Author: Maryem

Vegetable Farming

How to Grow Spinach in Pots?

Author 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.

Fruit Farming

How to Grow Tamarind Tree?

Author ByMaryem

The tamarind tree is easy to grow and it’s a low maintenance plant with a few needs. It is native to Africa and grows as a wild plant in India. It is also grown in various countries such as Southeast Asia, Australia, North America, and South America.

Tamarind tree can survive more than 300 years and it is a slow-growing tree. The leaves of the tree look like acacia leaves. The tropical tree can be able to reach a height up to 90 feet tall and nearly as wide as in a frost-free climate.

Growing tamarind from seed:

The safest methods for home gardeners are to boil water and/or prolonged soaking to break up the hard shell surrounding the workpiece.

 Boil water in a kettle. Place the seeds in a cup and pour boiling water over the seeds. Set aside the cup out of the reach of children and pets, and let the seeds soak for at least an hour. Alternatively, place the seeds in a jar and cover them with warm tap water. It allows the seeds to soak for 12 to 24 hours before planting.

Also Read: What is Mango Farming all about? A complete guide

Care for a tamarind tree:

When seedlings emerge, remove the mulch and place them on a bright spot, preferably in full sun, or under an illuminated growing platform for 12 hours or more per day. As the seedlings grow, transplant them into larger containers to accommodate the roots. To grow as an ornamental plant, plant in a shallow ceramic pot. Use a well-drained potting mix or make your own using equal parts coconut fiber, compost, and coarse sand.

Keep the plant moist until it is planted in a container, and then reduce watering. Regularly until you water only when the topsoil is 1 to 2 inches dry.

Fertilize every two to three months with Fertilizer 6-6-3. Add a layer of compost or mulch on top of the soil every two to three months. Pull 3-4 inches away from the barrel.

Wear protective equipment, including gloves and goggles, and disinfect the trimming tools by dipping the blades in isopropyl alcohol or Lysol.

Prune the tree as required to control its growth and size. Remove dead branches of the tamarind tree. When grown as an ornamental plant, you can also carefully trim the roots to make the tree smaller by expanding the trunk.

Mulching:

Every spring, early in the morning, spread a layer of mulch around the tamarind. It helps protect the roots of the tree, prevent weeds and keep the soil moist, mimicking the effect of natural forest covers.

Pruning:

In the mature stage, the tamarind tree grows naturally, has on a characteristic round, generating a few shades under a dense canopy. You do not need to shape the tamarind tree by pruning to achieve this desired property. The University of Florida IFAS Expansion Program notes that some trees can produce multiple crustal stems, which are pieces of bark that form in the area between trunks or between the main trunk and branches, which can damage a weak tree.

This problem can be easily avoided by pruning young tamarind trees. Make sure that the branches growing from the central trunk are separated from each other, rather than growing together. Remove branches that are more than half the trunk. Clean or soak pruning tools in ethanol or isopropyl alcohol between each incision to prevent the spread of the disease.

Also Read: How to Grow a Lemon Tree in Pot | Care and Growing Lemon Tree

Pest and Diseases:

Tamarind trees are very susceptible to pests such as scaly aphids, mealybugs, aphids, moths, and spots on the leaves.

How to grow tamarind tree:

Tamarind may be a tropical tree, it endures gentle winter however growing it outside in an exceedingly colder climate is certainly a nasty idea. If you would like to grow it, grow tamarind trees in a pot and keep them inside or in a greenhouse throughout winter. You’ll conjointly build a pretty tree of the tamarind tree.

Tamarind tree growing requirements:

Sun:

Tamarind requires full sunlight and it loves heat and high-temperature climate.

Soil:

Tamarind loves deep clay soil. It grows well in neutral and sandy conditions such as clay, even saline soils. The soil must be well-drained. To grow tamarind, you don’t need to worry about soil pH. It grows at a pH of around 4.5-9.

Watering:

Water the seedling when the first layer of soil is dry. Once rooted, tamarind does not require irrigation and can tolerate severe drought periods painlessly.

Fertilizers:

Tamarind does not require fertilization, so you can fertilize it as recommended in a soil test to make sure you don’t overdo it. In the absence of soil testing, fertilize young plants every two to three months with 6-6-3 fertilizer or compost. Equivalently, starting at 1/4 pound of fertilizer per plant and gradually increasing to 1/2 pound of fertilizer per year, starting at the age of the tree, three to four times per year. If your tamarind tree is fruitful, apply fertilizer 8-3-9 or equivalent organic matter at a rate of 0.5 lb per year to the aged tree on the same schedule three to four times per year.

It is important to check the soil before fertilizing. Your plants need trace minerals like iron, which may be lacking in alkaline soil. The cooperative extension service you live in can do a soil test for a small fee, and all you have to do is bring a soil sample around the tree to your local office.

Health Benefits of tamarind:

  • Digestive health is good
  • Heart health is good
  • Source of iron and good blood circulation
  • Aid in nerve function
  • Aids in weight loss
  • Helps in managing diabetes

Tamarind uses:

Tamarind fruits are used fresh and for the preparation of juices, sauces, jams, drinks, and syrups. Tamarind pulp is used in many South Asian dishes and curry recipes.

