Gardening
How to get rid of mealy bugs on your plants.
If you find tiny white insects sticking to your plant, you must get rid of them immediately. These insects are called mealybugs and they feed on the plant leaves causing them to turn yellow. If nothing is done to control these pests, they can multiply in large numbers. Each female is capable of laying up to 500 eggs. Mealy bugs can drain the life out of your plants. They share a symbiotic relationship with ants. Ants protect mealy bugs from predators in exchange for the honeydew mealybugs secrete. It is best to get rid of these pests when they are less in number. Ways to get rid of mealy bugs…
How to grow radish from seeds in Containers.
Radish is a root vegetable that is consumed all over the world. It contains lots of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium and potassium. There are several varieties of radish, most varieties can be harvested within 4 weeks. Daikon or winter radish takes about6 to 7 weeks to mature. This vegetable germinates soon and it is easy to plant radish especially if you are a beginner. Growing conditions for radish Radish is a cool weather crop. Planting radish during summers when the temperatures are high can result in bolting. The best time to plant radish is during Spring and Fall. The optimum temperature needed is between 18°C-29° C (64°F- 84°F).…
How to grow eggplant in a pot.
Eggplant or brinjal is a vegetable that belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is related to other vegetables like potato, tomato and chilly. Eggplant is a tropical perennial that can grow up to 4 feet. Although eggplant has fewer nutrients it contains average levels of manganese and consuming eggplant can have certain health benefits. Growing conditions for eggplant Eggplant is easy to grow in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in hot weather conditions. It needs lots of space to grow so choose a big container to grow them. A container that is at least 12 to 14 inches deep and wide is needed to grow this vegetable. The…
How to Grow Fava Beans from seeds in Containers
Fava beans or Broad beans is a flowering plant that belongs to the bean family Fabaceae. Fava beans are legumes, and they help fix nitrogen in the soil. So, It is also grown as a cover crop. Broad beans contain high levels of essential nutrients and minerals like Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium and Iron. Here is how to grow Fava beans in your garden. Growing Conditions for fava beans Fava beans are grown during the Spring and summer seasons. The germination temperature is 20°C to 30 °C (68°F – 86°F). It can grow in soil that is fertile and well-drained. How to grow fava beans from seeds in containers Pests and…
How to grow soybeans in pots
Soybeans or Soya-beans are legumes grown for their nutritious bean. It is native to East Asia and a lot of products can be made from these beans. Some of the products include Milk, Tofu, Soy sauce and Bean paste. Soybeans are high in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Soybeans are not frost-tolerant, they should be grown during the warm summer months. The optimum temperature needed for Soybeans to grow is between21° C to 25°C (70°F to 77°F). Soybeans help to fix nitrogen in the soil and are grown as cover crops. They are also grown as companion plants. How to grow soybeans in pots Pests and Diseases Some of the pests…
How to grow vinca from seeds in pots
Vinca or Periwinkle Madagascar is an annual flowering plant that is native to Europe and Southwest Asia. Vincas are subshrubs that grow up to 12 inches. These flowers come in colours like pink, red, white, purple and magenta. Vinca flowers are generally grown as ornamental plants and they help to attract pollinators. There are two main species Vinca Major and Vinca Minor. Since vincas spread in the ground they are grown as ground covers. Vincas grow best in sandy loam soil. They can be grown in containers too. Vincas are drought-tolerant and they grow well during the mid spring and summer season. They can tolerate temperatures between 24° C to…
The eight layers of a food forest
A food forest is a food production system that mimics natural woodland ecosystems. It is also called as forest gardening. Woodlands have trees and shrubs however in food forests trees and shrubs are replaced with fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers. These can be consumed by humans. Forest gardening has been practised by indigenous people for a very long time. Unlike modern agriculture that has had disastrous effects over a long period of time, food forests are more sustainable. Eight layers of a food forest 1. Canopy Layer Trees that are 9 metres tall are grown in this layer. Lots of fruit and nut trees like jamun, almonds, walnuts, and mango…
Easy vegetables to grow for beginner gardeners.
The food that we eat today is grown by using tons of pesticides and has the potential to harm our health. Having your own garden where you can grow your own vegetables is not only healthy but also cost effective. If you are a beginner and don’t know exactly what to grow in your garden, then this article can help you. Easy vegetables to grow in your home 1. Chilies For beginners, chillies are a good start. Chillies grow well in warm and dry climatic conditions. The ideal temperature for chillies is between 20 to 28° C (68 to 82 °F). Chillies can be raised in small containers. They germinate…
How to grow okra from seeds in containers.
Okra or lady’s finger is a flowering plant that is cultivated all year round in tropical climates. It is a drought-tolerant vegetable but not frost-tolerant. It is easy to grow okra from seeds. Growing conditions for okra You can grow okra in Sandy and Loamy soils. The minimum temperature needed for okra to grow is between 20 to 26°C (68°F to 80°F). You can start seeds indoors and transplant them when they grow 6 inches tall or you can sow the seeds directly in the containers. If you are starting seeds indoors then sow the seeds 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Take a seed tray and…
How to grow hot peppers from seed.
Hot pepper plants or Chillies are commonly used as a spice to flavour dishes. They are easy to grow in containers and you can get lots of them from a single plant. They can be grown easily when you plant them at the right temperature and soil conditions. Hot pepper plants grow well when the weather is warm and dry. The optimum temperature needed is between 20 to 28° C (68 to 82 °F). These plants grow well in all types of soil that are well drained and well aerated. It does not grow well in acidic soil. How to grow hot peppers from seed in containers Step 1 You…