Edibles

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 is a rich source of macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins that can act as […]

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

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

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

Embark on a flavorful adventure as we delve into the world of tomatoes and unravel the taste and nutritional differences between field and greenhouse varieties. Are field tomatoes better than greenhouse tomatoes? While field tomatoes are often considered to have a better flavor and higher nutritional value, growing conditions, and tomato variety also play a

There are many types of fertilizers available in the market.  Is the slow-release or the fast-release type better? Slow-release fertilizers are better for houseplants and vegetables if you want to establish sustained, lasting growth, and reduce the risk of root burning.  To target a specific nutrient deficiency problem and large lawn area, fast-release fertilizer is

If you cannot get some seeds to germinate, the reason could be not having the right temperature, or it could be the light. Most seeds, especially medium and large-sized seeds, do not need light to germinate.  Some of the large seeds even require darkness to germinate.  Only a small number of seeds, especially the tiny