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How to Grow Your Own Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide

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How to Grow Your Own Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide

Growing your own herbs is a low-cost and satisfying choice if you enjoy seasoning your food with them. Herbs are easy-to-grow plants that may be grown in pots or in the ground, indoors or out. All you need is a warm, sunny location and a few simple ingredients. assemble your materials, begin some seedlings, plant your fresh herbs, and tend to them.

Choosing what to grow

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Which herbs do you enjoy including into your dishes? Start by considering your personal tastes when deciding which herbs to plant. You might want to try your hand at growing one or two herbs that you wouldn’t typically buy at the grocery store since they are simple and enjoyable to grow. Purchase seed packets from your nearby nursery or online once you have a few in mind.

Wonderful herbs that are used in many different dishes include mint, dill, sage, rosemary, thyme, and basil. These would be a fantastic starting point for a herb garden if you wanted to grow a variety of herbs. An herbal tea garden is another option.

Deciding where to grow?

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Herbs are simple to grow both inside and outside. Additionally, you can decide whether to plant them in a growing container or straight in the ground. Although some just require some sunshine, most herbs require a lot of direct sunlight. Before planting, it’s wise to research which herbs work best in certain environments.

If you’re planting herbs alongside veggies in your garden, place them 6–12 inches (15.2–30.5 cm) apart from the vegetables.

Herbs can be grown in different pots, or you can get a big pot and plant a variety of herbs in it.

Get potting soil to grow herbs

Successful herb planting depends on the makeup of the soil. Herbs do best in soil that has a pH between 6.5 and 7, but it is not necessary for the soil to be very fertile. In fact, if it’s excessively rich, the flavor will be diluted and growth will be out of control. Drainage is more significant than fertility. For proper drainage, the soil should be a loose, crumbly consistency.

Since seeds already have the nutrition needed for plants to sprout and take root, if you’re beginning your herbs from seed, search for a seed starter potting soil that hasn’t been enhanced with extra nutrients.

Starting in early spring

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When it’s still cool outside and the growth season hasn’t started, it’s ideal to plant seeds. As a result, the seeds have more time to germinate and grow, and they will be prepared for planting once the temperature starts to climb.

Wait till after the last frost if you can.

Preparing seed containers

Any little container, such as a used egg carton, yogurt cups, or ones you may buy at the nursery, can be used to start herb seeds. So that you’ll know which seeds to place in which container, label the containers. Each one should be filled with potting soil, which should then be slightly wetted. Put the containers somewhere sunny with a constant temperature of about 70 degrees. The seeds shouldn’t be exposed to hours of direct sunshine at this early stage since they risk overheating.

It’s simpler to start the seeds indoors, where you have control over the water and temperature, even if you intend to cultivate your herbs outdoors.

Soak the seeds to grow herbs

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This procedure assists in preparing the seeds for germination. The seeds should be spread evenly between two wet paper towels. On the day you plan to plant them, give them a 4-hour soak.

Planting the seeds

For instructions on how to plant each variety of herb, consult the seed packets. While some only need to be uniformly distributed across the soil’s surface, others won’t grow unless they are buried deep within the soil. The seeds will sprout over the coming weeks and start to produce leaves. Make sure the soil is never allowed to dry out while maintaining a constant temperature and amount of sunlight.

Thin seedlings

You must take some of the seedlings out of the pots once they have developed leaves so that the stronger ones have room to develop. Remove the seedlings that are less developed, and then space the remaining plants apart by approximately an inch.

Preparing the bed to grow herbs

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Garden soil for the herbs should be raked in to a depth of roughly 6 inches (15.2 cm) after loosening the soil with a garden rake. Water the soil by sprinkling it with it. Create holes that are spaced a few inches apart before planting the herbs.

Determine how many herbs will fit in each container if you are planting the herbs there. You might not want to plant more than 2 or 3 seedlings in each pot because many herbs grow rather large.

Plant the seedlings

When the herbs are established and have produced a number of adult leaves, they are ready to be planted. When there is no longer a chance of frost and the outside temperature is above 50 degrees, plant them. Plant the seedlings in the ground after carefully removing them from their containers and loosening their roots. After lightly moistening the area with water, pat soil around the stems’ bases.

If you’re planting the herbs outside, it’s a good idea to “harden off” (expose them to outdoor conditions) them for a few days in a garage or another covered outdoor area before putting them in the ground.

Caring for the herbs

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Now that the herbs are established, all you need to do to take care of them is make sure they receive adequate sunlight and water on a regular basis. Pay attention to the soil’s moisture content and make sure it never dries out. It won’t be long before it’s time to harvest your herbs because they will grow robust and healthily.

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Live off Your Garden for Healthy Lifestyle

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Live off Your Garden for Healthy Lifestyle

If you’ve been gardening for a while, you already know how much better your own produce is than what you can buy at the store. It’s possible that you grow enough veggies in your garden to feed your entire family or yourself throughout the growing season.

You now want to enhance it in order to supply your family with all the vegetables they’ll require for the remainder of the year. Before you can truly rely entirely on your garden throughout the year, there are a number of issues you need to address in reality.

How much land do you need for starting garden

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This won’t be a problem for you if you have land. The quantity of garden area you have access to on an urban lot may be a constraining element. Step outside of the box. In your window boxes, sow your organic herb seeds. Plant peppers, Swiss chard or rhubarb in the flowerbeds in place of flowers.

Consider planting cucumbers or squash vertically in a small side yard close to the garage. Any plant you find outside the main garden provides your main crops extra room.

