When compost smells bad like garbage, rotten eggs, or even poop, it has turned anaerobic. But can you still use it for plants? It is not recommended to use smelly compost, especially for edible plants, because it can carry pathogens, ammonia, and alcohol that can hurt plants. Also, it may contain weed seeds. Here are …
Can You Use Smelly Compost for Plants? (7 Factors Considered) Read More »
Using rice water, the starchy water left over from rinsing rice, to water plants has been widely practiced in many Asian cultures as a natural fertilizer for plants. But is it a myth or is there real science behind it? Rice water has a rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients and vitamins that can act as …
Are you planning a vacation but worried about the fate of your thriving seedlings? You can keep your seedlings watered while you are away using hydrogel crystals, plant bath, automatic watering system, wick system, plastic bag greenhouses, topdressing/mulch, cluster setup, and help from friends and neighbors. In this article, we will navigate through these 8 …
8 Simple Ways to Water Seedlings While on Vacation Read More »
Drip irrigation systems have become a popular choice for gardeners, providing an efficient water-conserving solution for watering plants and seedlings even while on vacation. Drip irrigation systems are excellent for raised garden and vegetable beds, greenhouses, and even potted plants, delivering water directly to the plant roots and minimizing water waste. When choosing the best …
Top 6 Drip Irrigation Systems for Raised Beds (2023) Read More »
Can garlic be the savory secret to a bug-free garden? Companion planting with garlic, using garlic sprays and powder on plants can repel and even kill pests because of its potent smell and sulfur-containing compounds, making it a powerful natural insecticide and fungicide. However, it can also repel beneficial insects. In this article, we will …
Imagine stepping into your garden, only to find your eggplants struggling while their neighboring plants flourish. This is a consequence of mismatched companion planting. Eggplants struggle when planted together with nightshades (e.g. tomatoes, potatoes), brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cabbage), squash, cucumbers, asparagus, fennel, and corn due to incompatible soil requirements, nutrient competition, shared pests, and chemical …
9 Bad Companions for Eggplants (Compatibility Alert) Read More »
Ever mistake a weed for your prized arugula? In this article, we’ll help you separate your treasured arugula from its deceiving lookalikes. We’ll explore differences in size, leaf shape, and flower color for a variety of similar plants, including some that can be toxic if consumed. If you are interested, also check out our guide …
Ever mistaken a pesky weed for a promising squash plant in your garden? You’re not alone. Many weeds, especially in their early stages, can fool even the most seasoned gardeners with their squash-like characteristics. This article dives deep into the world of squash plant look-alikes, dissecting their similarities and distinctions. Also, check out our guide …
Carrot lovers beware! Don’t let deadly weeds fool you into pulling the wrong, and sometimes deadly greens. Carrot tops and lookalike weeds can be distinguished from each other by noting the leaf shape and size, plant height, flower color, stem color, and aroma of the leaves when crushed. Check out our list of deceptive carrot …
Top 10 Weeds That Deceive as Carrot Tops (Pictures) Read More »
If you grow salad greens or forage veggies in the wild, you may often come across weeds that look like arugula and weeds that look like lettuce. It is important to be able to tell the difference because some of the look-alikes are not only bitter but also toxic. The easiest way to identify lettuce …
11 Weeds That Look Like Lettuce (& How to Identify Them) Read More »
