For successful sunflower cultivation, farmers have to keep an eye on their crops all season long, making sure that the growing plants have sufficient water, fertile soil, and are free of pests. Last but not least, timely harvesting is essential so that neither money nor seeds are wasted due...
Cutworms Insect Wilting; severed stems of young plants just above or below soil line Handpick; in spring before planting, cultivate soil to reduce larvae; wrap a 4-inch-wide collar made from cardboard or newspaper around each stem, sinking 2 inches into soil; weed; use row covers; destroy...
Container farms are ecosystems in their own right, offering students the chance to study microbial life, beneficial bacteria, and fungi that support plant health. Without soil, students also examine alternative nutrient delivery systems, like hydroponics, gaining insight into innovative agricultural methods...
We do a farmers market each Saturday during the summer so have met other farmers that way,” Cindy says. There are of course other ways to fast track your learning, and Cindy is no stranger to setting aside reading time in order to better her business. “Recently, there have been a ...
Remove the bonsai tree from its old pot, and remove the soil from around the roots. A bonsai root hook and rake can help make this part of the process easier. Inspect the roots, discarding any dead or damaged bits. Trim the roots by about two thirds. This seems extreme, but controlling...
History of Hydroponics and Soil-less Gardening Farmers from Myanmar's Intha tribe pick tomatoes from a floating garden in the famous Inle Lake. These gardens are probably similar to the ones cultivated by the Aztecs on Lake Tenochtitlan. Khin Maung Win/AFP/Getty Images While it's easy to...
How does genetic engineering help farmers create more robust crops? Learn about environmental benefits of GMOs, including reduced carbon emissions.
Tilling with a cultivator as farmers do, or with a rototiller, is another traditional way to clear land. While it can be quick and effective, it has drawbacks. Weed seeds long buried under the soil surface are brought up where they can grow. The roots of pernicious weeds, like dock and...
Niman Ranch cultivates a strong relationship with its farmers and focuses on supporting the next generation. The Zachmans received a US$10,000 grant from the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, to expand and replace their pasture fencing. Trisha has traveled...
History of Hydroponics and Soil-less Gardening Farmers from Myanmar's Intha tribe pick tomatoes from a floating garden in the famous Inle Lake. These gardens are probably similar to the ones cultivated by the Aztecs on Lake Tenochtitlan. Khin Maung Win/AFP/Getty Images While it's easy to...