Agriculture has been engaged in the making of essential food crops for decades. Agricultural production above and beyond farming currently covers forestry, milk, fruit farming, poultry, beekeeping, mushrooms, arbitrary agriculture, etc. Currently, crop processing, marketing, and distribution and livestock products are all recognized as part of existing agriculture. Agriculture may also be referred to as agricultural product growth, processing, promotion, and distribution. In the whole life of a given economy, agriculture plays a critical role.

Agriculture is the foundation of a given country’s economic structure. Agriculture also provides a significant percentage of the population with job opportunities as well as food and raw materials. So, we need to look at some of the contributions made by the agriculture sector across the globe. The following are the factors behind the importance of agriculture.

Importance of farming in our life: Livelihood

Farming is the primary source of livelihood for most people. Around 1billion people globally derive their livelihood from agriculture in some way or the other. This high percentage of agriculture is the product of the lack of growth of non – farm sectors to absorb the rapidly increasing population. Besides, many people in developing countries are not engaged in agriculture. To contrast, agribusiness among rich and developing nations differ: In the Republic of the Congo, 69% of individuals work in farming; in the US, just 1% work in this segment.

Importance of farming in our life: Raw Material

Agriculture is the principal source of raw materials for major industries like cotton and jute, sugar, tobacco, edible and non-edible oils. Also, several other sectors, such as fruit processing and veggies and rice husking, are primarily provided by agriculture.

Importance of farming in our life: Food and fodder

The farming sector supplies domestic animals with fodder. The cow gives people milk that is protective food. Besides, livestock also fulfills human nutritional needs.

Importance of farming in our life: International trade

The agricultural products like tea, rice, spices, tobacco, coffee, etc. are major exporting items of agricultural-related countries. If agriculture develops smoothly, imported goods are reduced while export increases considerably. This leads to lowering the unfavorable balance of payments in countries and saving foreign exchange. It can be used well to purchase other essential inputs, machinery, raw materials, and other infrastructure that supports the country’s economic development.

Importance of farming in our life: Marketable Surplus

Agricultural sector growth contributes to marketable surpluses. Many individuals are interested in manufacturing, mining, and other non-agricultural industries as the nation evolves. These individuals rely on food produced by the marketable surplus of the nation. With the development of the agricultural sector, demand rises, leading to a rise in marketable surpluses. This can be exported to other countries.

Importance of farming in our life: Transportation

The bulk of agricultural products is transported from farms to factories via railways and roads. Internal trade is mainly dependent on agriculture. Also, the government ‘s revenue relies heavily on the accomplishment of the agricultural sector.

Contribution to the economy

For most developing countries, agriculture is the primary source of national income. However, the agricultural sector’s contribution is a smaller percentage of their federal revenues to developed countries such as the USA.

Foreign exchange

The export trade of the nation mainly depends on the agricultural sector. Farm commodities, for instance, such as silk, tobacco, seasonings, oils, cotton production, coffee, and tea, account for about 18% of the entire value of a country ‘s exports. This shows that agricultural products remain a significant source of income for the foreign exchange of a nation.

Employment

Building irrigation systems, drainage systems, and other such operations in the agriculture sector are necessary because they offer more opportunities for jobs. The agriculture industry provides the workforce with more job opportunities. This, in turn, reduces the high unemployment rate caused by the rapidly growing population in developing countries.

Development

As agriculture employs many people, it helps to develop the economy. As a result, the amount of national income, and the quality of living of people is increased. The rapid pace of development in agriculture provides both progressive prospects and intrinsic confidence for the event. It, therefore, helps to create a healthy environment for a country’s overall economic growth. Economic development, therefore, depends on the rate of agricultural growth.

Food security

A stabilized farming sector ensures food security for a nation. Every country’s main requirement is food security. Food safety prevents food shortages that have historically been regarded as one of the significant problems of developing countries. Most countries depend on their crucial source of income for agricultural products and related industries.

Medicines

Agriculture not only provides food, employment, and leads to development but also does it help to obtain life-saving medicines. For example, the papain enzyme is extracted from the papaya fruit. This papain is used as an organic enzyme. This is used to substitute indigestion with one of the proteolytic juices. Particularly helpful for the sick and the elderly. This papain is obtained by large-scale cultivation of papaya. Most alkaloids are used as medicine. Opium alkaloids like morphine often relieve extreme pain, cough, and lose balance. These are obtained by growing opium poppy crops in farms.

Protection of bees

Were you aware that 2018 was the 14th straight year for the honey production of North Dakota in which it ranked first? The State has almost 500,000 bee colonies and in 2017 generated 33 million pounds of honey. With so many bees sheltered for growth, beekeepers help protect people’s lives. In Montana, ranchers and farmers even provide 75% of the State’s wildlife with a critical winter habitat.

Agriculture for profit

Agriculture is the biggest fabric material source. This fabric type is cotton. Often used to make jeans, bedding stuff, etc. Jute and other fabrics are also used to make gunny bags.Chemical filament fabrics are used to produce garments. Agricultural fiber meets broad clothing demand. Therefore, they are safe for use and nature-friendly disposal. Farm animals, including sheep and cattle, are useful. Sheep ‘s hair is wool that produces sweatshirts and winter clothing. While livestock skin is used to produce leather to produce belts, wallets, etc. Silk is another industry where silkworms or insects are raised to collect silk. This silk yields fine and costly fabric.

Woman Empowerment

More than a hundred thousand farms are headed by women, 30% of all the farmlands. Not only is this creating the small business values of America, but it also creates powerful people running such companies.

Improvement of communities

Another promising trend is the increasing growth of farmers ‘ markets. Farmers’ markets allow smallholders to communicate effectively with consumers. The food supply is domestically produced throughout the local community, reducing the need for long-distance travel. The opportunity to buy locally grown food is invaluable as demand rises. Consumers benefit from healthier food options, and farmers have a new chance to buy their crops. Consumers and their children will hear first-hand about goods from producers and how they are born. Farmers interact and improve their communities.

In conclusion

Therefore, the role of farmers and agriculture in the development of the world cannot be ignored. The contribution of farmers in our daily lives, from food to clothes, cannot be denied. All these points prove the importance of farming in our daily lives. However, it is another matter that developing countries will have to create many facilities to strengthen the region. Yet farming and gardening is a significant source of life in such countries.

Farming Pedia

Cherry Farming Guide

ByMaryem

Hey folks!!! We are back again with an interesting farming guide for you. Cherry farming to earn money or satisfying the tastes is your accord. The more you will explore, the more will urge to get into this will boost up.

This tiny red dotted fruit is a décor relishable fruit. Europe, Turkey, and the USA are the home producers of cherry farming. Though, it is grown world-wide.

Cherry fruit is a nutri-antioxidant drupelet. India finds itself on 26 number among the producers of cherry. As it loves cold weather, north-eastern states of India take charge of cherry farming.

