James Craig 
Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow at home. Not only can this activity be enjoyable for the whole family, but it can save money by making use of greens that would otherwise end up in your compost heap. Regrowing carrots requires starting with fresh carrots that have been cut of their top …
Garlic can typically be harvested during late summer or early autumn, depending on weather conditions, with warm temperatures hastening growth while lower temps retard it. An early indicator that it’s time for harvesting is when the scape (a green stem that protrudes from hardneck varieties of garlic plants) begins to form; usually this happens about …
Saving seeds is a critical first step towards self-sufficiency, enabling you to grow true-to-type plants rather than mixing with other varieties and diluting their unique characteristics. Begin with self-pollinating vegetables like beans and peas, or heirloom flowers. Allow them to fully mature before harvesting and drying – then store in a cool, dark area. Harvesting …
Proper storage will preserve both pungency and flavor for as long as possible; an unpeeled head of cured garlic should last months before needing replacement. Garlic should be stored in a cool, dark space with good air circulation. You can spread out individual bulbs on a screen or hang bunches together until ready for harvesting. …
Lining raised garden beds with liner material is an effective way to guard against airborne weed seeds invading your vegetables, as well as prevent harmful soil toxins from seeping into their medium. Ideal compost materials would include those that break down and enrich the native soil as they decompose, such as: Cardboard Cardboard makes an …
Bat guano is a plant fertilizer composed of high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that promotes rapid green lawn and flower growth as well as strengthening root systems in trees and shrubs. Furthermore, its moisture retention properties help retain soil moisture levels for greater plant survival. However, improper guano harvesting can compromise cave ecosystems …
Most garden soil contains some of the nutrients your tomato plants require, but adding fertilizer will be crucial in encouraging their growth and fruiting. Choose an all-around balanced product that provides nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium at each growth stage for best results. Consider purchasing granular fertilizers that offer quick- or slow-release formulas; blood and bone …
Practice good garden culture by selecting disease-resistant cultivars and planting them in sunny locations. Avoid placing mildew-prone plants too close together so as to limit its spread, and regularly treat your plants with sulfur-based fungicide. Infections are easily identifiable by white or gray powdery spots that appear on leaves and flower buds. Spores survive into …
Jalapeo peppers require ideal environmental conditions for successful cultivation in your garden. Once frost danger has passed, plant in well-draining soil that receives full sun. Add an organic mulch layer on top to retain soil moisture and decrease risk of foliar diseases. As soon as your plants’ soil dries to an inch depth, water them …
Careful management of your plants will help to avoid leaf miner damage. Healthy plants are less likely to be compromised by moth, sawfly and beetle larvae which produce these chewing pests, while floating row covers may stop adult flies from reaching your crops. Organic nursery supply stores frequently carry parasitic wasps (like Diglyphus isaea ) …
