the question we would like to know?
So, this article will give you the answer to your troubling questions about if you can eat cross-pollinated squash.
Are Cross Pollinated Squash Edible Or Consumable?
Can you eat cross-pollinated squash? The straight-up answer is that cross-pollinated squash is mostly inedible. It isn’t a good thing to consume cross-pollinated squash. The reason is that they contain a large amount of cucurbitacin. Consuming cross-pollinated squash may simply be toxic to your health.
Now the normal squash contains a reasonable amount of cucurbitacin which is safe for consumption. However, the high concentration of cucurbitacin tends to taste very bitter.
Squash Cross-Pollination
From what we mentioned above, cross-pollination occurs by exchanging male and female gametes between two separate plants to produce offspring. Cross-pollination does occur among squash. If you plant two same or different squash varieties, they may cross-pollinate with each other to yield new offspring.
Cross-pollination can occur in squashes and pumpkins. All these species can cross-pollinate with each other.
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Seed Saving From Squash
It is pretty rewarding to save seeds from your garden. However, you need to be careful of the type of seed being saved particularly if they have been cross-pollinated. If the seeds of cross-pollinated offspring of squash are saved and planted the following year, it may give rise to a totally different plant that is inedible.
Although, not all types of squash are compactable to cross-pollinate. Below we have listed some categories of squash that tend to cross-pollinate with each other.
What Squash Will Cross Pollinate With Other Squash?
As we have mentioned, different squash can cross-pollinate with each other. The following squashes from each group can cross-pollinate with each other.
- Zucchini, acorn, delicata, pattypan, yellow crookneck, and spaghetti squash. Pumpkins and gourds can also cross-pollinate with these groups of squash.
- Buttercup, butternut, Hubbard, and turban squash.
All these plants can be easily cross-pollinated by insects. Their separate male and female flower increase the chances of the female flower becoming fertilized with different pollen grains from a different variety of species or the same species. These combinations of plants may end up yielding inedible fruits.
Read more about What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like?
Why Cross Pollinated Squash Tends To Be Toxic?
Normally, the plants of the Cucurbitaceae family are meant to produce a toxic compound which is cucurbitacin. This toxic compound usually acts as a natural defense against insects.
This cucurbitacin toxic compound is present in wild squash, cucumbers, as well as other cucurbits in a substantial amounts. So, because of the large amount of cucurbitacin compound in the wild, these types of squash and cucumbers tend to taste very bitter.
However, the domesticated variety often contains a very little amount of this compound that isn’t harmful to humans when consumed. Also, the domesticated squash variety that is grown in the garden and the ones purchased from the stores usually have a less bitter taste. And this is due to the varying amount of bitter compound.
But some factors can cause this bitter and toxic compound to increase its concentration in squash. They are; other product that has been cross-pollinated with wild plants and some types of stress during their growth (stress like lack of water or poor fertilization).
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Therefore, if you come across any squash such as zucchini, pattypan, acorn squash, and the like, and you didn’t plant them in your garden, you should definitely avoid them. Even consuming a small amount of this type of cross-pollinated squash can be pretty toxic to your health.
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Can Insect Pollinating Bees Cross Pollinate Squash?
Squash are insect-pollinated plants. Hence bees can cross-pollinate squash. You may even be growing just one type of squash variety in your garden, bees can simply collect a different pollen grain from your neighborhood and cross-pollinate it with yours. Then this gives rise to new offspring.
As we said, you should totally avoid any type of squash you didn’t plant in your garden. They are simply toxic squash and should be removed from your garden.
How To Avoid Cross-Pollinated Squash In Your Garden
If you wish to avoid cross-pollination between squashes, do the following;
- It is required you separate them by a good distance of one and a half to a mile.
- Additionally, you can build some barriers to drastically reduce the chances of pollinators cross-pollinating your plants. Large barriers such as thick standing trees, a hill, large buildings, and so on may help slow down pollinators from around your neighborhood.
- Furthermore, you can cage or net your entire plants. Or you can simply tape new male and female flowers as they begin to form (i.e. right before they open). But this method usually requires hand pollination of flowers once they are ready to pollinate.
Can Cantaloupe Cross-Pollinate With Zucchini?
It’s unlikely that cantaloupe will cross-pollinate with zucchini. The female flower of each crop will only be fertilized with pollen from the same species. Cantaloupe and zucchini are both members of the Cucurbitaceae family. As a result, these fruits can cross-pollinate. However, the natural occurrence is rare.
Cross-pollination occurs when one plant’s pollen is transferred to another’s stigma. This results in fertilization and the production of seeds. Bees and other critters are responsible for this. It can happen when these insects visit flowers on both plants and transfer pollen from one to the other. Cross-pollination can also occur when pollen is carried by the wind or when humans inadvertently transfer pollen from one plant to another by handling the flowers or plants.