Alright, just tell me if you have a cherry topping on your favorite shake and have an opportunity to prune garden fresh cherries from your farm. What would you like to choose?

No doubt, you will go with the second option. As, nothing can beat the zeal of having such a delight.

Amidst its rare availability, and high earning ratio, it qualifies to be a profitable venture, as cherry cultivation.

Let us have some insights to the entire process of cherry cultivation.

How to grow cherry trees?

Once you are sorted with the idea of having your own cherry farm, you are half done. Now, it’s just a few basics to be executed out well. How to grow cherry trees? Is the most valid question that crops up into the mind.

Few farmers, think it effortless to buy cherry plants in bulk and plant them in your farm. Why go for spending even this much more when it can be carried out in a more effective way.

Cherry trees can be grown straight from their seeds and trust me it’s even more easy. Just a few corrective steps ahead and here you are with those tasty juicy cherries of yours.

Selection of seeds

You need to choose among black or red cherries, and sour or sweet cherries. Analysis your climatic conditions before proceeding.

To bear fruits, a cherry farming requires a continuous 8 hours of sunlight.

Cherries gel along with the soil having neutral PH scale and it must be well drained. The soil should not show traces of toxicants as they can reach the fruit easily.

Those sour cherries popular as tarts, or pie cherries attain a height of 20 feet in colder areas. Whereas sweet cherries, reach a height of 35 feet.

Can you grow a cherry tree from a pit?

The most common talks among the newbie farmers, is to land on a perfect idea to start with their own production. Their search for all the tired and tested methods of getting into the cherry farming.

Now, the question is Can you grow a cherry tree from a pit? Today, a lot of trendy agro-techniques floating in the market. Farmers tend to get confused, when lacking complete information about it.

To come on the point, yes you can have cherry trees from a pit. Trust me it is the most, easy method but a lengthy one. You have to have patience for it. As it is said PATIENCE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS.

Just keep in mind the pits should be of your own farm or a farmer’s market. And you can follow the method stated below. And in few steps, you are in your cherry farm.

Preparing seeds

When those pulpy balls find their way to your stomach, save those leftover seeds. Instead of throwing them, just dip them in warm water and clean them.

Allow them to dry on a paper or towel for 5 days. After that place them in a plastic container covered with a lid tightly. Now, carefully this container is allowed to rest in a refrigerator for 10 weeks.

Planting cherries

Remove those dormant cherry pods and allow them to rest at room temperature for 3 hours.

You need to place these tiny pods in soil pots, each with 2-3 pods in number. Place the pots in sunlight with keeping the soil moist.

You can observe seedlings sprouting from those cherry pods. On gaining some height they tend to be kept inside at colder nights.

The moment your cherry farming starts flourishing, plant the seedlings out at a distance of 20 meters from each other.

At this point of time, they are 10-12 inches tall.

Protecting cherry farming from wildlife

The worst enemy of cherry farming is wildlife. These rabbits, reindeer, and other animals hunting for fodder end up eating these tasty plants.

You can tie burlap around the plantation. Yes, they are effective but unwrap them when the spring approaches to ensure proper sunlight to the tiny tots.

Once they attain maturity, they become out of reach and they are safe anyways then.

Where do cherry grow?

Cherry farming is copiously practiced in the USA, Turkey, and Europe. The king of sweet cherries is Turkey, and USA. Europe takes the charge of sour cherries.

Don’t forget that in today’s era cherry farming is not restricted to any particular area. A cold temperature, perfect sunlight, and moist drained soil is the key to have cherry cultivated.

So, don’t get demotivated just hunt for perfect conditions to start your cherry farm.

Do cherry trees need full sun?

These cute little red bulbs need full sunlight. Let’s define FULL SUN. Full sun means a sunlight of 8 hours.

Yes, you heard it well, mere 8 hours of sunlight will work wonders. It is mandatory, otherwise, they will end up having straggly stem, discolored fruit, and that is not done.

When to plant cherry blossom trees

The amazing, tasty and world-famous cherry blossom is the home production of Japan. These cherry blossom plants were given to USA as a token of gift in the early of 19 century. Later the USA also started with the production of cherry blossom.

A cherry blossom plant needs an explicitly nutritious and productive soil. Soil should not be waterlogged and a minimum of 6 hours sunlight is a necessity.

Proper spacing of 20 feet should be maintained between the plants. Fertilization of cherry farming is also necessary to ensure a good production.

Cherry blossom should be planted as soon as the frost period is over, this supports a speedy and good growth of the plant.

Growing dwarf cherry trees

Three species of cherries fall under this category:

Prunus Cerasus
Prunus Fruticosa
Prunus Pumila

These are cultivated for its explicit capacity to withstand extreme cold temperatures. Dwarf structure, and too much pulp is the outstanding feature of these dwarf cherries.

Growing dwarf cherry trees follows the same process nothing different, just a little precaution needs to be taken care of and you have them all.

Pruning in cherry trees

In case of cherry farming too pruning is required. Trimming ensures the removal of dead and unwanted part from the plant.

It promotes good health and growth of the plant. The plant is disease-free and also free from abnormalities.

Fertilization of cherry plants

Cherry farming needs a handful of good organic fertilizers. In a span of 10 years, the plantation needs a combo of Calcium ammoniate, potash and super phosphate to thrive well.

A good manure promotes rapid growth and productivity of the plant.

Harvest and yield of cherry

The harvest period of the cherry farming is in direct relation to the taste and color of the fruit. When the cherries have attained the desired color and sweetness, it means they are ready for pluck.

The quantity of yield lies in how efficiently the farming has been managed. Other factors like thickness of the plant, productivity of the soil and the root system also influence them.

On average a normal cherry tree has the capacity of producing 20 kgs of cherries.

Is cherry farming a profitable venture?

Oh, those tiny red bulb sized fruits are a delight, for the tummy as well as pockets of the farmers. You must be wondering these cherries are short lived, so how can they fetch huge profits.

The most distinguishing feature of this cherry farming is the amount of money it extracts from the buyers. This is a very simple and interesting theory. We all have studied in Economics, the lower the supply, higher is the demand and cost of the product.

Simply, apply this theory over cherry farming. The more it is demanded the lesser it is available and so its cost is generally high.

Like other fruits the fruit markets and supermarkets are flooded with cherries. Among local fruit sellers, only few have the access to cherries. And in the supermarkets not every time you find the cherry counters full.

It is a perishable fruit so keep in the mind the transport should be easily available and nearby the local market. Already, it is having a high cost of production, then, why to increase the cost by adding long transport costs too.

Smart approach is to save on transport cost as other expenses are unavoidable. Don’t think much about it. You can manage your cherry farming venture. That too with huge profits. Grab the opportunity, get your feet into this short sweet fruit farming business.

Wish you lots of luck and success in your venture. Go ahead!!!

