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Category: Tips & Guides

How Long Are Zucchini Good For?
Zucchini is a popular choice among gardeners of all experience levels. They are a versatile variety of squash and often grow in abundance. So, just how long are zucchini good for?
Though culinary wise they are a vegetable, zucchini is a fruit botanically speaking. Thanks to their high moisture content and neutral flavor, they are great for both sweet and savory dishes. There are also different varieties of zucchinis available to grow.
Brief History Of Zucchini
The origins of zucchini go all the way back to Mexico over 7,000 years ago where maize, beans, and squashes were an important part of people’s diets. However, zucchini itself was developed in Italy in the late 1800s. The first mention of the zucchini comes from a work published in Milan in 1901.
Early varieties of zucchini were named after cities in Italy. It was introduced to America by Italian immigrants in the 1920s. As a type of summer squash, it quickly became popular all across America.
How Long Is Zucchini Good For?
Unlike varieties of winter squash, zucchinis can be easily perishable. When properly stored, a zucchini will last for one to two weeks. You can keep it at room temperature, but it will only last about two to three days before it is no longer at its peak.
After harvesting or buying your zucchini, you only have a limited time to use it while it is still good. Though it will vary by the individual vegetable, you can expect them to last for up to two weeks in a cool environment such as a fridge.
How To Keep Zucchini Fresh
To keep a zucchini fresh, you will want to store it in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. Heat and humidity will cause a zucchini to go bad quicker.
The ideal place to store your zucchini is in the crisper draw of your fridge. Store them in a plastic, mesh, or paper bag with one end open to encourage air circulation. Moisture can accelerate the spoiling process, so be sure to wait to wash it until you are ready to use it.
Since they are delicate, do not place other items in the fridge on top of them. This can cause the fruit to bruise, which will lead it to go bad quicker.
If you have any leftover zucchini that is cut up, store it in an airtight container in your fridge. It will last for two to four days after being chopped up.
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How To Store Zucchini Long Term
If you won’t be able to use your zucchini up within a couple of weeks, you can freeze it for later. However, raw whole zucchini will not freeze well as it will become weepy and watery once you thaw it. Fortunately, blanching is an easy solution to prevent this from happening.
To prep, your zucchini for freezing, start out by washing it and then cutting it into slices. You will want the slices to be at least half an inch thick.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your zucchini slices for one to three minutes, until they are firm and bright green. Then, use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Gently stir the ice water to fully cool them down.
Once cool, drain the water and lay the slices down in a single layer on a baking tray. Then, use a paper towel to remove the moisture.
Place the baking tray with the slices in the freezer and let them sit in there for two to four hours. Once completely frozen, transfer the slices to a Ziploc bag and return to the freezer. The slices will last for up to six months if properly stored in the freezer.
You can also freeze grated zucchini as well. Simply wash your vegetable, then grate it and lay it flat on a baking tray. Then, place the tray in your freezer and keep it in there for one to two hours. Once it is frozen, transfer it to an airtight container or Ziploc bag and return it to the freezer for up to six months.
When ready to use, allow your zucchini to defrost at room temperature for an hour or overnight in the fridge. Then, use it accordingly in your recipes.
Read more about Does Zucchini Grow On A Vine?
How To Tell If They Are Ripe
When zucchini is ripe, it will be around six to eight inches long. It should be firm and shiny but slightly flexible and dark green in color, though depending on the variety it may be yellow or white. The skin should be firm, but will slightly dent when you push in on it with your fingernail.
Avoid harvesting zucchinis that are mushy or bruised, as they will likely not be good. If it is hard or light green, it will still need more time to grow.
How To Tell If They Have Gone Bad
If your zucchini is soft, mushy, or bruised, you will want to avoid using it. In addition, you will want to throw it out if it is moldy or has an off-color. If you notice that the flavor is bitter or the smell is funky, you will want to discard it.
In addition, it is likely no longer good if the insides are stringy and the seeds are large. The skin may wrinkle or shrivel when it is going bad.
FAQs
How do you know when zucchini go bad?
When it starts to smell funny. If it starts to rot, it’s already too late.
Is zucchini still good after 2 weeks?
Zucchini will keep a few weeks in the fridge.
Does zucchini last longer in the fridge?
Yes. You can keep it for a couple of weeks, even if it starts to get a little soft, but it will definitely last longer if you put it in the freezer.
Store it in a plastic bag in your refrigerator, or in the freezer. If you’re going to use it within a few days, you can leave it out on the counter. It will be okay at room temperature, but not as good as when it’s cold.
How long will a zucchini last on the counter?
You can keep them for up to two days. If you are looking to use them for a snack or side dish, then it is probably best to cook them as soon as possible. If you have an abundance of them, you might consider freezing some for later.
Is zucchini still good when soft?
The zucchini should be mostly yellow, the yellow part being the stem.
The white part is the seeds. If you’re seeing green, it may be a matter of maturity. Zucchini usually take longer to mature than yellow squash. The green squash can be cut away and used in recipes, but will not have the same flavor as yellow squash.
Why does my zucchini taste bitter?
The bitterness of a zucchini can be caused by a number of factors. The most common is the presence of oxalic acid, which occurs naturally in plants. Oxalic acid is not only a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, but also has an affinity for calcium. This makes it a natural chelator of calcium.
In addition to oxalic acid, the seeds, stems, and flowers of many plants contain phytates, which are also strong chelators of calcium. Phytates are found in many vegetables, nuts, and grains, such as wheat bran and whole grain bread. You may also find that your zucchini contains other bitter compounds, such as saponins, which are found in plants from the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, etc.). These compounds are very potent antioxidants and have a similar affinity for calcium. To reduce the bitterness of your zucchini, try soaking it in water for several hours before cooking or boiling it for longer.
Keeping Your Zucchini Fresh And Delicious
Zucchini is a great vegetable to have on hand for baking and cooking during summertime. It can perish quickly, but with proper storage, it can last for up to two weeks in your fridge. You can keep it at room temperature, but it will only last for around three days before it is no longer at its peak.