Starting garden is a time-consuming procedure

Be sensible! Keep in mind that you will need to take care of a much bigger garden. Additionally, it means that it will take longer to harvest all of the crops. All the food must also be dried, frozen, or canned in order to store it for the winter. That requires a large amount of time. Do you have enough time on your own, or are your loved ones eager to help out?

Space and resources to store produce

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A stand-alone freezer is necessary if you intend to freeze the majority of the vegetables. The size depends on how big your family is. You will need plenty of shelves for your food jars if you intend to can your veggies. Additionally, a pressure canner is required.

Invest in all the canning jars and lids so that they are available when needed. Do you have a cool place to keep pumpkins, potatoes, squash, and onions? Cool but not freezing is required. Before the growth season begins, get everything ready.

Make a plan for your garden

You must create a garden plan if you still have the desire of growing all the food you need for the entire year. If you have done small-scale gardening, you presumably already know what your growing zone is. Find out here if you don’t already.

This knowledge is essential. It outlines the length of your average growing season and the ideal time to start gardening with vegetable seeds and seedlings. Additionally, it provides an estimate of the first frost date, which indicates when the garden will begin to slumber.

These times are only estimates; they are not set in stone. Numerous factors, such as weather and climate change, can affect when you can really plant in your garden.

Planting according your family’s taste

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If no one wants beets, don’t waste space growing them. However, gardening should be enjoyable, so give yourself some room to experiment. Grow it to the point where everyone in the family can give it a shot before adding it to your list of plants to grow the next season—or your “never again” list.

Starting your own plants in garden

Start with the seeds if you’re going to make a commitment to growing your own food. Pick organic, non-GMO veggie seeds. For plants that cannot be immediately sown in the garden soil, set up your indoor nursery. By buying the best seed available and raising your own plants, you can maintain control over what you provide for your family.

Intensive gardening for limited space

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Grow in 4-foot-wide beds rather than a lengthy row of solitary plants. You will be able to weed and harvest in the middle of the bed if you keep the size to four feet.  Give each plant enough room to expand. This approach to gardening has a lot of benefits.

Less land is taken up by walkways, leaving more room for plants. Because the plants are so close together, fewer weeds may develop, which means less work for you. These beds won’t be compacted by foot traffic, so the soil will be looser, which is ideal for strong root systems.

Dealing with pests in your garden

Avoiding pesticides is one benefit of growing your own food, so you’ll want to deal with slugs and snails naturally.

Keep the area free of weeds and debris, and create a route made of concrete or soil between the beds so you or the birds can readily notice pests.

Preparation of soil

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Turn the soil over and get rid of weeds, roots, and stones before you start planting. This enhances drainage and helps keep weeds from coming back. Some gardens will be plagued by persistent weeds; in this instance, cover the soil with newspaper and apply a 5 cm-deep layer of compost.

Making most of garden

When starting off with vegetable growing, pay great attention to the instructions on the seed packets. Gather your lawn clippings, organic kitchen waste, and any garden pruning because compost can be quite helpful to your plants.

In a small area, it may not be possible to leave your ground fallow for an extended period of time, as with crop rotation in farming. What you can do, though, is plant several crops in a bed in consecutive years.

Choosing wisely to begin

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As a novice, you should pick crops that are simple to grow and offer a variety of nutrients.

  • Vegetables: Because courgettis and runner beans are so simple to grow, many people start off with them. Excellent nutritional alternatives include broccoli, kale, spinach, and various beans, which can also be satiating and high in protein.
  • Root vegetables: Potatoes are versatile in the kitchen and convenient to preserve. Onions, carrots, and beets are also healthy options.
  • Salad: Although salad ingredients like veggies and herbs are pricy, most families eat a lot of them throughout the summer. Fast-growing and abundant vegetables include tomatoes, peppers, radishes, cucumbers, and spring onions. In the winter, herbs can be grown indoors and provide flavor to any cuisine.
  • Fruit: Don’t overlook fruit because the season will be long and harvests will be high. They make simple jams and are simple to freeze. The best fruits for novices are apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

USEFUL LINKS:

Visit this site to know more about gardening on your own 
How to make your garden greener 

 

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Starting a farm: From selecting land to generating Income

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Starting a farm: From selecting land to generating Income

Starting a farm is not a simple undertaking. From a farm depends on a number of factors, including where you want your farm, how you want to do farming, what you want to produce, and the size of your farm.  There are numerous factors to take into account, and while this is a how-to manual to get you started, the rest is up to you.

Starting with a plan on the farm

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Have a written business plan, operational plan, and strategic strategy when you buy or start a farm’s business.

Make a note of your current location, your destination, and the path you intend to travel. Other personal, professional, financial, and market goals and objectives must also be kept in mind.

Review and identify your SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) factors for the farm you wish to buy or start from scratch, as well as for you and the business you aim to launch.

Estimated cost of the farm

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Before starting your farming enterprise, you will need to calculate the cost of the land, the required equipment, and any renovations that are required. You will need to carefully examine those prices in the area you have chosen because there is no set price for land or a specific amount of land needed to start a farming operation. Even though equipment can be highly expensive, you may be able to purchase it by using dealer financing or by buying used equipment.

Assess your financial situation

To keep things running, farming has to make an annual investment. Some expenses are upfront, such as purchasing or renting the land, investing in equipment, and setting aside money to cover living expenses until you can sell your cattle or crops. The following expenses will also be incurred annually: fuel and equipment maintenance. For your tractors and combine, you’ll probably need to purchase diesel fuel, as well as hydraulic oil, motor oil, and other supplies.

  • Every year you plant and harvest your crops, you will need to make an investment in seeds and fertilizer in order to create a yield.
  • chemicals to shield your crops against exotic weeds, illnesses, and insects.
  • utility invoices. Beyond what you’ll require for your living space and daily needs, you’ll probably certainly utilize some electrical power for water pumps, maintenance items like air compressors, and other power tools.

