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.
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!!!
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Mint is a tasty, versatile herb used to flavor a fruit salad, lamb or fish dish, or even an iced tea or cocktail and you should know how to grow mint. Mint comes in various flavors, each of which is simple to care for and can last for several years if properly cared for.
However, if left to grow unchecked, the plant may become invasive and compete for nearby plants’ resources. To grow mint, you’ll need to either plant it in containers or find a way to keep its roots from extending too far below ground. Know about how to grow mint and make your garden greener.
List of things you should take care of for mint plant
Light Mint grows best in part shade, but it can be grown in full sun if watered regularly. Planning to know about how to grow Mint at home should include the following steps.
Know about the things you should consider before growing Mint.
The soil
Mint grows best in a thick, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
If the soil is deficient, top-dress with the organic matter once a year and add an organic fertilizer after shearing in the middle of the season. You can also grow Mint from cuttings.
Source of water
Mint needs consistently moist soil with good drainage. Mint plants love water, but they can’t tolerate wet feet or soggy dirt.
It’s probably best to water the plants first thing in the morning so that they have plenty of moisture by the time the afternoon sun arrives.
Humidity and Temperature
The hardiness of your mints can vary depending on the species, but they are very adaptable. Peppermint is a hardy plant that can withstand the cold in USDA hardiness zone 3.
Spearmint is the best heat-tolerant plant and can be grown in zones 11 and 12. Increase humidity by m if you’re raising Mint indoors. You should know how to care for the mint plant.
Type of fertilizer
As new growth emerges in the early spring, feed container mint a healthy, all-purpose liquid fertilizer. After that, fertilize every four to six weeks for the rest of the growing season. Potted plants that are constantly watered lose nutrients more quickly.
How can you grow Mint?
Mint is a fast-growing plant that prefers an organically rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8 are suitable for the plants. Plants prefer full to partial sun, and variegated varieties can need shade from the hot afternoon sun.
Feed with a portion of all-purpose, water-soluble plant food, such as 10-10-10, until new growth emerges in the spring (NPK). If required, fertilize again in the middle of the growing season. Harvest leaves regularly after the plants have formed themselves.
How can you grow plants in containers?
Mint plants in containers should be spaced 12 to 24 inches apart in the garden to keep growth under control. You can use wide containers with a diameter of 8 to 24 inches and a similar width.
The boxes should be sunk into the garden beds, with the top two inches of the rim remaining above ground. This prevents runners from escaping and establishing new plants in fertile soil. To boost drainage, amend the soil with 1/3 aged compost or other rich organic matter and 1/3 landscape sand.
To avoid the roots from resting in water, make sure there is plenty of material covering the drainage holes in the pots, such as coir, pebbles, or broken pottery. To prevent the roots from spreading through the drainage holes, turn the banks in the ground every 14 to 28 days.
To keep the plant from taking over, bury some metal flashing or landscape edging 8 inches deep around it. Mulch potted and in-ground plants with a 2-inch layer of straw to keep weeds at bay and maintain moisture.
Mint plants can survive a light freeze, but their top growth may die back in the winter. If your winters are rough, cut back stems to the ground in the fall and cover with a 2-inch layer of mulch. You should also be aware of how to grow Mint at home.
Can we grow the mint indoors?
If necessary, add 1/3 of landscape sand to help with drainage. You should know that how to grow Mint indoors. Ensure that the bottom of the pots has plenty of drainage material, such as broken pottery, gravel, or pebbles, and that the soil is moist but not wet.
Fertilize in the spring and again in the middle of the growing season with an all-purpose liquid plant food like 10-10-10 (NPK). Give your containers some afternoon shade to avoid heat stress and ensure a consistent harvest. Plants in containers should be divided every 3 to 4 years to keep them healthy.
How can you take care of your mint plant?
Keep the following tips in mind for fast growth and a plentiful harvest.
Enable the soil to remain moist; these plants need a lot of moisture.
In places where the sun is hot in the afternoon, have some light shade.
Plants can be kept from spreading by growing them in containers or using landscape barriers. The mint growing season is autumn.
To attract pollinators, encourage some plants to flower in the garden.
To help plants conserve moisture, cover them with a 2-inch layer of mulch.
Harvesting of mint plant
If you’re starting from seed, this should take about two months, but if you’re buying nursery plants, it should take less time. To avoid weakening the plants and bringing them into decline, never harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time. You should be aware of when you can start harvesting Mint.
As required, snip sprigs and leaves. If you don’t harvest your Mint regularly, shearing it in the middle of the season would greatly help it. You’ll probably see the stems getting longer and the leaves getting shorter at some point. Now is the time to cut the plants back by one-third to one-half of their original size. This will motivate them to send out new messages.