You can also freeze it as well by blanching slices or grating it. Both ways will last for around six months in your freezer.
Do you have any questions regarding how long are zucchini good for? If so, please ask any questions regarding zucchini storage in the comment section below.
December 3, 2021
Can You Eat a Tomato With Seeds Sprouting Inside
In this article, we will discuss and answer the question: Can you eat a tomato with seeds sprouting inside to get to know the truth?
Have you ever sliced into a beautiful red tomato to find the seeds already sprouting? When the seeds sprout, they look like small, green, or white wiggly things. Check keenly to be sure these are not worms but sprouting seeds inside the tomato.
It is common to see tomato seeds sprout inside tomato fruit. This happens because of a lack of hormonal acid. This hormonal acid is what keeps the tomato dormant until the time is right for them to sprout. The seeds are more likely to grow if the tomato has been exposed to prolonged cold for a few days and then moved to heat. Temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit are too cold for harvested tomatoes.
So, Where Do These Sprouting Seeds Come From
Seeds germinating inside the tomato is a process known as vivipary. This process occurs in overripe fruit where seeds have reached maturity, and the ABA abscisic acid’s natural hormone is reduced. In this case, the seed dormancy is lost gradually.
The tomato fruit allows the vivipary process since the seeds do not dry out in a moist environment inside the fruit.
Some causes of seeds sprouting inside the fruit are due to long storage in cool temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It could also be because the tomato fruit is overripe, has potassium deficiency, or over-fertilization with nitrogen fertilizer.
However, it is customary to see ripe summer tomatoes begin to sprout their seeds while still whole.
Can You Eat A Tomato With Seeds Sprouting Inside?
Yes, you can eat a tomato with seeds sprouting inside. The main reason why the seeds sprout inside the tomato is due to over-ripening.
Tomatoes that have started to germinate the seeds can have a not-so-sweet taste. However, this is a disputed theory as some people find it tasty while others find it bland.
All sprouted tomatoes are safe to eat unless you notice other things like fuzz, spots, or squishy tissues. Please note that if a pathogen has infected the tomato, you cannot eat it.
Some people have gotten ill by eating the sprouted tomatoes overripe; therefore, exercise caution when feeding on these tomatoes. The best use you can put to an overripe tomato is to plant it and allow it to grow.
Why Do Tomatoes Seeds Sprout?
As fruits ripen, they develop an abscisic hormone that causes the fruit to develop until it becomes overripe. Once it’s degraded, the release of abscisic acid diminishes because the fruit has reached its peak in ripening.
The seeds in the fruit change from dormancy to active state. As they become active, they begin germinating, known as vivipary. The vivipary escapes from the seed seeking a moist environment of the tomato for sustenance.
Vivipary means live birth. Even if you don’t cut open the tomato, the sprouts will make their way out of the fruit through the skin.
Read more about Can You Eat Carrots That Have Sprouted?
How To Prevent Seeds Sprouting Inside Tomatoes
After you harvest or buy your tomatoes, it is essential to store them at room temperature and prevent sunlight from accessing them. However, allow sufficient air circulation to help them ripen and stay healthy.
To prevent sprouting, keep your tomatoes in a cool, dry place instead of a warm area but do not refrigerate them.
When you harvest or buy your tomatoes, use them as soon and as fast as possible. Allowing your tomatoes to age is giving them a chance to sprout. If you do not intend to cook or eat them soon enough, you could turn them into a tomato paste, or sauce or use them in pizza.
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Some Reasons To Eat Tomatoes Regularly
Tomatoes are suitable for the body, and it is essential to eat them as often as possible. Here are some reasons why we should adopt them:
- - Tomatoes have multiple varieties of antioxidants that protect your eyes, heart, and skin. They also have potassium vitamins B, K, and E, and folate.
  - Tomatoes have an antioxidant known as lycopene that protects your cells from free radicals keeping you safe from stomach, lung, or prostate cancer. Lycopene also lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, protecting you from strokes.
  - These fruits have vitamin K which is crucial for bone health and the healing of wounds. It helps in blood clotting in case of an injury and speeds up the healing process.
  - Lycopene also benefits your oral health by strengthening the gums and protecting you from gingivitis and periodontitis.
  - Tomatoes contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which do wonders for your eyes, protecting them from macular damage and blue light.
  - They have high fiber that prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol, and manages diabetes.
How To Prevent Tomato Seeds From Sprouting While Inside The Tomato
There are a few steps you can take to prevent your tomatoes from sprouting while still whole. They include:
- - Grow Your Tomatoes and Remember to Harvest Them on Time. Growing your tomatoes ensures that you provide them with the right nutrients to get you healthy tomatoes. Ensure that you also harvest them before the cold weather sets in. This will keep the tomato seeds from being tricked by the weather into dormancy. The seeds inside the tomatoes tend to sprout when tricked into dormancy.
- - Buy Your Tomatoes From a Farmer’s Market. If you cannot grow your own tomatoes, then buy from a local farmer’s market. Some gardeners who use hydroponic systems produce tomatoes all the time. Indoor farmer’s markets may also surprise you with their produce.
How Many Days Do Tomato Seeds Take to Germinate?
Tomatoes grow pretty fast. Their seed can sprout within 10 days under the right conditions. You should keep your tomatoes seed at a warm temperature to ensure they sprout. Spray them with water twice a day to keep them moisturized. Once you see the seeds sprouting, move them to bright light.
What Temperature is Needed to Germinate Tomato Seeds?
Tomato seeds don’t need sunlight to germinate, but they do need warmth. Your seeds will germinate in temperatures around 65°F to 85°F. Ideally, a temperature of 104°F should be reached.
Will Refrigerated Tomato Seeds Germinate?
Tomato seeds won’t germinate if they’re kept in the fridge. In there, they won’t receive any warmth or moisture.
