Gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also be a bit challenging at times. With so many plants to choose from and so many techniques to try, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, there are many tips and tricks that can help make gardening easier and more successful.
In this article, readers will learn about a variety of gardening techniques that can help protect plants from pests, improve soil quality, and increase yields. From creating biodegradable seedling pots to using soapy water as an insecticide, there are many simple and effective ways to improve the health and productivity of a garden.
Key Takeaways
- Protect young plants from cut worms with plastic caps
- Create biodegradable seedling pots with toilet paper rolls
- Use soapy water as a natural insecticide
Protecting Plants from Cut Worms
To protect young plants from cut worms, a plastic cap can be used to create a collar. By cutting the bottom off of the cap, a collar can be formed that will prevent cut worms from damaging the plant. Toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls can also be used to create biodegradable seedling pots. By cutting slits at one end of the pot, a seedling pot can be made that can also function as a cutworm collar.
Insecticides can be made using soapy water. When insects are knocked into soapy water, they die quickly. This method is effective against all types of insects, including caterpillars and blister beetles. If a leaf is found with many caterpillars, it can be cut off and dropped into soapy water.
To prevent cats from digging in freshly worked soil, plastic forks or broken sticks can be placed in the area. These can be removed once the plants grow and the soil settles. Perennial herbs and flowers can be easily divided to make more plants. Clumps can be dug up and pulled apart to create more plants.
Wasps can be beneficial in the garden as they eat cabbage worms and other caterpillars. Raspberry and blackberry canes can be buried to grow new plants. By suspending sweet potatoes in a jar of water, roots and vines will grow. These can be cut and planted outside to grow sweet potatoes.
To prevent tomato splitting, pick any fruit that is close to being ripe before a rainstorm. This is the easiest way to end up with fewer split tomatoes. Saving seeds from heirloom vegetables can save money in the long run. Fermentation can be used to remove jelly-like substances from cucumber and tomato seeds, while cilantro and basil seeds can be saved by letting the plants flower and dry on the plant.
Growing plants in containers or fabric grow bags can be a great alternative for those with poor soil or limited space. Straw bales can also be used to grow plants. Pumpkins can be frozen for later use by baking and pureeing them before storing in freezer bags.
Creating Biodegradable Seedling Pots
To create biodegradable seedling pots, one can use toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. By cutting slits using a pair of scissors at one end of the pot, a seedling pot can be made. The soil level should be left below the top of the tube to function as a cutworm collar.
Plastic caps can also be used to create collars that can protect young plants from cutworms. By cutting the bottom off of a plastic cap, a collar can be made.
Insecticides can be made using soapy water. Insects can be killed by knocking or dropping them into the soapy water. Soapy water works well on caterpillars, blister beetles, and all types of insects.
Cilantro can be frozen using olive oil or water. The leaves should be harvested without too many stems and chopped up with a knife on a cutting board. The chopped cilantro can then be put in a food processor with some olive oil and pulsed a few times. The resulting mixture can be spooned out into an ice cube tray and frozen.
Tall lanky tomato plants can be buried partially when planted to avoid being broken by the wind. Lower leaves should be cut off and the hole made much deeper than usual. By burying a bunch of the stem along that buried stem, more roots will form than would have otherwise.
Placing plastic forks or broken sticks in freshly worked loose soil can discourage cats from digging in that area.
Perennial herbs and flowers such as chives can be easily divided to make more free plants. Clumps can be dug up and pulled apart to create more plants.
Wasps can be beneficial in the garden as they eat cabbage worms and other caterpillars.
Raspberry and blackberry canes can be buried to grow new plants. The end of the cane should be buried, and a new plant will start to grow after a few months.
Different types of corn should not be planted close together, as they will cross-pollinate.
Petunias can be grown in baskets by planting them in the ground and cutting the bottom out of a whole basket to place around the petunia plant.
Sweet potatoes can be grown by suspending them in a jar of water using toothpicks or wooden skewers. When roots and vines grow, slips can be cut and planted outside.
Uneven watering can cause tomato splitting. If a rainstorm is coming, it is best to pick any fruit that is close to being ripe to avoid split tomatoes.
