 Are you ready to add a beautiful cherry tree to your garden? Follow this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about planting and caring for cherry trees, including step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and expert advice. Are you looking for a beautiful and delicious addition to your garden? Look no further than the cherry tree! Cherries are not only a delight to the senses, but they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants. In this ultimate guide, we will explore everything you need to know about planting and caring for cherry trees. From choosing the right location to harvesting your fruit, we've got you covered. Before we begin, let's take a look at some of the benefits of growing cherry trees:
Best Location for a Cherry Tree The first step in planting a cherry tree is choosing the right location. Cherry trees need plenty of sunlight, so make sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-draining soil, so avoid planting them in areas that tend to get waterlogged. How to plant a cherry tree Once you've chosen the right location, it's time to plant your cherry tree. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Caring for Your Cherry Tree Now that you've planted your cherry tree, it's time to start taking care of it. Here are some tips to help you keep your tree healthy and productive: Cherry Tree Water Requirements Cherry trees need plenty of water, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water your tree deeply once a week, and more often during hot or dry spells. Fertilizing Cherry trees benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall. Pruning a Cherry Tree Pruning is an essential part of cherry tree care. You should prune your tree every year to remove dead or diseased wood, promote airflow, and encourage fruiting. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. When do Cherry Trees Produce Fruit? Cherry trees typically start producing fruit between their third and fifth year of growth, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, it is not uncommon for some cherry trees to take up to seven years to produce fruit. The timing of fruit production also varies depending on the variety and location of the cherry tree. Generally, sweet cherries tend to ripen later in the season, usually in late spring or early summer, while sour cherries tend to ripen earlier in the season, typically in late May or early June. The weather and growing conditions can also affect the timing of fruit production. A late frost or a particularly hot and dry season can cause cherry trees to produce fruit later or earlier than usual. Conversely, a mild winter and a rainy spring can promote early fruiting. When cherry trees begin to produce fruit, it's important to harvest them regularly to prevent overripe or damaged fruit. Sweet cherries can be harvested by hand, while sour cherries are typically harvested with a shaking machine. It's best to pick the cherries when they are fully ripe and firm, with a deep color and a sweet aroma. Overall, cherry trees can be a rewarding addition to your garden, providing delicious and nutritious fruit for many years to come. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of cherries from your tree each year. Pest and Disease Control Like all plants, cherry trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can cause damage and reduce fruit production. However, with proper care and attention, you can prevent and control these problems and keep your cherry tree healthy and productive. Pest Control: Some of the common pests that can affect cherry trees include aphids, spider mites, fruit flies, and Japanese beetles. Here are some ways to prevent and control these pests:
Disease Resistant Cherry Tree Varieties Disease-resistant cherry trees are varieties that have been developed through selective breeding or genetic modification to be less susceptible to common diseases that affect cherry trees. These trees are a great option for gardeners who want to avoid the use of chemical treatments or who live in areas prone to certain diseases. Some examples of disease-resistant cherry tree varieties include:
Conclusion Planting and caring for a cherry tree can be a rewarding experience, both for your senses and for your taste buds. With the right location, planting techniques, and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious cherries for many years to come. Remember, cherry trees need plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and regular watering and fertilization. Pruning is also essential to promote fruiting and remove dead or diseased wood. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take steps to prevent and control them if necessary. By following these tips and techniques, you can enjoy a thriving cherry tree in your garden and reap the many benefits it has to offer. Happy planting! Read : How to Grow a Mango Tree Blog Tags: Cherry tree, Planting, Care, Pruning, Harvesting, Pest Control SEO Keywords: Cherry tree, Planting, Care, Pruning, Harvesting, Pest Control, Fertilizing, Watering, Pests and Diseases, Soil, Sunlight, Bountiful Harvest, Nutritious Cherries, Techniques.
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Peas, those lovely little orbs of green goodness, are a delight to grow in your garden. Not only are they delicious, but they're also easy to grow and packed with nutrients. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about planting, growing, and harvesting peas.