You can separate the plants if you are worried about cross-pollination between your cantaloupe and zucchini crops. Plant them in different areas of your garden or use physical barriers like netting screens to separate them. Alternatively, choose cantaloupe and zucchini varieties that aren’t prone to cross-pollination.
How Do You Cross-Pollinate Zucchini?
To cross-pollinate zucchini, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the male and female flowers on the zucchini plant. Male flowers have a thin stem on the plant’s main branches. Female flowers have a small, immature zucchini at the base of the flower and are located on the main stem or branches of the plant.
2. Gently remove the petals from a male flower to expose the stamen, which is the pollen-producing part of the flower.
3. Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to gently dab the stamen on the stigma of a female flower. The stigma is the sticky, receptive part of the female flower that receives the pollen.
4. Repeat this process with multiple female flowers to ensure cross-pollination.
It’s important to know that zucchini plants can also self-pollinate. This means they can produce fruit without cross-pollination. However, cross-pollinating can help improve the genetic diversity of the plant and may result in stronger, healthier plants and fruit.
There are several reasons to consider cross-pollinating your zucchini plants. These include:
Improves Genetic Diversity
Cross-pollination introduces new genetic material into the plant, which can result in offspring with traits that are different from those of their parents. This can lead to plants that are more resistant to diseases and pests and that are better adapted to their environment.
Increased Fruit Production
Cross-pollination can lead to more flowers and fruit, as the plant’s genetics may be more favorable for fruit production.
Improved Fruit Quality
Cross-pollination can result in improved size, shape, and flavor, as well as longer shelf life.
Increased Seed Viability
Cross-pollination can result in seeds that are more viable and able to germinate and grow into healthy plants.
Whether you leave your zucchini plants to self-pollinate or offer a helping hand is up to you. Although cross-pollination has added benefits, it can be tricky to master.
Conclusion
So, we have answered the question; can you eat cross-pollinated squash? Hence, if you encounter a cross-pollinated squash, it is very likely they contain a huge amount of the toxic compound cucurbitacin.
So, do well to avoid eating them so you don’t experience serious illness as a result of consuming them.
FAQ’s
Are Cross Pollinated Squash Edible?
No. Cross pollinated squashes aren’t edible. Because they contain a large amount of cucurbitacin.
What Squash Will Cross Pollinate?
Zucchini, acorn, delicata, patty pan, yellow crookneck, and spaghetti squash are squashes that can cross pollinate each other.
Can Bees Cross Pollinate Squash?
Yes. Bees can pollinate squash because squash are insect pollinated plants.
February 5, 2022
The Easiest Guide On When To Pick Basil Leaves
This guide on when to pick basil leaves will help you discover the right time to pick these herbs when growing them at home.
Basil is a type of herb that is found in the Mediterranean region. It is from the plant family called Lamiaceae, which makes it closely related to other herbs such as mint and sage.
When growing basil at home, you can use the leaves for cooking purposes or just for aesthetic appeal. When harvesting your leaves from this herb, it is important that you only harvest when your leaves are vibrant in color and when they have a nice smell.
When To Pick Basil Leaves
Knowing when to pick basil leaves is important to get the best flavor possible. The right time to pick basil leaves is when they are a deeper green in color and when they have a distinct smell. It is advised that you do not pick basil when it is flowering as this will stop the growth of the plant.
Helpful tips when trying to determine when to harvest your leaves from the basil.
- The best time to harvest basil is when the plant has turned around its development cycle so it can now create new flowers. You can identify when this happens by looking at the stem where the new sprouts grow from. Once these sprouts have started growing, it’s a sign that harvesting will help promote more leaves to grow. Pick young leaves off your plants for aesthetic purposes
- If you just want beautiful-looking leaves on your crops for selling purposes, then picking young leaves when they are smaller and when they have a nice green color will help you achieve this.
- On the other hand, if you want to harvest basil when it is fully mature then allow the plant to grow until it has started producing flowers. Once these flowers start appearing, you can pick them and use them as garnishes or in various recipes for their distinct taste and smell.
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When is Basil Ready For Harvest? – When to Pick Basil Leaves
If you are growing basil for cooking purposes, when is it ready to harvest? It takes about 50 days from planting for basil to be ready for harvesting.
Basil seeds can take a few weeks to germinate so when growing seedlings, you will have to wait about 8-9 weeks before harvesting them. The basil plant will be ready to harvest when it is about six to eight inches tall.
Another method that people use when harvesting basil is when the leaves are just starting to branch out. Harvesting basil at an early stage means that you don’t have to wait for too long before your crop is ready to be harvested. You can either pick off individual leaves or cut down the entire stem of the plant if it’s grown big enough.