Saving seeds from heirloom vegetables can save money. Fermentation can be used to remove the jelly-like substance around cucumber and tomato seeds. Seeds can be saved from flowering plants like cilantro and carrots.
Growing plants in containers or fabric grow bags can be useful for areas with poor soil or limited space. Unusual plants like ginger and peanuts can also be grown in pots.
Pumpkins can be frozen for later use by baking them until they are soft, pureeing them in a food processor, and scooping the puree into freezer bags.
Using Soapy Water as Insecticide
One effective way to control insects in the garden is by using soapy water. When insects come into contact with soapy water, they die quickly. This simple solution can kill all types of insects, including blister beetles and caterpillars.
To use soapy water as an insecticide, simply knock or drop the insects into a container filled with soapy water. For example, if there are lots of caterpillars on a leaf, you can cut off the leaf and drop it into the soapy water. This will eliminate the caterpillars and prevent them from reproducing.
It’s important to note that soapy water should be used carefully and sparingly, as it can also harm beneficial insects in the garden. However, when used correctly, it can be an effective and inexpensive way to control pests without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Freezing and Using Cilantro Later
Cilantro can easily be frozen and used later. One can freeze it using olive oil or water. To freeze cilantro, one should harvest some leaves without too many stems and put them on a cutting board. Then, chop them up with a knife and put them in a food processor with some olive oil and pulse it a few times. After that, it’s ready to spoon out into an ice cube tray. Once it’s frozen, one can put it in a freezer bag and it’s ready to be used the next time it’s needed.
Planting Techniques for Lanky Tomato Plants
When dealing with tall and lanky tomato plants, burying a portion of the stem when planting can be a useful technique. By cutting off some of the lower leaves and making the hole deeper than usual, the stem can be buried along with the exposed portion. Roots will form along the buried stem, providing the plant with additional support and stability against strong winds.
In addition to burying the stem, using plastic forks or broken sticks can help deter cats from digging in freshly worked soil. These items can be placed in the soil to discourage cats from digging in that area.
To propagate raspberries or blackberries, burying the end of a cane will encourage new growth and the development of new plants. After a few months, new plants will begin to grow from the buried end of the cane, and they can be transplanted or left to grow where they are.
Finally, when growing tomatoes, it’s important to control watering to prevent splitting. If a rainstorm is expected, it’s best to pick any fruit that is close to being ripe to prevent splitting. Any tomatoes that are only a day or two away from being fully ripe can be picked and ripened indoors on a countertop.
Discouraging Cats from Garden Soil
In order to discourage cats from using garden soil as a litter box, one can place plastic forks or broken sticks in the soil. This will make it uncomfortable for the cats to dig in that area. Once the plants have grown and the soil has settled, the forks or sticks can be removed.
Another option is to use a cutworm collar made from a plastic cap. By cutting the bottom off of the cap, a collar can be created to protect young plants from cutworms. This will prevent the disappointment of seeing a young plant cut down at ground level.
In addition to protecting plants, one can also use soapy water as an insecticide. Insects that are knocked or dropped into soapy water will die quickly. This is an effective method for killing all types of insects, including blister beetles and caterpillars.
Perennial herbs and flowers, such as chives, can be easily divided to make more plants. By digging up the clump and pulling them apart, one can end up with more plants to share with friends and family or even sell.
Lastly, placing plastic forks or broken sticks in freshly worked loose soil will discourage cats from using it as a litter box. By using these simple techniques, gardeners can protect their plants and keep their soil clean.
Dividing Perennial Herbs and Flowers
Perennial herbs and flowers, such as chives and hostas, can be easily divided to create more plants. To do this, simply dig up the clump and pull them apart. This can result in several new plants that can be shared with friends and family or even sold.
When dividing plants, it’s important to ensure that each new plant has enough roots to survive on its own. By dividing the clump, each new plant will have its own set of roots, allowing it to grow and thrive.
Dividing plants is a great way to propagate your favorite herbs and flowers without having to buy new plants. It’s also a great way to control the size of your garden and ensure that your plants have enough space to grow and thrive.
Overall, dividing perennial herbs and flowers is a simple and effective way to create more plants and keep your garden looking beautiful year after year.