Getting Started: Choosing Your Pea Variety The first step in growing peas is choosing the right variety. There are two main types of peas: shelling peas and snap peas. Shelling peas are the more traditional variety, with thick pods that need to be shelled to reveal the peas inside. Snap peas, on the other hand, have thinner pods that can be eaten whole, making them a great snack. Within each type of pea, there are several different varieties to choose from. Some popular shelling pea varieties include 'Green Arrow', 'Little Marvel', and 'Wando'. For snap peas, try 'Sugar Ann', 'Sugar Snap', or 'Cascadia'. There are lots of varieties of peas available to the backyard vegetable gardener. They vary in sweetness and size. Additionally, some pea varieties mature much earlier than others. Some seed companies today even sell several pea varieties in one seed packet. This can be a great way to try out several varieties without spending a ton of money or taking up too much space in your garden. We've tried several different varieties of peas and have our favorites. We encourage you to try several different kinds and found out which variety of pea is your favorite. Here is a list of some common varieties of peas, along with plant and pod descriptions, etc... Please keep in mind that the number of "days until ready to be picked" is usually counted after the seeds have germinated. Pea seeds take around a week to germinate in warm soil and can take up to a month in cool soil. Garden Peas - These are traditional varieties of peas, the pod is inedible, the peas must be removed from the pod before eating
Snow Peas - Otherwise known as sugar peas, these varieties of peas feature flat pods that are sweet and edible, the peas are very tiny, can be eaten raw or cooked, traditional in stir-fry
Snap Peas - These varieties of peas have an edible pod and tend to be very sweet, can be eaten raw or cooked, pods are generally plump and rounded
As we approach the gardening season in 2023, it's time to take stock of the top gardening items you need to ensure a successful growing season. From tools to seeds, this ultimate guide will cover everything you need to know to make your garden thrive. Quality Tools First and foremost, you need quality gardening tools. This includes a good pair of gloves, a trowel, a hand cultivator, a pruner, and a watering can or hose. Investing in high-quality tools will make your gardening experience more enjoyable and efficient, allowing you to work smarter, not harder. When selecting tools, consider the materials and design. Look for tools with ergonomic handles and durable materials that can withstand frequent use. Stainless steel and carbon fiber are popular choices for tool materials because they are strong, lightweight, and rust-resistant. Organic Seeds Next, you'll need organic seeds. Organic seeds are non-GMO, meaning they haven't been genetically modified in a lab. They're also free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making them a healthier and more sustainable choice for your garden. When selecting seeds, consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. Look for varieties that are well-suited to your growing zone and can thrive in your specific soil type. You can also experiment with heirloom seeds, which are open-pollinated and have been passed down for generations. Compost Compost is a key ingredient for healthy soil and plant growth. Compost is made by decomposing organic matter such as food scraps, yard waste, and leaves. It's rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that improve soil structure and fertility. To make your own compost, you can start by collecting food scraps and yard waste in a compost bin or pile. Over time, the organic matter will break down and transform into nutrient-rich compost that you can use in your garden.  Here is a list of 50 items you might need for gardening:
In addition to these top items, there are many other gardening tools and accessories that can make your gardening experience more enjoyable and efficient. From trellises to raised beds, there are endless possibilities for customizing your garden to meet your specific needs and preferences. In summary, investing in quality tools, organic seeds, and compost is essential for a successful gardening season. These top items will help you create a healthy and thriving garden that produces bountiful crops year after year. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy the rewards of a beautiful and productive garden in 2023 and beyond. 
If you're looking to grow raspberries in your yard, you're in luck! Raspberries are a relatively easy fruit to grow and can produce an abundant harvest with the right care. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about growing raspberries, from choosing the right location to organic pest care.
Where to Plant Raspberries Choosing the right location for your raspberry plants is one of the most important factors in growing a successful crop. Raspberries thrive in full sun, meaning they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting raspberries in a shady location will result in poor growth and reduced yields. When it comes to soil, raspberries prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting raspberries in areas with poor drainage or heavy clay soil. To improve drainage, consider adding compost, sand, or perlite to the soil before planting. It's also important to choose a location that has good air circulation. Raspberries are prone to fungal diseases, which can be exacerbated by poor air circulation. Avoid planting raspberries in low-lying areas or near tall structures that can block air flow. When planning the layout of your raspberry patch, consider leaving enough space between rows for easy access and maintenance. Raspberry plants can spread quickly, and you'll want to make sure you have enough space to move around the plants and harvest the fruit. If you're planting raspberries in a new area of your yard, consider doing a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This will help you determine if any amendments are needed before planting. Most county extension offices offer soil testing services for a small fee. You can also buy a soil test kit for your yard that will give you results right away. It's important to test your soil so you know what the outcome of your crops will be and if you need to add any additional nutrients to the soil. I recommend the MySoil - Soil Test Kit. 
