FARMING TIPS Content

Selecting the Perfect Apple: Check the apple firmness: Pick up the apple and gently press a small area of the fruit skin.

A fresh, high-quality apple should have a pleasant aroma. This will vary by variety with some apples like Gala having a stronger fragrance than others.

Planting peas: Peas will appreciate a good sprinkling of wood ashes to the soil before planting.

Visually examine the apple: As you check firmness, turn the apple completely in your hand to visually check for quality.

Planting peas: It is best to rotate pea crops every year or two to avoid a buildup of soil-borne diseases.

Bacillus thuringiensis is applied as a foliar spray; after the targeted pest consumes the bacteria, it stops feeding and will die within a few days.

Bacterium Insecticide: The israelensis strain targets mosquito larvae and fungus gnats.

Growing strawberries: Strawberry plants require 6-10 hours a day of direct sunlight, so choose your planting site accordingly.

Water blueberries with rainwater as the lime in tap water will reduce the soil acidity over time.

Harvesting Citrus: The best indicator of ripeness is taste.

Dormant Oil: During the apple tree dormant stage, apply dormant oil to control overwintering pests.

Insecticidal Soap: Insecticidal soaps contain long-chain fatty acids, which are less toxic than chemical insecticides.

Planting Sunflowers: Find a well-drained location and prepare your soil by digging an area of about 3 feet in circumference to a depth of about 2 feet.

Growing strawberries: Establish new plants each year to keep berry quality high each season.

Planting peas: As with other legumes, pea roots will fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available for other plants.

Harvesting Citrus: Harvest the fruit by cutting them off with pruning shears or by pulling the fruit stalk from the tree.

Growing strawberries: Roots should not be longer than 8 inches when plants are set out. Trim them if necessary.

Harvesting peas: Pick peas in the morning after the dew has dried. They are crispiest then.

Bacterium Insecticide: The kurstaki strain controls larval stages of butterflies and moths that feed on apple tree fruits and leaves.

Planting Cucumbers: A cucumber is of highest quality when it is uniformly green, firm, and crisp.