Amaral Farm

Guide To Growing Potatoes

Potatoes are a staple of the spring garden. Homegrown potatoes are far superior in taste and texture when compared to store bought ones. But before you can get started, there are some things to learn about so you can have a successful crop. That’s exactly what you’ll learn here. This guide covers all aspects of growing potatoes, from the popular varieties to growing requirements, common problems and how to store or use your harvest. Let’s get started.

Guide to Growing Potatoes 2

Plants That Offer Nutrients

As plants grow, they take up nutrients from the soil, leaving the ground less fertile for the future crops. Gardeners have to replenish the supply by adding the necessary fertilizers or organic matter to the soil to sustain the health of plants. 

However, there are certain crops that, in addition to taking nutrients from the soil, also add certain nutrients to it, primarily nitrogen. These nitrogen fixing crops, including beans and other legumes nourish the soil, promoting the growth of their companion crops and future crops that will grow in their place. 

Bush beans, pole beans, peas and other legumes make good companions to potatoes since they add more nitrogen to the soil, improving the quality and quantity of the harvest. 

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What Are the Easiest Succulents to Grow?

When you hear of the word “succulent” what comes to mind? You may conjure up an image of something that is tender, ripe, and often delicious, but do your thoughts go to the zebra-patterned leaves of the succulent haworthia or the magenta-flowered spectacle of the mammillaria? The thick, fleshy, and eye-catching leaves of a succulent plant are all the rage, and best of all, you don’t have to be an expert botanist to enjoy their charm.

These garden varieties have gained popularity in recent years not only for their interesting shapes, hues, and textures but also for their reputation for being one of the easiest plants to keep alive (and thriving). There are so many interesting succulents out there that it might be a little overwhelming to know which one to start with. We’re sharing the lowdown on the easiest succulents to grow, even if you weren’t born with a green thumb.

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How Do You Keep Japanese Beetles Away?

With an appetite for over 300 species of plants, and doing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage every year in the United States, Japanese beetles are a serious pest. They are often described as having no limit to what they’ll eat. These beetles love to munch on leaves, flowers, fruits, turfgrass, roots, and more! They’re classified as an invasive species. How do you keep Japanese beetles away from your beans and other plants? Keep reading to learn more!

11 Natural Methods to Keep Japanese Beetles Away

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Growing Beans – Which Is Best: Pole or Bush?

There’s something for everyone to love about growing beans! From the ease of getting a good harvest to the delicious recipes you can make with the fruits of your labor, it’s hard to ignore all the good reasons to make beans a mainstay in your garden.

Many people consider which bean type is best to grow, bush beans or pole beans? In the battle of pole versus bush beans, both sides have their pros and cons, it’s important to know as much as possible about each growing style to ensure you make the right decision for your needs. First let’s clarify something about beans. When people usually talk beans they are speaking to their varieties. Green beans, black beans, kidney beans, blue lake beans, etc. They are all different varieties of legumes. In this articles what we are discussing related to their growing habits, totally different topic. So let’s discuss why you might choose growing pole beans over bush beans.

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What Month Do You Plant Beans?

Beans are an increasingly popular plant with gardeners of all stripes. They’re easy to maintain, delicious to eat, and capable of surviving in all kinds of climates and soils. But many gardeners are looking for further information on when exactly they should begin growing beans.

It’s certainly a good question, as the time beans are planted can have a huge impact on how they end up. And there are many factors that must be considered when choosing an optimal planting time. But by following a few simple steps, you can get the most out of your organic heirloom beans.

What Month Do You Plant Beans?

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How to Get Rid of Cabbage Root Maggots

As the season changes, in comes the wonderful cooler weather. And with that comes the pests that enjoy munching on the cool weather crops. One common yet stubborn nuisance is the cabbage root maggot. These small little worms can easily take over and devastate your cabbage and other root and cole crops. This seasonal pest is responsible for the destruction of many home gardens. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of cabbage maggots!

How To Get Rid of Cabbage Maggots

Powerful Destruction in One Small Worm

Also known as Delia radicum, common names of the cabbage root fly include cabbage fly and turnip fly. If you’re not careful, the cabbage root maggot can devastate your entire winter crop. Their little bodies are hard to spot, as they feed under the soil. With simple and effective planning, you can control the cabbage root maggot effectively and prevent it from ever returning to your garden. The good news is that this treatment and prevention can be done in a natural and organic way!

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How Long Does It Take For Beans to Grow?

Beans are an amazing plant to grow. They germinate well, store very well, and are very nutritious.

If you’re like me, then you love to eat beans. They are a great source of protein and fiber. However, if you’ve ever wondered how long does it take for beans to grow? The answer is not as simple as you might think. Beans can be grown in many different ways- some require more time than others. A few varieties can take as little to grow as fifty days to grow, the Bountiful is one such bean. Others like the Hidatsa Red Bean can take up to 100 days. A huge difference! One that you need to take into account when deciding to grow them.

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What’s the Best Time of Year for Planting Pole Beans?

If you’re considering planting pole beans in Central Florida there is a lot to consider. Fear not, however, as we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all you could possibly need to know about planting and harvesting pole beans in your area.

What Month Is Best for Planting Pole Beans in Central Florida?

Pole beans need to be planted after the date of your last frost, which in Florida is usually around the start of March. It’s worth noting as well that your soil temperature needs to be above 50°F ideally to prevent damage to the seeds. If you wanted to give your beans a head start you could lay black plastic over your planting site to let the sun warm your soil for you.

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How Tall Does A Mexican Heather Plant Get?

With its delicate-looking flowers and rich foliage, Mexican heather is perhaps the most common Cuphea species grown in U.S. gardens. It’s typically grown as a heat-loving perennial in the south and summer-specific annual in the north because of its tenderness to frost. But with the right care, this beautiful bloom can survive winter climates across the U.S. – you might just need to bring it indoors once the weather turns cool.

How Tall Does A Mexican Heather Plant Get?

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