Vegetable Farming

11 Best Tomato Varieties for Hanging Baskets

Author ByMaryem

Plants that are kept small and survive in smaller baskets are perfect for small spaces. When browsing the seed catalogue or talking to a helpful person in the garden centre, look for plants that can tolerate smaller containers, have smaller mature growth sizes, and have dwarf, shrubs, or definitive names.

For urban gardens small tomato varieties are ideal because they don’t need much space. Many people are heard about cherry tomatoes but there are several small tomato varieties are available.

Tomato is one of the best and essential vegetable grown in garden, even small or non space gardener can enjoy the hanging basket tomatoes. Tomatoes are the vegetable that flourish when grown in containers with their different varieties and pair them with my 11 tomato varieties for growing a rich crop of delicious tomatoes in pots.

When you are planting the tomato plants for first time, it is mostly recommends to purchase the tomato seedling from nursery preferably starting from seeds. With your seeding in your hand, you are very close to enjoy your own home grown tomatoes.          

Here are 11 types of small tomato varieties are planting in your garden. They all are suitable for containers and pots also.

 Black Pearl

Black pearl tomatoes are rich in colour gets from anthocynanins, which are powerful antioxidants and it has a sweet, tangy flavour. The black pearl can grown in 5 feet height and it need a stack or cage for support. They are ready to harvest within 65 days.

Also Read: Growing Tomato for Your favorite Cuisines

 Roma

Roma tomatoes are one of the most popular for cooking and also known as Italian tomatoes. They are ideal for making pasta sauces and canning. If you want to cook Italian recipes you will definitely need to plant Roma tomatoes in your garden.

 Sweetie

Sweetie is one of the sweetest tomatos than most of the other tomatoes. It is small and has higher sugar content. It has a lengthy fruiting season and you can start harvesting from 65 days after planting.  

 Yellow Currant

A tiny yellow tomato variety which is add to salads, it makes a perfect bite size snack and you can also pop them into kids lunch box.

 Super Sweet

Super sweet tomato plants starts production from summer and continue until the first frost.

 Baby Red Pear

It is a small juice red tomato which grows to 1.5 inches in length. The fruit became ripe in a cluster. It has along fruiting season and they are climbers need stalking.

Green Grape

Green grape tomatoes grow small and they turns yellow/ green colour when ripe. This plant may need support due to surplus yield of small tomatoes.

 Tumbling Tom

Tumbling tom tomato plants ideal for hanging baskets because of cascading or trailing habit. Especially if they are located in full sun, they need consistent water and you will harvest the tomatoes in about 70 days.

 Golden Grape

Golden grape is another type of small yellow tomato; it is an ideal snacking tomato that is low in seeds. These plants are high in yield and produce surplus of tomatoes.

 Golden Nugget

Golden nugget tomatoes are yellow in colour; because they are lower in acidity their taste is milder than regular tomatoes. It looks great on the vine and they are especially used for salads and snacks.

Also Read: How To Hand Pollinate Tomato Flowers To 3x Tomato Yield?

 Cherry Cocktail

Another small tomato variety is the cherry cocktail, which produces small tomatoes full of flavour. Plants are uncertain (climbing), so cuttings are needed, and the maturity period is about 70 days. More fruit is produced on the vine.

Growing small tomato plants

Growing small varieties of tomatoes is very easy, even for inexperienced gardeners and children.

Before planting tomato seeds, bury some compost in the soil.

 You can plant seeds indoors in early spring and transplant them into your garden as soon as the weather gets warmer. There is no more frost.

 Small tomatoes can also be grown in large containers, using stakes or tomato cages to support the plants.

Tomato can grow good in full sun, so select the spot which receive at least 6 hours daylight each day.

Tomato need compatible moisture to avoid splitting and for growth.

Tomatoes grown in containers will dry out quickly, and may need to be watered once or twice a day in the hot summer.

Most small varieties of tomatoes can be harvested 65-70 days after planting.

Tomatoes will continue to ripen after harvest, but it is best to leave tomatoes in the bushes until they turn bright red or yellow to enhance the flavour.

You can choose a single tomato according to your needs, or you can cut the entire bouquet with a pruning knife or sharp scissors.

Advantages to growing tomatoes in hanging baskets

  • To extend the growing season, place the hanging basket in a sheltered place or indoors in cold weather.
  • Hang it in a suitable place flush with the line of sight to make harvesting easier.
  • Allows you to grow delicious tomatoes without consuming precious garden soil.

Farming Pedia

How to Grow Cashews Tree| Growing Cashew Nuts at Home

Author ByMaryem

Are you thinking about the fruits which seeds are outside of fruit? Cashew and strawberry are the 2 fruits they seed outside of the fruit.

They are several benefits of cashews check them and let us learn about how to plant and grow the cashews tree at home.

Introduction

The cashew tree is one of the best and most versatile evergreen trees which produce cashew fruits. It produces two types of fruits cashew nuts and the cashew apple. In general, we all are aware of cashew nuts but not about cashew apples. The cashew tree is cultivated for commercial purposes in Brazil and India. It is originated from Central America and the Caribbean islands. Cashew tree likes tropical climate whether the climate is wet or dry and it grows flowers as well as fruits in winter.

Planting the cashews

Cashew tree prefers the sandy soil and laterite soil because ensuring a lack of waterlogging. Avoid different types of soil which permit free flow irrigation can lead to damage to the tree. It will grow in poor sandy soil with a pH of about 5- 6.5. They never grow in clay soil and the soil should be well-drained in such a way that water flows smoothly.  

