It’s easy to grow and harvest garlic if you follow a few basic steps. Garlic, with its pungent aroma and distinct flavor, has been a staple ingredient in culinary traditions across the globe for centuries. To grow and harvest garlic in your garden, start by learning the nuances of the growing process. With a little planning and knowledge, you can cultivate a thriving garlic patch that will reward you with bountiful yields. The Benefits of Garlic There are many reasons to add garlic to your garden. For example, garlic has many medicinal benefits. Garlic has a rich concentration of organosulfur compounds. These compounds, including allicin, have been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In addition, the act of gardening in itself is a gentle form of exercise and an activity that can improve memory and concentration. Keeping track of your plants' needs is a good way to improve your cognitive skills. Plus, being outdoors is good for your overall health, and … [Read more...] about How to Grow and Harvest Garlic
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How to Plant an Apple Tree
Plant an Apple Tree Using these Step-by-Step Instructions. Planting an apple tree involves a combination of art and science. It begins with understanding your local conditions and ends with ongoing tree care. In this story, we will provide step-by-step instructions and photos showing the mechanics of how to plant an apple tree. Container-grown trees can be planted in the spring or fall. Bare root trees can be planted in the spring or fall when the trees are dormant. For more information about selecting the specific variety of apple tree that’s best for you, please read Chose the Right Variety of Apple Tree. Before You Go to the Tree Nursery Before you buy an apple tree, make sure there is enough space in your yard to accommodate a mature tree. Standard (full-sized) apple trees can reach 30-40 feet tall and can have a spread (width) of 30-40 feet. A semi-dwarf apple tree can grow to 14-20 feet tall and wide. A dwarf apple tree at maturity will typically reach 6-12 feet … [Read more...] about How to Plant an Apple Tree
Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases
Prevent and treat tomato diseases to ensure your harvest of America’s favorite homegrown vegetable. Tomatoes are the most popular edible plant grown in backyard gardens. Homegrown tomatoes more tasty than store-bought tomatoes. Plus, tomato plants are quite productive and easy to grow. But you must prevent and treat tomato diseases to ensure a healthy harvest of homegrown tomatoes. That’s why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together this story about how to prevent and treat the five most common tomato diseases. Follow the tips below to grow the best crop of tasty tomatoes ever! Also, check for Tomato Disease Control Products on Amazon. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission on sales generated by the links in our stories. Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases: Early Blight Early blight is a fungal disease that can affect tomatoes, causing leaf spots, stem lesions, and fruit rot. It's characterized by concentric rings on lower leaves, creating … [Read more...] about Prevent and Treat Tomato Diseases
How to Grow Swiss Chard
Grow Swiss chard in your garden and enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer. Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown easily in a home garden. With its colorful stems and large, tender leaves, Swiss chard is a delicious and beautiful addition to any garden. This versatile plant can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and stir-fries. Here are some tips on how to grow Swiss chard, along with descriptions of some popular varieties. Grow Swiss Chard: Introduction Swiss chard can be grown in most regions and is best planted in the spring or fall. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Swiss chard can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it does best with at least six hours of sunlight per day. To plant Swiss chard, sow seeds directly into the soil, about ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently. Swiss chard seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, depending on … [Read more...] about How to Grow Swiss Chard
Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Here are the most common nutrient deficiencies in plants and how to fix them. In this story, we will cover symptoms of plant nutrient deficiency and treatment using widely available fertilizers. Plants need nutrients from soil, water, and air for healthy growth. The composition of the soil directly affects the health of the plant. Important soil nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, and many others. If any element is missing, the plant gets sick and may even die. But how do you know what element the plant is lacking? The answer is in the plant itself. Each vital nutrient deficiency has its symptoms, which can be detected through monitoring. If identified in a timely manner, these deficiencies can be treated and the affected plant can return to health. Editor’s Note: The “Big Three” plant nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These “N-P-K” numbers are prominently printed on most plant fertilizer packages. For … [Read more...] about Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
