Thrips are small microscopic insects that range from 0.5mm to 14mm in size. There are about 6000 types of thrips and most of them feed on plants. These insects feed on plants by puncturing the outer layer and sucking out the cell contents. This leads to silvering, and discolouration of the leaf’s surface which eventually kills the plants. They also leave excrement on the plant’s leaves and this can be…
One of the best ways to increase yields in your tomato plants is by pruning them. When plants spend most of their energy in developing branches and leaves the yield decreases. Pruning regularly can help in more flower and fruit production. Pruning your tomato plants helps to improve air circulation which reduces the risk of the plant getting attacked by disease. There are two varieties of tomatoes namely determinate or…
Okra is one of the vegetables that is widely used for cooking purposes in many countries. It is one of the easiest vegetables to grow for beginner gardeners. This plant belongs to the same family of hibiscus and can be easily attacked by pests and many insects. Practising companion planting is one way to reduce the attack of pests on your okra plants. Best Companion Plants for Okra 1.Cosmos Cosmos flowers help to attract bees, pollinators…
Herbs are one of the easiest plants to grow in your home as they grow fast and require less maintenance. Growing herbs in your home can benefit you in many ways. You get fresh herbs to add to your dishes plus herbs can help to treat ailments as well.Here are few things to know when growing a herb garden: Planning a herb garden 1. Before planning your herbal garden, do some research and…
Oregano is a low-maintenance herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and grows up to 31 inches tall. Oregano produces flowers that are white, pink or purple. It has been used since ancient purposes for medical and other purposes since the 18th century. Here is how to grow oregano at home: Growing conditions Oregano is a drought-tolerant perennial herb, that can grow best…
Radishes are one of the easiest to grow in your home. They germinate fast and can be harvested quickly, also they can be grown in small containers too. Here, is how to grow radish from seeds in containers. Reasons why your radishes are not forming bulbs 1. Overcrowding. When radishes are planted very close together, they can end up producing smaller bulbs. Smaller varieties require at least 2 inches of space, whereas larger varieties of daikon varieties need at…
Seaweed fertilizer is an organic slow-release fertilizer that is extracted from seaweed. It contains nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphate and magnesium) and growth hormones (cytokinins, gibberellins, auxins) which help to increase soil fertility and plant growth. Using seaweed fertilizer helps to strengthen the plant’s roots and promotes the growth of bacteria, fungi and microbes in the soil. Leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, roses and potatoes are some of the plants that benefit from this fertilizer. However, succulents do not benefit much from…
Certain flowers grow well and give bright blooms in cooler temperatures. Fall is the best season to grow them. Some of these flowers can tolerate frost and give blooms during the next spring whereas, others die when the first frost arrives. Here are some of the flowers that grow best in the fall season 1.Pansy: Pansies come in a variety of colours such as yellow, violet, red and purple. These…
Fall is the season that lasts for four months (August, September, October and November) before the first frost arrives. It is the best time for growing vegetables that grow best in cooler temperatures. Before you start to plant vegetables during this season, know when will the first frost date be. Then plant vegetables that germinate fast and can be harvested within 2 months. Certain vegetables cannot handle very low temperatures…
Bonemeal is fertiliser that is made by drying and crushing animal bones into powder. It contains several nutrients and minerals that benefit plants by improving soil structure and quality. Bone meal is rich in phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen. It contains trace elements like magnesium, iron and zinc. The NPK ratio of bone meal is 3:15:0. Root crops like radishes, potatoes, beetroots and carrots benefit from bone meal. Vegetable flowering plants…