Making important decisions: starting farm

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Plan to either work a day job away from the farming or save enough money to cover your living expenses until your farm starts to generate a profit. You don’t get paid a weekly income for farming; instead, you are paid when you sell your farm’s goods, which is frequently not until the conclusion of the growing season.

Getting soil samples of the farm

The kind of soil (silt, sand, clay, or a combination of any two or three) and its quality (organic matter, organic carbon content, nutrient details [mainly nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and Sulphur] salinity, and pH levels) can be determined from soil samples that can be sent to a lab. A soil pit or even data from earlier surveys of different soil types can be used to determine the depth of soil horizons, and particularly for crop growers, the depth of the first horizon, which is where the majority of the root biomass and nutrient content will be.

The quality of the soil is crucial for crop production because if tests reveal that it isn’t up to par or if research on previous data indicates that it isn’t good for crop production, you may need to look elsewhere for better land or find something that will thrive there.

Vegetation on the farm: starting farm

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Because you won’t want to raise animals but will only want to produce crop for sale of your own choice. The surrounding flora that is growing wild in other pastures or along roadsides is unimportant for crop production. However, nearby farms will inform you of what they can cultivate in their fields. And subsequently demonstrate what you can think about cultivating as well. If you’d prefer have a lot of trees on your land rather than maize. Orchards or tree farming can be a better choice to take into account.

However, if you want fields with a variety of plant species and not just a handful. That you want to seed in surrounding vegetation is crucial for cattle raising. So have a look at the native or volunteered plants that are growing naturally on and around the farm’s area. Including in the ditches, along the edges of the fields, and even what might be in the neighbour’s field.

Talking to other farmers: starting farm

If you are purchasing a farm rather than inheriting one from your parents or grandparents, speak to other farmers as well as the landowner who is selling it to find out what kinds of plants and crops. They grew there, when they were sown, when they were sprayed, and when the crop was harvested.

 

Visiting local agricultural office

Look at the various reports on the various climatic conditions that have occurred over the years for the area. You will be farming in by visiting a local agricultural (or county extension) office in your county, state, or province.

Keep in mind that a lot of this information may be available online. But if you are having trouble finding what you’re looking for, you may need to speak with someone to learn more about the local environmental conditions.

Climatic research: starting farm

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One of the most crucial aspects affecting a farming operation is the climate. Which determines when preparations must be made before a particular shift in the season. Disables any chance or hope of carrying out the plans you had for your farm’s business.

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Know how to start a farm 
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Building An Organic Garden from Scratch

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Building An Organic Garden from Scratch

In an effort to reduce the amount of pesticides you and your family consume and to support environmental protection, you’ve been making an effort to eat more organic foods. But as you can see from a quick glance at your shopping bill, becoming organic can get extremely pricey, very quickly. Fortunately, there is a fun and educational way of  building your own wonderful, fresh produce: organic gardening!

Preparing the soil for building organic garden

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If you want your new organic garden to yield the best results, you must make sure the soil is properly prepared. Because both you and plants need to eat, make sure your vegetables receive plenty of fresh nutrients. Healthy soil is the foundation for plants that are robust and productive. Chemical soil treatments have the potential to contaminate your food as well as kill out helpful worms, bacteria, and other organisms that are present in the soil.

Testing your soil is the greatest approach to determine its quality. Get a testing kit for at-home use, or even better, submit a sample to your neighborhood agricultural extension office. You can obtain a thorough analysis of pH and nutritional levels, as well as advice on how to proceed, for a little price.

Making your own organic compost for building garden

Compost is beneficial for all gardens, and you can manufacture your own on the spot. Hey, it’s no cost! By converting trash into “black gold,” compost feeds plants, saves water, reduces weeds, and keeps food and yard waste out of landfills. It’s hard to use too much compost—spread it around plants or incorporate it into potting soil!

The perfect blend of organic waste rich in nitrogen and carbon combined with soil, water, and air produces the best compost. If you don’t have enough time to prepare excellent compost, don’t worry too much. It can sound like difficult chemistry. A pile that is barely managed will yet produce respectable results.

Selecting the plant for building garden

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It is quite advantageous to choose plants that will flourish in your particular micro-environment. Check the Hardiness Zones provided by the USDA as a general guide. Pick plants that can adapt to each location’s light, moisture, drainage, and soil quality. These factors are usually graded in gardening. Your plants will be more resilient to intruders the happier they are.

When purchasing seedlings, seek out plants that weren’t grown using pesticides and fertilizers that are synthetic. Your neighborhood farmers’ market is a fantastic location to start looking, as they can contain locally appropriate native species and variations. A stocky seedling with few, if any, flowers and healthy-looking root systems is preferable.

Watering the plants

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Plants typically need watering in the morning. Why? Mornings are often chilly with less winds, which reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation. If you water plants in the evening, they remain moist overnight and are more susceptible to bacterial and fungi illnesses.

In a perfect world, you would water the roots rather than the delicate flora. The bases of plants can be delicately watered by hand or with a drip or soak system.

For established plants, the majority of experts advise thorough, infrequent watering, often a total of roughly one inch of water per week (including rain). Deeper rooting is encouraged by one or two sprays per week, which generates stronger plants.

Removing weeds form organic garden

Regardless of where you live, weeds will still be an issue. It may sound like a lot of labor to pull them by hand, and it can be, but it can also be beneficial exercise that gets you outside and into the fresh air.