Farming Pedia

How to Grow Bitter Melon: Farming Guide

ByMaryem

Bitter gourd farming has influenced a lot of people in the world. Not because of its bitter taste but because of the health benefits it has.

This vegetable is also popular as Bitter Melon worldwide though Indians call it Karela. It is characterized by its climbing trait. And this vine plant finds a place in herbal medicines too.

The presence of momordica is the cause of the bitter taste. These bitter gourd vines grow easily and faster.

Bitter gourds are enormously consumed in juices for their high medicinal content and healing nature.

Bitter gourd farming finds huge demand in the market and is at boom these days.

Before trying your hands at bitter gourd farming you should be abreast with all the relevant guidelines related to this. Please check out.

Health benefits of bitter gourd

Bitter gourds are loved and demanded their abundant contribution to improving health. Explicit store for Vitamins A, B, C and Manganese, Zinc, Iron, and Calcium. Dietary fiber riches improves the digestive system too.

The polypeptide, resembling insulin is a sure-shot cure for diabetes. Helps in improving blood disorders, liver, and diabetes-related issues. Gives a boost to the immune system and heals psoriasis.

Checks weight and cures eye-sight. This cylindrical veggie is a piece of baggage of health that people are eager to grab. So getting into bitter gourd farming would be amazing.

Requirements for bitter gourd plantation

Few factors are affecting the bitter gourd farming. Let’s acknowledge them:

CLIMATE

A purely loves hot and humid climate and grows well in such places.

A perfect combo for bitter gourd farming lies in super productive and neutral PH soil. Nourished with organic riches and possessing a good drainage system. Such a soil is a perfect recipe to bitter gourd farming.

PREPARING LAND

Plowing thoroughly till the dead-end is recommended. This goes till the tilth ensuring perfect soil aeration and enhancing the fertility as well. After this proper spacing should be made by preparing basins.

FAVORABLE TIME

The best bitter gourd growing time is summers. As it thrives well in the hot and humid climates.

IRRIGATION

Before cultivating seeds, the field should be watered well. Then once in a week is enough for the bitter gourd plant. As a moist soil is all what a bitter gourd needs.

WEED CONTROL

The plant needs weeding at least thrice in the entire span, i.e from plantation till harvest. This helps in improving the bitter gourd farming.

DISEASE AND PEST CHECK

Bitter gourd plant attracts pests and insects. Aphids, Mites, Beetles, Caterpillars. Downy mildew and powdery mildew are common threats to the plants.

MANURE AND FERTILIZERS

A good quantity and quality of fertilizers ensure good growth.

How to grow bitter gourd

Bitter gourd farming is practiced in a tropical climate. As it is a creeper plant it needs support to stand. It produces yellow-colored flowers, their pollination is carried out by the insects.

To find out how to grow bitter gourd is not tough. Let’s find out.

Buy seeds from a verified source or can be obtained from the fruit as well. The seeds obtained through fruits are red in color. By applying some tricks, you can accelerate the sprouting time.

Generally, in bitter gourd farming, the seeds take three to four weeks to sprout. To speed up the action unwrap the seeds before sowing them. Or absorbing them in water for 24 hours before sowing will do the same work.

Plant them at a depth of 2 cm. And you should note that bitter gourd growing time is from April to May.

A constant regular water intake is to be maintained by keeping it moist throughout the growing period. The climate should be hot as low temperatures ruin the plant.

The proper spread of fertilizers is a necessary set as they are susceptible attract to bugs and insects.

Pruning enhances growth of the bitter gourd farming. All the unwanted shoots and tiny growths are curbed so the entire focus remains on growth. This is how you can plant bitter gourds.

Production technology of bitter gourd

BITTER GOURD HYBRID

The largest contributor of cucurbit, (bitter gourd) has stated that the hybrid production technology of bitter gourd is the best.

This ensures a higher and improved variety of bitter gourd farming. It speeds up the production time. In 60 to 65 days your bitter gourds are ready.

And some varieties take 45 days only. These are less affected by powdery mildew. But a lesser area is allotted towards hybrid production. As a major portion is still under open pollination.

To enhance the production quality, more areas should be allotted to hybrid production. In this pollination is carried out by hand and the seeds are continuously monitored to keep a track of growth.

And the sprouting starts in 7 days from pollination which is much faster as compared to the normal one.

Hybrid production is way far better than normal. The fruits produced are much longer and good. Also, they grow at a rapid pace. But the only drawback is the hybrid seeds are costlier.

They might not fit in your budget.

Pollination in bitter gourd

Over 6 months, bitter melon vines get ready for pollination. Those alluring yellow flowers on the vines attract honey bees towards them to kickstart the process.

In case of the non-availability of insects, pollination has to be carried out by hand. For this, you need to transfer the pollen of male flowers to female flower.

The daytime is preferable for pollination. If the pollination is successful, these flowers start converting to fruits.

Varieties of Bitter Gourd

The common variety of bitter gourds are:

Chinese variety is a light green color with a shiny surface.
Indian variety is generally darker in color in comparison to the Chinese variety and has prominent ridges on its surface.
Long spined
Short spined
Malaysian type
Philippine type
Half long type

How to harvest bitter gourd

A good time to attain maturity is considered to be 65 days or more. In hybrid, production it goes down to 45 days.

From the time they are sown till they grow, it requires 60 to 65 golden days period. By this time, bitter gourds reach their size and appearance.

They can be picked at an initial stage prior to ripening unless there is a seed requirement. Care should be taken while picking bitter gourds and not causing any injury to the vines.

Those plucked bitter gourd can survive till 2 or 3 days when stored at a cool temperature.

BITTER GOURD PLANTING DISTANCE

The spacing pattern should be made in such a way that the seeds get enough air and place to grow.

By carrying out dibbling method seeds are placed at 120*90 cms. Only 3 to 4 seeds are placed in a single pit.

While in flatbeds, the spacing becomes 1*1 cm. This ensures a good yield. The bitter gourd yield, per acre, amounts to around 65 to 100 quintals.

Seed Production

For seeds, leave few vines undisturbed in the field. Even after harvesting the seeds continue to grow inside the bitter gourd.

On cutting the bitter gourd these seeds can be removed and collected. After washing and drying they are ready for sowing.

These seeds have life for 2 to 3 years. Not all the bitter gourds should be collected from the vine. Some should be allowed, to rip open on their own.

After maturing these seeds can be collected from the ripened fruit.

Ending Note

Let’s sum up all the information. The above article is an absolute insight into bitter gourd farming. Now, whether you are a beginner or intermediate, can go ahead with the bitter gourd cultivation.

Bitter gourds have an easy and rising demand in the markets. This is an advantageous veggie considering both monetary and health factors.

The production and supply, is growing heaps and bound in today’s era. With dedication and hard work, bitter gourd farming can be turned into a high profit fetching activity.