If it’ll be a while before you germinate your seeds, I suggest keeping them in the fridge. Many seeds stored in a refrigerator tend to show higher germination rates.
Once you’re ready to germinate your refrigerated tomato seeds, leave them at room temperature to warm up. You can then continue germinating them as you would normally.
Will Tomato Seeds Sprout in Water?
Tomato seeds will not sprout in water. They need warmth to germinate. However, soaking the seed in water for a few days before you start the germination process, helps. Tomato seeds have hard outer shells. Soaking these in water softens them. Your tomatoes will germinate easier.
How Long Does it Take for Tomato Seeds to Sprout Indoors?
You can get your tomato seed to sprout faster by germinating them indoors. Tomato seeds kept indoors sprout in about 5 or 6 days under ideal conditions.
You should keep their soil warm and spray them with water. If you’d like your seeds to germinate healthily, keep them moist and transfer them to sunlight once they break the surface. You can also use a grow light.
Can You Grow Tomatoes From The Seeds of Canned Tomatoes?
Tomato seeds from canned tomatoes won’t germinate. During the canning process, tomatoes are cooked at extremely high temperatures. This process damages the seeds.
How Long Will a Tomato Last in The Fridge?
After your tomato seeds germinate successfully, you can plant them. If you take good care of your tomato plants, they’ll produce a large harvest. Once your tomatoes are ripe, you can enjoy them on the go or keep them in the fridge.
Ripe tomatoes will last in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also preserve them in various ways to ensure none of your harvests goes to waste.
Tomato sauce made with oil and garlic can stay fresh in a tightly sealed container for about 6 months when placed in the fridge. You can dehydrate your tomatoes and leave them as is or reduce them to powder. Both versions can be stored in your refrigerator to keep them fresher for longer.
If you want to preserve your tomatoes even longer, freezing them is a better choice. Tomatoes will last up to a year in a fridge with freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
Once you’ve harvested your tomatoes from your garden, learn how to store them correctly. Place the tomatoes on a counter or a window seal out of direct sunlight. Keep them at room temperature and don’t stack them up or put them in a plastic bag. This way, you will not have rotten or sprouting tomatoes.
According to the USDA, this storage method will help them write and develop good flavor and aroma. Then you will have ripe tomatoes that are ready to eat without their seeds germinating.
Also, to prevent vivipary in tomatoes, fertilize your plant’s orphan when growing with recommended ratios of N, P, and K. The problem does not occur after the fruits mature.
December 1, 2021
Is Adding Lime To Soil For Tomatoes A Good Idea?
Are you wondering whether adding lime to soil for tomatoes is a good idea, or you could be messing up your soil by doing so?
Lime is good for tomato plants, especially if your soil lacks calcium or is too acidic with a low pH. Lime can also help reduce nutrient deficiencies and improve water penetration in the soil.
However, too much lime raises the pH too much and can block a tomato plant’s uptake of magnesium. Do not add lime without first taking your soil for a test to determine the nutrient content.
The amount of lime you need depends on your soil‘s nutrient content as well as the pH level. This article will talk about the benefits of lime for tomato plants along with its questions.
Do Tomatoes Like Lime?
Tomatoes are often grown in lime-rich soil to prevent the disease blossom end rot. Lime for garden soil is also sometimes used as a fertilizer for tomatoes, though it’s not considered an essential element.
Lime for garden soil is typically applied as lime slurry or lime water. Lime slurry or lime water can also be sprayed on the leaves of tomato plants to combat aphids, whiteflies, and leafminers. Mix a teaspoonful of lime with a gallon of water until it dissolves. Fill a spray bottle with lime water and apply it thoroughly, including the undersides of leaves.
Lime for garden soil is also sometimes combined with neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat aphids and other pests on tomato plants.
Is Lime Suitable For Tomato Plants?
Lime, generally known as garden or agricultural lime, is suitable for tomato plants when moderated. In some cases adding lime to soil helps solve soil problems. For example, if your soil is too acidic, adding lime will raise the pH level.
When lime or calcium carbonate is applied correctly according to the instructions on the package it works properly. The lime you use will vary depending on the current soil pH and the desired PH value.
No matter what supplement you decide to use in your garden, always do a soil test first. This will give you a clear content for the soil pH and nutrient levels helping you determine what is lacking in your soil.
A soil test provides information to help you make the right choices when amending your soil with nutrients. If you forgo a soil test,t you might solve a problem that you don’t even have.
Benefits Of Adding Lime To The Soil For Tomatoes
Lime has many benefits for tomato plants when applied correctly; for example, it helps.
Provides Calcium
Lime in the garden adds calcium to your soil. Calcium is the most needed nutrient for plant growth especially tomatoes. Lack of calcium in tomatoes and peppers causes them to suffer from a condition known as blossom-end rot. Another cause of blossom end rot is uneven watering which occurs when dry soil does not get enough water.
Adding lime to your soil improves its water penetration, which solves the problem of dry soil. Lime also activates magnesium which is another essential nutrient for plant growth. Magnesium is the nutrient that provides the chlorophyll molecule. Chlorophyll is what makes plants green and it is an important part of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process where plants turn sunlight water and carbon dioxide into energy and oxygen.
You can add calcium to your soil without raising the pH by using gypsum calcium sulfate. This, too, adds calcium and sulphur to your soil while keeping the pH stable.
Raise The Soil pH
When you add lime to soil it raises the PH value which helps counter the effects of nitrogen in the soil. Too much nitrogen in the soil makes it more acidic over time.
The proper soil pH is essential as it helps tomatoes absorb enough nutrients for proper growth. Tomatoes thrive in a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. When the pH level drops below 6.0, magnesium and phosphorus become less available to plants.
Even if you have plenty of nutrients in the soil they will not be available for plants if your soil is too acidic. This is because the plant does not absorb the nutrients through its roots.
So before you add any extra nutrients to your soil, check the soil pH first and adjust it accordingly. Adding lime keeps the soil pH within the range of 6.0 to 6.5 and prevents nutrient deficiencies in your plants. This could solve all the soil problems you have.