Applying mulch, which also helps to protect the soil, will help you battle less weeds. Hessian and organic mulch might be used as a last resort. While straw is inexpensive, it is short-lived. Although attractive, wood chips can be expensive. Although many people choose to utilize grass clippings, it should be emphasized that due of their high nitrogen content, clippings should only be applied to plants that require a lot of the nutrient, such as squash and lettuce.

Protecting without pesticides: building garden

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The first thing you should do is ensure plants are receiving enough light, nutrients, and moisture since if your garden is being attacked by pests, it may be an indication of other issues. Also keep in mind that a diverse garden discourages pests by reducing the number of one type of plant that is available to bugs.

Natural predators like frogs, toads, lizards, birds, and even bats are beneficial to have in your garden. In particular, ladybirds are among the most helpful insects. Although it’s true that there’s a good chance they won’t persist, several nurseries even sell them in cans. To draw helpful predators, leave a modest source of water out.

Grown for their ability to draw predatory insects, small-flowered plants like sweet alyssum and dill are also a wonderful choice. Row coverings and nets can both be used.

Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacteria that messes with caterpillars’ and other leaf-eaters’ digestive systems, is one example of an organic weapon. Horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, garlic, and hot pepper sprays are further options.

Harvesting

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Harvesting the results of your labor is important. In general, your plants will produce more for you the more you harvest.

You’ll probably discover that it’s better to examine your garden daily throughout the busiest harvesting period. Having herbs? Pick them just before you need them if you plan to utilize them fresh. However, it is best to wait until right before they flower if you plan to dry and store them because they will be at their most flavorful. All herbs, with the exception of basil, should be gathered about noon, shortly after the dew has dried. Pick basil in the late afternoon because it will last longer after some time in the sun.

Pick leafy greens periodically from the entire crop, taking a small amount from each plant. Wait to send off broccoli flowering buds until the core head is as big as it can be. If you remove it immediately above the leaf node, the remainder of the plant will probably produce more effectively. In general, cutting produce off with a sharp knife or pair of scissors is preferable to ripping it with your fingers, which can harm plant tissue more.

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The beginners guide for vegetable gardening in your backyard

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Home vegetable gardening can help you save money and get closer to the natural world. Also, you’ll discover that garden-grown produce has an even greater flavour and texture than what you’re used to buying at the supermarket.

Also, maintaining food garden counts as exercise! Consider using these advices to start your vegetable garden off right. We go over how to build a vegetable garden from beginning, which vegetables to grow, and when to plant what in this extensive guide. A “beginning” garden layout with simple-to-grow crops, companion planting methods, and some pretty flowers has also been added!

Although it might at first appear overwhelming, gardening is a tremendously gratifying activity. The fundamentals of vegetable gardening and planning are covered on this page. Including how to choose the best location for your garden, how to design a garden that is the proper size, and how to decide which veggies to grow.

  • Following are a few steps you should consider while vegetable gardening:

Choose the Proper Place

It is crucial to choose a decent site for your garden. Subpar vegetables might come from a substandard location! Here are some guidelines for choosing a good site:

(Photo from istock)

  • Sunny Spot: Vegetables often require 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine every day. A few vegetables will endure some shadow, mainly the green varieties.
  • Drains effectively and dries quickly: Planting vegetables on a raised bed or elevated row will improve drainage. If your soil is poorly drained and water pools there. Wet soil leads to moist roots, which can eventually decay. If your soil is rough. Till it and remove the rocks because they will obstruct root development and result in weaker plants.
  • Take care of wind: Avoid locations that are unstable or windy. Since these conditions may cause your young plants to topple over or prevent pollinators from doing their work. Also, you don’t want to plant in an area that sees a lot of foot activity or frequently floods.
  • Rich in nutrients soil: Your plants are fed by the earth. You’ll get poor, unwell plants if your soil is shallow and deficient in nutrients. To aid in the growth of your plants, add lots of organic matter.

Start with a Small Space for Vegetable Gardening

Start small if you’re just getting started gardening. It’s better to enjoy a small garden’s benefits than to find a huge one time-consuming. It’s also advisable to gain a basic understanding of gardening before devoting a lot of time and money to this new activity. You’ll be able to estimate how long gardening will take. You’ll discover if you prefer spending time outdoors planting, watering, and weeding.

Also, you’ll discover how much produce you and your family can consume in a summer. Another excellent approach to begin is to grow vegetables in containers. With these, a sunny deck or balcony will do instead of a yard.

Choose Your Vegetable Varieties Smartly

Take particular attention to the seed packet’s label, tag, or description. Each vegetable type has a unique set of qualities. Some breed plants that are smaller, perfect for little gardens or containers. Some kinds have higher yields, better heat or cold tolerance, or better disease resistance. Start by picking vegetables you enjoy eating, then research their sizes and maintenance requirements.

Productivity

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Take into account how much food you and your family will consume as well as whether any extra produce will be canned, frozen, or donated. Then, be honest about how many seeds or plants you actually need to sow many newbies make the error of planting excessively. It may not take many plants to meet your needs because vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash remain producing throughout the growing season. Some vegetables, like corn, radishes, and carrots, can only be harvested once before needing to be replanted.

Successive Crops

You can harvest vegetables and herbs all through the spring, summer, and fall if you plant both warm- and cool-weather plants. Grow lettuce, greens (like arugula), peas, radishes, carrots, and broccoli in the early spring.

You should plant hot-weather favourite vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and herbs. Do that after harvesting your cool-weather crops, such as lettuce. Kale, cabbage, and potatoes are all harvestable in the fall. Test Garden Tip: By growing crops on vines, such as green beans and peas, you may maximize your garden’s vertical area boost your yield per square foot and area.