Seedlings Choosing the right seedlings is another important factor in growing healthy and productive raspberry plants. When selecting seedlings, it's important to buy raspberries from a reputable source, such as a local nursery or online retailer. Look for seedlings that are healthy and vigorous, with no signs of disease or damage. The leaves should be green and the stems should be sturdy. Avoid seedlings that look wilted or have yellow or brown leaves. When planting your seedlings, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting raspberries in areas with poor drainage or where water tends to collect. Plant your seedlings in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. Before planting, dig a hole that is slightly deeper than the root ball of the seedling. Gently place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Fill in the hole with soil and water thoroughly. After planting, it's important to provide your seedlings with regular watering and fertilization. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every four to six weeks during the growing season. To encourage strong, healthy growth, consider pruning your raspberry plants in the spring. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any canes that are thinner than a pencil. This will help promote new growth and increase fruit production. Raspberry Soil Requirements Raspberries prefer soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If it's too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. Raspberries also benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Organic Pest Care One of the benefits of growing raspberries is that they are relatively pest-resistant. However, there are a few pests that can cause problems, including aphids, spider mites, and fruitworms. The best way to prevent pest infestations is to keep your raspberry plants healthy and well-maintained. If you do notice a pest problem, there are several organic pest control methods you can use. For example, you can spray your plants with a mixture of water and organic neem oil or use beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids. How to Harvest Raspberries Raspberries typically take 2-3 years to produce a full harvest. The first year, you may only get a few berries. The second year, you'll get a larger harvest, and by the third year, you should have a full crop. Raspberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red and easily come off the plant with a gentle tug. It's important to harvest your raspberries regularly to prevent overripe fruit from attracting pests. In conclusion, growing raspberries in your yard can be a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing the right location, selecting healthy seedlings, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy, delicious berries. Remember to provide your raspberry plants with plenty of sunlight, well-drained soil, and good air circulation. Regular watering, fertilization, and pruning will help promote strong growth and increased fruit production. With a little bit of effort, you can grow your own fresh, organic raspberries right in your own backyard. 
The reality is, you are going to need food to survive. In a worst-case scenario, there will be no more grocery stores and you’ll have only yourself to depend on. This is where your farming or gardening skills will come into play. An important food to consider growing is the potato. They are high in fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Vitamin C. It’s also high in carbohydrates – about 26 grams in a medium potato. Let’s not forget it also has protein and even calcium. Potatoes can also be used to brew alcoholic beverages such as vodka or to make snack foods like potato chips. Potatoes are actually underground stems, that become swollen with stored starch. Depending on the variety you grow, they should mature anywhere 90 to 180 days. The potatoes grow right below the surface of the soil, so to prevent them from becoming exposed (and turning green), mound the surrounding soil around the potato plant several times as it grows, leaving only about 6 inches of the top growth visible. Keep the plants well-watered and free of weeds. Whenever harvesting potatoes, make sure that you handle them gently to avoid bruising. Do not expose them to the sun or strong wind longer than necessary. So Just How Do You Grow Potatoes? Well, first you need to consider the type of potatoes you want to grow. I suggest starting with a russet, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C, B6, magnesium, fiber, and also contain some iron. Growing russet potatoes in your garden is satisfying and easy to do since this vegetable crop requires little maintenance. Instead of planting the seed from potato flowers, you’ll find it much easier and get quicker results by planting cut-up pieces or small-sized tubers called “seed potatoes“, or you can also cut up the ones that are sprouting in your pantry.
You’ll want to plant the seed potato sprout-side-up in a hole 4 inches deep. Make trenches in the soil about 4 inches deep and plant your potatoes about 4 inches apart at a minimum. Space determines the size of your potatoes. The closer they’re planted, the smaller your tubers come out. So while you want to put them 4 inches apart at a minimum, 8 to 12 inches is okay too. Press firmly so it makes good contact with the soil and then cover it with about 2 inches of compost or soil. Next, you’ll want to keep an eye on your plan, and when the stem has grown 6 inches or taller, it’s time to cover half of the stem with another 2 to 4 inches of soil. Drought stress is a problem when growing potatoes so make sure your plat is getting 1 to 2 inches of water a week. In addition, you’ll want to add a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch on top to conserve moisture. Make sure the potatoes stay covered with soil. Those exposed to the sun might develop toxic green patches on your potato. If that happens, you will want ot cut them off, before eating the potato. Potatoes are pretty easy to grow, but you have to be careful about keeping them covered in soil and making sure they get enough water.