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How To Pick Basil Leaves So it Keeps Growing
When to pick basil is now clear. But how to harvest basil so it keeps growing more is still a question to many gardeners.
When harvesting basil leaves, choose to pluck the leaves from the top part of the basil stem. This is the part of this plant that is most flavorful.
If you can see flowers developing on the stems, then leave some leaves on there. Note that even if this looks like new growth on the stems, it is still not ready for harvest.
If you want to preserve your basil for several weeks, then using stem cuttings will help you achieve this. Harvest the basil when there are flowers on your plants. Then, put the stem and put it in water until new growth emerges from the stems.
You can use some kind of rooting hormone when doing this method to get the best results when growing new basil plants.
Remember when harvesting basil leaves, don’t forget to pick the stems off your plant. In addition, also make sure you don’t break or cut these too close to your main stem when doing so. This will only cause the plant to lose stability and when this happens, it will no longer produce new shoots when harvested.
What Leaves To Pick Off Basil When Harvesting?
It is not only important to know when to pick basil leaves, but also what leaves to pick. You can pick basil leaves when they are young and when they have a nice green color.
When the plant has flowers starting to grow on its stems, it’s best not to remove them so you can harvest basil for longer periods. This will help preserve some of your plants when growing new ones.
Harvesting the leaves both when they are young and mature helps the basil plant to continue growing.
Take-Home On When To Pick Basil Leaves
When to pick basil leaves is now clear among other essential details. As long as the plant has both flowers on its stems when harvesting, it will keep growing new shoots when you harvest the leaves properly.
If you notice the leaves starting to branch out when harvesting, this means that your plant can continue growing more even as you harvest. You can harvest basil from your plant for a long period without exhausting it if you had provided it with the right growing nutrients.
You will also need to carefully pick the leaves without damaging the plant so that it continues to produce more leaves for days to come.
FAQ’s
Do basil leaves grow back after you pick them?
Yes, the leaves will grow back when you harvest them when they are young and when they have a nice green color.
Where should I cut my basil?
If you are cutting the entire plant when harvesting, then cut it close to the main stem so that you don’t damage it.
When should you pinch basil?
Basil should be pinched when the plant is just starting to grow in readiness for harvesting.
How do you pick basil leaves so it keeps growing?
When harvesting basil, pluck the leaves from the top part of the plant when they have a nice green color. Make sure you don’t break or cut these too close to your main stem when doing so. Harvesting the leaves when they are young and when they have a nice green color helps the basil plant to continue growing when harvesting.
February 2, 2022
Growing Lettuces In Pots – 7 Useful Care Tips!
Growing lettuces in pots is possible if you currently don’t have a garden to grow them in. It comes with several advantages and is a great option for gardeners of all skill levels.
Lettuce is an all-time favorite crunchy vegetable that we all love in our salads, burgers, sandwiches, and everything in between. Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Anyone can successfully grow this plant whether in the garden or in containers.
Growing Lettuces In Pots
Can lettuces be grown in pots? Yes, it is possible to grow lettuce in containers. You can grow them indoors during wintertime or when the climate conditions are not favorable for growing them outside.
Planting lettuce in containers is straightforward. Simply add your potting mix to the container of your choice and leave a few inches from the top of the growing medium to allow for your plants to develop.
You can plant at least one to two lettuce plants per pot for maximum productivity. Ideally, your pot should be at least six to twelve inches in diameter.
From sowing seeds to harvest, this plant takes about one month to mature. Once mature, the leaves are ready for harvesting by simply pinching the leaves.
Lettuce leaves are full of nutritional benefits as they contain potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B6, and C.
Read more About What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like?
How Deep Do Containers Need To Be For Lettuce?
Growing lettuce in pots requires good drainage and a well-draining growing medium. To provide the perfect growing conditions that this plant needs, you can create a beautiful garden by growing lettuces in containers.
Start by adding soil into your container followed by an inch layer of coarse sand or gravel then finishing by adding the growing medium. Loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost and peat, works as the best growing medium for lettuce. The growing medium should be moist but not wet and you can add fertilizers when planting your lettuce plants.
Growing lettuces in pots requires deep containers that have a depth of at least 8 inches to accommodate growing lettuce plants. Their width can be about 8 inches as well, but it is up to you to choose the width you like. You can use plastic, clay, or wooden pots depending on the kind of look you are going for in your garden.
Ensure that your pots have holes in the lower side for proper drainage. Excess water after watering your lettuce plants can cause root rot if they stay stagnant for too long.