To propagate cashews from seed and then buy seeds from the nearest nurseries that are matured unshelled nuts. They are viable for up to 4 months. Have you collected seeds from the tree, dry them for 3 days in sunlight and soak in water overnight before sowing. They sowed seeds can be germinated for 4 days to 3 weeks. 

Also Read: How to grow cherry trees- A complete guide

Requirements for growing the cashews

Sun 

Cashew nuts tree requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. It can’t grow quickly in shades and doesn’t produce fruits. 

Water

The cashew tree is drought-tolerant if once established. If you provide water regularly it can produce more fruits. In summer, regularly water the plant once in the afternoon time. Withhold water or reduce watering in winter twice or thrice week water the plant and overwatering also kill the cashew tree. So, watered the plant when it becomes dry and lets the soil dry out then water it frequently.

Fertilizers

Cashews need to be fertilized regularly for the tree to grow and bear fruit, use a slow-release fertilizer according to the product instructions on the package. Apply around the base of the tree, every two months during the growing season fertilize at the same time. Compost or manure is applied once a year at about 30 pounds (15 kg) above the ground until the plant is ripe.

Harvesting the cashews

Select the fruit when it is pinkish red and the skin is dark gray. This color means that the fruit is ripe and the skin is fully formed. This usually happens in winter or during the rainy season (depending on what climate you are in).

Separate the shell from the fruit (cashew). The pods are kidney-shaped and stick to the fruit at one end. Twisting the peel should remove the fruit.

 The fruit is also edible, contains many nutrients, and many people use it for smoothies or even eat it raw. The peel can be stored for up to two years before further processing.

Roast raw shells in a frying pan covered with fine sand for 10-20 minutes. This is because there are walnuts inside the shell, but there is also extremely acidic caustic oil that can burn you. Sealing the shells is very important or completely immerses you in the sand. The temperature for this process should be around 190 ° C (374 ° F). Anything above will cause the oil to evaporate into smoke (which should be avoided) and dry out. Use an old or disposable oven tray, as oil residues are difficult to remove afterward.

Sift sand seashells. Before further processing, the housing should be rinsed with detergent to avoid contact with oil residues. Be careful not to get into your eyes or face during this process, as oil may remain on it.

Break the shell, the nuts prepared for peeling from the inside will have a layer around, you must carefully peel with a knife before moving on to the next step.

Roast walnuts in coconut oil for 5 minutes. Made to remove toxic oil residues and ensure you are edible. The oil should be heated to approximately 150 ° C (302 ° F). Walnuts are ready to eat.

Growing tips for cashews

Sow fresh cashews for easy sprouting. 

A plant grown from seed takes 3 to 5 years to bear its first fruits. 

Our recommendation is to buy potted plants from the nursery. If you do this, you will not get the expected results. 

Find the location which is protected from the wind. It grows best at around 80 degrees F (25 degrees C), although it can withstand temperatures from 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) to 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C) No problem. 

Make sure there are no weeds, small bushes, vines, or debris around the cashew root. Watch out for diseased or dead branches and prune them if necessary.

Also Read: Custard Apple Farming Was Never So Fruitful – Read This Guide Till The End

Cashew tree care

Pruning

Prune the cashew tree regularly to remove weak, dead, shriveled branches, as well as infected and diseased branches. Also, prune overcrowded branches to promote strong growth.

Mulch 

Organic matter around the cashew tree to prevent weeds and retain moisture. 

Pests and Diseases 

Cashews are generally free of pests and diseases as long as they are healthy and Webber.

Farming Pedia

10 Herbs You Can Grow Indoors in Water All Year Long

Author ByMaryem

Winter months are usually associated with an end in fresh local produce. However, some plants can be grown indoors and that too without having to undergo the hassle of dealing with planters and mud.

These plants can be rooted with its base intact from whole leaves as well as trimmed stems. However, the steams need to be at least 6 inches long and have leaves removed from 4 inches of its bottom for best results. While using, herbs bought from grocery store, it is advisable to cut the bottom of each stem for aiding in the water absorption.

It is also advisable to place the herb stems in opaque glass jars filled with water and keep the same under direct sunlight for about 6 hours daily. Each leaf should also be clipped as it derives full size. This shall encourage the stem to produce more leaves at its top region and even fasten its growth drive.

Today we are going to take you through 10 perennial herbs which can be grown indoors during winter months. These plants will thus keep on coming back provided you pinch off its older leaves as they attain bigger size.

#1 Peppermint

mint

This plant is perfect for curing digestive problems as well as irritable bowel syndrome. It can even relieve nausea, stress, headache as well as other inflammatory conditions.

Peppermint can be grown in a super easy manner by placing a few fresh cuttings in a mason jar. The medicinal properties of peppermint induce a cooling sensation post consumption without altering the temperature of your body.

#2 Spearmint

Spearmint can be grown pretty quickly and is a much-favoured herb due to its anti-androgenic properties which can help in curing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

#3 Thyme

This plant can be kept moist by spritzing some water every now and then. It serves as the absolute nemesis of cancer cells and can even prevent tooth decay, lower blood pressure and ease stomach disorders triggered by bacteria and fungi.

