Reevaluating the Necessity of Chitting Potatoes for Successful Harvests The practice of chitting potatoes, pre-sprouting seed potatoes before planting, is a widely endorsed gardening technique. However, recent evaluations and commercial farming practices challenge the necessity and benefits of this method. This guide will explore the evidence suggesting that chitting may not significantly impact the success of potato crops, shedding light on why many commercial farmers opt to plant non-chitted potatoes. Understanding Chitting The Chitting Process Chitting involves placing seed potatoes in a we ..read more

Gardening is a dance with nature where you lead, and Mother Nature follows. And when it comes to growing tomatoes, it's all about the soil. So let's "dig in" to the secrets to create the ultimate tomato-friendly soil. ?? A Soil Symphony: Understand Your Ground To give your tomatoes the best start, understanding the soil is crucial. It's not just about the earth beneath your feet; it's about creating the perfect environment for your plants. Soils differ greatly in their composition, structure, and acidity levels, all of which play a significant role in growing healthy and robust tomat ..read more

? Cherry-Picking Perfection: Unravel the Secrets to Harvesting the Sweetest Cherry Tomatoes! ? Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet, zesty flair to your culinary creations, but knowing when to harvest these delights can drastically enhance their flavour profile. We've "dug in" to a few great ideas to enlighten you on the ideal time to pick cherry tomatoes from your home garden or container plants. We will provide you with a multitude of factors you need to consider, such as maturity days, fruit size, colour, and firmness, so that you can enjoy your cherry tomatoes at their peak. ?? Recognising C ..read more

Loyalty Among Honey Bees: Decoding Flower Patch Fidelity ?? In the fascinating world of pollinators, honey bees hold a special place. Recent research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service throws new light on their foraging behaviour and commitment to their flower patches, providing vital insights for beekeepers, farmers, and conservation biologists. ? According to the study led by ecologist Johanne Brunet, honey bees display a higher degree of fidelity to their chosen flower patches than bumble bees. Remarkably, an astounding 76% of honey bees exhibit loyalty to ..read more

Greenhouse Gardening: Your Essential Questions Answered ?? Ever wondered if you could grow any plant in a greenhouse, or how to manage the humidity levels within? If you're seeking ways to make your greenhouse more efficient, or just starting and pondering what crops to plant first, this guide will provide valuable insights for your green-thumbed adventures. FAQs About Greenhouse Gardening ? How Do I Choose the Right Size for My Greenhouse? ? Consider your garden space and the types of plants you want to grow. Ensure your greenhouse is large enough for your plants, but still proportionate to y ..read more

Most of us recognise greenhouses as spaces teeming with plant life. However, the nuances of these structures extend far beyond this straightforward perception. As a glass or plastic enclosure, greenhouses provide a controlled environment for plant cultivation, resulting in accelerated growth rates and increased yields. However, they also pose challenges including pest control and maintenance due to high humidity levels and warm temperatures. Despite their complexity, greenhouses have become a fundamental component of horticulture, with diverse applications extending from housing exotic animals ..read more

Unleashing the Full Potential of Greenhouses: The Key to Year-Round Gardening ?? Gardening, at its core, is a testament to the transformative power of nature. As we watch seeds sprout, grow, and bloom, we are reminded of the beauty and vitality that permeates our world ?. For many, this experience is confined to the warmer months, when the weather allows our plants to thrive. Yet, the potential for year-round gardening lies within our grasp. Enter the greenhouse – a remarkable creation, designed to harness the sun and offer a sanctuary for our plants, regardless of the season. Unravelling the ..read more

Cultivating Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving and Replanting Tomato Seeds ?? As climate change encroaches, our role as guardians of our planet has never been more crucial. One step we can take towards self-sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is growing our own food. Today, we are focusing on an all-time favourite: the humble tomato. ?? Why Save Tomato Seeds? We might ask, why bother saving tomato seeds when they are readily available in most garden centres? The answer lies in the power of preserving heirloom varieties, some of which have been passed down through generation ..read more

Here's a few fun bee facts for you to take in while you sip your morning cup of coffee... Did you hear that buzzing noise?  The reason bees are so noisy is because they beat their wings 11,400 times in one minute which is around 200 times per second! Did you know there are roughly 22 000 described species of bees worldwide and over 90% of these species are referred to as solitary bees. Only a small percentage of bees are swarming bees that make honey, the rest are solitary pollinators and do not produce honey or wax. In South Africa we are blessed to have around 1 300 species of ..read more

In the world of buzzing pollinators, honey bees are renowned for their steadfast loyalty to chosen flower patches. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service has illuminated intriguing aspects of this fidelity and the significant implications it holds for our environment. A Testament to Loyalty: Honey Bees vs. Bumble Bees ?? Researchers Johanne Brunet and postdoctoral associate Fabiana Fragoso undertook an investigation into the foraging behaviour of honey bees and bumble bees. The findings were striking: a significant 76% of honey bees showcas ..read more