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Care Tips for Potted Lettuce
Growing lettuces in pots will need you to provide them with good that includes;
Tip #1: Provide full sun exposure, at least six hours daily
You should, however, protect your growing lettuce from overheating as this can cause slow growth and spoil the leaves.
Tip #2: Provide a well-draining growing medium
Your growing medium must be able to hold the right amount of moisture so that your growing lettuce can take advantage of it. Do not overwater them, but at the same time do not allow the growing medium to dry out completely.
Ensure your pots have good drainage. Since lettuce plants need a moist growing medium, excess water tends to accumulate in their pots and starts rotting their roots if not drained properly. Provide holes at the bottom side of the container for proper drainage.
Tip #3: Consistent watering
Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy or wet to encourage deep root growth. You can monitor its moisture by sticking your finger into the growing medium. If it feels dry then you should water them again.
Tip #4: Fertilize it
Add your fertilizer when you plant them to encourage faster growth. If you are growing them in containers, it is best during a liquid fertilizer every week during the first month. You can also use organic manure to fertilize your growing medium before planting your lettuce. Organic manure has more nutrients than a regular growth medium.
Tip #5: Avoid temperature shock
If you are growing your lettuce in containers outdoors during springtime, avoid exposing them to temperature shock. If the light conditions change from sunny to cloudy, ensure that they have quick access to shade by moving their pots accordingly.
Tip #6: Protect them from disease
If growing lettuce outdoors, avoid placing them too close to other plants because this can lead to disease issues such as mildew.
Tip #7: Harvest when ready
This is one of the best parts because you get to enjoy fresh homegrown lettuce leaves! The harvesting technique depends on which type you are growing (head or leaf) but generally it involves cutting off mature leaves by slicing them off with a sharp knife.
You’ve finished growing your lettuces! Now it is time to eat them up… But remember… they need to be washed before eating because lettuces contain natural protection mechanisms against predators that function even if picked. It is recommended not to wash them too much though, but just enough for any dust or debris off the leaves. Once clean they’re ready for consumption! Bon Appetit!
Lettuce growing in pots is a great way to have fresh lettuce year-round, even when growing seasons are not so favorable for growing outside.
You can easily grow lettuce in pots with the tips provided above, but you will need to pay more attention to keeping its growing medium moist. Without this consistency of maintaining medium moisture, your lettuce may suffer from root rot or other issues that can lead to poor growth.
Conclusion
Growing lettuces in pots are quite simple and provide many benefits and the luxury of growing almost anywhere without worrying about pests or diseases that may affect your garden.
You can easily move them outside when the growing season starts or bring them inside when growing seasons end – thus extending your growing season. With good lighting and proper moisture growing lettuce in pots is easy!
FAQ’S
How do you keep potted lettuce alive?
You can ensure growing lettuce in pots by having consistent moisture in a growing medium. Water them when the growing medium is dry so the growing lettuce has the water it needs to survive.
Does lettuce need full sun?
Lettuce growing in pots requires partial sun. The partial sun generally means a few hours of indirect sunlight per day. If growing your lettuce indoors, be sure to use a window sill that receives bright light throughout the day.
How do you harvest lettuce so it keeps growing?
You can harvest growing lettuces by cutting off leaves that are ready for eating. If growing in pots, be sure to take care not to harm growing lettuce roots/medium when harvesting, as the growing lettuce is likely potted.
February 2, 2022
What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like?
What does an artichoke plant look like and what features does it have that will cause you to identify it easily?
Artichokes are a much-loved delicacy that most Americans love to eat. However, what many do not know is that it takes a lot of time and commitment to grow your artichokes. It can take up to 85-100 days for artichokes to be ready to harvest. But once mature, it will produce what looks like a big purple and green center bud with little yellow flowers.
It takes at least one year before what comes out of that bud is edible. However, it takes even longer than that if you want really large artichokes!
What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like?
How do you identify an artichoke plant? Identifying an artichoke plant is easy because of its very unique look.
An artichoke plant starts as a baby bud and grows into what looks like a large green bush with spiky leaves. When fully grown, the center of the plant will have what looks like a big purple bud with little yellow flowers on it.
When this flower bud blossoms, something might come out of it that looks like an artichoke! If you leave the baby buds on the plant, what you will be left with is what looks like a purple and green center.
It can take up to one year before what comes out of that bud is edible. However, you will need to wait longer than that if you want really large artichokes!
How Long Does It Take To Grow An Artichoke?
If you intend to grow your artichokes, don’t be shocked if they take too long to grow. The total growing time for artichokes can be up to 180 days.
When started from seed, how long does it take for artichokes to germinate? It takes at least 10 to 21 days to germinate.
Once germinated, give them some time to grow some more before transplanting them. It can take up to 60 days until they are ready to be planted outside.