All you need to do is collect its cuttings once its lush green growth appears. You should be extra cautious about the growth getting stiff and brown as it becomes difficult for the roots to sprout in such a case.

The time between mid-springs and early summer is considered best for taking the cuttings prior to the flowering session. After being cut, thyme stems should immediately be placed I water so that they can dry out fast.

#4 Stevia

You can grow this natural sweetener at your home for avoiding genetically modified organisms as well as pesticides from wreaking havoc in its growth. Stevia is ideal for nicotine addicts as it can bring down your addiction rhetorically.

However, for best results, it is advisable to keep the stevia plant in a warm area as it gets lacklustre once the mercury starts dipping. You need to collect its cuttings from actively growing soft branches and place them in water.

#5 Basil

This pain-relieving supplement serves as a potent antiviral and anti-fungal agent which can be grown pretty easily in water. Basil strives pretty well in the warmth of your kitchen provided it is placed under ample amount of light.

You can also take the cuttings prior to its flowering and place them in water for being grown during winter months.

#6 Sage

A few sage sprigs curated from an outdoor plant and placed in shallow water can sprout roots pretty quickly. However, sage doesn’t like growing in crowded places as it tends to grow mildew in such cases.

Sage can also prevent inflammatory response in our body which makes it the prefect herb to treat bronchial asthma, arthritis and atherosclerosis. You need to collect soft cuttings during spring time and root it in water. Just a small amount of sage can impart a rich taste to your dishes.

#7 Oregano

Oregano is similar to basil in terms of its anti-fungal and antibacterial attributes. You can use its leaves for imparting to dash of flavour to various dishes. You just have to collect some of its fresh cuttings and place it inside a pot having adequate water.

#8 Lemon Balm

You can prevent all chances of root rot by changing its water on a daily basis. This revitalizing herb can repel mosquitoes, heal cold sores, reduce anxiety and assist in digestion. Its lemony smell is bound to freshen you up during winter months. However, for best results, it is advisable to store the same in a place receiving adequate indirect light.

#9 Rosemary

The thick stems of this plant make it difficult for roots to grow. You can however fasten up the process by storing it in a window shed receiving ample amount of sunlight. Dried rosemary tastes more fresh and can be of great help in stimulating hair growth, improving cognitive functioning and preventing inflammation.

#10 Tarragon

You can grow tarragon in warm sunny spots after which it can treat metabolic syndrome, moderate blood sugar level and even act as a potent antibacterial agent.

Bottom Line

These indoor plants can cater to your culinary needs round the clock. They also rank pretty high in terms of flavour and can be grown irrespective of the changing seasons.

Vegetable Farming

How to Grow Beans: Planting, Care, Yield, Harvesting?

Author ByMaryem

The term beans generally refers to large seeded plants that include soybean, peanut and peas.  Beans are one of the evergreen vegetables that can be grown easily in your backyard, terrace garden and even in your balcony as well. They belong to the legume family and have enormous amounts of health benefits. 

Beans are a good source of protein and fiber and are also rich in iron, potassium and magnesium. 

How to Grow Beans and What Month do you Plant Beans:

Beans need warm weather to grow, so if you are planning to grow green beans then summer is best for growing, start it in summer as cold weather or frost can damage the seeds and make them rotten. Sow the seeds directly in the garden, if you transplant it later,  then the roots may get easily damaged as they are shallow. 

Before planting the beans make sure to know about the type of plant that it grows into, whether it is a bush bean or pole bean.

Bush bean: If it is a bush bean then sow the seeds one or two inches deep and apart. In case you are planting it in garden then the rows should be 2-3 feet apart. 

Pole bean: If you are planting pole bean then they need support of some stick or pole to grow. For every 3-4 seeds one pole is required with a space of 3-4 feet between each pole.

These beans grow when under full sunlight or at least look for a place where there is partial sunlight. The soil should be well drained but moist enough for the seeds to germinate.

Different Types Of Beans:

Beans come in large variety, some can be eaten raw while the other needs to be cooked. The green tender pods can be consumed as it is, where as the dried ones need to be cooked before consuming. 

They are considered nutritious as it contains large amount of protein, carbohydrates and minerals. The various beans cultivated through out the world are

  • French Beans
  • Soy Beans
  • Kidney Beans
  • Cluster Beans
  • Lima Beans
  • Broad Beans
  • Sword Beans
  • Garden Beans
  • Dolichos Beans
  • Navy Beans
  • Fava Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Cranberry Beans

In this article we are going to study about how to grow kidney beans, when to harvest beans, when to plant broad beans and how long do broad beans take to grow.

How To Grow Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are very healthy as they contain antioxidant properties, vitamin B6, folic acid as well as cholesterol lowering fiber. Kidney beans can be a good choice for vegan’s as well as the one having diabetes. Kidney beans need to be consumed only once they are dried and cooked, the raw once are toxic. 

Kidney beans can be planted when the temperature is about 18-26 degree Celsius. It is best to do the planting in the spring or after the last frost. It give good results when they are directly sowed in the garden instead of doing transplant, as it may damage the plant and it may not yield well. 

Kidney beans comes in two varieties-bush and vine. Make sure you know what type of seed you are using. The vine variety need some sort of support like a pole or trellis to grow.

