Plantcare

Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that can be grown in spring and fall. Check out our Cabbage Growing Guide to learn how to plant, grow and harvest this hardy, vitamin-rich leafy vegetable! For some gardeners, a vegetable garden is not complete without this essential element: cabbage! You can plant in mid-spring, late spring or late summer (to harvest the following year). We'll show you everything you need to know to grow the perfect cabbage, from planting to transplanting to harvesting, and everything in between! Sauteed in coleslaw, fried, steamed or cooked, there's not much you can't do with cabbage. And with a little planning, it is also possible to enjoy cabbage throughout the year, planting a variety of carefully selected varieties suitable for each season. So here's how to do it! Cabbage is not so disgusting anymore. Now we know that this hardy vegetable is rich in antioxidants and nutrients and is a great addition to any garden! That said, note that cabbage can...

The cocoa tree is generally propagated by sowing, which involves planting seeds and nurturing them under conditions favorable for germination and growth. For successful propagation, the seeds should be freshly harvested and planted in rich, well-drained soil. Pre-germination treatments, like soaking the seeds in water, can improve the likelihood of sprouting. It is crucial to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging and to provide a stable, warm temperature to support the development of the seedlings. With proper care, these seedlings will mature into fruit-bearing trees, continuing the cycle of production. The cocoa tree requires a warm, humid environment with consistent temperatures between 21-32°C (70-90°F), making its care quite demanding. This tropical understory tree thrives in dappled sunlight or partial shade, protected from direct, intense sunlight. Key care points include maintaining high humidity and ensuring rich, well-draining soil. Regular mulching helps retain s...

The success of the harvest depends heavily on the weather and the quality of the soil. Let's take a closer look at the key growing conditions that are most important for cotton productivity: Climate requirements: temperature and rainfall The climate for growing cotton needs to be warm and humid. The plant thrives in areas with long frost-free periods and plenty of warmth and sunshine. The optimal temperature for cotton growth throughout the active growing period is 21-37°C. Temperatures above 37 °C (100 °F) are dangerous for plant growth, but brief exposure to temperatures up to 43 °C (110 °F) does not usually cause serious damage if the air is moist. The plant is most profitably grown in areas with an annual rainfall of 850-1,100 mm. For high yields, at least 500 mm of evenly distributed rainfall is required. Soil requirements: type and pH Cotton can be grown virtually anywhere, as long as the soil is well-drained (usually true on gentle slopes). Nevertheless, sandy loam, rich in ...

Few things in life bring more joy than planting a fruit tree. Learn how to avoid future problems by following some simple planning steps before planting. When it comes to planting fruit trees, the importance of the planning stage cannot be overemphasized. This includes selecting the best location for your new planting, above and below ground. We strongly recommend contacting your local utility company before digging to avoid damage to cables, pipes and other underground structures. Too often we encounter troubles because we act first and think later. That’s why, when planting an orchard or even a few trees in the back yard, it’s a good idea to take a step back and visualize how our efforts will look 10 years from now. Remember, the time difference between a vegetable garden and productive fruit trees can be years! It's also well worth the wait, so, to start things off right, let’s avoid future problems by considering a few key things before planting. Another helper to hold the tree...

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is an evergreen and nut tree in the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to northeastern Brazil and southeastern Venezuela in South America. Portuguese colonists called the tree "caju" when they discovered it and began exporting it in the 16th century. The English name of the cashew tree is derived from this name. Cashew trees now grow in other tropical and temperate climates around the world, including India, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The fruit of the cashew tree (known as "marañón" in Central America) grows from a flower stalk. The cashew fruit is commonly called cashew apple and is often used in jams and jellies, but technically it is a supplementary fruit rather than a true fruit. Mature trees also produce the cashew nut seed, which is actually the distinctive cashew nut of the tree. Cashew nuts are rich in calcium, vitamin C and carbohydrates. Cashews are in the same family as pistachios and are good for making a creamy...

Lucky bamboo, a symbol of good fortune and an admired housewarming gift, offers a low-maintenance, sculptural charm to any living space. Known for its distinctive shapes, braided stalks, and simple green foliage, lucky bamboo can be a delightful addition to your home or office, enhancing the ambience with its natural beauty and reputed feng shui benefits. Contrary to its name, this plant is not a true bamboo but a species of Dracaena, akin to succulents. Note, however, that it poses a risk to pets due to its toxicity to cats and dogs.  Lucky Bamboo and Cultural Significance In Chinese tradition, the number of lucky bamboo stalks carries deep cultural meanings: - Two stalks symbolize love. - Three stalks represent happiness, wealth, and longevity. - Five stalks embody balance, peace, harmony, and power across life's facets. - Six stalks are a sign of good luck and prosperity. - Seven stalks denote health. - Eight stalks signify growth. - Nine stalks promise gre...

Utilizing Epsom salt in your garden regimen is not only straightforward but also incredibly beneficial for the plants that adorn your living spaces. By incorporating Epsom salt into your regular plant care, you can significantly enhance the vitality and beauty of your blooms. Here’s how to do it effectively: A Simple Recipe for Plant Nourishment For potted plants, prepare a nutrient-rich solution by dissolving two tablespoons of Epsom salt into each gallon of water. Use this mixture once a month as an alternative to your regular watering routine. This easy-to-follow method ensures your plants receive essential minerals, promoting robust growth and vibrant flowers. Reinvigorating Established Houseplants Long-term potted plants often face a common challenge: the accumulation of natural salts in the soil, which can obstruct root function. Epsom salt acts as a natural remedy, effectively clearing these built-up salts and revitalizing the root system. This treatment not only supports the pl...

The Queen of the Night flower originates from southern Mexico and the tropical rainforests of South and Central America. Mature plants can reach up to 10 feet tall when grown outdoors. This tropical succulent is often referred to as climbing cacti or orchid cacti. In its natural habitat, the Queen of the Night grows as an epiphyte, nestled within the branches of trees. As it matures, it sends out long shoots that cling to nearby trees, allowing it to spread. These shoots, or stems, have root-like structures that support the plant and enable it to move across the canopy in search of better light. There are dozens of species and hybrids of varying shapes, colors, and sizes. They typically have flat, long, non-spiny trailing stems. With proper care, they produce bright, fragrant, night-blooming flowers in the spring and summer. In the wild, these plants grow on tree trunks or branches rather than rooting in the ground. They absorb nutrients and moisture from the humid environment around t...

Maize, Zea mays L. (corn), is the most widely produced cereal globally, grown on every continent except Antarctica. There are about 50 species of maize, with varying colors, textures, and grain shapes and sizes. The most commonly cultivated types are white, yellow, and red, with regional preferences for white and yellow varieties. Domesticated in central Mexico around 1500 BC, maize was introduced to Africa around 1500 AD and quickly became the continent's most important cereal crop. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Latin America, maize is a crucial staple food for over 1.2 billion people. More than 300 million Africans rely on maize as their primary food crop. It accounts for 30−50% of low-income household expenditures in Africa, and over 30% of the caloric intake in SSA comes from maize. All parts of the maize plant can be used for both food and non-food products. Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) ensure the proper execution of pre-planting, planting, and post-planting operations. T...