Conclusion
Mint doesn’t need anything other than moisture and fertile soil. It’s difficult to destroy a mint plant. If you let it, it will take over your backyard. To keep the plants lush with leaves, harvest or shear them.
Sow seeds outdoors in late spring or indoors eight to ten weeks before the last frost. Maintain a moist atmosphere before the seed germinates. Mint seed takes 10 to 15 days to germinate. Within two months, seed-grown plants should be ready to harvest.
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.
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.
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.
Cilantro is one of the most common herb used in kitchen. Cilantro basically means green leaves and stem of the plant and is also known as coriander. It is used as a common cooking spice in Asian, Middle Eastern, Mexican and African cuisines.
Coriander vs Cilantro
The stalks and leaves of Coriandrum sativum plant are known as cilantro in North America and the dried seeds are called coriander. Whereas in other parts of the world this plant is referred as coriander plant and the seeds as coriander seeds.
How to Grow Coriander From Seeds ?
The best time to plant cilantro is spring or early summer. Make sure that the soil is well drained and moist before sowing seeds.
The first and foremost thing to be done before sowing any seed is to prepare the planting area. This can be done by adding compost or other organic matter to the planting area.
Make the area smooth with the help of a rake. Sow the coriander seeds at least 2 inch deep into the soil, spaced about 6-8 inches apart. Provide water soluble fertilizer as well as plenty of moisture to cilantro plant.
The next thing you will be concerned about after sowing seeds is, how long does it take for cilantro to germinate? Well, Cilantro grows very quickly, so you can make successive sowing of seeds every 2-3 weeks and get fresh leaves every time.
How Long Does Coriander Seeds Take To Germinate ?
The usual time of coriander seed germination is 2-3 weeks. Temperature also plays a major role on how long a seed takes to germinate. A moderate temperature of about 20 degree Celsius is required for coriander seeds to germinate.
Make sure to water the plants regularly and do not allow the soil to get dried up. You can get fresh supply of coriander leaves if you sow seeds every 3 weeks. If you notice the plant being suffered then do give organic feed to the plant.
Tips for Harvesting Cilantro
Cilantro gets ready within 2-3 weeks of sowing the seeds. Here are few tips that you need to follow while harvesting cilantro and coriander seeds.
You need to harvest cilantro leaves once they are big enough to cut down.
Don’t be in a hurry to pluck them off.
Snip off the whole stem if you need it or you can just cut the leaves.
If you are growing cilantro for the seeds then wait till the flowers get dried up.
Cut the stems and place it in a paper bag, with the stems facing the opening of the bag.
Tie the stems with the bag in a bunch and hang it in a dry place.
When the flowers get completely dried up, you just need to shake the bag and the seeds will be collected at the bottom of the bag.
This will take about 2-3 weeks.
You can now use the seeds for further germination or you can use it in cooking as well.
If you are growing cilantro for leaves then as soon as the flower develops pluck them off as it will ensure that all the energy is given for the development of the leaves.
This little plant can give you the benefit of its leaves as well as its seeds. If you love cooking then this herb is a must in most of your dishes.
Cilantro can be grown in pots, container, on terrace, in backyard or even in balcony as the process of cilantro germination is very quick and easy.
Lavender, also known as Lavandulaspica consists of 30known species of flowering plants in the entire mint family. Lavender is a beautifully aromatic and rustic shrub or herb that originated in the mountainous region of the Mediterranean and North Africa. The height of the herb is from 40-80 cm. The plant has oblong, linear, and opposite leaves consisting of small purple flowers.
Lavender farming is really easy and it only requires ideal growing conditions and extra space. Climate is a critical factor in growing the lavender plant. Lavender can be containers/pots, and backyards. Growing dozens of lavender plants in the backyard of the house can make an individual earn a high profit. If the lavender is cultivated commercially on a huge scale, it can fetch high profits.
Also, there are plenty of ways in which lavender farming can help an individual earn money. For example, lavender can be used in making lotions, soaps, essential oils, fragrant sachet, teas, medicines, and flavorings. Also, fresh or dried lavender can be sold to earn huge profits.
The Indian subcontinent cultivates lavender on the slopes of the hills of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh and in regions experiencing scanty rainfall. Successful cultivation of the lavender crop is also seen in Kashmir valley.
Types of Lavender
At a global level, there are five types of lavender varieties known in the market – French lavender, English lavender, Spanish lavender, Spike lavender, and, Lavandin
French lavender
French lavender or Lavanduladentata grows in warm climate and are extremely fragrant. This variety of lavender is grown annually in certain regions of the United States.