The planting area should have full sun exposure or at least for about 6 hours daily. Kidney beans require humidity and warmth to thrive. Make sure that the temperature does not go below 16 degree Celsius. Sow the kidney bean seeds 1-2 inches below the soil surface, giving a space of about 4 inches between each seed. Water the plant daily once, when the soil is dried out, do not give over supply of water. The seeds will germinate in about 10-12 days. 

Unexpectedly if there is snow fall after the beans have sprouted , cover the seedlings with a canvas or cloth so that it doesn’t get effected by the freezing temperature. 

Harvest And Storage

If you have planted bush variety then it needs to be harvested only once at the end of the growing season. But if it is pole variety then it has to be harvested several times through out the season. The average harvesting time will be 3-4 months depending on the type of seed you use. 

If there are some unfavorable conditions like dropping temperature that may threaten your harvest then pull out the plants early. Keep the plants for the pods to dry out completely, it may take several days or weeks. As you dry the seeds keep them in a warm indoor location with lots of circulating air. 

How To Grow Broad Beans

 Broad beans produce high yields from the smaller area of garden. These can be grown in modest sized pots as well. This vegetable is easy to grow, especially a good activity for children. 

Lets learn about when and how to grow broad beans.

Before starting with the planting few things need to be kept in mind. Always choose a spot away from strong winds, sheltered spot, fertile land and a place where you can easily get sunlight.

When To Grow Broad Beans

Some variety of broad beans need to ne sown in spring while some are well grown if you plant them in autumn. If you sow it in November, that is autumn then it will germinate within 2-3 weeks. 

The germinated seeds will overwinter and start growing again in spring. In severe winters you need to protect the crops by covering it with fleece or cloches. 

How To Sow Broad Beans

The seeds of broad beans should be sown 2 inch deep into the soil. Each seed should have a gap of at least 9 inches. These can be sown in double row with a gap of 9 inches between each row. After sowing the seeds water them adequately. 

Now you will be concerned about how long does it take for the broad beans to grow. Well the answer is that these beans germinate in approximately 10 days. 

When To Harvest Broad Beans

Broad beans should be harvested and when they are 3 inches long. You can even wait for a little longer and harvest them later. But make sure that when you harvest the seeds should be soft and pots well filled. 

Best time to consume them is when the scar on the edge of the seed is white or green. If it has become black then the bean will become hard and chewy. 

The most important thing to keep in mind while sowing any seed is that don’t be in a hurry to plant the seeds, wait till the weather becomes appropriate as all the seeds may not be suitable for all typed of weather.

Take proper care after the seeds germinate and protect them from insects and mice attack.

Vegetable Farming

How to Grow Litchi Tomatoes and Harvest?

Author ByMaryem

A Morelle de balbis shrub is another name for Litchi tomatoes. It has been grown in small gardens and is now increasingly popular in heirloom gardening. Solanum sisymbriifolium is its Latin name which is from the nightshade family along with tomatoes and eggplants. It is native to South America. It will grow in tropical and warm temperature regions. It had an indigenous culture for hundreds of years as an important food staple. Litchi tomato plant appears like 5 feet tall and wide.

Take the prime example of Litchi tomato of a smattering of weird and beautiful traits, all in a single plant. It seems like a cherry tomato plant with its deep lobed green leaves, spreading habit, and similar small red fruits. When comes close the leaves of the Litchi tomato can be covered with spines like cactus and the fruits are hidden in tiny shell-like tomatillos.

The bigger and fluffy flowers look like squash plants. The Litchi tomatoes from the outside look red in color and when sliced they revealed a velvety yellow interior. If you pop one litchi tomato into your mouth feels like raspberries. The flavor of litchi tomato is slightly seemed like cheery with a subtle hint of tomato. Although many of them get different tastes like kiwi, watermelon, apple, pear and few of them said like creamy and sweet ground cherries with mixed tomatoes. The deeply lobed leaves with tooth margins appear as attractive when it blooms.

Also Read: Why Are My Tomato Flowers Falling Off?

Growing conditions for Litchi tomatoes

Litchi tomatoes like warm temperature and deep sunlight.

Hardiness

The litchi tomato doesn’t like cooler temperatures and is very sensitive. It can survive dips as 25°F and is remarkably tolerant to light frost. This is an invaluable trait that can squeeze to more harvest before winter.

Light requirement

It can be grown in full sunlight and can tolerate light shades also.

Soil 

The litchi tomato can prefer moist and sandy soils with a wide range of soil types and pH.

Watering

For every week give them at least 1 inch of water for better productivity and good health of the plant. 

 Fertilizers

Fertilize tomato plants as usual regular tomato plants. As fertile feeders, these plants will benefit from generous amounts of organic fertilizer applied regularly throughout the growing season. 

Pruning

Massive throne shrubs will grow from litchi tomatoes. Regular pruning will make it easier to manage. Litchi tomatoes have different growth habits than regular tomatoes. The flower buds emerge from the main stem and are leafless. You can trim branches with unwanted leaves, but try to leave young shoots and buds on the tree. It will not bear fruit.

Plant supports   

Likewise, using tomato cages and other plant supports can help maintain the restraint of litchi tomatoes. 

Pollination 

Litchi tomatoes self-fertilize but produce more fruit when more than single plants are planted together.

Where to buy litchi seeds?

Since litchi tomatoes are a unique heirloom variety, you are unlikely to find seeds for sale in garden centers or seed catalogs.