Transplant them at least two weeks after the last frost date has passed and the soil has warmed up. Once transplanted, artichokes will take about one year. Most artichoke plants are ready to harvest within 80-100 days. If you want to grow really large artichokes, it will take even longer!
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How Many Artichokes Do You Get From One Plant?
How many artichokes you get from one plant varies by the time your artichoke plant starts producing buds? There’s a chance that what comes out of the artichoke flower is a tiny thing no bigger than a broccolini. It can take up to three years for this size to grow.
However, if you want something in between, maybe the size of a regular store-bought one. The number also depends on how long it takes the plant to grow what looks like a big purple bud with little yellow flowers.
A full-grown artichoke plant produces at least 10 to 20 mature artichokes for a period of two to three weeks during the artichoke flower’s blooming period.
So bottom line, the number of mature artichokes you can get from one plant varies.
For example, you could get as many as five to ten if the plant takes less than 20 months. However, most artichoke plants provide six to nine buds per plant.
Some artichoke plants will produce smaller buds that are more numerous. This will happen if it takes less than 10 months to grow the big purple bud with little yellow flowers.
Final Thoughts On What Does An Artichoke Plant Look Like
So what does an artichoke plant look like? Once you identify what does an artichoke plant look like, you can also learn how long it takes to grow this plant. These flower-like edible buds are beautiful to look at as you await them to grow to maturity. Though a much-loved delicacy, artichokes take a long time to grow, however, they are worth the wait.
So next time you think of growing your artichokes, be patient enough to allow them to grow to maturity. When you practice patience, you will surely enjoy a good crop from the sumptuous artichokes.
Want to share recipes that you can make from artichokes so we also get to try them? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQ’S
Where can you buy an artichoke plant?
You can buy a young artichoke plant from your local nursery. It’s also possible to purchase a young artichoke plant that looks like it has a big purple bud with little yellow flowers from online nurseries.
What does an artichoke plant look like?
The best way to tell what an artichoke plant looks like is by its leaves. They look similar to what you’ll find on an asparagus plant because they are fern-like and delicate looking. Another way that you can identify what an artichoke plant looks like is the center of the bud – it is purple and green.
What do artichokes look like when they bloom?
One way to tell what looks like what an artichoke flower looks like is by the sounds they make. When you touch them, they sound similar to how silk feels when you rub your hands against them.
February 2, 2022
Ebb And Flow Hydro Systems
Hydroponics gardens are excellent ways of growing different plants without soil and ebb and flow hydro systems are one type of hydroponic system. Ebb and flow hydro systems are fairly easy to use if you have the right knowledge and you can set them up easily.
Ebb and flow hydro systems are a versatile hydroponic system that is widely recognized and they are also regarded as flood and drain systems.
Understanding the principle of ebb and flow system setup is a great way to go about building, using, and maintaining this hydroponic system.
In this article, you will find out how to set up an ebb and flow system, the advantages and disadvantages of it, the best growing medium to use for this system, and so on. So, let’s delve in and discuss more on the ebb and flow hydro system.
Ebb And Flow Hydroponic System
As we mentioned, the ebb and flow hydro system is a type of hydroponics system and it is also referred to as a flood and drain system.
This type of hydroponic is a versatile system as it can accommodate containers or pots of different sizes. They can even be customized to grow just about any kind of plant and achieve great results.
How Do You Set Up An Ebb And Flow Hydroponic System?
The setup of ebb and flow may vary depending on how you wish to customize your setup. However, you should know that all these different set up works under the same concept.
The main components to set up an ebb and flow system are plant tray, timer, nutrient solution reservoir, and submersible pump.
· Plant Or Flood Tray
This plant tray is a big and shallow container. It is also referred to as the flood tray. This is where the plants are placed in pots that are perforated and filled with growing medium. The flood or plant tray is always flooded by pumping nutrient-filled water from the reservoir below.
So, the nutrient-filled water flows from the pot below up into the plant’s root. Then the water is drained back outside and this allows the root of the plant to become dry and receives oxygen. Then after this, the tray is flooded again and the mechanism continues.
· Reservoir, Timer, And Submersible Pump Action
Directly below the flood or plant tray, you will find the reservoir. The setup from the reservoir connects to the flood tray through a drain tube or fill tube. The drain tube is connected to the submersible pump with a timer. This timer help control the flow of water up into the flood tray.
Then the power of gravity allows the tube to be pulled back out and drained into the reservoir once the plant tray has been flooded. So, the water is reused as this mechanism is repeated time and time again.
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This nutrient-filled water from the reservoir can be reused for up to a week. But the nutrient-filled water will need to be changed so to maintain and renew nutrients for the plants.
Customization of your ebb and flow hydro system is possible with the timer and submersible pump. It allows you to control the length and frequency of watering according to your garden or plant needs.