English lavender
English lavender, also known as Lavandulaaugustifolia is one of the popular species of lavender. This species is used in flavouring, oils, dried flowers, and perfumes. English lavender can be cultivated in warm regions where days are longer.
Spanish lavender
Spanish lavender or scientifically known as Lavandulastoechas blossoms in dark purple colour and are majorly used for dried flowers. Spanish lavender species are grown annually for decoration purposes.
Spike lavender
Spike lavender, also called as Lavandulalatifolia is grown to extract essential oils which is further used to make soaps. Spike lavender is also referred as Portuguese lavender and requires a Mediterranean climatic conditions.
Lavandin
Lavandin, also referred to as Lavandula x intermedia has a high oil and flower yield, however, the oil quality might not be of supreme quality as compared to the yield. The other name of Lavandin is Dutch lavender and this variety is a hybrid of Spike and English lavender.
In India, Spike lavender, Lavandin, True lavender (English lavender), and Sher-e-Kashmir varieties are grown.
Starting a Lavender Farm
Lavender flower farming should be on the top of a gardener’s list as it is a commercially profitable crop. The flower also adds more beauty to the garden. Although growing lavender on a farm is time-consuming and a risky business because the product may not be of preferred variety.
The transplants of lavender can be planted in small areas such as nurseries. To retain desired characteristics in the plant, growers opt for root divisions or cuttings. It is advisable to do a patch test in a small area to check the appropriate climatic conditions for the plant.
Lavender Propagation Techniques
In order to grow lavender for profit, cutting and planting through seedling is done. The sifted soil can be layered lightly. However, planting seeds need knowledge as well as effort. Beginners can start their journey of lavender cultivation by the cutting method. Tissue culture and layering can also be used for the propagation purpose of the plant.
Seedlings can be sowed directly in the area or in the trays. The germination time of lavender seeds is around 2-6 weeks. To plant the lavender plant by cutting (vegetative technique), it is essential to cut the stems which can be around 10 cm long. The leaves present in the lower region of the plant are removed. Slight humid soil is required in the cutting technique as excess water can cause decomposition. The spacing between each plant should be around 30-90 cm in the cutting method.
Tissue culture is preferred for mass production of the plant and to yield genetically identical and disease-free plants. The mother plants are selected and then cultured for bulk production. However, this technique is costly. On the other hand, layering method uses healthy stem from which a 12-15 cm foliage is removed.
This leaves a 10 cm foliage at the branch tip. The bare section is covered with moist soil. Once the new plants start to grow, they are separated from the mother plant. The new plants are then again planted in the field once the rooting starts. The roots in the plants take around 6-12 weeks to grow.
Spacing and Planting in Cultivation
Spring or Autumn is the best time for the transplantation of the seedling. The plant need plenty of room to grow. The lavender plant is planted 30-40 cm inside rows and are kept at a distance of 4 feet between rows. The highest yield should have plant density of 20,000/ha. For the proper root establishment of the plant, earthing up of soil is extremely essential.
Lavender can tolerate the drought situations. The water requirement of the plant is minimal and thus needs water every 2-3 weeks till the time the buds are formed. Later on, once or twice in a week is required until the harvesting is done.
Best Farming Conditions for Cultivation
Lavender plant being a Mediterranean plant grows best in the dry climatic conditions. The plant however can tolerate various temperature range. Cold or humid climate is not suitable for the proper plant development. Direct sunlight or sun exposure for approximately 6-8 hours is preferable for growing a healthy lavender plant.
Lavender grows best in a dry and warm environment, and in mild winters. Early years require pruning even during the mature stage as it makes the entire framework of the plant sturdy. Failing to do pruning an initial couple of years can result in woody stems subsequently affecting flowers and stem health.
In order to avoid humidity, a proper drainage system is preferred. As the rise in a humid environments increases the risk of fungal infections. Well-drained soil with pH in the range of 6-8 is used for the cultivation. A calcareous type of soil is ideal for lavender. The optimum temperature for lavender cultivation is in the range of 15-30 °C. The temperature of soil should be higher than 18 °Ctosupport proper growth. The product quality can be affected badly by overheating in summer.
lavender farm-purple beauty plants
In India, the best climatic condition to grow lavender is autumn season. This helps in firm establishment of the plant before the cold winter. Spring season further will help the plant to grow quicker.
Global Cultivating Regions
Lavender can be easily grown in Canada, Africa, Indonesia, Japan, UK, India, Australia, New Zealand, and USA. Other regions producing the herb are Goodwin Creek, Central Mexico, Bulgaria, and Italy, Spain among others.