A lot of sunlight is essential for Vegetable Gardening

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Like to other plants, vegetables rely on the sun to begin photosynthesis. Rapidly growing plants need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours daily of direct sunlight—without any shade provided by fences, bushes, or trees. Planting vegetables that prefer the sun in areas that get little to no direct sunlight won’t be very successful.

You should plant vegetables and herbs that can withstand partial shadow in your yard, such as lettuce, kale, chard, spinach, chives, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. If your site receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day, root crops like carrots, radishes, and beets might also work. Hence, you can plant herbs and vegetables that benefit from the sun, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, basil, dill, and rosemary.

Consider On Easy Access of Water

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The closer to a water supply your plot may be situated, the better. You’ll need to be able to water often for these delicate plants to grow strong roots and stems during the first few weeks after seeds germinate or seedlings are transplanted. Once your plants have established themselves, a deep soaking every few days is better to a gentle misting every day.

Deeper soil penetration by the water encourages root development and makes it easier for them to access the nutrients they need to be healthy. In order to reduce water loss and the amount of time you need to spend watering, think about installing soaker homes or drip irrigation on a timer.

References:

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Worried with water pollution, want to lessen its hazardous effects? What are you waiting for!, click on the link below:
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How to make your garden greener

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Becoming green is a desirable idea, but it can also be intimidating. Do you have to entirely change how you grow your vegetables and only use organic fertilizers in order to have less of an impact on the environment? No, not always true. The good news is that you can make your garden greener by doing a lot of simple steps.

  • Top tips to keep your garden greener are as follows:

Plant as many trees as possible

Planting trees isn’t as difficult as you would imagine, because they provide habitat for wildlife and help clean the air. From digging the hole to caring for your young tree, this lesson will assist in guiding you through the procedure. Trees are said to be lungs for earth, hence, growing more trees is always an excellent choice.

Make your own compost pit

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Kitchen leftovers are transformed into nutrient-rich nourishment for your soil through composting. Your plants will be content, and you’ll contribute less garbage to the dump. Instead of letting your vegetable waste get hauled off to the landfill, compost like a pro by adding it to the pile.

Compost, also referred to as “gardener’s gold,” improves soil fertility by injecting it with potent, plant-friendly nutrients. Rich, earthy compost enhances soil texture, aeration, and water retention in addition to promoting the growth of healthy roots.

Use methods as rainwater harvesting to make your garden greener

Saving rainwater is a terrific strategy to produce a greener garden while having a smaller environmental effect. A rain bucket is a DIY project that is also rather simple. Putting a rain barrel is an easy and inexpensive way to gather mineral- and chlorine-free water for cleaning and rinsing windows, watering gardens, lawns, and cars.

By utilizing the rain that is physically pouring from the sky, you’ll see a considerable reduction in water costs as well as a reduction in storm water runoff, which in turn helps prevent erosion and flooding. Insects, garbage, and bird missiles can be kept out by installing a screen over the barrel’s top. Water should be used frequently to maintain the barrel aerated and running.

Use a reel mower instead

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You can save money and lessen the quantity of toxic gases released into the atmosphere by switching to a non-gas powered reel mower. Also, it’s a great workout! Even if you only use the reel mower once every other time you mow, the ecology and air quality in your area will benefit.

Water carefully to make your garden greener

Give your garden a drink in the morning or afternoon when it’s the coldest so that more water may soak into the soil before it evaporates. Long-term water savings are achieved. Further advice for effective and environmentally responsible watering is provided in this post.

Since we’re talking about water, establishing a few wise watering practices will help you conserve it, especially during the summer’s dry and hot spells. Your soil will retain water and reduce evaporation if you add compost and mulch to it. Moreover, soaker hoses or drip irrigation only utilize 50 percent of the water used by sprinklers.

Reduce the grass in your garden

Easy-care ground cover plants, wildflowers, stone, pavers, and/or other materials can be used to create non-grass lawns. What will be the outcome? Less labour, less watering, and less mowing are required. Consider using moss as a ground cover and meadowing.

Try organic seeds

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One easy method to get your garden off to an eco-friendly start is by planting organic seeds. Organic seeds are best to go to, as despite of their environment friendly attributes, they are also health enriching.

Use one fewer chemical-based product

If you typically use chemical fertilizers, insecticides, or herbicides, set a goal for yourself to switch to one of these techniques. See this post on using natural weed killers in the garden or this one on using natural alternatives to herbicides.

Go organic on a smaller scale

Get your feet wet by experimenting with organic gardening techniques in a container garden first if the thought of cultivating a complete organic garden seems like a bit too much to take on all at once.

Add on the bees and butterflies to make your garden greener

(Photo from istock)

Grow a wide range of natural flowers that our pollinator friends like butterflies and bees, are especially drawn to, such wild lilac, goldenrod, and lemon balm, to give them a pesticide-free haven.

If you haven’t heard, a significant bee loss crisis is currently driving beekeepers in North America and Europe to shake their heads in concern. Extending a little neighbourhood hospitality could go a long way because pollinators impact 35 percent of global agricultural production and boost the productivity of 87 of the top food crops.

Buy Recycled

If the idea of utilizing yoghurt or takeout containers to house your hydrangeas offends your delicate aesthetic sensibilities, consider one of the many environmentally friendly planters and raised-garden kits that are now readily available.

Using recycled copper, plastic, or even rubber to support your tender shoots is acceptable because it consumes less energy than mining virgin materials. Relax on repurposed lawn chairs while admiring your craftsmanship and environmental prudence.