You should always remember that access to fresh foods might not always be possible. You should consider long term food options as well. 
When it comes to prepping, you have to be reasonable and go with what works best in your region. I love Mangos but realistically they just don’t do well where I’m from. Luckily for me, they do grow in Florida, and a friend of mine, Pete Gandolfo happens to have a great Mango tree and shared information about them for us, in case you live in an area that Mango trees grow well.
Mangos are a sweet, juicy tropical fruit that typically become ripe in summer. This juicy stone fruit that belongs to the cashew family. Mango trees grow anywhere from 115–131 feet tall, with a crown radius of 33 feet. The trees are long-lived, as some specimens still fruit after 300 years. Classified as drupes, mangos vary in shape (nearly round, oval, ovoid-oblong), size, and color depending upon the variety. Mangos may be greenish, greenish-yellow, yellow, red, orange, or purple and weigh from a few ounces to more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg). The skin is smooth and leathery, surrounding the fleshy, pale-yellow to deep-orange edible portion. The fruits possess a single large, flattened, kidney-shaped seed that is enclosed in a woody husk. Mangos have been cultivated in Asian for 1000s of years. They eventually made their way to East Africa and then to Brazil, Bermuda, and Mexico. Nowadays they grow in most frost-free tropical or warmer subtropical climates. In general, mangos in Florida should be planted in the warmest areas of the state, i.e., along with the southeast and southwest coasts. In Florida, mangos bloom from December to April depending upon climatic conditions and variety. Pollination is by various insects such as thrips, flies, and, to a small extent, honey bees. So why grow mangos? Well, besides the fact that they taste great, the fruit has more than 20 vitamins and nutrients. Mangos are a superfood and a cup of mangos is just 100 calories, so its a healthy, sweet treat. Mangos are a wonderful addition to salads, along with other fruits such as mandarin oranges, grapes, apples, and pineapples. Impressive amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and flavonoids like betacarotene, alphacarotene and beta-cryptoxanthin in mangos help provide benefits, such as healthy immune function, normal blood pressure, good vision, and strong bones, plus added protection from lung, mouth, colon, breast and prostate cancers, leukemia, and stroke. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) produces hormones in your brain. So how do you grow a mango tree?Mangos have been called the “king of fruits,” because they are luscious, juicy, delicious, and sweet. They’re widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical climates. The best time to plant a mango tree is in the summer when it’s warm, as they like lots of sun. This is why mangos do better in places like California and Florida. To grow a mango tree, you’ll want to start by preparing the mango seed.
Position your tree where it will receive full sun for best fruit production. New mango tree planting is done in late winter to early spring when the plant is not actively growing. Prepare the site for your mango tree by digging a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Once you plant it outside remember to water the new tree to or three times in the first week, flooding the area surrounding the trunk. Also fertilize the tree after new growth begins, giving it a high nitrogen plant food, at least once a month. This will encourage flowering and fruiting. Keep the soil evenly moist. Sprouting should occur in about 2 to 3 weeks. Mango tree care is similar to that of any fruit tree. Water the trees deeply to saturate the long taproot. Allow the top surface of the soil to dry to a depth of several inches before watering again. Withhold irrigation for two months prior to flowering and then resume once fruits begin to produce.
What are the best fruit trees to plant?
