Compost and fertilizer can play an important role in every garden, regardless of its size. But sometimes these garden-helpers are used interchangeably as if they are the same. Although there are similarities between the two, they have significant differences as well. In this post, we will discuss what they have…
Black-eyed peas are a variety of cowpea and a member of the legume family. In addition to being called black-eyed peas and cowpeas, they are also referred to as Southern peas, crowder peas, and field peas. Ironically, however, they are not peas, rather they are beans. The kidney-shaped legumes are…
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that is easy to grow. In this post, you will learn how to grow them in containers or raised beds for an epic harvest. Although we tend to place sweet potatoes in the same category as white-flesh potatoes like Russet and…
Oxalis triangularis, also known as the purple shamrock plant because of its purple shamrock-shaped, trifoliate leaves,[1] is an ornamental plant that is easily grown indoors and outdoors. Even though it is called a shamrock plant, it is not related to shamrock clover and for that reason, it is also known…
Why Disinfect Tools? Tools that have come into contact with diseased plants can transmit pathogens to other plants if not sanitized properly. Some may think that rinsing tools with water is enough to remove pathogens. But just as washing our hands with water does not remove bacteria, washing tools with…
What is Bacterial Wilt? Bacterial wilt is a plant disease that is caused by different kinds of bacteria: Erwinia tracheiphila, Enterobacteriaceae, Burkholderiaceae, or Ralstonia solanacearum. Once the bacterium infects a plant, it will multiply rapidly and clog the plant’s vascular system, making it impossible for water to be transported to plant tissue. …
Rosemary is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It requires full sun, sandy to loamy soil, and less water than basil, its mint-related cousin. But when rosemary does require attention, it is usually because its needle-like leaves are turning yellow. This post is designed to help you…
Marigolds are easy to grow, and their bright autumn colors make for a perfect addition to any floral garden. But this hardy flower also makes a great companion plant for your vegetable garden. Here are six ways this amazing flower can benefit the food crops you grow at home.1. Marigolds Attract…
Butternut squash is a fantastic addition to any garden, especially for those who want to try their hand at growing something other than the traditional summer squashes like zucchini, yellow squash, and patty pan (scallop squash). This somewhat gourd-shaped squash with a sweet, nutty taste is a good source of…
Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, an evergreen shade tree that is indigenous to tropical India and South Asia. Although the oil can be extracted from all parts of the tree, the seed kernels contain the highest concentration. The usually yellow-brown oil has a pungent odor that some…