Keep it real for greener garden

You’ve heard the saying, “Mom knows best”? To keep her act together, Mother Nature never needed to sneak sips from a chemical cocktail of pesticides, weed killers, and chemical fertilizers. Put an organic compost layer down in place of the toxins. Bring in more helpful insects to wrestle annoying garden pests to the ground. When you can watch the action on the battlefield in real time, who needs to play Command & Conquer?

References:

Better Homes & Gardens

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How to make good irrigation in your garden

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India’s water crisis-like situation highlights the urgent necessity for maximum water conservation. Water is a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce all throughout the world, not just in India. Compared to other home activities, our gardens tend to require irrigation.

You may have an environmentally conscious outdoor space with some preparation and uncomplicated upgrades. Have a look at these eight clever strategies that will help you create gardens that are water-wise.

  • Following are a few steps that will help in good irrigation of your garden:

Avoid wastage of water while irrigation

(Photo from istock)

It’s critical to ensure that the water used for gardening is not being misused. Overwatering is harmful to plants and is not a sustainable technique. Be sure sprinklers do not flood other unplanted areas if you have them installed.

The needs of the plants you have grown and the local weather must be taken into account when programming automated systems to distribute water effectively. Consider using cans to water small and medium-sized gardens rather than hoses. You can use leftover kitchen water (from cooking, washing dishes, and other uses) in the garden as well. This also has the repercussions at the level of environment. Wastage of water while irrigation is very common phenomenon in crop yielding states of India. This problem should be addressed and proper and effective measures should be taken for the issue.

Go for native, low-maintenance plants

Obviously, plants that thrive in the region’s soil and climate require less upkeep. Search for local plants that are found there. You need to water in quantities according to the plant and soil type. Alternatively, choose low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants that only require occasional attention.

Some low-water-consumption plants that are suited to the Indian climate include bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis), jarul (Lagerstroemia speciose), paradise tree (Simarouba glauca), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), sadabahar (Catharanthus roseus), and many others.

To minimize evaporation from the sun, it is better to water the plants early in the morning or early in the evening. By adding more ground cover plants and shade-loving trees, you can also keep the soil cool.

Start mulching

In order to keep the soil’s supplied moisture in place, mulching requires covering the soil with a porous layer of material. By spreading mulch to the base of the plant or tree so that the soil is evenly covered, it can be used on both tiny and large trees. The requirement for frequent watering is immediately decreased by decreased evaporation. Mulching reduces the growth of weeds and pests as well as saves water (as the non-planted area of soil is shielded). In domestic gardens, pebbles, rocks, straw, wood chips, compost, and fabric are some common types of mulch.

Build more hardscapes

Lawns and sparsely planted areas require more water and care in large gardens. Think of constructing decks, covered walkways, or outdoor seating areas in place of these spaces. As a result, less water is used, and temporary outdoor places are created.

Make sure your addition of hardscapes does not eliminate the garden-like quality of the area. When remodelling or redesigning your garden, it is always advisable to hire a landscape architect.

Install a drip irrigation system

(Photo from istock)

A drip irrigation system may function effectively in all situations, including small balcony gardens and vast lawns.  Runoff, overwatering, and evaporation are all prevented by the pipe’s tiny apertures, or emitters, which allow watering at a very moderate rate. Both open spaces and boxed planters can accommodate its installation.

Top with a rain water harvesting system

(Photo from istock)

By catching the water that runs off of roofs and other hard surfaces, you may take advantage of the rainy season. An elaborate setup is not necessary for a rainwater collection system. Just direct rainwater that is falling down slopes into a gutter or a conduit that empties into a storage cistern.

Advice: Construct sizable storage cisterns in regions where it rains more frequently. To prevent the accumulation of insects and debris, keep the lids covered and wipe them frequently.

Adopt a rain garden

For this, you can either locate a naturally recessed location or excavate a section of your garden. Fill the depression with loose soil and native plants to make a rain garden. Rainwater can then permeate the soil and seep into the ground, increasing the amount of groundwater.

Advice: Avoid placing the rain garden next to or above septic tanks or buildings because the percolating water could harm the systems’ structural integrity.

Use permeable pavers

Strong, tightly-fitted blocks minimize soil erosion, and the holes make it easier for storm water to seep into the ground rather than collecting in unwelcome pools.

Most plants require frequent watering to survive, and even those that can withstand drought will need a drink now and then. The optimal way to meet your garden’s water needs depends on a variety of factors.

Consider how much water each plant will require when arranging your garden or yard spaces, and put related plants in the same groups. When all the plants in one area receive the same amount of water and at the same frequency, watering will be simpler to manage (and will help save water).

References:

Houzz
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Gardening

3 Main Nutrients in commercial Fertilizers

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In commercial fertilizers, the “Big 3” primary nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or NPK. These essential elements each have a significant impact on plant nutrition.

Since the development of chemical fertilizers as a medium for nutrients, agricultural productivity has increased significantly. That is the reason farmers use fertilizers casually. Through soil and surface water substances, numerous chemicals that drain into the groundwater contaminate it.

Proper understanding and application of these nutrients in commercial fertilizers are vital for optimizing crop and plant health.

In India, the agricultural sector contributes roughly 22% of the country’s GDP. 82 percent of the total nitrogen consumed is urea, while 63 percent of the phosphate consumed is di- ammonium phosphate. The Indian government sets minimum support prices for major crops. Regulates urea’s agricultural price, and sets tentative selling prices for other fertilizers. Fertilizer costs are reduced through subsidies.

This characteristic of micronutrients may result from the soil’s medium alkali content. Studies on the region’s groundwater have revealed rising levels of alkalinity, nitrates, and other fertilizer and pesticide residues. Growing soil contamination poses a threat to the quality of the groundwater, which must be addressed by applying organic manure as fertilizer and regulating the amount of water used.