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Improve Soil Permeability
Lime improves your soil permeability. This means instead of water staying on top of the soil it will work its way down deeper after irrigation or rainfall. The water is, therefore, less likely to evaporate back into the air.
When water permeates the soil well, the tomato plant is able to send its roots deeper to get this water. A deeper, more robust root system is a sign of a healthier plant. A healthy plant can resist diseases and fight pests in the garden, eventually leading to a more bountiful harvest at the end of the season.
Is It Possible To Add Too Much Lime To The Soil For Tomatoes?
It is true lime has many benefits to your soil; however, it is possible to put too much lime on your garden soil. This is likely to happen if you don’t follow instructions on the package or fail to carry out a soil test before adding.
When that’s done, you could end up with soil that has too much pH, too high for growing tomatoes or other plants.
When you notice you have added too much lime into your soil, you can try to reverse the effect by adding elemental sulfur. It lowers the PH value of the soil. However, it is best to avoid this problem in the first place by using the right amount of line based on
- Soil consistency
- Current soil pH value
- Desired soil pH value
How Long Does Garden Lime Take To Work?
The amount of time it takes for lime to work in your soil depends on the type of lime used, the size of lime particles, the soil consistency, and the current soil pH.
Lime will continue to react in your soil 2 to 3 years after application. The benefits of lime will occur within the first few months after application.
Conclusion
Garden lime is good for the soil. However, it is dangerous if humans or pets consume it. It can also harm your tomato plants if you apply too much at once. Remember, lime is caustic and can burn your hands if you expose your bare skin. If you use too much, it will quickly burn your plants.
You can either use pelletized lime or garden lime. Pelletized is more expensive than garden lime, however, it does not work faster than garden lime.
November 30, 2021
How Long Is Squash Germination Time?
It is essential to know squash germination time before you plant any of the varieties so that you are ready in time for germination.
Squash is a very versatile plant to grow and comes with many different options for the home garden. Squash is an easy plant to grow with high yields and comes in many different varieties. They are available in all sorts of shapes, patterns, and sizes that fall into different categories.
Summer Squash Versus Winter Squash
Winter squash is harvested at the end of the growing season to enjoy over the winter months. They include butternut squash, myriad of pumpkins, and spaghetti squash.
Summer squash is harvested throughout summer and includes examples like crookneck squash, zucchini, and pattypan.
Squash plants are available as bushy or trailing plants. Trailing squash should be left to sprawl over the soil surface or support the trellis or wire mesh. To encourage massive pumpkins, it’s best to leave the stems sprawl on the ground. This way, they will be able to send extra roots as they spread to take up even more valuable nutrients and moisture from the soil.
What Is Squash Germination Time?
Germinating squash seeds takes between 7 to 10 days if the weather is warm enough.
Start your summer squash seeds indoors at least 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. If you are sowing the seeds directly outdoors, you will need to wait until the soil temperature has warmed up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the soil is still too cold, you can protect the seeds or transplants by adding row covers to help keep the soil warm.
With the right soil temperature, sow the seeds at least 1/2 to 1 inch deep, spacing them between 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing gives the squash plants enough area to thrive.
Once your seedlings are ready for transplanting, ensure that the last frost date is passed at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Growing Squash After Germination Time
With sprouting squash seeds successful, it’s time to thin them to at least 36 inches apart in all directions. Be sure to keep the soil moisture levels high to allow enough intake of water and nutrients. Summer squash prefers soils with a ph of 5.5 to 6.8 and a good amount of full sun.
Common pests that affect the summer squash include cucumber beetles, aphids, slugs, flea beetles, and snails. To protect your summer squash from the above problems, ensure that you do not plant them in areas where melons or cucumbers have recently grown. Squash is not a good plant to grow in containers as it does not have enough space to spread out.
Where To Grow Squash
Squash prefers a warm sunny, sheltered spot with ideal conditions for good pollination and perfect for fruit development.
These plants are hungry feeders and require rich fertile soil; you can improve it by including well-rotted compost or old manure. Fill each hole with a mixture of soil and compost manure topping up with a handful of organic fertilizer. This can be done at least 2 weeks before sowing the seeds or planting.
Harvesting Squash
Harvest your summer squash as soon as they attend the size that you want. However, besides the size, it is good to allow them to mature long enough for harvest. Summer squash varieties are harvested every day so that they don’t overgrown. Winter squash and pumpkins are harvested in the fall before the first date of frost.
To harvest the winter squash, cut either side of the stem to leave a T-shaped stub. Don’t carry your pumpkin by holding the stem as it could detach from the fruit and serve as an entry point for bacterial rot. Move your pumpkin fruits to a warm, dry, and sunny spot to cure.
If the weather has already turned cold and damp outside, cure your fruits in a greenhouse or next to a sunny windowsill. Curing hardens the skin in readiness for long-term storage. Winter squash and pumpkins can store for up to 6 months at room temperature.
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FAQs
What’s the best way to start squash seeds?
Squash is usually a very easy plant to grow from seed, and they can be started in pots or directly in the garden. They like to have some shade during the hottest part of the day, so they may need to be moved to a partially shaded spot after the first few days. I would recommend starting them out in a pot, and then transplanting into your garden when they are large enough to handle it.
How long does squash take to germinate?
Squash seeds start to germinate in about 5 days, and then you need to wait for a few more days for the sprouts to grow. The sprouts will take about two weeks to get to be ready to transplant to your garden. Then you can expect about one or two months before they mature enough to harvest. This is a rough guide, but I’ve grown squash for years with no issues.
Squash seeds need light to germinate. When they do germinate, they will grow about as fast as any other vegetable or fruit. If you have room in your garden, I would recommend growing squash from seed, since it is easy to transplant them when they are small. Squash can be direct-seeded into the garden, but most people plant them in a seedling bed.
Why won’t my squash seeds germinate?