 Local seed libraries and seed exchanges are good places to look, as well as these online sellers: 

  • Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds,
  • Amazon
  • Etsy
  • eBay

How to grow litchi tomatoes from seeds?

Since litchi tomatoes are related to tomatoes, the growing instructions are somewhat similar. 

Sow seeds indoors approximately 7-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Draw one seedling per pot and transplant it outdoors when the frost hazard is over. Plant them 1/2 feet apart, leaving enough room to grow. 

The plant grows in dense vegetation, reaches 3-5 feet in height, and is often made in a trellis or cage, like a tomato. 

Grow litchi tomatoes in full sun, although they do well in partial shade as well.

Also Read: Best Potting Soil For Tomatoes?

How to harvest litchi tomatoes?

Litchi tomatoes take about 90 days to bear their first fruits (after transplanting), which means they will bear fruit even with our short growing season of 100-110 days in Vermont. Add to that the fact that they are frost-resistant and will allow you to work even in remote northern climates. 

To harvest, carefully remove the fruit from the stem. When the fruit is fully ripe, the thorns will bend away from the fruit and the fruit will easily fall off the stem. You are not ripe yet.

The longer you preserve them at the plant, the sweeter they may be. The fruit must launch without difficulty from the calyx; if it resists, wait some extra days.

Fruits that have fallen off the plant are a signal of height ripeness so acquire those as well.

Some gardeners record that it’s going to produce fruit extra abundantly closer to fall because the climate cools. Fruits harvested in cooler climates additionally tend to be very candy and feature an extra fruity taste.

Seed Preservation of Litchi tomato

Tomatoes fruits are riddled with tiny flat seeds that are easy to preserve from year to year by fermenting and drying. These plants are also easy to self-sow too.

 Diseases and Pests of Litchi Tomatoes 

Another notable feature of litchi tomatoes is their impressive resistance to most pests and diseases. 

The leaves and stems of the plant contain solasodine, a substance that is very toxic to fungi and insects.

 Tomato leaf beetles are affected at all stages of life, which reduces the overall survival rate of adults, pupation, and metamorphosis of leaf larvae.

 Look for tomato hornworms and potato beetles. These two vicious enemies do not appear to be affected by the chemical solasodine.

Livestock farming

How to Cure Four Common Chicken Health Issues with Treats & Supplements

Author ByMaryem

 Do you want to know about chicken keeper’s hidden fear of anything going wrong with their flocks? There are several health issues that chicken can experience.

You raise a few chickens, everything is fine in life. Then one day you walked to the street and saw a dead bird, a sick bird. At that moment, you are in awe of death and think that you have failed to raise chickens. The reality is that sick or injured flocks can affect almost anyone. Of course, there are ways to prevent disease and failure. Today we are going to talk about some of the most common diseases and injuries in chickens and how to treat them effectively.

How to Cure Four Common Chicken Health Issues

1. Digestive Issues

Chicken can suffer from various digestive issues, from feeding problem to ventilation problem. Prevention is a fundamental key to digestion, if you keep your chicken’s guts bacteria healthy, they are less likely to get sick. Feeding chicken with probiotic yogurt once a week is a very valuable treat!

Our flocks also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water once a week to control their intestinal flora. If your herd has digestive problems, probiotics are really helpful. Just follow the instructions on the package to manage your flock, and the probiotics will help them heal everything that bothers them.

2. Weak eggshell

Sand is another preventive measure needed to keep chickens digested. Chickens naturally eat the sand in their stomachs to digest food. Chickens raised every day can find the sand they need to stay healthy. Chickens cannot develop freely and need to add sand to maintain their health. Provide sand as an additive of your choice, and then leave the bowl to the chicken. Weak or soft shell is a common problem in chickens. This is due to the lack of calcium in chicken feed. This problem is easy to diagnose and fix. To get a strong, tough eggshell, but if not, you can try some additives.

Ground oyster shells are ideal for most growers facing soft or weak eggs. Oyster shells are provided to their flock’s free choice and are not mixed with feed. Place the bowl in the feeding area and the hens will start to rise. There is also a free solution that works too! Every time you prepare breakfast, save the eggshells of the flock. if you have a dozen eggs, use a mortar and pestle to grind them into powder. Provide a dust-free option for your flock, just like using oyster shells. It has a high calcium content, which can help the eggshell obtain the energy it needs.

Also Read: Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Laying Hens Happy Through the Winter

3. Molting

Molting is a very difficult for your chickens. Not only are your chicken half naked, trembled, and confused, but they also need to quickly re-grow their lost feathers!

Feathers are mainly composed of proteins, so chicken need to add extra protein to their diet during molting so that they can grow healthy feathers. During molting is a great idea to feeding high protein chicken feeders like feather fixer, if you don’t have entry to that, the normal feed can be stick and supplement with protein instead.

 Our favorite Mealworms and grubs are rich in protein that is easy to treat. Mealworms are inexpensive and a long-time favorite for our flocks. It is especially helpful with rate and our birds can eat them frequently. Grubs are costly but it has a pack off with higher protein punch.

4. Behavioral & Stress problems

Stress will not only affect you, but also your flock. Over-stressed chickens suffer from various physical problems and can also be a source of frightening of their fellow flocks. Behavioral problems such as bullying, egg picking, and hiding can be the source of your herd’s overstress and lack of entertainment.