While you need a variety of food sources to maintain a happy, healthy life, you are going to have to be realistic. You can’t plant 23 different types of farms. That’s why you shouldn’t discount fruit trees. A fruit tree will produce food, take up less space, and require less maintenance than a full-blown garden. That’s not to say you won’t need to plant a garden eventually, but adding fruit trees to your property will be a huge benefit. So what kind of trees do you need? That will vary depending on where you live. Fruit Trees are the best! Fruit trees don’t require the same time, care, and attention that a full-blown garden does, and they can provide you with fabulous tasting fruit in an emergency. Fruit trees are a must-have for any prepper garden. Here are some fruit trees that you might consider adding to your prepper garden. Think about how great it would be to have fresh apples and oranges. Not only do fruits taste good, but they will also help you stay hydrated. Remember from our water article, a single orange can provide you with 8 ounces of fluid. Not every type of tree is right for every region but you can easily find out what is best to grow in your area simply by googling the best fruit trees for (your state). ie: Best Fruit Trees for Texas. Peach trees are fun to grow and are one of the fastest choices, and while peaches and nectarines aren’t the same fruit, they do have similar growing needs. Plum trees are great because they require less care than most other fruit trees. They adapt to a wide variety of conditions and are more compact than other fruit trees that require little to no work. There are a large variety of apples so you’ll want to research which tastes best. There are 2,500 varieties of apples in the US alone. The most common is Red Delicious, followed by Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples. You’ll be happy to know that most apple trees aren’t hard to grow. The great thing about apples is, not only does it taste great on its own, but you can also make some great things from them like apple juice, and apple pie. Growing apples is a long term commitment. You aren’t going to be able to plant an apple tree today and start enjoying the fruit weeks later. A large apple tree can take 8 to 10 years to produce its first fruit, a small tree usually 3 to 5 years. But if you take care of your apple tree it could live as long as 100 years. Apples have some impressive health benefits. They are rich in fiber, disease-fighting antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals including potassium, folate, niacin, and vitamins A, B, C, E and K. Eating apples has been associated with a lower risk of a variety of cancers, stroke, and diabetes. Nectarine trees are almost identical to the peach in appearance, culture, and care. Nectarines are a delicious, summer-growing fruit with an autumn harvest. They’re usually a little smaller than the average peach and have a smooth skin. Uses of nectarines are the same as those of peaches too. They can be eaten fresh, baked into pies and cobblers, and are a sweet, tasty addition to a fruit salad. Let’s learn more about how to grow nectarines. Earlier we talked about the need for a fresh, natural water source if you are going to build your own sustainable community. But what’s next? Well after you have secured a source of water, you are going to need food to survive. My mother has a lemon tree in her yard and that single tree producers hundreds of fresh lemons every year — far more than a single-family could ever use. But lemon’s are great for other things besides just eating. The citrus can be used to make cheese. You can use lemons as a cleaning solution or as a diuretic. Lemon juice also helps stop bleeding gums and reduces toothaches. Lemon juice is a powerful antiseptic. There are just so many things you can do with lemons so don’t discount planting a lemon tree on your property. Fruit trees are going to be your saving grace. They take almost no work to maintain and if worst comes to worst, let’s be real … you are going to have enough work to do. Having a few fruit trees is a no-brainer. How to care for a lemon tree in a pot Unless you are able to grow your own food, you aren’t going to be able to survive long term under the worst-case scenario. You need food and water to survive and in the worst of situations, you may no longer have something like a grocery store to visit. This is why you need to learn some basic gardening skills. You need to learn how to grow things like herbs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Growing food will supplement and stretch your stored food supply. While you may be thinking of growing things like apples or tomatoes, another important thing you’ll want to grow is a lemon tree — yes, a lemon tree. You can easily buy a lemon tree on Amazon. While there are some amazing benefits to drinking lemon water, lemons have other benefits. Lemons bring just the right amount of sweetness and tart to baking. Create delicious loaves, muffins, biscuits, slices, and cakes and, in some instances, you can take things up a notch with a drizzle of lemon syrup or a sprinkling of zest. Lemon juice delivers the acidic component to citrus vinaigrette used to dress a green or tomato salad, as well as seafood. You can also use lemons to make homemade cleaners and even beauty products. So let’s talk about how to pot a lemon tree. A new lemon tree will grow fine in an 8-inch diameter container to start. Two to three-year-old trees will need a 10 to 12-inch diameter container. Eventually, you’ll need a 16 to 20-gallon container or one-half whiskey barrel-sized container for long-term growth.
Lemon trees need well-drained soil, so selecting the right potting mix is important. Commercial potting mixes with peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and compost are fine to use as long as the soil is light enough to drain water well. If your soil is still too heavy, try adding hardwood bark chips to the mix to increase the number of air spaces.Place bare root trees in the container, gently packing in the soil around the roots to remove air spaces. Plant so the lemon tree roots are just below the soil surface, but the crown is just above it. If transplanting an existing lemon tree into a larger container, remove the old tree, and examine the roots. Cut off any dead, broken, and circling root and repot. Water well.