The problem might be that the seeds are old or damaged. They could also be planted in the wrong medium, or the conditions aren’t right. If they’re too old, they’re not going to do much of anything; if they’re damaged, they’ll never sprout.
Should I soak squash seeds?
Squash seeds are usually sold in stores or online, but they can be easily grown at home. However, there is one thing that you should consider before buying seeds: they should be soaked for 8 hours or overnight.
If you soak seeds for more than 24 hours, then it is impossible to germinate them.
Can you plant squash seeds right out of the squash?
Squash seeds can be planted directly in the ground after the vines are harvested, but you’ll need to get the seeds into the ground as soon as possible. The best time to do this is when the soil is warm and moist. If you plant the seeds in the fall, you can let them overwinter in a cold frame or greenhouse. Once spring arrives, cover the seeds with an inch of potting soil and water well.
What’s a great squash for kids to learn to grow?
Summer squash is a great vegetable for kids, and can be grown in the summer months when you don’t have access to a garden. These delicious and nutritious vegetables are known for their ability to grow large, long, and strong. They’re also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
What time of the year should I grow squash?
We grow both summer and winter squashes indoors during the fall months and transplant into the garden when temperatures are in the 50’s. The plants do not tolerate frost and you don’t want to plant anything out until the ground has warmed up.
Tips To Growing Summer Squash
Plant Your Squash Seeds Directly In The Garden
Summer squash varieties are best grown by sowing seeds directly on the ground. This way, the squash sprouts are more robust and do not need to be disturbed when moving to another place. If you live within the Arizona area, take advantage of the monsoon moisture by planting in mid-February through the beginning of April and again from mid-August to the beginning of September. Always check the local planting guides for your date; they will always be after your last frost date. Remember, squash prefers warm soil.
Most summer squash varieties take between 45 to 60 days from planting to harvest. If starting seeds indoors, do so at least 5 to 6 weeks before the last day of frost in the spring.
Plant Several Types Of Summer Squash
To use the summer season, plant several types of summer squash that range from light to dark green, yellow, striped, solid, round, long, or disc-shaped. Although they are similar, they have some differences in flavor texture and uses. For example, a party pan squash has Stafford texture and cooks better in soups and stews. Zucchini is medium-textured and Lebanese squash has a more tender texture. The 30 summer squash varieties have different textures and different uses.
Attract As Many Bees As Possible
Planting summer squash varieties are a sure way to attract the beneficial bees as they pollinate and transfer pollen from the male and female plants. The bees are valuable not just for squash but also for other plans that you will grow in your garden.
Check Your Summer Squash Plants Daily
Squash plants are susceptible to pests and diseases and especially during the summer. Daily vigilance prevents minor problems from getting out of hand. For example, check for powdery mildew on the leaves. If you notice any is present, pick the leaves and dispose of them away from your compost. Use baking soda solution sulphur spray or milk solution to prevent and treat powdery mildew. You can also spray with neem oil. Check the undersides of leaves for squash bug eggs and remove both the eggs and the adults by hand.
Harvest Your Summer Squash Early And Often
Due to the summer heat, the squash family tends to mature fast and quickly. Therefore, it is vital to check them often and harvest them as early as you can to avoid overgrowing.
Squash grows quickly. One day, you notice a small one; most probably, it’s ready for harvest the next day. They taste better when tender and young, the more reason you should harvest them early. Harvest squash by cutting through the stem instead of the main vine with a sharp knife when fruits are about 4 to 6 inches long. When they are overgrown, the seeds and skin tend to grow tougher and larger, making them unattractive to eat.
Picking the fruit often encourages more production. Whatever you cannot consume, store it in the refrigerator for about a week or freeze it for an extended period.
Find more information about Will A Pumpkin Ripen Off The Vine?
November 30, 2021
Are Cherry Tomatoes The Same As Grape Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a versatile fruit and are popular among gardeners of all experience levels. However, you may wonder are cherry tomatoes the same as grape tomatoes? Though the two varieties of tomatoes are similar, they do have their differences.
From sauces to sandwiches and everything in-between, tomatoes are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Though culinary wise they are referred to as a vegetable, they are actually botanically a fruit. They come in many different varieties and are all delicious and full of health benefits.
Brief History Of Tomatoes
The origins of tomatoes trace back to the Aztecas in around 700 AD, which leads many to believe that they are native to South America. Around the 16th century, the tomato was introduced to Europe after explorers brought them back from the New World. They quickly grew in popularity across Southern Europe.
The Spanish and Italians were the first to adapt tomatoes into their cuisine. The tomato was then introduced to North America by the Europeans. It wasn’t until around the early 20th century that they became popular all across the country.
Now, tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the culinary world. They are grown commercially all across the world and many people also grow them in their home gardens. You can find them in all sorts of different varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors.
What’s The Difference Between Cherry And Grape Tomatoes?
So, are grape tomatoes the same as cherry tomatoes? Though they are similar, cherry and grape tomatoes are different.
Cherry tomatoes get their names since they are shaped like cherries. They are round with thin skins and a high water content. They are generally softer than grape tomatoes and tend to be squisher as well.
Cherry tomatoes will often pop and squirt juices in your mouth as you bite down. They can grow to be almost twice as big as grape tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes have an oblong, oval shape that is similar to that of a grape. They have a thicker, meatier, and chewier consistency than cherry tomatoes do. Their flesh has less water, making them not as juicy as cherry tomatoes are.
They often grow in clusters, just like grapes do. In addition, they also tend to have a longer shelf life as well. Both varieties are great for growing in your own garden and will typically grow in an abundance.
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Flavor Profile And Colors
Cherry tomatoes tend to be sweet in flavor, though some can be a bit tart. Though they are often red in color, they can also be orange or yellow. They are popular for having a crisp bite and fresh flavor.
Grape tomatoes have a rich taste and they aren’t too sweet or too acidic, though they can be a bit tart. They have a crunchy bite and meaty consistency. In addition, they are also often red, though they can be yellow or orange as well.