Attracting Wasps for Natural Pest Control
Gardeners can use wasps as a natural pest control method. Wasps are attracted to cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and other brassicas because they prey on caterpillars and cabbage worms that feed on these plants. By leaving a few plants in the garden to attract wasps, gardeners can reduce the pest population without using harmful chemicals.
It is important to note that wasps can be beneficial to the garden, but they can also be dangerous to those who are allergic. It is recommended that gardeners who are allergic to bees and wasps avoid attracting them to their garden.
In addition to attracting wasps, gardeners can also use soapy water as an insecticide to kill various types of insects, including blister beetles and caterpillars. Simply mix water and soap, and knock or drop the insects into the solution.
Other natural pest control methods include cutting off leaves with caterpillars and dropping them in soapy water, and using plastic forks or broken sticks to discourage cats from digging in freshly worked soil.
Gardeners can also propagate plants by burying the end of a raspberry or blackberry cane to grow new plants, dividing chives and other perennial herbs and flowers to make more plants, and burying part of the stem of a tall and lanky tomato plant to encourage more root growth.
Saving seeds from heirloom vegetables is a great way to save money and grow vegetables exactly like the ones grown in previous years. Some seeds, such as cucumber and tomato seeds, require fermentation to remove the jelly-like substance around the seeds.
Lastly, gardeners can grow plants in containers or fabric grow bags if they have poor soil or limited space. Growing in straw bales is another alternative for those who want to try something new.
Overall, attracting wasps and using natural pest control methods can help gardeners reduce the use of harmful chemicals in their garden and promote a healthier environment for both plants and insects.
Propagating Raspberry and Blackberry Canes
To propagate raspberry and blackberry canes, bury the end of a cane in soil and wait a few months. The cane will grow roots and new plants will start to grow. After a few months, cut the stem between the mother plant and the new plant, and transplant the new plant if desired.
Raspberry and blackberry plants are easy to intentionally propagate, but they also spread easily on their own underground. To avoid cross-pollination, do not plant two types of corn close together.
By burying a plastic cap or using toilet paper rolls, one can create collars to protect young plants from cutworms. Soapy water can be used as an insecticide to kill all types of insects.
Chives and other perennial herbs and flowers can be easily divided to make more free plants. Wasps can be helpful in the garden as they eat cabbage worms and other caterpillars.
To grow sweet potatoes, suspend them in a jar of water using toothpicks or wooden skewers. When roots and vines start to grow, cut the vines and put them in a jar of water to form roots. Then, plant the slips outside.
To avoid tomato splitting due to uneven watering, pick any fruit that is close to being ripe before a rainstorm. If a tomato is only a day or two short of being fully ripe, it will ripen just fine on a countertop.
Saving seeds from heirloom vegetables can save money in the long run. Fermentation can be used to remove jelly-like substances from cucumber and tomato seeds. Carrots produce seeds in their second year and can be grown in containers if the soil is poor.
Growing plants in containers or fabric grow bags can be a good alternative to growing in the ground. Straw bales can also be used to grow plants. Pumpkins can be frozen for later use by baking and pureeing them.
Avoiding Corn Cross-Pollination
To avoid cross-pollination between different types of corn, it is important to avoid planting them close together. For instance, planting sweet corn and popcorn close together can result in corn that is not very sweet and does not pop well.
To prevent this, it is recommended to space different types of corn at least 100 feet apart. This will help ensure that the corn plants do not cross-pollinate and that each type of corn retains its unique characteristics.
By taking this simple step, farmers and gardeners can ensure that they get the best possible yield from their corn crops and avoid any unwanted surprises.
Growing Petunia in a Basket
Growing petunias in a basket is an easy task. The first step is to plant the petunia in the ground. Then, cut the bottom out of a basket and place it around the petunia plant. Pin it down with some landscape staples. The plant will continue to grow and make it appear like it is growing in the basket. This is a great way to create a beautiful display in your garden without spending a lot of money on expensive hanging baskets.
It is important to note that the petunia is not actually growing in the basket, but rather in the ground. By using this method, you can create the illusion of a hanging basket without having to worry about the plant drying out or becoming root-bound. This technique is also useful if you have limited space in your garden or if you want to create a vertical garden.