Get started with your bitter gourd cultivation. Good luck!!!!!

References

https://www.agrifarming.in

https://www.asiafarming.com

https://www.wikipedia.org

Vegetable Farming

How to Grow Boston Fern Indoors?

ByMaryem

The perennial herbaceous plant is also known as the sword fern. Boston fern is native to the tropical region in the world. It is the species in the family of Lomariopsidaceae and it is consists of 30 tropical varieties. Boston fern is used to decorate the balcony and it can grow quickly.

Boston fern is a popular houseplant and it is essential to take care of Boston fern to keep healthy. Let us know how to take care of Boston fern is not difficult but it is specific. Here we have few care tips for Boston fern to keep happy and beautiful.

Also Read: 15 Healing Houseplants That Can Improve Your Health

How to take care of Boston fern?

First of all, you need to check the right kind of environment for the proper Boston fern care and it requires cool space with high humidity and indirect light

Especially in winter, you need to provide additional humidity for Boston fern, when you care for Boston fern indoors. Additional humidity care tries lightly misting your fern once or twice a week which helps it to get the humidity it needs.

Another method to take care of Boston fern is to make sure about the fern soil remains damp. Dry soil is the main reason for Boston fern die. Check the soil regularly and give it some water if the soil needs it to become moist. Boston fern should be planted in potting mixture with high peat moss because peat moss is fully hydrated or soak the pot once a month.

Due to lack of humidity, the leaves of the Boston fern turn yellow. Therefore you have to increase the humidity around the plant. it doesn’t require any fertilizers. Fertilizers can be used few times a year.

If your plants are infested be sure to treat them as quickly as possible to keep them healthy because they can be susceptible to some pests such as spider mites and mealybugs.

Here are the few essential requirements to keeping happy, healthy, and beautiful.

Light:

Boston fern loves bright, indirect sunlight. Excess of shade can results in the leaves of Boston ferns aren’t typical bright color and excess of the sun can burn leaves. So, be sure direct sunlight won’t be able to hit your plant.

Soil:

These Boston fern needs organically rich loamy soil with good drainage. Poorly drained soil becomes root rot and finally kills the plant. Therefore, peat moss is used for the potting mixture.

Water:

To quick growth of Boston fern, it is key to keep the soil moist at all times but not soggy. If the soil begins to dry out then the leaves of the plant also dry and drop off. The winter and fall months slightly reduce the watering as the plant not growing actively. If you notice that the fronds are dries, increase the water quantity you are giving to the plant regularly.

Temperature and Humidity:

The Boston fern cannot tolerate extreme heat or extreme cold. It can prefer mild temperature 65 to 75 Fahrenheit. The above 95 degrees Fahrenheit can harm the Boston fern and below 35 degrees Fahrenheit also harm them. High humidity is also critical for Boston ferns but they thrive in humidity levels above 80 percent. If you need to raise your humidity level around the surrounding of your plant, try to fill the tray with water and pebbles and also mist the plant regularly. If it is not getting enough humidity the tips of leaves will begin to turn brown and slowly overtake the whole plant if the humidity does not increase.

Also Read: 8 Edible Flowers You Should Grow In Your Vegetable Garden

Propagation:

The Boston fern is very easy to propagate by division. When transplanting in spring, carefully cut off the section from the fern to which the healthy roots are attached. Even very small parts can grow new plants on their own with proper care. Grow your division in fresh potting soil and make sure the soil remains slightly damp at all times. Also, keep the plant in a warm place, away from drafts and temperature extremes, and in direct sunlight. When you feel resistance by gently pulling on the base of the leaf, you will know that it is rooted.

Repotting:

Repot the Boston fern in the spring every year or two when the roots fill the pot. Your fern wants to be in well-drained soil mixed with peat and perlite. Choose a pot with drainage holes and increase the size of the pot in which the fern grew. Keep the tree at the same original level. Don’t plant it too deep in the ground. You want the crown to be higher than the ground to avoid crown rot. Avoid fertilizing for several weeks after transplanting to allow the roots to recover.

Is it Boston fern poisonous?

I am happy to inform you that Boston fern is non-toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, so if you have a furry friend who loves to chew vegetables in your home, Boston Fern is a safe choice.

Where to buy a Boston fern?

You can start at your local garden center or botanical store. Buying new plants is fun and allows you to choose the healthiest and most beautiful plants for yourself.

At home, your new fern will take a few days to acclimate to its new location. Don’t worry if you may drop a few leaves or look thoughtful during acclimatization. If you can’t find a Boston fern nearby, there are several tree vendors on Amazon and Etsy who will deliver it to your door! There are many artificial ferns for sale online, so check the listing to make sure you are buying a live plant and not a fake one.

Vegetable Farming

How to grow the best crop of cucumber ever?

ByMaryem

Cucumber is one of the best vegetables which grows in high temperature and plenty of water resource. It is a refreshing vegetable, especially who picked up fresh. It loves the sun and water. It grows quickly if it receives sufficient water and warmth and it is popular for its refreshing taste and crunchiness.

Cucumbers can be eaten in a variety of ways cooked, raw in salads, and pickled.

You have to raise healthy productive plants then you can end up with all of those delicious cucumber treats.

Learn about the simple cucumber growing secrets below.

How to grow cucumbers-with the simple secrets to success

So, it all begins with great soil which is used for the growing of cucumber. It is top-secret for the successiveness of cucumber yield or production.

Cucumber can be flourishing on rich in nutrients, well-drained, and fertile soil. Addition of a generous amount of compost to the soil at planting time, which provides better results.

Compost is an ideal soil supplement for growing healthy cucumber plants as it is rich in nutrients and humus that help the plants to grow quickly. But it is really helpful to retain moisture to the soil of cucumber plants.

Combine 3 to 4 cups of compost in every hole of the cucumber plant is planted and also add half a cup of casting to planting holes to boost the soil fertility and structure even more.

This organic compost and worm casting help roots absorb plenty of nutrients and retain moisture too.

After completion of planting add a few amounts of mulch on the bottom of the plant to repel weeds and conserve moisture, therefore it will slowly fertilize plants and it breaks down.

Don’t be forgotten, be better the soil than better the crop!

Also Read: How to use Epsom salt for cucumbers

Plant with morning sun in mind

Cucumber performs at peak level productions which need a generous amount of early morning sunlight.

The rays of sunlight can help to dry off the dew of cucumber plants which keeps mold and mildew away. It will help to ripen fruits at a faster rate.

Add more mulch for plants quick growth

When it involves developing cucumbers with large success, mulching closely is any other massive key. And meaning mulching extra than simply with the little compost ring referred to above.

Place some inches of straw or shredded leaves 12″ to 18″ across the base of every plant.

