Human culture has developed many different ways to grow crops since the agricultural revolution some 12,000 years ago. In the Western world today we are mostly used to the tilling system, often by the way of plowing. Before the age of machines though, tilling was prohibitively laborious, and no-till was widely used. In our modern…
Most people would agree that a good lawn is a must-have for any home. Not only does it make your property look nicer, but it also helps keep the environment healthy by reducing soil erosion. So how do you make sure your lawn stays in great shape? By using a lawn sprinkler, of course! If…
The potato bug is a common name for two different insects. They are the Colorado potato beetle and the Jerusalem cricket. Among these two insects, the Colorado potato beetle is the most destructive. Is there a place where they live? Potato bugs are nocturnal and live underground most of the time. You may find them…
Figuring out whether the carrot is a fruit or a vegetable is not always so simple. Interestingly enough, this discourse has been in debate from classrooms to kitchens: Is a carrot a fruit or a vegetable? Carrots have 3 components (leaf, stem, and taproot) which are the edible parts of a vegetable, and they are…
Hugelkultur is the process of creating raised beds from rotten wood. Germany and Eastern European countries have practiced this horticultural technique for centuries. What are the benefits of hugelkultur, and is it easy to practice? Hugelkultur involves layering logs and other plant debris to create a gardening area. It enhances soil fertility, increases water retention,…
Have you ever experienced opening your pantry only to find several very enthusiastic sproutingonions raging out of control? Do your onions start to look rotten? Don’t throw them away! You can plant sprouted onion and grow a new one. Just make sure they’re not moldy. If the sprouted onion is all soft and squishy, chances…
There are many different approaches to gardening, and permaculture and horticulture are two of the most popular. Both permaculture and horticulture involve growing plants, but they have different goals. Permaculture is focused on creating a sustainable ecosystem, while horticulture is focused on producing crops. As a result, permaculture gardens often include a diversity of plants,…
Raised garden beds are a great way to make the most of your gardening space, and they can give your plants a little extra protection from pests and weeds. But, should you use a plastic lining under your raised garden beds? What are the benefits and drawbacks of using them? How do you make your…
Choosing the right crop at the right time allows you to enjoy a healthy yield. Your knowledge of the environment, plant taxonomy, and culture will be helpful here. Does planting potatoes after tomatoes pose any problems? Can you plant potatoes where tomatoes were? Potatoes and tomatoes belong to the family of nightshades. They are susceptible…
Peppers are a great addition to any garden, but they can go bad if you don’t harvest the seeds properly. Drying pepper seeds is a great way to save them for later use and preserve their flavor. Once you’ve dried your pepper seeds, you can plant them and watch them grow into beautiful plants. By…