3 main nutrients in commercial fertilizers are as follows:

  • NITROGEN among fertilizers

Plants absorb nitrogen more readily than any other element, making it the most significant nutrient. Making assured that plants are healthy while they grow. Nutritious to consume once they are harvested requires nitrogen. Because protein comprises up a large portion of the tissues of most living things, nitrogen is necessary for the production of protein.

Additionally, nitrogen is a part of the chlorophyll molecule, which helps plants use photosynthesis to absorb sunlight energy. Promoting crop production and crop yield. To maintain that energy is available when and where the plant needs it to enhance output, nitrogen plays a crucial role within the plant.

A vital macronutrient for plants, nitrogen is also a crucial component of amino acids, which serve as the building blocks for enzymes and proteins in plants. All living things are made of proteins, and enzymes help with the enormous variety of biochemical processes that take place within a plant. Even the roots contain this essential vitamin because proteins and enzymes control water and nutrient intake.

 Here is a photo of nitrogen-deficient corn:

(Photo from https://www.tfi.org/)

  • POTASSIUM

The second important nutrient in commercial fertilizers is potassium. It has a significant function in boosting agricultural yields and improving crop quality. It also aids in strengthening plants’ and enhancing disease resistance. Additionally, potassium safeguards the plant by increasing its root system and preventing withering in cold or dry weather.

It has a role in the plant’s enzyme activation, which has an impact on the synthesis of protein, starch, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The rate of photosynthesis can be controlled by ATP synthesis.

Additionally, potassium aids in controlling the stomata’s opening and shutting, which controls the exchange of water vapours, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.

Lack of potassium or inadequate potassium supply will limit plant growth and lower yield.

Potassium helps annual crops like alfalfa maintain their step through the winter. The amount of oxygen and soil nutrients, soil temperature, crop rotation, and soil moisture all have an impact on the quantity of potassium plants are able to absorb.

A photo of low-potassium corn can be found below:

(Photo from https://www.tfi.org/)

 

  • PHOSPHORUS among fertilizers

Phosphorus, the third element in the “Big 3,” is related to a plant’s capacity for utilizing and storing energy, including photosynthesis. In order for plants to develop and grow properly, it is also very essential.

After nitrogen, it is the macronutrient that is most sparse (N).

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in plants’ ability to absorb, store, and transform solar energy into biomolecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP). And that acts as a fuel in biological reactions like photosynthesis in seed to mature grain.

A crucial part of DNA, the genetic “memory unit” of all living organisms, contains phosphorus. It is also a part of RNA, which reads DNA’s genetic code to create proteins and other substances necessary for plant structure, seed production, and genetic transmission. Phosphorus bonds bind the DNA and RNA structures to one another.

Through their roots, legumes assist in fixing nitrogen in the soil. Phosphorus is therefore crucial for the general well-being and vitality of all plants.

 Here is a photo of phosphorus-deficient corn:

(Photo from https://www.tfi.org/)

 

Conclusion

The cultivated agriculture on earth is what sustains and grows humanity. Fertilizer is essential to the growth of plants, which offer a variety of benefits including food, fibre, shelter, and many others.

To reach their full genetic potential, developing plants require 17 key components.

Through decades of research, scientists have learned how to measure the amount of nutrients in soil, how plants absorb them, and the best ways to replenish those nutrients after harvest. Fertilizer fulfils that role.

In commercial fertilizers, the “Big 3” primary nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or NPK. These essential elements all have a significant impact on plant nutrition.

Commercial fertilizers are rich sources of the three main nutrients essential for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen, which is responsible for leafy and green growth, encourages robust and healthy foliage in plants. It is a critical component in the production of chlorophyll, the compound that facilitates photosynthesis.

Phosphorus, another vital nutrient, supports root development, flowering, and fruiting. It is indispensable for overall plant vigor and plays a significant role in energy transfer within the plant. Potassium, the third key nutrient, is essential for various physiological processes, such as enzyme activation, disease resistance, and drought tolerance. These three nutrients, often represented as NPK on fertilizer labels, form the foundation of effective plant nutrition. Commercial fertilizers are carefully formulated to provide the right balance of these nutrients to enhance plant growth and yield in agricultural and horticultural settings.

References:

https://www.tfi.org/

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Gardening

BENEFICIAL BUGS FOR YOUR VEGGIE GARDEN

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Discover the beneficial bugs for your veggie garden. There are thousands of insects living in the typical garden, but you might be surprised to find that only 10% of them are harmful. The majority are actually either helpful or safe. There are three basic types of beneficial insects: Pollinators, predators, and parasitic creatures. In this article, we will introduce you to some bugs for your veggie garden.

 

LADYBUGS: beneficial bugs

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

Even though they have a cute name and look, ladybugs are vicious predators! They start off as larvae that crawl around on plants and eat aphids before they develop their vivid red colors. Unbeknownst to you, a ladybug larva can consume up to 40 aphids in one hour.

GREEN LACEWINGS

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

The larvae of green lacewings, which resemble a cross between an alligator and a slug, feed on soft-bodied garden pests like caterpillars and aphids while the adult birds consume pollen and nectar.

PRAYING MANTIS: beneficial bugs

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

Praying mantis are fierce predators that will eliminate any grasshoppers that are troubling you as well as many other garden nuisance insects including moths, beetles, and flies. Remember, too, that ferocious praying mantis will also eat other beneficial insects like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

SPIDERS

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

Despite being arachnids, not insects, spiders are extremely effective pest controllers yet are generally overlooked as a resource. They eat a lot of live insects because their prey attracts them as it moves. The control of pests is very effective with wolf and jumping spiders.