Building a “Harvest-ready” potato bucket
With a pair of large buckets, you can create a system that will allow you to check on your growing tubers – and even harvest a few new potatoes – without digging up the entire crop. The first step is to put several holes in the bottoms of both buckets say 6 x 1/2″ holes evenly spaced – you can make these holes with a drill or just hammer a nail through the bottom of the bucket. Remember: good drainage is crucial. Potatoes will rot if there’s too much water around them. Now, set one bucket aside; it will be the outer layer. The next step is to cut away 3 vertical sections of the inner bucket and leave 3 vertical sections in place to view the potatoes through. The best way to do this is to divide the bucket into 6 sections by drawing vertical lines down the bucket. Next you should cut away 3 of the 6 sections – leaving 3 sections of the bucket in place. This is not really necessary as you will know when the potatoes will be ready by the green tops dying away a few weeks after flowering – but it is nice to show your kids how the potatoes grow underground. Growing potatoes in a bucket Drainage It’s important that you place your bucket on bricks or something so that excess water can drain away. Don’t put it directly on grass or soft soil that might clog the drainage holes. If you place a brick at each side of the bottom of the bucket, that would be an excellent base. Add compost Next, line the bottom of the bucket with your soil/ compost – if you’ve chosen to use potting mix, add a bit of perlite or polystyrene to improve drainage. You’ll need at least 6”-8”into the bottom. Spacing seed potatoes Now add your sprouted seed potatoes -1 is good 2 is maximum. I would advise planting one to start with. You can fit two plants in a 5-gallon bucket, there will be more in number but they will be smaller than if you put in one seed potato to grow one plant. Potatoes need a lot of room. Stuffing in more plants will just result in smaller tubers. Cover potatoes with soil Cover the seed potatoes over with your soil to a depth of about 6”. Water them liberally to settle the soil, then set your bucket in a warm sunny spot. They will need at least six hours of sun during the day, and should be protected from strong winds or heavy rains. Strong wind and rain will break the stems and kill your plant. That’s why bucket-grown potatoes are so handy: if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always bring your crop indoors until the storm goes away. Caring for your growing crop Your potatoes will thrive in slightly acidic soil – the pH should be between 4.8 and 5.4 for optimal results. The plants will grow best in cooler areas, with daytime temperatures between 15°-20°C. If you live in a warm region, try planting in the early spring (just after the last frost) or the late summer or early autumn. As your potatoes tops grow larger, continue adding soil if you start to see potatoes appearing through the top layer of soil- make sure no potatoes can be seen or they will get sunburned and need to be dumped. Leave only the stems and leaves above the soil. This will encourage your plants to grow upward, allowing more tubers to form along the underground stem. Watering your potatoes Water your buckets little and often or whenever the soil is dry within an inch below the surface. Feel free to add nutrients weekly using a low-nitrogen fertilizer, or a weak compost or manure tea. You could also substitute compost for soil when covering over the green growth. How do i know when to harvest potatoes? When is the best time to enjoy the fruits – or rather, roots – of your labour? You can begin harvesting new potatoes a couple of weeks after the plants come into flower. This normally happens within a couple of months after planting the potatoes. The crop will be mature when the green plant tops turn yellow-brown and wilt with age. This typically will take 90-120 days, depending on the potato variety you chose. Once the stem turns yellow, stop watering your plants and wait about a week or so. Unless you’ve built a harvest-ready bucket, it’s hard to judge the size of your crop without seeing it. Plunge your hand into the growing medium and root around. Try to find the largest tubers and remove them first. If you leave space in the bucket while the plant is still in flower, the remaining tubers will continue to grow. If you chose to build your own special bucket, you can pull the outer bucket away and easily assess your growing tubers or harvest the new potatoes. Later, you’ll be able to identify the largest spuds for early harvesting. You can also collect the entire crop at once by gently turning the bucket over and dumping the contents out. Dust off the tubers and store them when dry in a cool, dark, dry place until you’re ready to use them. Sources: 
Perhaps you’ve had the same dream as I have: Outside, there’s snow on the ground and a windchill of negative it-doesn’t-even-matter-anymore, but inside the kitchen is redolent with the scent of fresh aromatics from your home garden. Bright, peppery basil is perched on the windowsill, while lavender wafts from its planter. Juicy, ripe tomatoes hang languidly from the vine on the counter, and the citrus tree has just bloomed. Oh, if only that were true. Sadly, more often than not, a plant’s native environment just can’t be recreated indoors. There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. It is possible to grow herbs indoors, even during winter, without the delicate leaves flickering and fading into a wilted little tendril with the first blush of cold. It’s all a matter of selection — knowing which herbs to reach for to keep your kitchen fragrant