A standard practice in areas receiving plenty of rain, raised bed gardening ensures good drainage, besides providing a bit of extra space for growing vegetables. Raised bed gardening proved to be perfect for many companion plantings such as carrots and onion family vegetables. The carrots went on the flat top of the beds and enjoyed […]
Homegrown potatoes are infinitely more tasty than most store bought varieties. So, this alone may change your mind into growing some of your own even if they are so cheap to buy. If you grow your own and store them properly, potatoes can last for months, while still being fresher than those you bought at […]
Having garlic on hand is a great way to add flavor to dishes without adding a ton of extra calories. Garlic has tons of nutritional benefits such as high levels of manganese, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. As an added bonus, it can be used in home remedies for illnesses. If you want to have […]
While tomato flowers are typically wind pollinated, and occasionally by bees, the lack of air movement or low insect numbers can inhibit the natural pollination process. In these situations, you may need to hand pollinate tomatoes to ensure pollination takes place so your tomato plants bear fruit. Can a tomato plant pollinate by itself? Many plants […]
Are you getting tomato plant blossoms but no tomatoes? Several factors can lead to a lack of fruit setting, such as temperature, irregular watering practices and poor growing conditions. You don’t need two plants in order to produce fruit either—this is a popular misconception. Big blooms/Lush foliage, but no tomato fruit – Why? 1.Insufficient light […]
Compost tea is the perfect way to boost your plants growth and obtain higher yields – naturally! Better yet, you can make it for free using your own compost! Use compost and cover crops for building great soil structure and vitality – AND boost plants during the growing season with a simple homemade natural liquid fertilizer on the […]
Most vegetative survival involves the protection of tissue from heat which would otherwise destroy it. Fire resistance and tolerance is exhibited through: bark thickness, other vegetative insulation, above-ground re-sprouting, underground roots and stems. Bark thickness Thick bark insulates and protects the cambium from heat and damage. Vegetative insulation Some protection is afforded by leaf sheaths. […]
Imagine crops that survive with a scant amount of water. Plants that are high in vitamins and have medicinal purposes. Crops that have never been grown on U.S. soil. Ever. If you travel 30 minutes outside the city to the hoop houses at Virginia State University, you will find all of the above. VSU is […]
The use of pesticides has proven to drastically affect the environment in a negative way. So many farmers are returning to ancient, environmentally friendly approaches to fight off pests. One method is the Biological Pest Control Method. It basically means that you would plant flower strips that deter pests naturally with the assistance of pest-eating […]
Growing and maintaining healthy houseplants is a generally uncomplicated process. Indoor plants are bred for their ability to thrive in a wide variety of conditions, and unlike outdoor plants they do not have to contend with insects or animals. However, most people will admit that their main goal is to have attractive houseplants rather than […]
