Amaral Farm

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

Amaral Farms on October 1, 2021

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.

How Tall Does Mexican Heather Get?

Amaral Farms on September 15, 2021

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 Mexican Heather Get?

How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes: 10 Tips for Success

Amaral Farms on September 15, 2021

Has growing tomatoes always been on your list of aspirational hobbies? Do mouthwatering heirlooms make your heart skip a beat and add a spring to your step? Are you excited to try out your new gardening shovel and sun hat, but need a little bit of reassurance to help make your first dig into the dirt? Then read on for all of the best tips about flourishing a crop of colorful and juicy heirloom tomatoes.

Growing Tomatoes of the Heirloom Variety: 10 Tips for Success

1. Start with Seeds

How Do You Control Leaf Miner Insects Organically?

Amaral Farms on September 1, 2021

Many gardeners have seen the telltale signs of a leaf miner infestation, with thin white trails that run through the leaves of the plants in your garden showing the clear signs of the presence of this common pest. The spread of these creatures can cause long-term damage to the health and productivity of your garden, making them a nuisance that can be difficult to live with.

If you want to stay on top of this problem using organic solutions, we have some recommendations for you to try. We’ll go over how to identify a problem caused by these insects, as well as some remedies and prevention steps you can try out to reduce their presence in your garden and keep your plants growing healthy and happy.

How Do I Get Rid of Aphids on My Plants?

Amaral Farms on August 25, 2021

Aphids are a common problem for organic gardeners. These small pests cause damage to plants by sucking the juice out of them and injecting their own substances into the plant. They can be difficult to spot because they are tiny, but you may notice wilting leaves or yellowing foliage in their wake. If you have aphids in your garden, then it’s about time for some organic gardening pest control.

11 Smart Methods of Organic Gardening Pest Control

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes in Southern Climates

Amaral Farms on August 10, 2021

Harvesting your own fruit and vegetables is one of the most rewarding parts of gardening. Many people opt for tomatoes because they are straightforward to grow, produce a large crop, and are easy to incorporate into a variety of meals. But the excessive heat and risk of blight can make growing heirloom tomatoes challenging in hot, Southern climates. Let’s examine how you can protect your plants and what varieties you might opt for to ensure success.

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes in the South

In general, growing tomatoes is fairly easy, and it should be possible in many different climates. However, hot or humid weather can make the process a bit more difficult. The two biggest problems you’ll face are excessive heat and blight, which is a disease that affects the growth of your plants. If you live in the South of the USA or another area of the world that is very warm in summer, you’ll have to protect your plants from these dangers.

How to Freeze Green Beans From the Garden

Amaral Farms on August 1, 2021

Green beans are a wonderful option to grow in your garden, but if you want to freeze green beans, it’s important to avoid some common issues. In this article, we’re going to walk you through how to do it properly so you can enjoy your home-grown green beans year-round.

How to Freeze Green Beans From the Garden

If you’re wondering if it’s okay to freeze green beans while fresh, we’ve got good news for you. You absolutely can freeze them, and the process isn’t too complicated. They can last months in the freezer, so even when green bean season is over, you can still use your frozen green beans in a variety of stew, stir-fry, and casserole dishes.

Can I Leave Tulip Bulbs in Pots After Flowering?

Amaral Farms on July 1, 2021

Tulips are some of the most colorful, versatile flowers you can have in your garden. These flowers come in dozens of varieties, require little maintenance compared to other plants, and bloom beautifully after you plant them. However, many people wonder if they can plant tulip bulbs in pots and keep them there or if they need to eventually replant tulips in the ground.

If you’re considering planting tulips, you will want to know the ins and outs of these flowers before beginning your planting process. Knowing all about tulips will ensure that your flowers stay healthy throughout the summer and live in the best possible conditions for them to thrive. Read on to learn more about the care and planting of tulips.

Do You Plant Sunflower Seeds Pointed Up or Down?

Amaral Farms on June 15, 2021

Sunflowers are just about the epitome of sunshine and summertime. Bright and sunny, they seem to be smiling as they track the sun with their tall heads. Sunflowers are so easy to grow. Their is so much about Sunflowers to them, from creating privacy in the garden to enticing birds or providing a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers. Anyone can plant sunflower seeds and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful plant. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

How To Plant Sunflower Seeds

Pointed Down

Sunflower seeds will sprout best if you plant them with the narrow pointed seed-end facing down. While it isn’t strictly necessary to do this, it does give the sunflowers the best possible start in life. And why wouldn’t we want to give them that? They’re going to repay us with beautiful blooms and nutritious seeds after all. The narrow end of the seed is where roots will emerge, so putting this end down saves the plant from having to right itself in the ground.

What Do You Do With Amaryllis Bulbs After They Bloom?

Amaral Farms on June 3, 2021

Amaryllis are large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bring a punch of color to any home or garden. Gardeners typically start with amaryllis bulbs, which look similar to an onion, that then sprout long, thin leaves and the iconic blooms. Amaryllis flowers come in eye-catching colors, can be over twelve inches wide, and can last for over seven weeks! But after that first flower starts to fade, many will ask: what do you do with amaryllis after they bloom?

The Basics of Re-Blooming

Amaryllis thrives in an environment with a nine-month wet period and a three-month dry period. By mimicking this cycle, you can encourage your plant to re-bloom after a forced dry or dormant period. Removing all foliage before the dormant period allows the bulb to retain vital nutrients and energy stores. Most importantly for all plants, provide your amaryllis with all the water and fertilizer it needs while it is growing.