Common Uses
Cherry tomatoes are great for sauces, salads, kebabs, and roasting. In addition, they are also great for stuffing. Grape tomatoes are ideal for salads, sauces, roasting, and grilling. You can eat both types raw or cooked.
Like all fruits and vegetables, you should wash your tomatoes before you eat them. For best results, wait to wash them until right before you use them.
Can You Use Them Interchangeably?
For the most part, you can use cherry and grape tomatoes interchangeably in your recipes. Some people prefer one variety over the other, but they will often both work well in recipes that call for one or the other. If you are wanting to stuff your tomatoes, cherry is the better option.
Proper Storage
Tomatoes do best when you store them at room temperature, in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Since they are fragile, it is best to store them in a paper bag or a Tupperware container. They will last for about one week at room temperature with proper storage.
You can also store fully ripe tomatoes in the fridge for up to two weeks. Keep them at a warmer spot in the fridge such as the top shelf or door. Remove any stems before placing them in the fridge and store them stem side down.
Any leftover tomatoes that are already cut should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last for around 3-4 days after you cut them in the fridge.
You can also freeze tomatoes as well if you have an abundance from your garden. To freeze, wash them and thoroughly dry them off and then add them to a Ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or use a vacuum sealer if you have one of those.
Place your tomatoes in a single layer in your freezer to prevent them from getting squished. They will keep for around nine months to a year in your freezer.
You can also freeze them in slices as well. Simply slice them into pieces and place them on a baking tray. Then, place the tray with the slices on it in the freezer for one hour. After the hour, wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a Ziploc bag before returning them to the freezer.
When ready to serve or cook, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also thaw them whole or slice them in the fridge overnight as well.
FAQ’s
Whats the difference between cherry and grape tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a very diverse group of plants, with many different types, colors, shapes, sizes, flavors, and uses. The most common varieties are beefsteak, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes.
“Grape” tomatoes are similar flavor and texture to regular cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are larger, with thicker skins and smaller seeds. “Cherry” tomatoes are a type of plum tomato. The skin is thick and shiny, and they have a bright red color. They have a higher sugar content than other tomatoes, but less acidity. They are typically picked at the green stage, then ripened at home in a paper bag on a countertop or in the refrigerator.
Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, juicy tomatoes that are perfect for snacking and salads. They have a thin skin that is easy to peel off, making them great for eating raw in salads or as part of sandwiches. Grape tomatoes are larger than cherry tomatoes.
As a general rule, if you can fit your thumb in the hole of the tomato, it is cherry.
Are grape tomatoes better than cherry tomatoes?
If you’re looking for the most flavorful and juicy tomato, then you’ll want to go with the grape variety. Grape tomatoes are a small round tomato with sweet flesh that is often sold in a cluster of several together. They have a mild flavor and are ideal for salads. In addition, they can be eaten raw or cooked. Cherry tomatoes are larger than grape tomatoes, but they also have sweet flesh.
In addition to being delicious, these varieties of tomatoes are also very good for you. They contain lots of lycopene, which has been proven to help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Lycopene is also believed to protect against heart disease and other ailments.
They are cheap, easy to find, and easy to eat. I can eat them raw or in salads. They are good for cooking too, because they stay nice and firm. I like their texture and flavor. Grape tomatoes are more expensive.
You can only get them out of season. The ones that grow in the winter are small and bland.
Can you substitute cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes?
Yes, you can use any kind of cherry tomatoes in place of grape tomatoes. They are very similar in flavor and size, but if you prefer a different tomato flavor you can certainly use them.
Why are cherry tomatoes so expensive?
One reason is that they’re a speciality crop, requiring lots of effort to grow. Another reason is that the plants have been bred to be especially sweet and juicy.
Can you freeze grape tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes can be frozen, but they should be placed in an airtight container or bag and frozen individually. If they are frozen together, the flavor is likely to be ruined.
How many types of cherry tomatoes are there?
There are many types of cherry tomatoes, but only a few types are widely available. For example, the small cherry tomatoes sold in plastic bags at supermarkets are typically Roma (or “Romano”) tomatoes; these have thick skins that are tough enough to withstand shipping and storage without spoiling. Most cherry tomatoes sold fresh at farmers’ markets or grocery stores are called “summer” cherry tomatoes because they are picked before they have started to turn red.
Understanding The Differences Between Grape Vs Cherry Tomatoes
Grape and cherry tomatoes are very similar, however, cherry tomatoes are round and grape tomatoes are oblong and oval. The cherry variety tends to be juicer and sweeter, whereas the grape variety tends to be meatier and chewier. The cherry variety tends to be larger than the grape variety.
Both varieties are great for salads, sauces, roasting, snacking, and grilling. Oftentimes, these two varieties can be used interchangeably with each other as both have a wonderful flavor. They are typically red, orange, or yellow in color, with red being the most common.
Do you have any questions regarding to are cherry tomatoes the same as grape tomatoes? If so, please ask any questions regarding tomatoes in the comment section down below.
November 30, 2021
Is There A Flower That Looks Like An Artichoke?
Did you know there’s a flower that looks like an artichoke, and it is mainly confused by gardeners who think it is the same plant?
The cardoon or Cynara cardunculus is a close relative to the artichoke or Cynara scolymus. Both of these plants are members of the Asteraceae family, also called the daisy family. This includes sunflowers, echinaceas, and chrysanthemums.
The cardoon looks a lot like a cross between an artichoke and a thistle. It produces beautiful thistle-like flowers but does not produce fruit like artichoke. Instead, it has celery-like stalks that are considered a tasty delicacy, either cooked or eaten fresh.
The cardoon is a beautiful ornamental tropical-looking plant often grown as an architectural plant among the dahlias and verbenas. Its large silver leaves and sculpture-like shape fits nicely as a seasonal accent feature in mixed borders.
A Flower That Looks Like An Artichoke – The Physical Differences
Both cardoons and artichokes are widely cultivated in the USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9. They are grown both for their ornamental features and edible parts. They both possess violet thistle-like flowers and silver foliage.
