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Showing posts with the label pulses

The Complete Guide to Planting Potatoes: Containers, Garden Beds, and In-Ground

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Growing potatoes is not only rewarding but also quite simple! This guide will walk you through the entire process, catering to both novice and experienced gardeners. By understanding how to plant potatoes in various setups—whether in containers, garden beds, or in-ground—you can enjoy delicious, homegrown potatoes regardless of your location.  Understanding Potatoes   Potatoes are a versatile crop that can thrive in a range of climates, but they prefer cooler weather. They generally do best planted in early spring or late summer, depending on your region. The essential elements for successful potato cultivation include well-drained soil, adequate space for growth, and plenty of sunlight.  Selecting Your Potato Varieties   Start by choosing your potato varieties. Some popular options include:  - **Russet Potatoes**: Great for baking and frying.  - **Red Potatoes**: Excellent for salads or steaming.  - **Yukon Gold**: Creamy texture, perfect fo...

Dried beans (Pulses)

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Dried beans like borlotti, cannellini and kidney beans, will store well and keep you fed and healthy through the winter. Not only that, they are healthy for the soil. Pulses, peas and beans, are known as nitrogen fixers. 70% of the atmosphere is nitrogen and is usually not in a form plants can access. Pulses can 'fix' nitrogen into the soil by photosynthesis, as it does with carbon, and collects on the roots for form root nodules. Soil bacteria access the root nodules to feed other plants and should be incorporated in your planting plan for next season. "Leafy greens planted after beans will thrive." This is also why you should never pull the roots out of the ground. The less disturbance of the soil the better. Simply cut the main stem just below the surface of the soil, and leave those beautiful, rich plant roots where they are. When to harvest dried beans When the pods start to form they are good to eat, but if you are growing for dried beans you need to be ...