Mulching cucumber vegetation has numerous massive blessings in your crop. Not handiest does it assist preserve competing weeds at bay, some inches of mulch additionally allows manage fluctuations with inside the soil temperature.

And the blessings don’t forestall there.

It additionally allows preserving soil-borne ailment at bay. The protecting mulch layer maintains soil from splashing up on leaves while watering, or throughout heavy rainfalls. Soil could include mold and mildew spores to harm or even kill plant life.

But perhaps most significantly of all, mulch allows the roots of cucumber vegetation to maintain moisture. Moisture is prime to staying productive!

Prevent plant overload

This is a secret that gardeners often overlook. To keep your harvest at its peak, you need to harvest your cucumbers regularly.

Plants overloaded with too many cucumbers will stop sprouting and blooming. This will completely stop the production of the plant.

When the plant becomes overwhelmed, it begins to channel all its energy into the ripening of the crop and does not produce many flowers.

How to grow cucumber?

The main two types of cucumber plant varieties can be grown as vining or bush, but the fruits can be used for slicing or pickling.

What do you plant and where you plant and how should you plant cucumber can be determined by few guidelines to follow for each.

Bush varieties are contained in smaller spaces because they are compact plants. Vining style they lend to trellising or even small fences or cages. It will take 2 to 3 feet of space to spread their foliage. Both of them are suited to make slices or making pickles or canning.

Also Read: Easy to grow the Fresh and Pure Cucumbers

How to plant cucumber?

When growing in the garden, it is best to plant small mounds.

Planting the cucumber on a small hill helps prevent water from accumulating at the base of the plant. Create mounds several inches high and 12 to 18 inches in diameter.

When planting, leave approximately 3 feet between embankments for vining varieties and 18 inches for bush cucumbers.

In the garden, the cucumber vines must have enough room to grow.

Climbing plants can be thrown several times or using a rope or trellis. However, shrubs do not require much support.

For potted plants, fertilize regularly every few weeks. Once the soil must remain rich in nutrients. Both compost tea and worm tea are perfect choices. They are also ideal for stimulating garden plants.

This is the best harvest of cucumbers of the year!

Vegetable Farming

Carrot Farming – A Complete Guide

ByMaryem

If you can grow carrots in the garden, you will get the best of the varieties, full of flavor and texture! Carrots are very popular, loved, long-lasting vegetables. And you can grow them in almost any climate. Here is everything about carrot farming methods, planting growing, and harvesting.

You can grow carrots pretty easily if you can use loose, sandy soil during cold days of the growing season – fall and spring, and carrots can tolerate frost as well. Depending on the local conditions and variety, carrots may take two to four months for proper growth. Plant them in summer and spring and harvest them continuously through the fall!

Why is the Type of Soil Very Important?

It is massively important to choose the most suitable soil for profitable carrot farming. If the roots of the carrot don’t grow easily, you may end up getting misshaped crops – of course, the last thing you would want!

Here is how to prepare the soil for carrot farming:

Till down 12 inches and remove all the stones, rocks, and even the clumps of soils – ensuring the soil is very smooth and sandy.
Don’t amend the soil with material rich in nitrogen like manure and fertilizer, which can disrupt the healthy growth of carrot roots. Working in cold coffee grounds is a great idea.
If there are a lot of clay or rocks in the ground, you should think about planting carrots in a raised bed with 12 inches deep trenches filled with airy, loamy soil.

Climate Requirement for Carrot Farming:

Cold weather is ideal for growing carrots but does well in warm climates too.

The optimum temperature for healthy growth is 16 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius, while temperature more than 28 degrees can drastically affect the production. Temperatures below 16 degrees Celsius may affect the natural colour of carrots, and may even lead to slender roots, while there are shorter and thicker roots in warm climates.

The temperature range of 15 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees. Celsius is very, very good for growing carrots, as you will get attractive roots with decent colour and quality.

Planting Dates for Carrots

Fall Carrots Planting:

Usually, the first frost occurs at the end of September in the USA

For carrot harvesting in summer, you should sow the carrot seeds outdoors three to five weeks before the end of spring frost.
To ensure productive carrot harvesting, you should plant a fresh round of seeds every three weeks continuously through the spring.
If you want to harvest carrots during fall, ensure sowing seeds in mid to late summer. Start approx ten weeks before the first fall frost.

Choosing the right planting site

Location with proper, direct sunlight is the best site for carrot farming, though they survive in partial shade as well.
As already discussed, you should opt for loose, loamy or sandy, airy soil, so that the roots can easily go through the soil.

Propagation of Carrots

Propagation of carrots is done using the seeds. Depending on the variety, the seeds that are broadcast or sowing in the filed with a seed rate of 5 to 6 kg/ha or 6 to 9 kg/ha.

Seeds are smaller in size and count approx. 800 per gram. And they remain lively for as many as three years with up to 80% chances of germination. However, the germination may be inadequate in some local varieties.

Therefore, you should not forget to get a rough calculation of germination percentage while calculating the requirement of seeds.

For best results, procuring clean, healthy and viable seeds from a reliable source is very important. Usually, the carrot seeds take up to 7 to 20 days to germinate properly.

The atmospheric temperature of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius is ideal for seed germination (different from the growth of carrots).

Also Read: Sweet Potato Farming Information Guide

How to Plant Carrots?

Carrot planting from seeds is the best option, instead od transplanting. It would be best if you sowed the seeds directly in the field, keeping in mind that they don’t like any disturbance whatsoever.

Sow the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows, ¼ inch deep, and 1 foot apart.

A useful TIP: Ensure distributing seeds equally so that they don’t grow together at the same place. You can use a seed-sower for proper distribution.

Again, maintain enough moisture in the soil with frequent shallow watering. Small carrot seeds don’t like hard crusts or lumps for their growth. Covering the seeds with fine compost or vermiculite is also a decent idea to prevent the formation of crusts.

You can check the moisture by putting a finger in the ground – the soil should be moist, but not wet.

At times, carrots germinate very slowly, and it may take two to three weeks to show any sign of life. So, being patience is also very important. If you have maintained the right carrot planting distance, there are very high chances of timely, healthy and productive germination.

Tip: You can add radish seeds to carrot seeds to track the growth of carrots. As radish grow quickly, you can harvest them, and the carrots will also start to grow.

Fertilization Management in Carrot Farming:

You should choose the fertilizers after proper analysis of the soil.

Farm Yard Manure with the distribution rate of 30 tonnes per hectare is recommended at final ploughing with a dosage of 40 to 60 kg nitrogen, 90 to 110 kg potassium, and 25 to 50 kg phosphorus for every hectare.

Add about three tons of farmyard manure while preparing the land, mixed with 40 kg phosphorus, 50 kg nitrogen, and 50 kg potash for each hectare.

Add a full dose of phosphorus and potassium, and half the dose of nitrogen before sowing the seeds. You should add the remaining nitrogen at the 56^th week of germination.