In summary, growing petunias in a basket is a simple and inexpensive way to create a beautiful display in your garden. It involves planting the petunia in the ground and using a basket to create the illusion of a hanging basket. This technique is great for those who have limited space or want to create a vertical garden.
Cultivating Sweet Potatoes
To grow sweet potatoes, one can suspend some sweet potatoes in a jar of water using toothpicks or wooden skewers. After a couple of weeks, roots will start to grow, and vines will start to grow from the tops of the potatoes. When those vines get about eight or ten inches long, one can cut them and put them in a jar of water, and they will form roots as well. Then, when it’s time to plant, one can plant those slips outside and grow sweet potatoes from slips.
One can also grow sweet potatoes in straw bales. For this, one can place the sweet potato slips in the straw bale and let them grow. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, one can harvest them and enjoy homegrown sweet potatoes.
It is important to note that sweet potatoes need a lot of space to grow, so it is best to plant them in a location where they can spread out. Additionally, sweet potatoes require a lot of water, so it is important to water them regularly. By following these tips, one can successfully cultivate sweet potatoes and enjoy the delicious and nutritious crop.
Preventing Tomato Splitting
Tomatoes can split due to uneven watering. While the watering can be controlled, Mother Nature cannot. It is recommended to pick any fruit that is close to being ripe before a rainstorm hits. This is the easiest way to end up with fewer split tomatoes. If a tomato is only a day or two short of being fully ripe, it will ripen just fine on the countertop.
In addition to controlling watering, there are other preventative measures that can be taken to ensure tomatoes do not split. For instance, by burying part of the stem when planting a tall lanky tomato plant, more roots will form along the buried stem and the plant will be less likely to break in the wind.
It is also important to note that by using simple household items, such as plastic caps or toilet paper rolls, gardeners can create collars to protect young plants from cutworms. Soapy water can also be used as an insecticide, killing all types of insects including blister beetles and caterpillars.
To save money, gardeners can save their own seeds from heirloom vegetables and grow vegetables exactly like the ones they grew the previous year. Seeds can be easily saved by letting the plants flower and dry on the plant, or by using fermentation to remove the jelly-like substance around certain seeds.
Lastly, for those with poor soil or limited space, container gardening or straw bale gardening can be viable options. Container gardening allows for growing just about anything in durable plastic or fabric grow bags, while straw bale gardening can be used to grow crops such as eggplants and pumpkins.
By taking preventative measures and utilizing various gardening techniques, gardeners can ensure a successful and bountiful harvest.
Saving Seeds for Future Planting
In order to save money and ensure that you are growing the same vegetables year after year, it is important to save your own seeds. Heirloom vegetables can easily be saved and grown again, producing the same type of vegetable.
Some vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, have a gel-like substance around the seeds that can be removed through fermentation. Other vegetables, such as cilantro, can simply be allowed to flower and produce seeds on the plant.
Carrots produce beautiful flowers and seeds in their second year. Once the seeds have dried on the plant, they can be saved for the following season.
Basil seeds can be separated from the chaff using a small kitchen strainer.
It is important to note that if you are saving seeds from hybrid vegetables, the resulting plants may not be the same as the parent plant.
Saving seeds not only saves money, but also allows for a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Container Gardening
One way to protect young plants from cutworms is by creating a collar from a plastic cap. By cutting off the bottom of the cap, one can create a protective collar for the young plant. Similarly, toilet paper or paper towel rolls can be used to create biodegradable seedling pots. By cutting slits at one end of the pot, one can create a seedling pot that can also function as a cutworm collar.
Soapy water makes an excellent insecticide to kill all types of insects in the garden. Simply knocking or dropping insects into the soapy water will kill them quickly. This method can be used to kill blister beetles and caterpillars. If a leaf is infested with caterpillars, it can be cut off and dropped into soapy water.
Tall and lanky tomato plants can be buried deeper when planting. By cutting off some of the lower leaves and burying part of the stem, more roots will form along the buried stem. This will prevent the plant from being broken by the wind.
To discourage cats from digging in freshly worked loose soil, plastic forks can be placed in the area. This will discourage cats from digging in that area. After the plants grow and the soil settles, the forks can be removed.