Check Out When To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms – Guide On The Best Harvest Time
What Is The Best Grow Medium For Ebb And Flow?
When it comes to the best-growing media to be used in your ebb and flow hydro systems, any grow media is actually great to be used. Anything from coco coir to Hydroton, perlite, Rockwool, oasis cubes, and so on.
What Is A Major Advantage Of The Ebb And Flow System?
We have discussed the setup of ebb and flow hydro systems. Now let’s delve into the advantages they offer:
- Affordability: this type of hydro system is pretty affordable and efficient. It is a low-cost hydroponic system that can save you money especially if you build it yourself.
- No expertise is Needed: you don’t need to be an expert to set up the ebb and flow hydro system. This is in comparison to other complex and expensive hydroponic system that usually requires the knowledge of an expert. Hence, it is easy to build a hydroponic system.
- Easy Operation: the operation of this hydroponic system is also pretty easy. Just make sure optimal nutrient solution is always available to your plants.
- Abundant Nutrient Supply for Plants: additionally, your plants get abundant nutrient supply because of the flood and drain concept. Your plant or grow tray is frequently flooded with nutrient-filled water. This is beneficial to plants such as strawberries that need heavy loads of nutrients.
- Little to no Technical Assistance or Supervision: again, this hydro system doesn’t need too much supervision and maintenance. Therefore, little to no technical assistance will be required. When it comes to using these ebb and flow hydro systems, your chances of achieving great success with plants that don’t do well in other hydroponic systems are increased. For instance, you can grow plants such as beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other media to large-sized plants.
Read more about Vertical Hydroponics System
What Are The Disadvantages Of Ebb And Flow?
Even though ebb and flow hydro systems offer great benefits, there are still some cons to this hydroponic system. They include:
1. Possible PH Fluctuation: There is the possibility of pH fluctuation if the system fails. It may cause water to overflow into the containers and consequently flood the pants in your flood trays. Hence, this causes unbearable pH that can have harmful effects on your farm.
2. Possible Power Failure: Any equipment failure that may be due to power failure can cause your system not to operate. Thereby causing system failure.
3. Possible Breakdown of The System: Your ebb and flow system may break down due to any little mistake. This is why you need to be extra careful with setting up your system. The most common breakdown experienced by most growers is with their pumping machines.
Conclusion
Ebb and flow hydro systems are easy to use hydroponic and they are also cost-effective. This hydroponic system is versatile and customizable. Hence, this makes it an excellent choice for hobbyist hydroponic rowers.
FAQ’S
How Do You Set Up An Ebb And Flow Hydroponic System?
The set up of ebb and flow may vary depending on how you wish to customize your set up. However, you should know that all these different set up works under the same concept.
The main components to set up an ebb and flow system are plant tray, timer, nutrient solution reservoir, and submersible pump.
• Plant or flood tray
This plant tray is a big and shallow container. It is also referred to as the flood tray. This is where the plants are placed in pots that are perforated and filled with growing medium. The flood or plant tray is always flooded by pumping nutrient-filled water from the reservoir below.
So, the nutrient-filled water flows from the pot below up into the plant’s root. Then the water is drained back outside and this allows the root of the plant to become dry and receives oxygen. Then after this, the tray is flooded again and the mechanism continues.
• Reservoir, timer, and submersible pump action
Directly below the flood or plant tray, you will find the reservoir. The set up from the reservoir connects to the flood tray through a drain tube or fill tube. The drain tube is connected to the submersible pump with a timer. This timer help control the flow of water up into the flood tray.
Then the power of gravity allows the tube to be pulled back out and drained into the reservoir once the plant tray has been flooded. So, the water is reused as this mechanism is repeated time and time again.
This nutrient-filled water from the reservoir can be reused for up to a week. But the nutrient-filled water will need to be changed so to maintain and renew nutrients for the plants.
Customization of your ebb and flow hydro system is possible with the timer and submersible pump. It allows you to control the length and frequency of watering according to your garden or plant needs.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Ebb And Flow?
Even though ebb and flow hydro systems offer great benefits, there are still some cons to this hydroponic system. They include:
1. Possible PH fluctuation: there is the possibility of pH fluctuation if the system fails. It may cause water to overflow into the containers and consequently flood the pants in your flood trays. Hence, this causes unbearable pH that can have harmful effects on your farm.
2. Possible power failure: any equipment failure that may be due to power failure can cause your system not to operate. Thereby causing system failure.
3. Possible breakdown of the system: your ebb and flow system may break down due to any little mistake. This is why you need to be extra careful with setting up your system. The most common breakdown experienced by most growers is with their pumping machines.
What Is A Major Advantage Of The Ebb And Flow System?
