A potting mix is a combination of organic particles and pores or spaces that hold air and water. Organic matter or soil holds nutrients. Air and water in a potting mix are necessary for roots and beneficial micro-organisms in the soil to grow and survive. Plants need air around their roots for nutrients to pass
Soil delivers nutrients and water to plant roots and anchors plants in place. Because the planting medium in containers is limited its composition is very important to plants growing there. A container planting mix must be nutrient rich and hold moisture for several days. It must be soft and friable and resist compaction so that
Success growing vegetables is all about timing—in the garden or in containers. Temperature has much to do with success growing in containers. Root vegetables are cool-season crops. Leaf and stem crops prefer cool weather. Warm temperatures—and longer days—are needed for fruiting vegetables to grow and mature. Knowing the average last frost date in spring and
Vegetables growing in containers on patios, balconies, or roof tops require special care when it comes to watering and feeding. Containers have a limited capacity for storing essential nutrients and moisture that ensure plant growth. The gardener must closely monitor container crops to be sure they are growing uninterrupted which, in turn, leads to the
The seasons come and go at different times of the year depending upon where you live—Northern Hemisphere or Southern Hemisphere and the latitude within those regions. Early spring might start in February in Southern California and early May in Maine. The closer you live to the equator the less winter temperatures will play a role
Here’s a fresh harvest corn salad that matches just-picked corn with a handful of cherry tomatoes, a small red onion, a medium bell pepper, and cilantro—and sweet vinaigrette. If you haven’t just picked the corn out of the garden then choose bright green, full husks and look for silks that are moist and flowing. Pull
Rust disease on raspberry leaves Rust is a fungal disease that attacks many vegetable and fruit crops and ornamental plants as well. Rust fungal spores are commonly carried on moist winds until they land on plant leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits. The spore pustules multiply creating a rusty-colored coating of spores. The coating of spores
Seeds sown in warm soil and hot late summer weather can have a difficult time germinating. Moistening the seed bed and protecting seed from hot weather can ensure germination. Here are some simple steps to increase seed sowing success: (1) moisten the seed bed with a sprinkle of water; (2) sow seed; (3) cover the
Blueberry season starts in May in the South and moves north to New England in July and August. The peak blueberry season in the upper Midwest is August. On the West Coast, blueberry season begins in California in June and lasts into July and August in the Northwest. Check at a farmers market for the
Parsley herb butter Use herb butter wherever you would use the herb alone—on rice or noodles, steamed vegetables, grilled or roasted meat, poultry, or fish. Herb butter can be prepared more quickly and tastes just as good as most melted butter sauces. It’s easier to take herb butter to the table—or to the patio or