Perennial herbs and flowers like chives can be easily divided to make more free plants. By digging up the clump and pulling them apart, one can end up with more plants.
Wasps can be beneficial in the garden as they prey on cabbage worms and other caterpillars. Therefore, it is not necessary to get rid of them.
Raspberry and blackberry canes can be propagated easily by burying the end of the cane. In a few months, a new plant will start to grow from the buried stem.
Different types of corn should not be planted close together as they will cross-pollinate. For instance, planting sweet corn and popcorn close together can result in corn that is not very sweet and doesn’t pop well.
Growing plants in containers can be a great option for those with poor soil or limited space. Plastic pots or fabric grow bags can be used to grow a variety of plants including eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, and spinach. Straw bales can also be used for container gardening.
Pumpkins that are not immediately used can be frozen for later use. Simply bake the pumpkin until it is soft, puree it in a food processor, and then freeze it in bags for later use.
Growing in Fabric Grow Bags
Fabric grow bags are an excellent alternative to traditional gardening methods. They are durable and can last for several years, and they are also lightweight and easy to move around. Fabric grow bags are available in various sizes, making them suitable for growing a wide range of plants.
Many plants can be grown in fabric grow bags, including eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, squash, and leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. These bags are also suitable for growing potatoes, which can be grown in a 10-gallon grow bag.
One of the benefits of using fabric grow bags is that they allow for excellent drainage and aeration, which can promote healthy root growth. The bags also prevent soil compaction, which can be a common problem in traditional gardening methods.
To use fabric grow bags, fill them with a high-quality potting mix and add some slow-release fertilizer. Plant your seeds or seedlings and water them regularly. The bags can be placed on any flat surface, including patios, balconies, and rooftops.
Overall, fabric grow bags are an excellent option for those who want to grow plants in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and flexible way.
Straw Bale Gardening
Straw bale gardening is a unique and innovative way of growing plants without the need for soil. The process involves conditioning the straw bale to create a nutrient-rich environment that plants can thrive in. Here are some tips for successful straw bale gardening:
- Conditioning the straw bale: Before planting, the straw bale needs to be conditioned for two weeks to create a fertile environment for the plants. This is done by watering the bale every day and adding fertilizer to it. The bale should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
- Planting: Once the bale has been conditioned, it’s time to plant. Make a hole in the bale and add some potting soil or compost. Plant the seedlings in the hole and water them thoroughly.
- Watering: Watering is critical for straw bale gardening. The bale should be watered every day, and it’s best to water in the morning. Overwatering can lead to the bale becoming waterlogged, so it’s essential to monitor the moisture levels carefully.
- Fertilizing: Fertilizing is also important for straw bale gardening. The bale will need to be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep the plants healthy.
- Harvesting: Harvesting is the same as traditional gardening. When the plants are ready, simply pick them.
Straw bale gardening is an excellent option for those with limited space or poor soil quality. It’s also a great way to recycle straw bales and reduce waste. With proper conditioning, watering, and fertilizing, you can have a successful straw bale garden.
Freezing Pumpkins for Later Use
If someone has more pumpkins than they can use right now, they can easily freeze them for later use. The process is straightforward and requires baking the pumpkins until they are soft, pureeing them in a food processor, and scooping the puree into freezer bags. This way, they will have pumpkin puree later on when they need to make a pie or baked goods.
It is an excellent way to preserve the pumpkin’s taste and nutritional value while also saving money and time. By freezing pumpkins, one can avoid wastage and enjoy the benefits of fresh pumpkin puree throughout the year.
Starting a New Grapevine
Starting a new grapevine can be a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Grapes need at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
- Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This will help improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the grapevine’s root ball. Place the grapevine in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water the grapevine thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly throughout the growing season. Grapes need about an inch of water per week.
- Train the grapevine to a trellis or support system as it grows. This will help keep the vine off the ground and make it easier to harvest the fruit.
- Prune the grapevine in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood and to shape the vine for maximum fruit production.
- Fertilize the grapevine in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
By following these simple steps, you can start a new grapevine and enjoy delicious homegrown grapes for years to come.