There is much debate around the issue of organic fertilizer vs. mineral based (inorganic, all natural) fertilizers and the preference of one or the other. Some folks will argue that inputs sourced from living things (organic) are better for the land while rock sourced (inorganic) counterparts are better for large scale commercial food production, but there are many conflicting opinions as to the proper route and both seem to have their faults, and both have their merits. Which one is … Continue Reading →
Spring is here which means anyone with a garden is bound to do some type of transplanting. A well executed transplant is one key to having a bountiful harvest. Whether you garden in soil, soilless, or hydroponics, there are a few helpful hints that will make this transition nice and easy for you and your garden. The number one goal when transplanting any full grown plant or newly rooted cutting or seedling is to reduce or eliminate “transplant shock”. We … Continue Reading →
A common pest to most outdoor and greenhouse gardens are caterpillars. These are ravenous feeders that, when left unchecked, do lots damage. There are a few precautions that you can take that will defeat these quickly and safely. First step is knowing what to look for to identify caterpillar activity. One sure way to tell is when you see your flowers partially eaten and small black specks are left around the area. Those are the droppings of the caterpillar and … Continue Reading →
Cold Frame Basics The term “cold frame” typically refers to a low profile covered structure used to protect plants from the elements. Often cold weather, and excessive wetness or moisture can hinder the growth of small plants – so a cold frame can be a viable solution to nurture the plants to a size where they can withstand the elements. As far as greenhouses go, the term cold frame actually has more than one meaning. Basically, the different groups that … Continue Reading →
Spider mites are one of the most common garden pests and can be found feeding on the leaves and stems of vegetables, plants, fruit trees, and vines. Spider mite control becomes increasingly difficult once the pest has been well established in the garden so early detection is very important. Although related to insects, mites are not insects but members of the arachnid class along with spiders and ticks. The spider mite also known as “web-spinning mite” is the most common … Continue Reading →
When looking at spray options in relation to pest management, it is important to look at what you are trying to achieve. If you are growing fruits, vegetables, or greens; the least “toxic” approach is always best. Over the years a number of products have been developed to combat the various pests in the garden, with some having more successful than others. With all the choices these days on the shelf, here is a breakdown of some of the least … Continue Reading →
When looking at spray options in relation to pest management, it is important to look at what you are trying to achieve. If you are growing fruits, vegetables, or greens; the least “toxic” approach is always best. Over the years a number of products have been developed to combat the various pests in the garden, with some having more successful than others. With all the choices these days on the shelf, here is a breakdown of some of the least … Continue Reading →
With the winter upon us, cool, humid night time temperatures are increasingly common. Aside from having good ventilation system, and adhering to a good preventative spray regiment, there is an often overlooked additive that can help to increase the health of your plant especially during these times. A lot of gardeners over the years have begun to incorporated silicate (Si) into their feeding programs. Silicate helps to increase the strength of the cell walls, increases stalk strength, and there is … Continue Reading →
What is Relative Humidity? Humidity is a term used to describe the concentration of water in the air. Warmer air can hold more water vapor; the maximum amount of water that air can hold is contingent upon the temperature of the air; the warmer the air the greater amount of water vapor that can be held. The capacity of water that the air can hold changes with temperature. The temperature also influences the volume of water that the air can … Continue Reading →
Have you ever looked on the label of your plant nutrients and seen “EDTA” attached to one or more of its ingredients? Ever wonder what it is? EDTA is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a widely used compound in a number of industries, from the textile, soft drink, and detergent industries; to the medical, cosmetic, and even agricultural industries. EDTA’s solubility in water makes it a great candidate for numerous industrial applications. So how does EDTA apply to agriculture and plant nutrition? First, … Continue Reading →
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that use their piercing sucking mouth parts to feed on plant sap. They usually occur in colonies on the undersides of tender terminal growth. Heavily-infested leaves can wilt or turn yellow because of excessive sap removal. While the plant may look bad, aphid feeding generally will not seriously harm healthy, established trees and shrubs. However, some plants are very sensitive to feeding by certain aphid species. Saliva injected into plants by these aphids may cause leaves to pucker … Continue Reading →