Artichokes produce large flower buds with a more globular shape tighter and less pronounced spines. In contrast, small sharp spines cover the cardoon stalks and could cause severe pain if they prick your skin. It is therefore essential to wear gloves when handling stems or flowers of the cardoons.
Cardoons have less tidy growth habits than artichokes, although both plants grow to roughly 3 to 5 feet in height.
Cardoon’s History
Cardoon is native to the Mediterranean region and was treasured in Greek-Roman and Persian cuisines. This plant remained popular and most common in American colonial gardens during the mediaeval and early modern European times.
Although it lost its popularity in the 19th century, its reputation as original favourite in Spain, France, and Italy continues to grow. These countries produce about 100 metric tons of cardoons annually. The acclaimed iron chef Mario Batali uses the cardoon as one of his favourite vegetables.
The reputation of this leafy vegetable is beginning to grow in America.
Cardoon’s Modern Growth And Uses
The cardoon is a tender perennial plant that looks like a cross between celery and burdock and carries a flavour close to the artichoke.
Use the leaves and stems steamed or braised in soups or fried. This plant is loaded with vitamins B and C and iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
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The cardoon adapts well to the Redlands dry Mediterranean like climate. It prefers at least 6 hours of sun each day but tolerates partial shade. When growing yet treated the same way you would treat an artichoke.
Plant your cardoon in rich, well-drained soil and use fertilizer for better yields. Provide adequate water allowing it to dry in between waterings. The plant will grow to about 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide; therefore, it is not suitable to grow it in containers. The cardoon has no serious disease problems except aphids that love to feast on it.
Edible Parts Of The Flower That Looks Like Artichokes
Cardoons and artichokes have a similar nutty flavour due to the close relationship even though you eat different parts of their plants.
For artichokes, consume the large overdeveloped flower buds both the fleshy heart and the petals. Cardoons have soft young leaves, immature flower stalks that you can enjoy raw or cooked.
Like celery or rhubarb, cardoon stalks taste best when blanched in the garden before harvesting. Wrap the bottom part of the plant to keep the sunlight out. The stems are popularly battered or fried.
You can boil the main root eat it cold. This plant is also used to flavour liquor and incorporated into cheese production. It is also used for cooking oils as a source of biodiesel fuel and feedstock.
You can use this plant as a medicinal plant; some say it has mild laxative qualities. It also contains cynarin that has cholesterol-lowering effects, although it cannot exceed the artichokes cynarin component.
Cardoon Planting
Start the seeds indoors in the late winter or early spring. After the danger of frost passes, transplant the seedlings outside. You can also plant from the divided cardoon plants in early spring, leaving plenty of space for growth.
Cartoons can grow nutritional processes, but they prefer deep rich soils and full sun. Cardoon seeds are available for around 7 years after ripening, starting from September to October.
Harvesting The Artichoke Looking Flower
Cardoons are much larger and harder than artichokes. Some people eat the tender flower buds while others at the fleshy, thick leaf stalks that require plentiful irrigation for healthy growth.
Before harvesting cardoon leaf stalks, you will need to blanch them first. Do this by tying the plant into a bundle, wrapping it with straw, mounding the soil and leaving them for one month.
Cardoon plants harvested for culinary purposes are treated as annuals and harvested during the winter months in areas where there are mild winters from November to February. They are then sowed afresh in early spring.
You can eat the tender leaves and stocks fresh in salads and the branched portions used like celery in stews and soups.
When harvesting, use gardening gloves as the cardoon stem has small, almost invisible spines that can be dangerous. However, there are spineless varieties available for the home gardener.
Other Flowers That Look Like Artichokes
Artichoke flowers are flowers that look like artichokes. Specifically, the flowers of an actual artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus). These flowers came up during spring/summer in dry weather conditions and could be considered very pretty flowers. It’s said there were many varieties of these flowers, each with varying flowers and colours.
List of flowers that look like artichoke flowers:
- Rabbit Ears (Camelina sativa)
- Wild Chamomile (Matricaria discoidea)
- Field Mustard (Brassica rapa)
- Wild Fennel (Nigella arvensis)
- Annual Wormwood (Artemisia annua)
This list isn’t exhaustive and more flowers could look like artichoke flowers.
Conclusion
Though the cardoon is a flower that looks like an artichoke, it does not continuously bloom in colder climates. this is because the growing season is not long enough for blooming to happen.
Its violet-purple flowers, set in a heavily spined head, are about 2 inches in diameter. Bees and other pollinators love these flowers. Left alone under the right conditions, this plant can succeed and become invasive in mild climates.
Why not try and grow your cardoons -the flower that looks like artichoke and see how it does. Please share your cardoon growing journey with us. It will inspire all of us gardeners in our gardening journey.
Or have you already started out on some cardoon plants, let us know your experience.
November 30, 2021
Does Adding Sand To Clay Soil Work?
Is it true that adding sand to clay soil makes it better, or is this just a traditional myth passed on from one generation to another?
There’s no doubt working with heavy soil is a pain. Wrestling with this heavily compacted soil in your garden strains both your body and the plants.
This soil sticks to your shoes and your working tools and seems to be more challenging to garden with it than any other type of soil. But even with all its disadvantages, clay soil has its benefits.
If your garden is made up of clay soil, don’t despair; clay has many benefits that it offers. Let’s look at how you can fix your clay soil to make it easier to work with and allow you to reap a good harvest.
Identifying Clay Soil
How can you tell that your garden has clay soil? Clay soil can be easily identified by:
- - It feels rather sticky and dense to the touch
  - Clay is smooth to touch especially when rubbed between the finger and the thumb.
  - It has high moisture and can be rolled into a ball or other shapes without cracking.
  - Heavy clay is shiny when rolled into any shape and then rubbed softly with your hands.
Adding Sand To Clay Soil
A notion has been in circulation for many years that says that adding sand to clay soil helps lighten it up. This is an old traditional myth that has no scientific evidence of its efficiency.