and flavorful — and what to do to keep them that way. Tender-leaved herbs like basil, chervil, or cilantro may be too fussy to sustain the challenges of indoor heating and cooling, variable daylight hours, and lack of humidity. Instead of the lacy filigree of these leaves, opt for robust and sturdy plants that are more structural and can withstand fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and sunlight. Here are some rules of (green) thumb for growing herbs indoors, and four hardy herbs to get you started. How to Grow Herbs Indoors Growing your indoor herb garden can be a snap, as long as you keep three key factors in mind: light, temperature, and moisture. Let There Be Light As we all know, plants depend on light to survive. They also depend on light to create flavor. A lack of adequate sunlight will dramatically reduce the flavor of your herbs. For novice gardeners out there, you may taste that your plant isn’t doing well before you see it. Ideally, you want to place herbs in a window that will receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. If that’s not possible in your space, consider adding a grow light or placing the herbs next to a fluorescent bulb to boost light exposure. Keep Your Plants Warm Next, make sure the area where your herbs will be living will stay within the temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. If you live in a Northern climate, remember that placement near windows can be quite a bit colder than the cozy 72°F thermostat in high winter. Make sure to place your leafy friends where they will be warm enough. Don’t Overwater Finally, and probably most importantly, is the issue of moisture. The majority of herbs will need to become adequately dry (but not dry out!) between waterings to avoid root rot. Start by selecting a pot that has appropriate drainage holes (at least one large hole) on the bottom. I like using unglazed clay pots for herbs, as they will also help to ensure moisture doesn’t get trapped in the container. In general, you want to water your herb when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch (but if you pressed down into the soil you would feel moisture). Mist your herbs once a week if your air is dry, but also make sure your herbs receive plenty of air circulation so that the moisture doesn’t turn into powdery mildew or rot. 4 Hardy Herbs to Grow Indoors 1. Rosemary Hailing from the Mediterranean, Rosemary gets its name from the Latin for “dew of the sea.” And while you need not live in Santorini in order to grow your own Rosemary, it’s wise to consider its native provenance when recreating its living conditions. Rosemary likes lots of sunlight (six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day), and it likes to be watered, but not wet. Make sure to water your plant only when the top soil surface is dry, and allow for plenty of drainage in your pot to avoid root rot. Sunlight: Bright, direct; six to eight hours a day. Water: When the top of the soil is dry to the touch; do not overwater. Watch for: Powdery mildew, root rot, indoor pests. 2. Thyme One of the easiest herbs to grow, this hardy evergreen has been cultivated since the ancient Greeks used its sweet-smelling leaves in bathing rituals. In the culinary world, it is a central ingredient to both herbs de Provence and za’atar. When growing thyme, it is most important to keep drainage in mind. Thyme is more drought-resistant than most herbs, so as a result is extra sensitive to overwatering. Sunlight: Bright, direct; six hours a day. Water: When the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Watch for: Whiteflies, mealy bugs. 3. Chives A culinary wunderkind, chives add grassy brightness to almost any dish — like garlic, but sweeter, or like onions but greener. And they happen to be fantastically simple to grow, too. Chives prefer a moist environment; water twice a week. When trimming chives for cooking, make sure to leave at least two inches above the root. Sunlight: Bright sun; at least four hours a day. Water: Twice a week. Watch for: Yellow tips mean inadequate light. 4. Mint Perhaps you’ve had the same dream as I have: Outside, there’s snow on the ground and a windchill of negative it-doesn’t-even-matter-anymore, but inside the kitchen is redolent with the scent of fresh aromatics from your home garden. Bright, peppery basil is perched on the windowsill, while lavender wafts from its planter. Juicy, ripe tomatoes hang languidly from the vine on the counter, and the citrus tree has just bloomed. Oh, if only that were true. Sadly, more often than not, a plant’s native environment just can’t be recreated indoors. There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. It is possible to grow herbs indoors, even during winter, without the delicate leaves flickering and fading into a wilted little tendril with the first blush of cold. It’s all a matter of selection — knowing which herbs to reach for to keep your kitchen fragrant and flavorful — and what to do to keep them that way. Tender-leaved herbs like basil, chervil, or cilantro may be too fussy to sustain the challenges of indoor heating and cooling, variable daylight hours, and lack of humidity. Instead of the lacy filigree of these leaves, opt for robust and sturdy plants that are more structural and can withstand fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and sunlight. Here are some rules of (green) thumb for growing herbs indoors, and four hardy herbs to get you started. View my favorite indoor herbal garden starter kit here: Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit Have some more ideas? Drop a comment below!   |
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