Carrots love feeding on potassium, deficiency of which can severely affect the roots as well as the overall metabolism of the plants. Carrots with low potassium quantity are not good to taste and don’t last long too.

Irrigation Management for Carrot Crops

The first carrot farming irrigation should be light, and you should do it immediately after sowing. Carry out the subsequent irrigations as per requirement.

As discussed, too much moisture is not ideal for carrot crops, and you may end up getting light-coloured, short carrots with a larger diameter. Types of soil, season, and variety of carrots play key roles in deciding the requirement of irrigation.

Usually, irrigation in every 5 to 6 days in summer and 10 to 15 days in winter is ideal for adequate moisture for the carrot crop.

Only occasional irrigation is needed during the rainy season. It would help if you avoided water stress around the roots, especially while they grow, to prevent from cracking.

Care

While Carrots Are Growing

Mulching carrots gently is a decent option to maintain moisture, speed-up the germination, and stop direct sunlight to the roots.
When seedlings are of one-inch height, they will usually stand 3 to 4 inches apart. You should trim the tops with a farming scissor instead of plucking them to avoid certain damage to the fragile roots.
One-inch water every week is recommended in the beginning, then two inches with the growth of roots.
Weeding is an important aspect of carrot planting care, but ensure you don’t disturb the young roots while doing so.
Fertilizer with low-nitrogen quantity but high potassium and phosphate after 5 to 6 weeks of sowing is recommended. Excess nitrogen in fertilizer works on the top of carrot plants, not on the roots.

Managing Pests and Diseases

There are some common pests and diseases associated with carrot planting. They are:

Black (Itersonilia) canker
Flea Beetles
Carrot rust flies
Root-knot nematodes
Wireworms, and
Aster Yellow Disease:Causes discoloured and shortened carrot tops with hairy roots. You can invest in a control plant to control the pests like leafhoppers.

Carrot Harvest and Storage:

Harvesting

Small-sized carrots taste best, so you should prefer carrot harvesting when they are still young.
You can decide to harvest, depending on your priority. Carrots with the width of a thumb or at least ½ inch of diameter are very good for harvesting.
Suppose you are planting carrots in the early summer or spring. In that case, harvesting before the arrival of hot days is the best idea, as carrots may get fibrous under high atmospheric temperature.
Harvesting carrots after one or more frosts are linked with better taste, as the plants store more energy (sugars) in the roots for later usage.
You can also preserve the carrots after first frosts by covering the 18-inch layer of shredded leaves for late carrot harvesting.

FYI, Carrots are biennial crops. If you don’t harvest due to some reason, the tops will start flowering and producing seeds after the first year.

Storage

Once the carrot harvest season is at its end, storage is the next big task.

Twist or cut the ½ inch off the tops of carrots to store them fresh.
Don’t forget to remove any dirt under cold, running water, and dry in the air.
Refrigerate only after sealing them in airtight plastic bags; otherwise, they will get limped within a few hours.
For temporary carrot storage, you can leave the mature ones in the soil, if there are not freezing or pest’s problem with the soil.
Tubs, sand, dry sawdust with the cool, dry atmosphere are also some other options for storage.

Recommended Varieties

There are plenty of different carrot varieties. They are of rainbow colors, shapes, and sizes!

Bolero: 7 to 8 inches, slightly tapered, resists most leaf pests as well as blights.
Danvers: One of the classic heirloom carrot varieties, tapered at the end, and has a dark, rich orange color, suitable for heavy soil.
Little Finger: Another heirloom variety, looks like Nantes as they grow only 4 inches long, and one inch thick; one of the best varieties for storage.
Nantes: Cylindrical, 6 to 7 inches tall, sweetest of them all; with a crisp texture.
Napoli: One of the first-rate sub-types of Nantes variety, grown in spring, known for bright orange roots, mild, juicy, crunchy, and fine texture.

Some common varieties of UK carrot:

Altrincham: Long and slender roots with good flavour. The neck is purple, where it is exposed to sunlight.

Amsterdam Forcing: Bouncing, small, finger carrot.

Autumn King: One of the most common commercial carrots, flaky type, with strong tops and heavy yields. A true winter carrot, which is fairly colourful and smooth.

Baby Bell: Small, tender type, matures earlier than most of the other varieties.

Belgian White: Large roots with white skin, very popular in Belgium as well as France.

Crusader: One of the Nantes types, good colour, smooth skin, ready to harvest in autumn, summer and late spring.

Wit and Wisdom

There are so many different colors of carrot, including orange, purple, red, and white, and only some of them are resistant to pests and diseases.
Long-lasting carrots contain a rich quantity of sugar and are a very good source of carotene and vitamins.
Carrot is also called as “underground honey” in Ireland due to its sweetness.
FYI, carrots are the first vegetables to be commercially canned.

That’s all about our guide on “how to do carrot farming”.If you are planning to start carrot farming, we would suggest you go ahead. It’s easier; it’s full of fun, and very, very productive too.

Hopefully, you liked it, and you are not better prepared to start your own carrot farming. Do write to us if you have found it helpful, or if you have some questions. Share the guide with your friends who are interested in carrot farming.

References:

https://www.almanac.com/plant/carrots

https://agricultureguruji.com/carrot-farming/

Farming Pedia

11 Simple Ways to Improve Garden Soil and Boost the Yield

ByMaryem

Excavation and fork over the soil allow you to loosen any condensation, eliminating weeds plus debris as well as giving the absolute possibility to add organic matter.

All plants require healthy soil conditions if they provide great outcomes. Enhancing soil with a lot of organic elements in the form of manure benefits in drainage plus aeration on damp soils and maintains the moisture required for light ones.

Benefits of Improving the Garden soil

You must be questioning why it is necessary to have good soil for the garden? The reason for soil condition is that good soil can store plus processes more water.

Bad health, wasted soil, will not prevent water, and this will make it difficult for your plants to grow and persevere.

The key to best, high-quality soil is a lot of natural organic material, the things produced by living organisms. Take care of one thing that soil is a living plus dynamic ecosystem in itself.
This ecosystem hosts areas within soil particles that permit the way or maintenance of water and nutrient.
For instance, fine soil particles, like as those found in clays, and keep water much more efficiently than bigger particles in sand. The quantity of water appears in your soil has substantial outcomes for your garden.

Not only has this whole influenced the health of your plants and the volume of water you use in irrigation. Though it will help stabilise the surface temperature of the soil plus manage the heat of the soil, which in turn influences the germination and flowering action.

Organic matter is the core of water maintenance plus soil health. Organic component can be anything, including carbon compounds. This is the things made by living organisms.
Organic materials can be from garden clippings, leave to stems plus branches, moss, algae, lichen, compost, kitchen scraps, sawdust, worms and microorganisms.
While native vegetation adjusts to its soil, greatest of the garden crops prefer organic matter and a solid horticultural soil in a half-porous location and with a neutral or somewhat acidic pH.