If you add sand to clay soil, it turns your soil into something as hard as wet cement. Any clay soil treated this way becomes tough and eliminates every possibility of both good and harmful living organisms in it.
What To Do If You Have Clay Soil
So instead of using sand for clay soil, it is best to reach for an organic matter like leaf mold compost manure or well-aged manure and add it to your clay soil.
The organic matter never goes wrong in any of the soil types it’s added to. When added to clay soil:
- - It lightens the soil texture
  - Adds nutrients
  - Discourages compaction
  - Improves drainage and aeration
  - Provides more space
  - Moderates the soil temperature
All these features are essential for plant growth.
So to amend your clay soil add as much organic matter as you can; mixing it into your existing clay soil is the aim. And if you have sand-clay soil because you have started adding some, use the organic matter. However, before improving the clay, carry out a soil test to incorporate phosphorus, lime, and whatever other nutrients your soil requires.
Steps To Amend Your Clay Soil
- - Use a spade to loosen the existing soil if it is it’s a small part, or use a tiller to loosen the existing soil over a large area
  - Spread about 2 inches of compost on top of the things soil and mix it with the clay soil
  - Repeat the process two or three times, working in your clay soil until you’re satisfied that it is thoroughly mixed up. Ensure that your clay soil is relatively dry; walking on wet clay soil will damage the structure you’re trying to improve.
  - Spread a few inches of compost over the ground between the plants and the soil and use a narrow spade to turn the compost into the soil
  - Repeat this method at least once, and your soil is ready for planting. Ensure that you work in small patches until your entire garden has freshly turned soil
When To Do It
The fall season is a great time to mix your clay with compost because the weather is drier than in the spring. Another reason why it is good to do this in autumn is because of the cooler temperatures that are more pleasant to work under. It becomes an annual part of your soil maintenance to add compost to your clay just before winter.
In the long run, regular applications of compost manure and other organic matter will continually improve your cell structure and overall health. Therefore, it will become much easier for you to walk in this kind of soil and for your plants to grow in.
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Clay Soil It’s Still A Suitable Type Of Soil
It is one of the few soils that provides an excellent foundation for healthy plant growth. Its potential lies in its unique properties, making it one of the best soil types for plant growth. The individual particles that make up the clay soil are small compared to other soil types such as sandy loam or silt.
Clay soil has a more significant water holding capacity due to these tiny particles. They can hold in water and nutrients for your garden and lawn needs very well. If you manage clay soil well it requires less irrigation, less fertilizer yet produces some of the healthiest plants around the world.
Even if you may feel like you want to differ with the statements above, maybe because you have heavy clay that clods on your boots and tools when working, it is best to test your soil before you make any changes. A soil test takes the guesswork away and provides clear statistics of the composition of your soil. The extension agent can advise what type of crops to grow in the particular soil.
Your test results could also include ways to improve your clay soil, along with helpful information about its organic matter nutrients and pH. It is advisable to carry out this soil test every 3 to 4 years.
Ways On How You Can Improve Your Clay Soil
- - To help your soil drain better and reduce trampling’s make raised beds before planting.
  - Consider adopting a new gardening hack of not digging, especially in your raised beds, so that you don’t mix the soil afresh; instead, you use the already well-drained topsoil.
  - Add some extra calcium to your clay soil to help the soil particles separate inside of the clump together.
- - Add lime and gypsum to your clay soil to active ingredients of commercial clay improvers; however, before you add the rest of your garden, test on a small area first to see the changes.
  - Add plenty of bulk organic matter like composted bark old manure to improve the soil and the plant’s nutrients.
  - To reduce summer cracking when the sun is too hot, apply organic mulches around trees and plants to help conserve moisture.
FAQs
What is the difference between sandy and clay soil?
Many soils are a mixture of sand, silt and clay. Sandy soil is a mixture of sand and clay. However, clay soil contains more sand than the other two soils. The most important factor in determining what type of soil you have is to determine if it is an acid or alkaline soil.
Soil acidity is determined by the amount of lime (calcium) present in the soil. Soils with high amounts of lime are called alkaline. Alkaline soil is good for growing a variety of crops because they like to grow in an alkaline environment. On the other hand, soil that has too much lime is acidic. Acidic soils have low pH levels. Low pH levels make plants grow poorly, and also can cause problems for humans who are sensitive to acidity. Soil pH levels range from 0 to 14. The lower the number, the more acidic the soil is. For example, soil with a pH level of 7 would be considered neutral. A pH level between 5 and 6 would be considered slightly acidic.
Most soils are classified as acid or alkaline. Clay soils are classified as acid or alkaline, but they are usually classified as alkaline. Clay soil tends to be more alkaline than other soils, because the clay particles are larger and hold onto more alkaline substances. The clay particles also tend to absorb the water in the soil, and prevent the water from reaching the root zone. Therefore, clay soil needs more water than other soils.
How can I make my clay soil more Sandy?
Soil compaction is what makes clay soil sandy. If you want to make your soil more sandy, then you need to compact it less. The best way to do this is to use a tiller.
What are the best soil amendments for clay soil?
Clay soils are usually high in organic matter and low in nutrients. Clay soils require compost or other organic matter. They should be worked in a way that allows the nutrients to leach into the soil. This can be done by tilling, sub-soiling, or using a rototiller.
Does lime break up clay soil?
It depends on how you want to use it. If you are going to add it to your lawn, you can mix it with your soil, but if you are adding it to the soil underneath your lawn, you will want to mix it with your topsoil. It will break up the clay, which is what you need. You will want to let it dry, then mix it into your topsoil.
Conclusion
One last word on gardening on your clay soil go for plants that naturally adapt well in clay soil. It is best to work with plants that do well in clay soil than try to force other plants to grow in it. An extension officer should advise you on plants that would do well in your kind of soil especially after soil test results.
That said, remember adding sand to clay soil is ultimately killing your clay soil and not adding any value to the sandy soil.
November 30, 2021