Irrigation in Cultivation
The commercial cultivation of lavender requires irrigation for initial 2 years so that the crop can be properly established. The regions experiencing low rainfall and has light soil need irrigation only at vital growth stages. Irrigation is must during the flower initiation stage. It is advised to avoid sprinkler irrigation system as that may elevate disease conditions in the crop. Drip irrigation is the preferred system as it aids in controlling weed and in saving water.
Drip Irrigation for Lavender Fields
As discussed earlier, excessive moisture is not good for lavender crops. It can cause a lot of problems and can disrupt the overall growth, and hence productivity. Aerial irrigation is not suitable too, as it causes leaves to spit in half. Lavender is also at risk of rotting, especially of the soil, remains moist for a long time. Hence, proper planning is required to ensure healthy and productive growth of lavender plants.
Talking to the experienced lavender farmers about “how to do lavender farming” is not a bad idea either. After all, there is no substitute for experience. And they already have learned a lot of lessons, you are now about to learn, and they can give you some valuable feedback!
As said repeatedly, lavender plants don’t require a lot of water, and you should stay at the shorter side while watering. These plants can even withstand droughts well enough. All you need to do is to maintain the moisture in the soil.
Essential Tools for Lavender Cultivation:
Like other crops, lavender cultivation also needs some equipment and tools. These are some essential tools commonly required while planting lavender.
Sharp Sickle
Steel Shank
Kneeling Pad
Lavender Sifter
Mini Plow
A folding hand saw
Washable gloves
Fertilizers and Manures for Lavender Cultivation
Once the lavender plant is established properly, there is no need of fertilizer. The new plants do need fertilizers as they can boost the plant growth. It is recommended to use P 40kg/ha, N 100kg/ha, and K 40kg/ha. The basal application needs complete dose of K2O and P2O5 but only 20 kg nitrogen is used. Rest of the nitrogen is used in the later stage.
Diseases and Pests in Lavender
Lavender is resistant to most common pests and insects. However, to be successful in the farming of lavender, it is essential to prevent these insects rather than curing them in the later stage. There are chances that the plant might be affected by Mites, Slugs, Con chinchillas, and Whiteflies.
Preparing the land and making the right soil
Lavender farming profitability depends a lot on the land and soil. A lot of successful lavender farmers do some research before finally starting, and there is no reason why you should not do the same.
Well-drained, gravel-laden, sandy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is perfect for growing lavender. Dig the ground at least 18 to 24 inches deep and then add the soil to it. If you can mix the soil with a mixture of 1/3 clay, 1/3 loam, and 1/3 sand, the effectiveness of soil will be even better.
A lot of hybrid lavender species are known for producing sterile seeds. In such a scenario, you should use well-drained, light and moderately fertile soil.
How to Plant Lavender – Start Planting through Soft Cuttings
If you are a beginner, growing lavenders from seeds is not a good idea at all. Instead, start growing from soft cuttings, taking care of the resource links. Herbs grow from these links. Preparing the cuttings can be both frustrating and tedious. So, you should get some from a nearby nursery.
Leave a space of four feet between rows and 2½ feet between the two plants.
This type of spacing is ideal for growing approximately 4,000 plants per acre.
Ensure surrounding every plant with garden cloth, mulch the plats as well as rows to protect from weeds.
Add a light-colored hoop at the base of every plant, like gravel, sand, or a piece of marble. This will help the reflection of sunlight on the plants.
Prevent excessive moisture to keep your plants healthy.
When to Plant Lavender?
Planting lavender cuttings in the seedbed at the beginning of spring is the best idea. Lavender usually transplants in the autumn or winter. You can obtain a new lavender plant when it is grown a little, and the germination is started. The end of the summer is a suitable time to separate the branches. The flowering time will most probably end at that time.
Taking Care of Lavender Crops for High Yield and Profit
“Good care equals to good yield” suits very well to lavender farming as well. It needs a little bit of rain and a lot of direct sunlight. Furthermore, it can adapt to fall as well.
Removing invasive plants is recommended for proper lavender care. Invasive plants may take up the nutrients from the soil.
You should also remove the old branches at regular intervals. Because, old branches get woody, and may disrupt the growth of soft, younger plants.
You can divide the branches to reproduce new lavender.
Having good drainage for lavender is necessary to avoid puddles of water around the plant.
Pruning is suitable for lavender so that it can bloom the next year again.
Common Pests, Diseases, and their Management
Although, lavender is known as a repellent to most common insects and pests, controlling them is still a very important aspect of lavender care. The formula of “prevention is better than cure” suits the lavender crops best. Therefore, you should act before any sign of attack from pests or diseases.