This type of soil keeps water without water logging. It is further let air into the garden soil so that roots and soil organisms can flourish.

11 Simple Ways to Improve Garden Soil and Boost the Yield

1. Compost

You can make compost with organic matter. You can use kitchen scraps and other many household things to make your compost.

Once these items broke down, they are an excellent enhancement to your garden. They better fix the soil collectively in an aerated form.

Depending on your soil requirements, you must add about 3-4 inches in your first year. Add two inches of compost per year to your garden or lawn each year.

2. Mulch

The mulch is another excellent addition to your garden soil. It must be added throughout the rest of your plants while planting.

After applying the mulch to the plant base, it will benefit retain any dampness that is used in the plant through rain or watering it by hands. It further helps to hold the soil throughout the plant cool, which is excellent for both for your plant and soil.

3. Covering crops help

When winter comes, we prune the garden. The ground is left empty and exposed, often meaning that nutrients have been stripped from the soil as there is no protection left.

If this is a matter of concern for you, and you see a disadvantageous impact in your soil to the following spring, then you must think of planting a cover crop.

Cover crops are plants like as wheat that come in coarse or dispersal plus cover the ground in which way we have planted them. Through covering the soil, they defend it from the components.

4. Worms can help your soil

You can buy worms or pick them up yourself. You can add them straight to your garden or add them to your compost as well. In both ways, they will help your garden.

Worms are an excellent addition to your garden soil as they can change what you can into your soil into useful products that soil requires vitamins, minerals, plus nutrients.

Also, they help in rotating the garden soil. Their excrement is a natural soil binder.

5. Keep away from your soil

Though you are gardening in a raised bed or a small area, make sure you do not step on the soil of your garden. Which signifies that your garden has a walkway between rows, or you need to make sure that you can easily reach your raised bed.

By avoiding walking on your garden soil, you help maintain the soil aerated. The weight of our feet compresses the air plus removes the aerated advantages that benefit plants.

6. Your garden soil can’t work when it wet

Wanting to work in your garden, as soon as a thunderstorm moves, it attracts. The point is, you should not work on your soil when it is thoroughly wet. The purpose is that when you work in wet soil, you expel air from it, which has the opposite effect.

You will know by taking a ball of soil in your hand and squeezing it the soil is too wet to work. If water comes out of it, you must wait some days to a week to examine it again.

7. Collect the rainwater

Rainwater is the most suitable choice for watering vegetables. Rainwater is softer, has more limited contaminants, and is at a pH that is favored by most of the plants, leading to better all-round growth.

Therefore if you are yet using treated water for irrigation of your crops, then now it is the time to install barrels of excess water and collect as much rainwater as possible. You can use the connector kit to join multiple barrels simultaneously.

8. Check the nitrogen scale

When you add most of the vitamins, nutrients plus minerals to the garden soil, they stick throughout. Nitrogen is the one that seems simplest from the garden soil.

You can examine your garden soil to find out what it lacks, or you can also wait till you grow something in your garden. Usually, you will notice that green plants are not as green as required as they have a shortage of nitrogen.

9. Space your plants in a right way

If you plant your crops too close then, your crops will fail to grow correctly and be likely to disease. But with the correct spacing, you can overcome this situation.

Garden Planner shows you how many plants can be grown in your available area. Best soil can help you push limits by growing vegetables a little closer than suggested. Square foot gardening takes it to the ultimate, with plants spun five times closer.

10. Companion planting

Some plants are commonly useful. When grown together, they can help boost up the total productivity. Companion planting takes various methods.

As per instance, tall corn can be used as a support for growing legumes, while lettuce grown in between carrots or onions helps to destroy weeds, whereas these slow-growing crops establish. The garden planner also takes care of companion planting.

11. Defensive pest control

Take a defensive action to prevent pests in their tracks. For instance, constraints on susceptible plants should reduce a nuisance population by protecting them from flying pests, or by eliminating hiding areas in growing areas or surrounding areas, or also in long grasses.

Vegetable Farming

8 Amazing Onion Skin Uses and Benefits for Gardening

ByMaryem

Learn about 8 amazing onion skin uses and benefits. They are so important that you will never waste them again.

Did you know that onion skins are rich in antioxidants and quercetin, which are effective for obesity? A number of clinical trials and studies have confirmed its usefulness, and clinical trials involving 72 men and women in South Korea have shown positive results. Studies have shown that after 12 weeks of use, BMI and body fat percentage will decrease.

Onion is the most common vegetable in kitchens to make most dishes in a day. Imagine how many onions are used around the world and how many onion skins are thrown away. What if we tell you those paper onion skins that you thought were useless are? Now, if you’re wondering what the hell those insignificant onion skins can do after their vital components have been removed, you will be in for a great surprise – if some previous research is to be believed, onion skins are actually more nutritious than one! Onion itself!

When you’ve digested this amazing news, let’s see what makes onion peels so useful. Many studies have claimed that onion peels are very high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and environmentally friendly flavonoids. Onion peels are said to boost immunity, promote heart health, and help maintain blood sugar levels.

Onion skins are usually thrown away. Using onion skins will open your eyes.

Uses and Benefits of Onion Skin

1. Discard them in the compost bin

You can compost the peels and peels of onions, and the result is nutritious compost. To get rid of their rancid smell, bury them a few inches deep in the compost pile. Do not put them in the earthworm droppings box.

2. Cut the onion

The dried peel will quickly decompose, adding potassium and calcium to the soil.

3. Fertilizing onion skin

Don’t throw away onion skins. Use them to make potassium-rich organic fertilizers for all your indoor and outdoor plants. It will increase your disease resistance, growth, strong stems and yield. This onion skin fertilizer is also rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and copper.

To prepare, take 2-3 handfuls of onion skins or a bowl of onion skins and soak them in 1 litre of water for the next 24 hours. Strain into a glass. The fertilizer for onion skin tea is ready. Feed your plants 3-4 times a month, experiment and share the results.

Also Read: Growing Spring Onions From Seeds

4. Making onion skin tea

Use flawless onion skins and peels to make healthy onion skin tea. This research shows that you can suppress obesity. In addition, due to the high content of quercetin, onion skin tea can help relieve allergies, high blood pressure and infection-related problems.

5. Get rid of leg cramps

Although there is no specific evidence or research showing that onion skin can heal calf cramps, you can still try this home remedy, which can work due to the anti-inflammatory properties of surgery. Soak in water for 10-15 minutes, take out only the soaked water or tea, and drink it before going to bed. Keep it for at least a week to see the difference.

6. Dye Easter Eggs with Onion Skin

Onion skins are the best natural way to colour Easter eggs. The dyeing process is simple and almost free.

7. Dye Your Fabric and Wool

Onion peel is not only suitable for eggs, but also for the natural dyeing of yarns, fabrics and wool.

