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05/09/2023

Tomatoes are often the pride and joy of home gardeners. This delicious fruit brings happiness to growers and their loved ones who enjoy the harvest. To ensure a bountiful crop, it's important to maximize tomato yield. Here are six simple ways to boost tomato production:

Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the garden bed with deep, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil. Test the soil for nutrient levels and pH, and amend as needed. Tilling and amending the soil to a depth of at least one foot, ideally two, will ensure the roots can access all the nutrients.

Add eggshells: Tomatoes need calcium to thrive, and eggshells provide a readily available source. Crush the eggshells and add some to each hole when planting tomato seedlings. If blossom end rot appears, water with powdered milk and remove affected fruit immediately.

Plant seedlings deep: When planting seedlings, remove some of the bottom leaves and plant deep. The stem's little hairs will become roots and create a larger root system for the plant. Leave a few stems at the top and bury as much stem as possible without touching the leaves.

Give plants space: Tomatoes need room to grow, so be sure to follow spacing directions on the seed packet. Indeterminate tomatoes need more room since they continue to grow and set fruit throughout the season. On average, tomatoes should be spaced two feet apart, and some need three feet.

Water regularly: Tomatoes need regular deep watering for growth and fruiting. Irregular watering stresses plants and can cause splitting. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and water deeply to ensure the deepest roots get nutrients. Keep the leaves dry to prevent fungus and disease, and avoid using a sprinkler.

Mulch around plants: Adding mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, suppresses weeds, and prevents disease.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest all summer long.

05/07/2023

If fertilizer is in short supply, there are several natural alternatives that can help nourish your plants. Some of these natural replacements include:

Compost: Compost is an excellent natural fertilizer that can be made from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic matter. It is rich in nutrients that plants need to grow, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compost can be added to the soil or used as a mulch around plants to provide nutrients and improve soil health.

Manure: Animal manure, such as cow, horse, or chicken manure, is also a good natural fertilizer. It is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can be added to the soil or used as a top dressing around plants. However, it's important to use manure that has been aged or composted to avoid burning plants with high levels of nitrogen.

Bone meal: Bone meal is a natural fertilizer made from ground animal bones. It is high in phosphorus, which is important for root development and flower and fruit production. Bone meal can be added to the soil before planting or used as a top dressing around plants.

Epsom salt: Epsom salt is a natural source of magnesium, which is important for plant growth and development. It can be added to the soil or dissolved in water and applied as a foliar spray to help plants absorb nutrients.

Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can be added to the soil or used as a top dressing around plants. They can also help to improve soil structure and drainage.

Eggshells: They are rich in calcium, which is important for plant growth and development. Here are some ways to use eggshells in your garden:

Crushed eggshells can be added to the soil before planting to provide calcium and other micronutrients to your plants. Simply crush the shells into small pieces and mix them into the soil.

You can also make an eggshell tea by soaking crushed eggshells in water for a few days. The water will become rich in calcium and other nutrients from the eggshells, and can be used as a fertilizer by watering your plants with it.

Another way to use eggshells in your garden is to use them as a natural pest repellent. Some pests, such as slugs and snails, are deterred by the sharp edges of crushed eggshells. Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of your plants to create a barrier that pests are less likely to cross.

By using eggshells in your garden, you can provide your plants with a natural source of calcium and other micronutrients, while also deterring pests. Plus, it's a great way to recycle and repurpose something that would otherwise go to waste!

These natural alternatives are easily available and can be found at your local garden center, hardware store, or grocery store. They can help to nourish your plants and promote healthy growth without the use of synthetic fertilizers.

05/07/2023

Gardening tip of the day 5/7/2023

Planting summer vegetables in May is a great way to kick off the growing season. Heat-loving vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can be planted in this month because the weather is typically warm enough for them to grow well. However, it's important to choose varieties that are well-suited to your region and climate. Some varieties may not do well in certain types of soil or may be more susceptible to pests and diseases in your area. Researching which varieties are best for your region can help ensure a successful harvest.

Before planting, it's important to prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter. This will help to improve soil texture, fertility, and water-holding capacity, which can help your plants grow strong and healthy. You can also consider adding other soil amendments such as bone meal, blood meal, or fish meal to provide additional nutrients.

Once you've prepared the soil, it's time to plant your summer vegetables. Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant your seedlings at the appropriate depth and spacing, according to the instructions on the seed packet. Water your plants immediately after planting to help them establish roots.

Finally, consider using mulch to help retain moisture in the soil and keep weeds at bay. Mulch can also help regulate soil temperature and prevent soil erosion. Organic materials such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings make good mulch options. Apply a layer of mulch around your plants, taking care not to cover the stems or leaves.