Chicken tends to get stress for the following reasons

  • Introduce a new person to the flock
  • Loose flock member
  • Adding light to the birdcage
  • Re-arrange the cage especially henhouse and nest boxes
  • Lacking of food and water
  • Deficient of roost or nesting box
  • Maximum heat or cold
  • Being caged up too long
  • Predators  hidden in the area
  • Pests like mites, lice or rodents cause destruction on your flocks.

If you observed any of those stressors will be affecting your flock, it’s crucial to address them proper away. Stress now no longer simplest ends in conduct troubles inside the flock however can result in illness, wounds, and death as well. One more good way to reduce stress in your flocks is to divert them with treats and supplement! Chickens which might be entertained are a long way probably to pick on each other. Chickens are very food encouraged creatures, and a number of the subsequent hen toys had been verified to bust that boredom so the flock is happier and healthier.

Ways to entertain your flocks with food

  • Hang a cabbage or head of lettuce from the roof
  • Fill the gift ball with vegetables and observe the chasing among your flocks
  • Fill the feed box with mealworms and observe the flocks play to get out of them.

If you work hard to provide your flocks with everything they need to prevent disease before the disease strikes, you will be fine! Make sure you stock up on the best hospitality, entertainment, and supplements to keep them happy and healthy.

Also Read: How to Start a Chicken Farm Business

Boosting Immunity

Improve the health of chicks through the use of feed additives and additives that optimize nutrient absorption. The use of high-quality food supplements can reduce the microbial load in feed and raw materials, improve digestion, and restore a healthy number of intestinal bacteria.

Vegetable Farming

Grow Asparagus Easily: Plant It Once and Harvest for 30 Years

Author ByMaryem

Asparagus is a one of the earliest plant that greets us in spring time! Once it will habitual the tender hearted spear will come back year after year. Its ferny foliage will make magnificent ornamental. Now how to grow asparagus plant through harvest.

In high temperature regions asparagus can grow as well as it will have grown actively in long winter seasons also. The young stem shoot is the edible part of the asparagus plant which appears the soil temperature increase above 50F in spring.

If you are starting asparagus bed as a dedication, but this dedication will worth it later. The important point about asparagus is to know that during couple of seasons it should not be harvest. You need to root these plant before they can be harvested. Once entrenched, it will produce for 15 to 20 years but you need to well maintained the beds to produce 30 years and more.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES TO GROW?

As I mentioned above the newly planted asparagus require 2 to 3 years to start and produce, so forbearance is needed! Once established, it can be productive for decades.

Asparagus is a fast producer, once it starts its productivity new spears were send up for every few days in a spring.

Also Read: Organic asparagus farming techniques

WHEN TO PLANT ASPARAGUS?

Asparagus plant can be plant in early spring; the soil works as soon as possible. Most of the gardener plant the asparagus at the same time when the potatoes go in the ground.

Asparagus can be grown from seed but if you take 1-year-old plant called “crowns”, it eliminates the year that comes with starting from seed, it will speed up the production.

  • Before sowing seeds soak them in water for up to 24 hours.
  • In peat cups sow seeds can be moistened in flats.
  • If the plant reached 12 inches harden them off outdoor for a week.
  • At last spring frost, transplant the young plant to temporary garden, once identify the male asparagus plant and transplant it to permanent site.

CHOOSE AND PREPARE A PLANTING SITE

Asparagus is a perennial plant that return year after year in the same location, although it’s important to select a proper site for planting where it will flourish.

  • Select the site with full sunlight.
  • Place the asparagus bed at the corner of your garden whether it not be disturbed by various other planting activities.
  • Make sure about the bed will drain well, Asparagus does not like its roots get too wet.  If you don’t get any with good drainage facility, then you can consider raised bed for asparagus.
  • Asparagus in lightly acidic soil develop in neutral condition.
  • From planting site remove all the weeds digging over it. Make a layer of compost, soil mix or aged manure is about 2- 4 inch.
  • Allow the asparagus crowns to root properly in a loosened soil up to 10 -15-inch depth.

HOW TO PLANT ASPARAGUS?

  • Plant crown can be protected from the cultivation need annual weed control.
  • If you are digging a trench more than one, 3 feet space should be maintained among them. Dimensions of the trench must be 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.
  • In lukewarm water soak the crowns before planting
  • At the Centre of trench make a 2-inch-high spot of soil and place the crown on top and spread the roots evenly.
  • Some gardeners just cover the trench with soil and compost. Although it is believed that traditional methods usually produce stronger plants, gardeners rarely have any problems with the all at once method. The ground is quite loose, and the spear can easily slip to the surface.

Also Read: Bitter Gourd Farming: Basic Process And Diseases

CARE

  • From my side I recommend that when trench is filled with soil then add 4 to 6-inch layer of mulch.
  • The big issue with asparagus you have to manage weeds for first two years. it should not get disturb its roots while hand pulling the weeds. Mulch with compost or grass clipping helps to keep soil moisture and decrease weed growth.
  • For first 2 years it requires 1 to 2 inch of water per week for per square feet. Use drip irrigation if required for watering purpose.
  • Use organic fertilizer in growing season and follow the instruction of labels whatever material should be used.