 

GROUND BEETLES

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

The term “ground beetles” refers to a huge group of predatory beetles that are advantageous as both adults and larvae. A vast variety of insects, such as nematodes, caterpillars, thrips, weevils, slugs, and silverfish, will be consumed by them. Don’t squish every bug you encounter in the garden, even though insects like Japanese beetles should be managed.

SOLDIER BEETLES

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

Caterpillars, aphids, Colorado potato beetles, Mexican bean beetles, and soldier beetles are all key prey items for soldier beetles. They are drawn to plants with compound flowers like yarrow and queen Anne’s lace, as do many useful insects.

ASSASSIN BUGS

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/-insects-garden

Assassin bugs seem like an odd hybrid of a praying mantis and a squash bug. They use their specialized mouthparts to hunt a variety of insect pests in the garden. Before you squash something, closely examine it because you can mistake adults for squash bugs.

ROBBER FLIES: beneficial bugs

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

Robber flies are bug-eating machines that we are grateful to have on our side because of their extra-long legs. Despite their fearsome appearance, they do not assault people, in contrast to horseflies (although they are capable of biting when threatened). Instead, they target several widespread garden pests.

HOVERFLIES

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.almanac.com/beneficial-insects-garden

The hoverfly, which resembles a little yellow jacket without a stinger, is another fly to keep in your garden. They are incredibly significant pollinators and consume pollen and nectar. As ravenous predators, their larvae consume the liquid from their prey to quickly dispatch aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and thrips.

 

MOTH EGG PARASITE: beneficial bugs

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.planetnatural.com/beneficial-insects-101/parasitic-wasp/

Trichogramma pretiosum, despite its diminutive size of 1mm or less, effectively kills roughly 200 undesirable insects. It uses smell to determine whether a host is appropriate for the laying of its egg. A destroyed wasp egg leaves behind a scent that it uses to find a new host. It exists before potentially harmful pests including the armyworm, bagworm, European corn borer, peach borer, squash borer, cankerworm, alfalfa caterpillar, cutworm, corn earworm, wax moth, tomato hornworm, cabbage looper, and codling moth. The parasitic wasp lays its eggs inside the pests’ eggs and kills them before they can hatch into plant-eating larvae.

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HOW TO GROW TOMATOES ON YOUR BALCONY

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Grow tomatoes on your balcony with satisfaction. But how to do it? Tomatoes can be grown as a balcony aesthetic plant in addition to being used in food and cooking.

The fruits are round or pear-shaped, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. Their leaves also have an excellent sour aroma. Find out in this post, step-by-step, how to grow tomatoes on a balcony.

 

SUITABLE TOMATOES FOR BALCONIES

The good news is that all tomato types are excellent for container gardening, although there are some restrictions, such as the fact that you cannot plant indeterminate tomato varieties on a balcony (don’t blame us if you think balconies are little). The best course of action is to select determinate tomato types that can be effectively grown nearby and are readily available.

Take cherry tomatoes as an example; they are very care-free, simple to grow, and yield a lot of fruit during the growing season. In addition, there are a lot of other options. Visit a seed store, a nursery in your area, or order online!

 

IMAGE CREDITS: Utopia.org.com

INITIAL PREPARATIONS: how to grow tomatoes

You should use solid, well-drained pots to grow tomatoes on your balcony. Remember that heavy loads of fruit and stems might lead plastic or other light-weight pots to topple over in the wind.

The tomato variety you’re planting will determine the container size. However, the diameter and depth must both be at least 12 inches.

Placing them in the sunniest spot on your balcony is a good idea because tomatoes need full sun.

PREPARING SOIL: how to grow tomatoes

To ensure a favorable development rate, plant tomatoes in fertile soil. You can either purchase or prepare your own potting mix. Obtain garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and gravel or expanded clay for preparation. Remember that the soil should be well-drained, permeable, somewhat acidic (pH 6–6.7), and loamy because tomatoes don’t perform well in heavy soil. Additionally, add slow-release tomato fertilizer to the soil to provide periodic nutrition to the plants.

PLANTATION

Prepare your own seedlings or get potted plants from the nursery. Plant tomato seeds once the threat of frost has passed and spring has arrived. (Tomatoes can be planted and grown year-round if you reside in a warm, frost-free subtropical or tropical region.) Within 5–10 days, seeds will begin to sprout. When they develop two true leaves, transplant them into containers.

 

IMAGE CREDITS: istockphoto.com

FERTILIZING: How to Grow Tomatoes

Because tomatoes require a lot of food, even after using delayed-release fertilizer, you’ll still need to feed them.

The best time to fertilize tomatoes is when the plant looks lanky and the leaves start to turn yellow, or when there is a lot of foliage development but few fruits or blossoms in comparison.

The key to a high tomato output is to fertilize less frequently but more frequently.

Depending on your plant’s demands, fertilize once per week or two.

Follow the directions on the packet before applying liquid fertilizers. It’s best to get up early.

Make sure to use a fertilizer that has more potassium and phosphorus. Use organic fertilizers like well-rotted manure, compost, or bio-humus for individuals who value organic crops.

 

IMAGE CREDITS: https://www.google.com www.gustagarden.com-typical-mistakes-when-growing-tomatoes

WATERING: how to grow tomatoes

As balconies continue to be windier than traditional gardens, tomatoes grown there require damp soil all the time.

It is crucial to regularly water tomato plants, even twice on a hot, windy day in the summer. Water tomatoes without wetting their leaves. Wet leaves are the main cause of blight and other fungal infections. Plant tomato seedlings deeply, up to the level of the first leaf, to promote deep roots and enhance the plant’s nutrient absorption.

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