Planting potatoes from sprouted tubers is a rewarding and straightforward way to grow your own potato crop. This method utilizes the natural process of potato sprouting to give your plants a head start, leading to earlier and often more abundant harvests. Understanding how to properly plant and care for sprouted potatoes can yield excellent results in your vegetable garden. Potato Sprouts Potato sprouts emerge from the “eyes” of the potato as it ages. These sprouts are...
Gardeners often face the challenge of protecting their bulb plants from the curious and persistent nature of squirrels. These agile creatures are known for digging up and feasting on a variety of bulbs, particularly in the fall when they are busy storing food for winter. Understanding how to effectively deter squirrels is essential for safeguarding your garden and ensuring the healthy growth of your bulbs. Squirrel Behavior Squirrels are attracted to gardens as a source of food and...
Tomato plants, a staple in many gardens, are unfortunately prone to various pest infestations. These pests not only damage the plants and reduce the yield but can also affect the quality of the tomatoes. Understanding how to protect your tomato plants from common bugs is crucial for any gardener looking to enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest. Identifying Common Tomato Plant Pests Several pests are known to target tomato plants, with each exhibiting specific signs of infestation. Aphids...
Buffalo grass, a native to the North American Great Plains, has gained popularity in landscaping for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. Adaptable to a wide range of environments, it’s often chosen for lawns in areas prone to drought. Recognizing buffalo grass is essential for proper lawn care and landscaping decisions, particularly in regions where water conservation is a priority. Characteristics of Buffalo Grass Buffalo grass is distinguishable by its fine-textured...
Garlic scapes, the curly green shoots that emerge from the tops of garlic plants, are a lesser-known but delightful aspect of growing garlic. These scapes, if harvested, not only provide a unique culinary ingredient but also redirect the plant’s energy towards producing a larger garlic bulb. Understanding when and how to harvest garlic scapes can enhance your garlic crop and add a new element to your cooking. Garlic Scapes Garlic scapes are the flower stalks that hardneck garlic...
Calendula, with its vibrant orange and yellow flowers, is not only a visual delight in gardens but also a versatile herb in medicinal and culinary applications. Knowing when and how to harvest calendula flowers maximizes their usefulness and ensures a continuous bloom throughout the growing season. This guide will take you through the steps to harvest calendula correctly. Identifying the Right Stage for Harvest The perfect time to harvest calendula flowers is when they are in full bloom...