Also Read: Garlic Farming: Planting, Care, Harvesting-A complete Guide

8. You can use onion skins in broth and soup recipes

With onion skins, you can darken the broth and add a bright colour to your soups and sauces. The peels may not affect the taste, but they will improve the appearance of the product to be cooked. And don’t forget the nutrients, the onion peel is richer in antioxidants than the onion itself.

Vegetable Farming

9 Inventive Ways to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

ByMaryem

Most people probably enjoy a fresh cup of coffee every day. But what are doing after the preparation of coffee are you throwing them into the trash, you’re wasting money. There are few ways in which you can reuse the coffee grounds in the garden around the house. Plants, soil, or even worms love Coffee grounds -different methods to apply for the usage of coffee grounds on your gardening. Coffee grounds have many advantages in your garden, so when you have coffee grounds at home, or can take out them up from your neighborhood cafe for gardening.

The best tips for coffee grounds usage from your favorite cup. Here’s a way to use them in your garden.

How to use coffee grounds in the garden

1. Coffee grounds are used to eliminate bad odors

The coffee grounds will contain nitrogen that will absorb the bad odors. The Brooklyn-based coffee company recommends inserting coffee grounds in an open container inside a cupboard or freezer or anywhere else that smells funky to neutralize the odors. When nitrogen combines with carbon it removes the sulfur content from the air. Instead of using them in other ways if you toss your ground, it will neutralize your garbage.

2. Fertilize your garden with the coffee ground

Coffee grounds are rich in crucial minerals such as chromium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, nitrogen, iron, and magnesium which are needed for plant growth. Sprinkling coffee ground minerals into your garden soil will make wonders for your crop. It will absorb heavy metals from soil and also attracts worms which are beneficial for your garden.

How to Grow Spinach in Pots?

ByMaryem

Are you crazy about spinach? Do you know how to grow spinach? You could be yields your own spinach tasty leaves in your garden within six to eight weeks.

Spinach leaves are rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin c, iron, and calcium. They are several varieties of spinach and it is easy to grow. Once you sow the spinach seeds successfully, you can enjoy the leaves the entire year.

You can enjoy these spinach leaves in a multitude of dishes such as salads, stews, soups, and pasta dishes, etc.

Also Read: How to grow spinach hydroponically?

How to grow spinach in pots?

There are several ways to grow spinach but here you learn about how to grow spinach in pots and it can be placed outdoors, indoors, terrace or courtyard.

There are two ways to grow spinach: the seeds can be transplanted from the root. If you are growing spinach from seed, you can plant the seeds directly in the pot or use the pre-seeding tray. Choose a pot with a wide mouth of 6 to 8 inches deep. You can also use a garden crate, wooden crate, or even a spinach growing container.

Sow the seeds into the soil ½ inch deep. After sowing, they should germinate within 5 to 14 days. However, the time it takes for spinach seeds to germinate will depend on growing conditions and variety.

If you are using a seeding tray, you should wait 2-3 days for the plant to sprout true leaves. Once the actual leaves have grown, the spinach is ready to be transplanted. Spinach loves bright light, although it will grow well in partial shade.

Protect spinach from the midday sun to avoid burns. We recommend growing spinach from seed in early summer as it is a fast-growing plant. Thus, you can simply transplant the spinach along with the rest of the heat-resistant plants. It will grow in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained clay that is rich in compost.

How to take care of spinach?

It is important to organize the space for the plants because you want the spinach to have enough room to grow. Since spinach has larger leaves, you should place each plant 3-5 inches apart. Of course, you can leave less space if you want to harvest young spinach. If you plan on harvesting earlier, you can continue to grow the spinach along with other vegetables in the same pot. Spinach doesn’t need a lot of room to grow.

The water spinach wants to put the plant in a sunny place in the fall, in temperate climates the time is shorter, and the sunlight is less intense, so the bright light does not burn the water spinach. In the spring or summer, you want to place the plant in partial shade. Since spinach is grown in a pot, you can move it around easily. You can also place the morning glory pot in a sunny place in the morning and the shade during the day. In tropical or subtropical climates, place the spinach pot in the shade.

Watering

When watering spinach with water in a pot, do not wet the leaves. Foliage can cause rot or fungal infections. Make sure the pot you are using drains well, as spinach doesn’t like standing water. Water the spinach regularly in a gentle bath. This is especially true for newly planted seedlings or seeds, where the strong environment can wash away the planted seeds.

Also Read: Why Are My Spinach Leaves Turning Yellow

Soil

Composting the soil is equally important when growing spinach. The soil texture should remain humid and brittle. Spinach hates soaking dense soil in water, so use well-drained soil for optimal plant growth. Keep the soil always moist, never soggy. Moisturizing the soil and protecting spinach from excessive heat, adding mulch. This is true even for potted spinach. Use organic coating materials.

Temperature

Sprout at temperatures below 40 degrees F or 4 degrees C. This vegetable also sprouts at high temperatures, but too much heat can cause burns. The ideal soil temperature for germinating spinach seeds should be maintained at 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 10 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Spinach is surprisingly hardy and can withstand frost. Ripe spinach leaves will not freeze until the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the spinach needs to be protected from the heat. You can also add mulch to lower soil temperatures in summer.

Fertilizers

Growing spinach loves nitrogen, so enrich the soil with this nutrient before sowing seeds. Just mix compost or well-rotted manure with potting soil. You can also use timing fertilizer or liquid fertilizer; just make sure the nutrients enter the soil slowly. While the spinach is growing, enrich the soil with fish emulsion, cotton meal, compost, or compost tea.

If you use liquid or liquid fertilizers from time to time, add them at regular intervals to ensure sustainable growth. Spread the manure around the base of the water spinach and then gently fertilize the soil. Do this carefully because spinach has shallow roots extinction.

Soil pH

The pH value of soil should be maintained from 6 to 7. Otherwise, if the soil pH is below 6 then the leaves of spinach can turn yellow and wilted. So, maintain the pH above 6.5 which leads to slow growth.

Harvesting spinach from pots

After germination for nearly 50 days, the spinach is almost ready to harvest. Generally, the spinach plant has grown in a pot with 4 inches in height and at least 6 leaves then you can harvest it. You can remove the leaves with scissors. Cut off the outer leaves first and leave the new inner leaves to grow a little longer. You can also cut off the entire plant from the base. The tree will grow again.

You want to start harvesting. The spinach leaves before the plant blooms, otherwise, the leaves will become too bitter to eat. Flowers can bloom in hot and humid weather. The spinach will grow into a straight stem and produce yellow or green flowers. The flowers grow, the leaves thicken and taste bitter. This is called bolting.

Conclusion

As you can see, growing spinach in a pot is surprisingly easy. But to enjoy a bountiful harvest, remember all the gardening tips above.