We have discussed the set up of ebb and flow hydro systems. Now let’s delve into the advantages they offer:
1. Affordability: this type of hydro system is pretty affordable and efficient. It is a low cost hydroponic system that can save you money especially if you build it yourself.
2. No expertise is needed: you don’t need to be an expert to set up the ebb and flow hydro system. This is in comparison to other complex and expensive hydroponic system that usually requires the knowledge of an expert. Hence, it is an easy to build a hydroponic system.
3. Easy operation: the operation of this hydroponic system is also pretty easy. Just make sure optimal nutrient solution is always available to your plants.
4. Abundant nutrient supply for plants: additionally, your plants get abundant nutrient supply because of the flood and drain concept. Your plant or grow tray is frequently flooded with nutrient-filled water. This is beneficial to plants such as strawberries that need heavy loads of nutrients.
5. Little to no technical assistance or supervision: again, this hydro system doesn’t need too much supervision and maintenance. Therefore, little to no technical assistance will be required. When it comes to using these ebb and flow hydro systems, your chances of achieving great success with plants that don’t do well in other hydroponic systems are increased. For instance, you can grow plants such as beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other media to large sized plants.
What Is The Best Grow Medium For Ebb And Flow?
When it comes to the best growing media to be used in your ebb and flow hydro systems, any grow media is actually great to be used. Anything from coco coir to Hydroton, perlite, Rockwool, oasis cubes, and so on.
January 31, 2022
When To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms – Guide On The Best Harvest Time
Do you know when to harvest oyster mushrooms? In this guide, you will learn or find out how and when you can correctly harvest oyster mushrooms.
One mushroom variety that is commonly loved by most gardeners is oyster mushrooms. When it comes to growing oyster mushrooms, it can be a fairly easy thing to do so far you have the right knowledge on how to go about it.
So, once you’re done growing your oyster mushroom, the right time to harvest is also important to know. This is so you harvest them properly and you don’t keep them past their due date.
So, in this article, we will be looking into when to harvest oyster mushrooms. So, keep on reading to know more about the harvesting period for oyster mushrooms.
When To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms
Getting to know when to harvest oyster mushrooms is pretty important so you don’t keep them past their due date harvest them too early.
So, the stage we gardeners are always anticipating when growing our oyster mushroom is the harvesting period. We would like to know when to harvest oyster mushrooms.
Once, you’ve successfully introduced your spawn and inoculated it into the growing medium of your choice, then your mushroom should begin to fruit.
The fruiting stage is the phase to look out for as this is the stage you should start getting ready to harvest your oyster mushrooms. This is because as fruiting begins, things tend to move very fast so far you are maintaining nicely hydrated fungus.
So, fruiting usually commences once the substrate has been entirely colonized by the spawn. This fruiting you see is the last surviving response of the mycelium.
During this fruiting period, you should begin to notice your mushrooms growing bigger every hour. Therefore, it is imperative you keep a close eye on your mushrooms and start preparing to harvest your oyster mushrooms. This is so your mushroom doesn’t grow too big and dry.
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- Grow Room Cost Calculator
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How Do You Know When Oyster Mushrooms Are Ready?
So, to know when to harvest oyster mushrooms, there are some physical characteristics you should notice.
Once you notice your oyster mushrooms are starting to flatten out at the top of the edges or they begin to turn upwards, then it’s time to harvest. They should be harvested at this point and harvesting should not be delayed so they don’t start to drop lots of spores.
Although, this stage may be quite confusing to judge particularly if it’s your first time growing oyster mushroom. But with frequent practice and the right guide, you should become familiar with it.
Additionally, if you see that your oyster mushrooms are growing larger, then harvesting time is set. Also, if they are beginning to dry out or they are dropping lots of dust, then it’s time to harvest. Drying out is a sign that the oyster mushroom has been left to grow longer and should have been harvested sooner. But you can still go ahead and harvest them.
Furthermore, when you buy a complete mushroom kit, it usually comes with instructions for you to know the particular time frame for picking your oyster mushroom. You can follow this time frame and work on it.
You can also make an estimate of when your oyster mushroom should be ready depending on the conditions your mushroom grew under.
Read more about When To Plant Bush Beans
How To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms
When it comes to harvesting your oyster mushroom, you should aim to harvest the edge of the mushroom cap once you see these caps have begun to flatten out. These mushroom caps can be twisted with your hands or you can cut the cluster off with a sharp knife or scissors.
How Long Do Oyster Mushrooms Take To Grow?
Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow and they are fast growers. They can grow as fast as 20 days or they may take some weeks. However, how fast they grow usually depends on the type of species you’re growing and the process by which you choose to grow them.