With proper preparation and care, your summer vegetables should grow well and provide you with a bountiful harvest. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

05/06/2023

When you're growing plants from seeds, sometimes you gotta move 'em around so they don't get all tangled up and crowded. Here's what you do:

First, you gotta give the seedlings a good drink of water from the bottom of the flat about an hour before you transplant them. You want the soil to be good and wet, not just moist.

Next, get your pots or cell inserts ready. Fill 'em up with some moist soil, leaving about a quarter inch of space at the top. You can put the pots in a tray to make it easier.

Now, make a little hole in each pot, big enough to fit the seedling's roots. You can use a pencil or a pot label to do this. Be gentle, now!

Carefully lift the seedlings out of the flat, using a fork or tongue depressor to help loosen them up. Make sure a little bit of soil is still clinging to the roots.

Place the seedling in the hole you made in the pot, and gently pack the soil around the roots. You want the soil surface to be level with the top of the pot. Don't cover the leaves!

Finally, give 'em a good soaking with some fertilizer solution from the bottom, just like you did with the flat. And don't forget to label 'em so you know what's what.

05/06/2023

The Cooperative Extension program is a vital resource for anyone seeking help with yard and garden concerns. The program, also known as County Extension and Agricultural Extension, has a network of local offices staffed by knowledgeable Extension Agents who can provide free advice and assistance. These agents are familiar with the plants and pests in your area and can offer scientifically-based solutions to your questions.

Initially created by Congress in 1914 to support farmers, the Cooperative Extension program has expanded to include a wide range of topics beyond traditional agriculture. Programs now cover areas such as soil and water management, health and nutrition, parenting, and native plants. The 4-H initiative is also run by the program, providing opportunities for youth to learn about agriculture, science, and leadership.

While farming questions are still prevalent in rural areas, Cooperative Extension offices in urban and suburban regions focus on topics related to gardens and yards. This includes issues such as street trees, rooftop gardens, and other urban gardening topics. The program provides free fact sheets and phone consultations with specialists who can diagnose and solve plant and pest problems. These experts can help you identify the cause of a twisted leaf or suggest the best way to control a plant disease.

With offices in almost all of the U.S. counties and territories, the Cooperative Extension program offers locally-oriented and free support to anyone in need of gardening and farming assistance. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or just starting out with your first garden, the Cooperative Extension program is an excellent resource for all your gardening and agricultural needs.

The beginnings of Moringa trees
05/06/2023

The beginnings of Moringa trees

I went to a festival in Ocean Springs, MS and came across a horticulturist from the Mississippi State Extension services...
05/06/2023

I went to a festival in Ocean Springs, MS and came across a horticulturist from the Mississippi State Extension services. We were talking about different types of seeds and he suggested planting "Crab Boil" seeds. Well, I'll be damned, they do actually grow.

05/06/2023

Want to take your 5-gallon bucket gardening to the next level? Try self-watering bucket gardening! With this method, your plants will receive the perfect amount of water without the need for constant monitoring.

Here's how to set up a self-watering 5-gallon bucket garden:

Drill a hole near the bottom of the bucket - This will be your water reservoir. Make sure the hole is large enough to accommodate a PVC pipe.

Insert a PVC pipe - Cut a length of PVC pipe that's long enough to reach from the bottom of the bucket to just above the soil line. Insert the pipe into the hole in the bucket and seal it with silicone caulk.

Fill the bucket with soil - Use a high-quality potting soil that's designed for container gardening.

Plant your plants - Choose plants that are suited for container gardening and that will fit comfortably in the 5-gallon bucket.

Add water - Fill the bucket with water until it reaches just below the PVC pipe. The soil will absorb the water as needed, keeping your plants hydrated.

With self-watering bucket gardening, you can enjoy the benefits of a thriving garden without the constant need for watering. Give it a try and see how easy and rewarding it can be!

05/06/2023

Are you a gardening enthusiast looking to share your love for plants with the world? Are you interested in learning from other gardeners and sharing your own experiences? If so, we've got the perfect community for you!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new gardening page. Our page is a space where gardeners of all levels can connect, share ideas, and inspire one another to create beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our community is the perfect place to come together and grow your gardening skills.

Here's what you can expect from our gardening page:

A supportive community of fellow gardeners who are always eager to help, share tips and tricks, and answer your questions.
A space to share your gardening successes (and failures) with like-minded individuals who understand your passion for plants.
A variety of gardening-related topics, including planting techniques, soil health, pest control, and more.
Opportunities to participate in fun challenges and contests that will help you flex your gardening muscles and showcase your skills.
So why not join us today? We're excited to have you be a part of our community and can't wait to see what beautiful gardens you create. Don't forget to invite your friends and family who love gardening as well. The more, the merrier!

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Ocean Springs, MS
39564

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+12282183563

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