TURN YOUR DREAM INTO REALITY I can’t wait for your dream of growing your own organic vegetables to become a reality for you. Soon you’ll be the one stepping outside on a sunny afternoon with a basket in your hand. What are you doing? Harvesting dinner—the first vegetables you grew in your own backyard. You’ll experience an incredible feeling of accomplishment as you bring that basket, brimming with freshness and flavor, in your kitchen. And you’ll be proud to prepare a garden-fresh meal of nourishing, delicious food for your family. It’s time to discover the magic of planting a seed and watching it grow into the most amazing vegetables you’ve ever eaten. It’s addicting. And you’ll never go back. WATERING THE KEY TO A PRODUCTIVE GARDEN Consistent watering is the key to a productive garden. Some gardeners are fortunate enough to live where it rains regularly, and they don’t have to worry about watering. Here in Southern California, it rarely rains during the summer, so watering my garden is a huge issue for me and can eat up a ton of time. There is no need to guess how to water your garden. This chapter will give you all the information you need to water your veggies effectively and efficiently. Knowing when, how often, and how much to water your garden can make the difference between a thriving garden that provides lots of yummy veggies or stunted plants that die before you harvest anything. WHEN SHOULD YOU WATER? During the hot summer months, avoid watering in the heat of the day. Water in the morning or evening in the cool of the day. This reduces water evaporation and makes the water available for your plant when it needs it the most—during the hottest part of the day. WHERE SHOULD YOU WATER? Water at the base of your plants whenever possible so the water gets to where it needs to go—the roots. Overhead watering increases the chance of your plants getting fungal leaf diseases, and often water evaporates before it gets to the roots. Keeping your plant leaves as dry as possible helps control common garden diseases, such as powdery mildew, blight, leaf spot, and many more. HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU WATER? Different vegetables vary in their watering needs. Container plants will dry out quicker and need more water, sometimes daily in hot weather. Water containers until the water runs out the bottom. Monitor the soil moisture to see how often you need to water your garden beds or containers. FOUR BENEFITS OF MULCH Breaks down over time adding organic matter to the soil aerating it and making it more fertile. Reduces water evaporation which means you’ll be watering less. Keeps roots warmer in cold temperatures and cooler in warm temperatures. Brings in the worms like crazy. How to Harvest a Tomato Grasp the tomato in one hand and the stem in the other hand. Pull the tomato gently from the vine leaving about 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the stem on the tomato. If the tomato does not separate easily from the vine use scissors to cut the tomato from the plant leaving about 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the stem on the tomato. Quick and Simple Tomato Harvest Tips A vine-ripened tomato harvested at its peak explodes with flavor. You’ll crave more. And more. Once you grow your own, store-bought tomatoes will never satisfy you again. Leave your tomatoes on the vine as long as possible for the best flavor and color. An unripe tomato will be harder and lighter than a ripe tomato. Once you start harvesting your tomato crop, check daily for ripe tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes will rot quickly and bring in pests and rodents. Smaller, cherry-type tomatoes ripen sooner, about 60 days after planting. Harvest cherry tomatoes as soon as they are ripe as they crack easily. Larger, beefsteak-type tomatoes take longer to ripen, about 90 days after planting.
✔ Author(s): CaliKim
✔ Title: Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrown Vegetables Made Easy - No Experience Required!
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (446 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 0760365342
✔ ISBN-13: 9780760365342
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Organic Gardening for Everyone by CaliKim
Lucy Garraway
I must confess, this book made me shed tears like never before. The themes of love, loss, and resilience struck a chord with my soul. It was an emotional journey I'm grateful to have taken.
Sarah Franklin
The rich historical context of the book added a layer of depth that I found fascinating. It was like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.
Laura Hill
This is a book I'll cherish and recommend to everyone. It touched my soul and made me reflect on life's profound mysteries.