You can keep a few lavender plants in pots and use them as a repellent spray to protect other plants. Basil and garlic are very effective to protect the plants from files, insects and some fungi.
Even after proper lavender care, plants may get the victim to different plagues. To avoid that, you would like to eliminate the dead or infected plants as soon as possible.
How to Harvest and store lavender?
It would help if you cut the entire branch with leaves and flowers while harvesting lavender. You can remove the leaves later. Use only sharp flower cutting tools to ensure maximum profit. Flowering begins in the first year itself, but the lavender gets ready for harvesting after one year of planting. So, you can start harvesting after 13 to 14 months of planting the cuttings.
Harvesting the lavender crops in the morning hours is ideal, as the oils are most concentrated at that time.
It would be best if you cut the stems as long as possible.
Gather them in bundles and use rubber bands for securing.
Hang them at a sheltered place for proper drying. A cool, dark place with good air circulation is recommended for drying.
Flowers will get dried after a few weeks, and you will be able to remove them by shaking the bundles gently. Shake them into lidded jars for a lot of uses!
The flowering process starts late in high slopes while it starts early in low altitude and warm regions. During the harvesting process, flowers are cut with 10 cm stem length. August or September is the ideal time for harvesting lavender in the Kashmir region.
The yield as well as the quality of the oil depends on various aspects such as the agro-climatic conditions, variety, process of distillation, planting, fertilization, and soil. A yield of 15kg/ha with oil content in the range of 1.2%-1.5% can be obtained under optimal herbal cultivation methods.
Now, lavender for marketing is ready. You can opt to trade in local markets or transport them to distant areas. You should get ready to get some decent money!
Lavender for Business
If you are planning for lavender farming, we would suggest you move ahead. But you will have to be a bit patient, at least in the first year, and you can, of course, afford it to become a successful lavender farmer.
Lavender is available in various fragrances and colours depending on the harvest. The family tree of lavender also constitutes widely known sage, Mediterranean herbs, thyme, and rosemary. The historical data suggests the use of lavender as a fragrant, medicinal, and culinary herb. Roman soldiers used the herb as a disinfectant while ancient Roman people scented their bath tubs using the plant.
The average life of productive and healthy lavender plant when used for commercial purpose is around 12 years. However, in certain cases steady produces are obtained for nearly 20 years. Planting lavender for gaining profit can be a perfect mode to transform the love for gardening and herbs into a method to earn money by selling the plants as well as the products. Various products can be made from the plant such as aromatherapy products, dried lavender bundles, herbal pillows, skin care products, lavender buds, tinctures, sachets, and oils. Manufacturing these products require less effort but are high in demand in the market.The herb is also used to increase the taste of honey. The baking process too uses lavender crop to enhance the taste.
Fresh bouquets also provide profit to the grower. A 20’x20’ area produces approximately 300 bunches/year which is of $1,800. The profit margin in large plots is even higher. For instance, a quarter acre area produces around 3,000 bunches which costs $18,000. The flower bunches that remains unsold can be dried and sold to florists, crafters, candle makers, beauty product manufacturers for various purposes.
The easy endeavor is to make soaps using the very simple melt and pour technique. These soaps are the best-selling gift items among the customers. Aromatherapy uses lavender oil as one of the most essential products. The distillation process helps in the extraction of lavender oil. The by-product obtained after the distillation process consists of the water-soluble products together with the oil and thus it is used in room fresheners and spritzers.
At a global level, a certain region of France has been involved in commercial lavender farming for centuries. North America has started to grow the crop on a commercial scale. The growers in these regions have started farming in the backyard as well as multi-acre farms. The knowledge is shared among the novice growers for better yield. Thus, lavender is considered a perfect cash crop for small growers to get substantial income.
Drying the Purple Herb
Once the process of harvesting is complete, the stems of the lavender bunches are tied with a strong rubber bands. The bunches are then transferred to the drying area as early as possible. The delay in transferring results in fading of the natural colour. The drying area should be well-ventilated, dry, and dark. Lavender bunches are hanged in upside-down direction for drying.
Advantages of Growing Lavender
The flowers of the crop are edible and the crop has an approximate life span of 10 years. The plant lavender can be grown without hassle but is a costly herb. The extracted oil has many health benefits such as preventing digestive issues, anti-inflammatory, reduces stress and anxiety, treats sleep issues, among others.
Thank you for reading this piece patiently! Hopefully, we have helped you at the beginning of your journey as a lavender farmer. If you have any questions, feel free to write to us. We will be more than happy to answer! And don’t forget to share with your friends and family members! Good Luck!