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Here are a few things to consider you should know about how long your oyster mushroom may take to grow:
- If you’re just buying a complete mushroom grow kit and just fruiting, then it can take around 10 days for the mushroom to form.
- The type of oyster mushroom species you choose can also determine the period length they tend to grow.
- If you are using a low nutrient regime, then it may take longer to grow.
- Using a high nutrient substrate on the other hand can increase your yield and fruiting can happen faster. However, a high nutrient plan requires sterilizing media, and a lab is required for inoculations.
- Some substrate can also determine how fast your oyster mushroom can grow. Some of these substrates include straw, toilet paper, woodchips, etc. These substrates can take around 3 to 5 weeks to grow. But using substrates such as logs for instance can take about 6 months or more to grow.
How Many Times Can You Harvest Oyster Mushrooms?
You can harvest your mushroom about 3 times before the mycelium fruit is exhausted. And you can get a new flush of mushrooms approximately every 10 days for 5 to weeks depending on the variety of oyster mushrooms.
How Do You Store Oyster Mushrooms After Harvesting?
Now that we know when and how to harvest our oyster mushrooms, then let’s get to know how to store them.
So, after harvesting your oyster mushroom, you should wrap them in a damp paper towel. Then put them in a brown paper bag. Once you do this, it will stop them from drying out.
Then you should keep your wrapped oyster mushroom at the bottom of the fridge with other vegetables. This part shouldn’t be as cold as other parts of the fridge.
When To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms Conclusion
Oyster mushrooms are great-tasting mushrooms that you and your family can eat and they are very healthy. Harvesting these mushrooms is pretty easy and we have given you some good tips on how to go about it. So, do well to look through our guide.
FAQ’S
How Long Do Oyster Mushrooms Take To Grow?
Oyster mushrooms are easy to grow and they are fast growers. They can grow as fast as 20 days or they may take some weeks. However, how fast they grow usually depends on the type of species you’re growing and the process by which you choose to grow them.
Here are a few things to consider you should know about how long your oyster mushroom may take to grow:
• If you’re just buying a complete mushroom grow kit and just fruiting, then it can take around 10 days for the mushroom to form.
• The type of oyster mushroom species you choose can also determine the period length they tend to grow.
• If you are using a low nutrient regime, then it may take longer to grow.
• Using a high nutrient substrate on the other hand can increase your yield and fruiting can happen faster. However, a high nutrient plan requires sterilizing media, and a lab is required for inoculations.
• Some substrate can also determine how fast your oyster mushroom can grow. Some of these substrates include straw, toilet paper, woodchips, etc. These substrates can take around 3 to 5 weeks to grow. But using substrates such as logs for instance can take about 6 months or more to grow.
How To Harvest Oyster Mushrooms
When it comes to harvesting your oyster mushroom, you should aim to harvest the edge of the mushroom cap once you see these caps have begun to flatten out. These mushroom caps can be twisted with your hands or you can cut the cluster off with a sharp knife or scissors.
How Do You Know When Oyster Mushrooms Are Ready?
So, to know when to harvest oyster mushrooms, there are some physical characteristics you should notice.
Once you notice your oyster mushrooms are starting to flatten out at the top of the edges or they begin to turn upwards, then it’s time to harvest. They should be harvested at this point and harvesting should not be delayed so they don’t start to drop lots of spores.
Although, this stage may be quite confusing to judge particularly if it’s your first time growing oyster mushroom. But with frequent practice and the right guide, you should become familiar with it.
Additionally, if you see that your oyster mushrooms are growing larger, then harvesting time is set. Also, if they are beginning to dry out or they are dropping lots of dust, then it’s time to harvest. Drying out is a sign that the oyster mushroom has been left to grow longer and should have been harvested sooner. But you can still go ahead and harvest them.
Furthermore, when you buy a complete mushroom kit, it usually comes with instructions for you to know the particular time frame for picking your oyster mushroom. You can follow this time frame and work on it.
You can also make an estimate of when your oyster mushroom should be ready depending on the conditions your mushroom grew under.
How Many Times Can You Harvest Oyster Mushrooms?
You can harvest your mushroom about 3 times before the mycelium fruit is exhausted. And you can get a new flush of mushrooms approximately every 10 days for 5 to weeks depending on the variety of oyster mushrooms.
How Do You Store Oyster Mushrooms After Harvesting?
Now that we know when and how to harvest our oyster mushrooms, then let’s get to know how to store them.
So, after harvesting your oyster mushroom, you should wrap them in a damp paper towel. Then put them in a brown paper bag. Once you do this, it will stop them from drying out.
Then you should keep your wrapped oyster mushroom at the bottom of the fridge with other vegetables. This part shouldn’t be as cold as other parts of the fridge.
January 31, 2022