BEFORE HARVESTING

  • Asparagus take time to grow from its root system, so in first 2 years don’t harvest the spears and cut down the dead leaves in late fall and dressed with compost.
  • In early fall in spring dressed up with compost during second year and retain the bed thickly with mulch.
  • In third year, the bed will produce full production, then you can start harvesting spears all over the season.

TRANSPLANTATING ASPARAGUS

  • In early spring transplant the crowns when they are slumbering. With the help of garden forks dig and lift the crowns with careful not to be disturb roots. Make the clump into two are more pieces. In following year not to be harvest.

Pests/Diseases

Weeds are the biggest concern in the asparagus bed. Hand pulling must be done in regular basis in early summer and in spring. Slightly cultivate to avoid come out damages of asparagus spear.

HOW TO HARVEST ASPARAGUS?

  • Every day check your plant should be ready for harvest spear. The spear become woody while growing quickly. It is difficult to eat when spear starts to open.
  • Harvest spear will reach around 8 to 10 inches’ height, then simply cut it with sharp knife from ground level.
  • Stop it, when the harvesting spear diameter reduce to pencil size.
  • After harvest, fertilize it for the early summer, you can balanced weed free compost with decomposing mulch.
  • In summer do not cut the ferns which are remained, and allow it to grow and mature. This is a replacement for next spear production. Leave at least 2 or 3 spears for the growing current season.
Vegetable Farming

Growing Different Types of Beans-Bean varieties

Author ByMaryem

Beans are most common plants in the garden. They are easy to grow and produce that’s tasty and found in many recipes. There are different varieties of beans in that you were confused which beans to be grow? So, here we have simple difference that split beans into smaller groups that can be helpful to choose your best. Keep reading the article to learn more about varieties of beans plant in that which one is suits for your garden.

Beans are directly sown in the garden, as they dislike while transplanting. Their roots are shallow and easily damaged. If you want to begin the bean inside plant them in biodegradable containers and transplant the whole container into the garden. The important condition of growing bean is not to plant the seeds too early. After all danger of frost has passed then sown the seeds too early to rot in cold, damp the soil and the plants required warm weather to flourish.

How many types of beans are there?

While there are several types of beans are there, the majority of beans plants can be divided into different subgroups. One of the most differences between pole bean and bush beans are-

Pole bean

Pole beans need a structure to climb up, like trellis or a fence. Few of them are quite long. Hence this plant offers the advantage of small footprints; so if your backyard space is limited then any vegetable can be grown vertically and still producing huge yield is a good choice.

Bush bean

Bush beans are easier to grow because they can be planted anywhere and it is shorter and freestanding.

Bean is the common name for the seeds, which are used for human consumption. Human are planting beans from centuries for the use as either shelling beans or dry beans, snap beans.

Growing different types of beans

  • Growing black beans

Black beans are plays integral role in human health due to rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals and proteins, it is also known as turtle beans.

It has two varieties bush and pole, for bush variety need more space among plants and harvested all at once. But for pole beans need stake support and it produce a greater yield vertically.

Plant black beans if the danger of frost passed in 15 inches containers keep the pots. Place them at the site where the sunlight directly receives 6-7 hours. Use fertile and add compost before planting, maintain the soil moisture and water it frequently.

Also Read: How to Grow Beans: Planting, Care, Yield, Harvesting

  • Vanilla beans

Vanilla beans are native to tropical Mexico. It will grow in vanilla orchid and take 3-5 years for production of beans. For productivity hand pollination need for vanilla beans plants.

Vanilla beans grow in rich humid conditions and in moist soil. They cannot withstand the temperature below 12°C and needed warmer condition. You can easily grow in pots in your balcony.

  • Lima beans

Another name for Lima beans are Chad, butter, sieve, and Madagascar beans. The beans are flat, off-white and kidney shaped, it consumed shell for tasty flavour.

Lima beans need warm and sunny conditions, so start sowing seeds early in indoor before the last frost hits or outdoors when the temperature is nearly 15°C for a week.

The ideal temperature for growing is nearly (21-25) °C. Grow the plants where the sunlight receive throughout the day.

  • Fava beans

Another name for the fava beans is field beans, horse beans, and board beans. This beans have inside the pods-flat, bright green in colour with soft skin which is removed while consumption. If you harvest them early you can easily consume it.

It is a cool season crop, seed are sowed in late summer or early fall or during winter season. This fava bean grows in full sun to partial sun shades. They are hardy at -6°C temperature. 

  • Kidney beans

This type of beans is native for Mexico and Central America. They are crucial source of vegetable protein. These nutritious beans are used to cook in different dishes around the world.

Sowing the seeds after the last frost in a well draining soil with receives full sunlight in that area. Follow the average water and it doesn’t like soggy soil.

  • Mung beans

This bean are native to India, it has small green beans from legume family. It has a lightly sweet taste and eaten in dals, soups, salads, and stir-fry recipes. Also, these high level nutritious beans are crucial source of vitamins and minerals.

Also Read: Soybean Farming: A Complete Guide to Cultivation and Production

  • Yard long beans

It is also a member of legume family, the asparagus beans are easy to grow and they are native for southern Asia, grows in warm climate. You can also consume fresh leaves and young pods and beans can be cook.  Plant seeds ¾ inch deep under the ground and use stake for support, harvest when it will reach 12-16 inches in length.